Admiral, Churchill and Direct Line have all today confirmed they have paused the sale of new travel insurance policies in light of the coronavirus global pandemic. However, there’s no change for existing customers who can make a claim or amend a policy in the usual way.

AXA Insurance also clarified that any new policy bought, or new trip covered by an existing annual multi-trip policy ,after 3pm today would not cover any cancellation claim in relation to Covid-19. It added it will continue to cover any medical claims because of coronavirus for policy holders travelling to an area where no FCO advice against travel exists.

The Post Office also confirmed that any policy add-on such as extended travel disruption or enhanced trip disruption won’t include cover for claims relating to coronavirus if it was purchased after 11 March. However, those who bought policies before than are still covered.

These insurers add to the list of those that have suspended sale of travel cover or tweaked their terms amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Brian Brown, consumer finance expert at business information site Defaqto, said it’s likely more insurers will pause sales in the days and weeks to follow.

In terms of how quickly the insurance market is changing in response to coronavirus, he said: “I can’t recall a time when it has been as severe or sudden as what we are experiencing now. This is really an unprecedented event.”