Travelling despite government warnings? Some advice from insurers

As more Canadians travel abroad (or consider it) despite the government's warnings not to, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) invites Canadians to consider some important things before travelling.

The Association has issued a notice titled "Understanding your medical insurance options for travel outside Canada." 

From the outset, it explains that if the Government of Canada still advises against non-essential international travel, it is due to the risk posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the fact that the destinations currently open to tourists could suddenly impose restrictions.

However, CLHIA notes that, to meet the needs of Canadians who intend to travel abroad anyway, some insurers have decided to add COVID-19 to their individual or group travel insurance. Other insurers offer specific coverage as an option.

"Should I go?"

Here are the things that CLHIA suggests consumers consider when deciding to travel outside of Canada:

• In an effort to limit exposure for their citizens, many countries around the world have implemented new restrictions for entry, therefore it is important to research current entry requirements for your destination (e.g. passport, visa, quarantine upon arrival, proof of insurance). In this regard, CLHIA suggests to consult this IATA page . 
• With the COVID-19 pandemic still unstable, governments elsewhere in the world may change or impose new restrictions on travel within their borders, which could impact travel plans.
• If governments implement lockdowns while you’re travelling, your options for accessing return flights or to return as scheduled may be limited.
• If you have a health emergency at destination, access to healthcare may be reduced or unavailable.
• Canada has indicated that they will not repatriate Canadians who choose to travel.

COVID-19 emergency medical coverage

CLHIA also reminds consumers tempted to travel that the cost of emergency medical care abroad varies greatly from country to country.

"Your Provincial/Territorial health insurance is almost certainly insufficient to cover medical fees to treat COVID-19 outside Canada," the Association says. 

Here are the questions that CLHIA invites consumers to ask themselves about medical coverage for COVID-19 while traveling:

• Does your travel insurance cover COVID-19 related illnesses?
• Is your destination excluded from COVID-19 coverage?
• Is the level of coverage sufficient to cover the treatment of COVID-19 in a foreign hospital?
• Are you financially able and prepared to cover any expenses above what is covered by your insurance as well as additional living expenses if your travel is impacted?
• Does your travel insurance cover COVID-19 and all other health emergencies?

Other points to consider

CLHIA invites people planning to travel to consult its July 2020 advisory for further relevant advice.

In the event of a problem during a trip, the Association encourages travellers to communicate as soon as possible with the company that insures them.

“Most insurers have toll-free numbers or accept collect calls. Many are also reachable through a website. When travelling, remember to bring the contact details of your insurer."

CLHIA specifies that the contact details of any insurer can be found here.

Finally, the Association invites travellers to report their trip to the Register of Canadians Abroad so that the government can keep you informed, if necessary, during a trip.

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