The most recently discovered coronavirus, which causes coronavirus disease COVID-19, was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “public health emergency of international concern” and, on March 11, 2020, the disease was characterized as a “pandemic.” On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory.

As of March 27, 2020, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning level 3, "avoid nonessential travel," due to the widespread and ongoing transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The CDC further recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel.

Under the terms and conditions of IMG’s international medical products, if coverage for COVID-19 was not already excluded based upon earlier travel warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State, CDC or other applicable U.S. or foreign government authority, any person who purchases coverage on March 27, 2020 or after or has not entered their destination country by March 27, 2020, will not be eligible for benefits directly or indirectly related to COVID-19.