When it rains, it pays: Ontario Blue Cross launches “Rainy Day” coverage

Ontario Blue Cross has introduced “Rainy Day coverage,” the first weather-based travel insurance offering of its kind in Canada.

The parametric coverage uses automated weather monitoring to compensate travellers when rain disrupts their trip, turning a common travel frustration into a tangible benefit --without the need for claims or paperwork.

While traditional travel insurance protects against major unforeseen events, ‘until now there has been no way to compensate travellers for the real impact of rain on their travel experience,” the company says in a press release.

Ontario Blue Cross says it is “the first insurer in Canada to offer coverage that compensates travellers when rain significantly disrupts their trip for one or more days.”

"We're turning a common travel frustration into a tangible benefit for travellers," says Anne-Gaëlle Le Hénaff, VP of commercialization at Ontario Blue Cross. 

Powered by weather data

Rainy Day coverage uses an advanced weather algorithm to automatically monitor weather conditions throughout the trip.

If rainfall at the insured destination exceeds the threshold specified in the contract and all coverage conditions are met, travellers are automatically notified and invited to receive their compensation:

• $100 per covered rainy day, per contract
• No proof required and no claims to file
• Automatic payment by Interac e-Transfer within two business days

Rainy Day coverage is now available online as an add-on to Emergency Medical Care (EMC), Trip Cancellation and Interruption and the 3‑in‑1 Package for trips to Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Canada and Europe.

Coverage must be purchased at least 14 days before departure. Learn more here. 

Coming soon to distribution channels

Blue Cross’s new Rainy Day coverage is currently available online only and cannot yet be purchased through travel advisors. 

However, the insurer says it is expected to become available through that distribution channel in the near future.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook