The CDC has added popular vacation spot, Jamaica, to the list of destinations it recommends people avoid traveling to because of Covid-19 concerns.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sep. 7 warned against travel to Sri Lanka, Jamaica and Brunei because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
The CDC raised its travel advisory to "Level 4: Very High" for those countries, telling Americans they should avoid travel there.
In addition, the CDC raised its advisory level for Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ghana, Grenada, Turks and Caicos Islands to "Level 3."
While the CDC issues travel recommendations by countries and for U.S. territories it does not list recommendations for individual U.S. states. It currently lists about 80 destinations out of around 200 ranked as "Level 4," including some U.S. territories.
This, as a recent report by InsureMyTrip finds Jamaica is a top international destination for Missouri residents, based on travel insurance policies sold.
In recent years, Jamaica has shed it reputation as one of the most homophobic places on the planet.
Jamaica by the numbers:
- $3,200: Average cost of a trip to Jamaica
- 23: Jamaica’s ranking in the top 25 destinations for U.S. travelers
- 4: Jamaica’s ranking in the top 10 destinations for Missouri travelers
*Source: InsureMyTrip
However, the island ranked was the third-worst place in the Caribbean for LGBT tourists to travel to in 2019, according to a study published by travel blog Asher & Lyric.
For those still planning on traveling to Jamaica, InsureMyTrip recommends adding the optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefit to a comprehensive travel plan.
CFAR is the only cancellation option to cover fear of travel.
However, this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements. InsureMyTrip now has a new tool, designed to help travelers quickly learn if their trip is eligible for CFAR.
MORE: InsureMyTrip’s New CFAR tool
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage:
Cancel For Any Reason (also known as: CFAR) is and optional upgrade. CFAR offers the most trip cancellation flexibility and is the only option available to cover Covid-19 travel fear. Full terms of coverage will be listed in state-specific policy. If eligibility requirements are met, reimbursement is typically 50% - 70% of the insured prepaid non-refundable trip cost if all eligibility requirements are met (available in most states).
Note: coverages are governed by the specific plan certificate. Traditional travel insurance does not offer cancellation coverage for fear of travel, whether related to COVID-19 or not. Cancel For Any Reason is required.
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