Travel Insurance & Covid-19

Travelling is an exciting adventure. There are so many breathtaking destinations you can experience. You have probably been counting down the days until your next trip to see the world, visit your family abroad, or simply get away from everyday life. As COVID-19 disrupted our lives, you might be wondering whether it's covered by your travel insurance. If you’re out of the country and have contracted COVID-19 and are wondering how your travel insurance can help you, keep reading! Whether you’re currently travelling, trying to get back home, or deciding to cancel your trip due to illness, this blog will provide you with some points to consider in taking your next steps with your travel insurance and COVID-19.

It’s important to note that this situation is changing on a daily basis, so it is crucial to keep up to date with the latest news and updates from the government of Canada.

CHECK TRAVEL ADVISORIES BEFORE YOU GO

If you're like me, you live for solo travel and exploring new places. Sometimes that sense of adventure will take us to unsafe places. I can think of a trip I took where I was caught on a city street where a huge protest (non-violent) was happening, and while I tried to keep my distance, I still second-guessed whether it was wise to be there. Thankfully nothing eventful happened; however, I came to find out that the Canadian Travel Advisory website indicated that this country was indeed experiencing protest and civil unrest and to practice a high degree of caution. I should have known better.

You may be excited about your next adventure, but it’s always important to check Canada’s Travel Advisory website before you start planning or booking your trip. Be sure to check any countries you may be visiting to see if it’s the right decision to travel. If advisories are put in effect after you book your trip and you have purchased trip cancellation insurance, you may be eligible to make a claim.

While the situation related to COVID-19 is always evolving, Canada has lifted all travel restrictions as of October 1, 2022. Some nations may still have travel or border restrictions as well as quarantine requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19. However, airlines are slowly adding more flights, airports are re-opening, and travel is nearly in full swing. 

WHAT IS TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME WITH COVID-19?

Life is full of unexpected disruptions, and that’s what trip cancellation and interruption insurance is for. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance will help to reimburse non-refundable, prepaid travel arrangements that cannot be recovered from another source if you must cancel your trip before the scheduled departure. This can also apply if your trip is interrupted while you’re away. Trip Cancellation Insurance is available to cover a single trip or can also be purchased to cover multiple trips.

Some events that this type of insurance might cover are:

• unexpected sickness/injury or death
• a natural disaster that makes your home or business unliveable
• travel advisories (such as political unrest)
• travel visa denial
• job loss
• cancelled flight or a missed connection due to weather
• pregnancy complications

Each travel insurance carrier is different, so be sure to review the policy wording with your broker to know how much you will be covered for and which situations they will cover.

CAN I CANCEL MY TRIP DUE TO COVID-19?

If you choose to cancel your trip because of the ongoing risks of COVID-19, trip cancellation and interruption insurance might be of assistance. At this time, most carriers cover cancellations for COVID-19 if you become ill before or during your trip. Cancelling as a result of general pandemic anxiety may not be a sufficient reason to make a cancellation claim. 

If you are currently abroad:

• Contact your travel insurance provider to see if you are covered and to receive next steps.
• Contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in the country where you are requesting their assistance.

Be advised that if you choose to ignore the recommendations from Canadian travel advisories and your insurance provider, you might not be covered for any medical expenses, as well as any other illness or injury.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK WHILE AWAY?

Depending on your situation, there are a few steps you should take:

1. If you become ill while you are away, the first step is to contact your travel insurance provider. They will instruct you on the next steps depending on your symptoms. In certain countries, there might be limited healthcare availability, and so you may be urged to return home.
2. If you do have COVID-19 symptoms and are outside of Canada, contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in the country where you are and ask for their help. 
3. If you are currently quarantined abroad, consult your insurance carrier to see what is available to you.

I PURCHASED TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE – AM I STILL COVERED FOR MY UPCOMING TRIP?

If you are looking to cancel your trip, you should contact your broker and ask them questions like this:

• Can I cancel my trip and activate my policy’s trip cancellation coverage if I get sick before my departure date?
• Will my policy’s emergency medical coverage provide me with funds if I become ill or am quarantined while abroad? How much coverage does the policy provide?
• Since the federal government issued a global non-essential travel advisory, can I activate my policy’s trip cancellation coverage if I wish?
• After the government lifts its non-essential travel advisory for my destination at a later date, will my policy still cover me for any type of emergency medical care I may need while outside of Canada?

Depending on your departure date, you may need to wait until closer to your scheduled trip date to make a claim, especially with the number of cases that have arisen due to COVID-19. You will likely be advised to contact the airlines, cruise lines, and tour providers to see what refunds and credits they will offer you.

As long as travel bans are in effect, we encourage you to heed the instructions of the Canadian government to limit all non-essential travel. At Billyard Insurance Group, we want to ensure your health and safety while providing you with excellent service. If you are in any of the above-described situations, please contact your broker so that we can see how your Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance can help you at this time.