COVID Travel Insurance Canada

What is a COVID-19 Plan?

To understand this, it’s important to note that a pandemic is the rapid spread of an infectious disease that goes across multiple regions and affects many individuals. Standard travel insurance policies are designed to cover the medical expenses associated with unexpected medical emergencies. Additionally, there are usually limitations that are linked to your home Government’s travel advisory level. 

When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, most countries implemented travel restrictions and also raised their travel advisory levels to “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” which under such circumstances rendered it impossible to obtain coverage under a policy. But, there are some policies that are available with special COVID-19 coverage that may provide some medical benefits associated with COVID-19 despite the travel advisory.

Why would I purchase a specific COVID-19 plan?

If the Canadian Government has issued a Level 3 or 4 travel advisory due to COVID-19, a specialist COVID-19 plan can provide benefits related to the virus if you need to travel.

Do I need a COVID-19 plan if the travel advisory is below Level 3?

It’s always important to review your chosen travel insurance policy to understand the full range of benefits. Most policies will provide coverage if there is no Government of Canada travel advisory restricting travel and if you have completed the COVID-19 vaccine series at least 14 days before travelling.

What if I am not vaccinated?

Limited benefits may still be available on a COVID-19 specific plan if you have not completed the recommended vaccine series against COVID-19, but you will need to check the policy to understand its benefits and limitations.

What if the Government raises the travel advisory level after I’ve left?

If you have purchased a standard travel insurance policy and the Government raises the travel advisory level after you have departed, you will need to contact your insurer to understand the impact or to obtain specific COVID-19 coverage.