If you’re planning to visit the Canary Islands – medical insurance may be one less thing you have to worry about.
Local officials in the Canary Islands have partnered with French insurer Axa to provide Spanish and foreign tourists with free insurance coverage for any coronavirus-related costs, as reported in the New York Times.
Costs including health expenses, the high costs of getting back home, and an extension of your vacation due to mandatory quarantine will be included.
“It will help the economic recovery of the archipelago,” Yaiza Castilla, the regional official in charge of tourism, said in a video published on Twitter.
But like all insurance policies, there are some things that will not be included. Pre-existing health conditions will not be covered. That includes cases of COVID-19 diagnosed before travel to the Canary Islands.
Tourism officials are hoping that covering health-related expenses will attract more people.
While Spain has had more than 306,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 28,000 deaths, the Canary Islands have seen 2,600 infections and 162 deaths.
Even with the statistics, tourists are not visiting the islands.
The Canary Islands are currently open to travelers from the Schengen area without quarantine. Masks are required for those over six years old, bars are operating at a reduced capacity, and social distancing guidelines are in place.