With winter upon us, many Canadians are wondering if they can get away, and if travel coverage is available that would be included if a COVID-related issue arose.
Travel insurance is an important piece of coverage that every Canadian traveler should have if they are travelling outside of their home province.
This kind of coverage allows you to travel with confidence -- knowing that you would be protected if you needed hospital treatment, emergency dental care, or even return of an accompanying pet.
But as we know, all travel coverage is not equal, and at a time when COVID-19 is a global concern, it's important to secure coverage that includes treatment or trip interruption should the need arise.
Do you have travel coverage through your group health and dental plan?
Most group benefits insurers are covering COVID as a travel risk. As a first step, we recommend contacting your group coverage provider's travel insurer and asking if there are any limitations that may apply in your situation.
If I don't have group benefits insurance, what can I do?
Fortunately, there are a number of Canadian insurers that are covering COVID-related risks, but typically this is through a separate rider.
COVID-19 coverage includes emergency medical and related quarantine expenses, if you test positive for and are diagnosed with COVID while outside of Canada.
If the Government of Canada's travel advisory changes to a Level 4 (avoid all travel), the coverage includes Trip Interruption benefit so that you can come home early.
Important Points
COVID coverage can't be purchased after you've left your province of residence
Ensure you understand your policy's pre-existing condition limitation. Some coverage stipulates that any medical conditions that you may be treated for have to be stable for a certain period of time prior to travel
The coverage is limited to a maximum of $500,000 of coverage
If you choose to travel, the cost of the rapid test required to come back into the country is a known cost of travel and is not covered under insurance programs, so plan on absorbing that expense.
Please reach out if you are thinking of travelling and need coverage for your trip. We look forward to hearing from you!
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