The global effect of the novel coronavirus on international business has left many companies who rely on Chinese companies as part of their supply chain scrambling to minimize damage. This experience should prove instructive to businesses when considering their insurance readiness to deal with communicable diseases.

The outbreak has had serious effects on a number of businesses, including technology giants like Apple and Facebook, and those in the travel and retail industries such as Carnival Corporation, Wynn Resorts, Nike and Under Armour. Even smaller businesses that provide products in the supply chain to these giants are feeling the effects.