VIENTIANE, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Laos has extended its COVID-19 prevention measures and required all foreign citizens entering Laos to purchase COVID-19 insurance.
According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, COVID-19 insurance is now mandatory in addition to other travel documents and requests for permission to enter the country.
Non-Lao citizens wishing to enter Laos must contact their embassy concerning COVID-19 insurance, which will cover the cost of any medication prescribed in the event that the policyholder contracts the virus, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Monday.
The most comprehensive policies will also insure policyholders against any losses incurred as a result of illness due to the virus.
The special cover is now required because ordinary health and travel insurance policies do not provide cover against pandemics, including any incidents relating to COVID-19.
Unlike mandatory health insurance for retirees, COVID-19 insurance may be issued by an international insurance provider or a Laos-based insurance company. It is possible to obtain inbound travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Enditem
