Even in 2025, COVID-19 disruptions still affect travel. Many U.S. travelers assume their travel insurance will cover quarantine hotel stays abroad—but that’s not always true. Here’s a real case from 2025 where a couple tested positive before their return flight—and their quarantine hotel bill was denied by insurance.
1. The Real Case: COVID Positive in Mexico, $1,800 Lost
According to [Travel Weekly, Jan 2025], a couple from California visited Cancún for their anniversary. Before flying home, the husband tested positive for COVID-19 during the required pre-flight test. They had to extend their hotel stay by 5 nights, costing $1,800 total.
The couple had purchased a standard travel insurance plan through their airline.
📌 The problem?
Their plan did not include pandemic-specific lodging
“Trip interruption” only applied if a trip was canceled, not delayed
COVID was not listed under “covered medical conditions”
📌 Result:
Entire hotel cost denied
No coverage for meals or extended transportation
Credit card chargeback also rejected
2. Why Insurance Didn’t Pay for COVID Quarantine
Standard travel insurance often excludes or limits pandemic-related coverage unless added as an optional rider.
Situation
Covered?
Notes
Medical treatment from COVID
✅ Yes
Doctor’s care/hospitalization
Lodging during mandatory quarantine
❌ Often not
Requires “quarantine coverage” add-on
Flight rebooking due to COVID
❌ Often not
May need CFAR upgrade
Meals during extra stay
❌ No
Considered non-covered personal expense
🎯 Pro Tip: If you’re traveling abroad in 2025, make sure your plan includes pandemic-related coverage.
3. How to Avoid This Situation
Strategy
Why It Matters
Choose a plan with quarantine lodging
Covers extra nights if testing positive
Add CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) option
Broadest coverage, partial refund
Confirm coverage with insurer BEFORE trip
Avoid surprises
Save all receipts and test results
Required for claims processing
📌 Tip: Some insurers now offer “COVID coverage add-ons” for as little as $5–$15 extra.
🚀 Quick Summary Table
Situation
Covered by Standard Plan?
Covered with Add-On?
Positive COVID test abroad
✅ If medical care needed
✅
Hotel stay due to quarantine
❌ Usually not
✅ With lodging add-on
Flight rebooking after quarantine
❌ Often not
✅ Sometimes
Meals and personal costs
❌ No
❌ No
Final Thoughts
This real case is a clear warning: travel insurance doesn’t automatically cover COVID-related delays. If you’re traveling internationally, invest in a policy that includes quarantine lodging, CFAR, or pandemic-specific riders. Spending $20 extra could save you $2,000.
About Us
At HJ Easy Insurance, we help U.S. travelers understand what travel insurance really covers—so you’re not left stranded abroad.
![[Mexico]Mexico Travel Insurance Guide: What You Must Know Before Visiting](https://tripnsave.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-13-1024x540.png "[Mexico]Mexico Travel Insurance Guide: What You Must Know Before Visiting")
