Do you understand your Travel Insurance coverage?
Author: Tracey McCormick, Business Development Manager, Ellison Travel & Tours
November 5, 2021
If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything about travelling, it’s that travel insurance is more important than ever. Many travellers who had cancelled trips in 2020 realized that they didn’t know the details of their policy coverage.
Here are some important questions you’ll want to ask your travel insurance company before you travel.
Travel insurance protects you from financial losses up to the limits and conditions indicated in the policy. You may have travel insurance through a stand-alone policy you purchase, through an employer or association package, or through your credit card. Whatever the case, if you are considering travelling, here are some aspects of your policy that you’ll want to be sure to understand. Contact your insurance provider to ask these questions.
Cancellation insurance coverage – before you go
- Are you covered if your trip gets cancelled due to a COVID-related reason? If yes, up to what dollar amount or percentage would be refunded?
- Are there any conditions/exclusions regarding the cause for cancellation?
(e.g. presence/absence of a government-issued travel advisory, or if the insurer considers Covid-19 and its variants a ‘known risk’) - Are you covered if you cancel due to contracting COVID-19 after purchasing your policy and prior to your departure?
- Do you have a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit? If yes, up to what dollar amount or percentage? Are there any limitations closer to your departure date?
- Are you covered if your destination is within Canada? Outside of Canada?
- Do you have to purchase your insurance within a certain timeline to benefit from full coverage? (e.g. within 72 hours of depositing on your trip)
What happens if your trip is interrupted?
- Will you be reimbursed for any costs related to returning home if you need to quarantine or self-isolate beyond your original return date?
- Are you covered for any costs for being required to quarantine at the destination? Is your coverage dependent on a positive COVID-19 test result?
Medical coverage – during your trip
- If you have been previously diagnosed with COVID-19, are you eligible for medical coverage for conditions related to COVID-19 during your trip?
- How much medical coverage do you have for expenses related to Covid-19 if you are diagnosed at your destination?
- Do you need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to benefit from coverage?
- Are there any exclusions based on your age or pre-existing medical conditions?
- Is a medical questionnaire required?
