Frequently Asked Questions

We are currently being asked by many of our clients about coverage and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as how it may impact future travel. Please refer to the following FAQs to help answer your questions.

Please note: COVID-19 coverage does not apply to all products or plans. AwayCare distributes a number of different programs including, but not limited to, group or specialty plans that may not have the ability to be modified.  Please refer to your specific plan for full details or ask one of our specialists for assistance.

FOR TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE:

If I travel now, on my existing annual policy, will I be covered?

  • Most insurance companies are honouring coverage on existing policies; however, while there is a government travel advisory in place, there may be an exclusion for claims relating to COVID-19.

 I want to travel in the fall, will I be able to buy a policy to cover me for COVID-19? How much more will I have to pay?

  • In short, yes. While AwayCare’s plan offer a “COVID rider”, there are specific conditions that need to be met in order to qualify for the rider. We suggest you contact your broker for those details.

If I am able to travel to my winter home in the U.S., will I be covered for COVID-19?

  • In short, yes. While AwayCare’s plan offer a “COVID rider”, there are specific conditions that need to be met in order to qualify for the rider. We suggest you contact your broker for those details.

If I get stuck in quarantine and I contract COVID-19, is it covered?

  • While AwayCare’s plan offer a “COVID rider”, there are specific conditions that need to be met in order to qualify for coverage. We suggest you contact your broker for those details as they will be able to walk you through some potential exclusions in terms of quarantine.

 If I had COVID-19 in the past, can I get it covered?

  • Having COVID-19 in the past does not guarantee nor automatically exclude coverage in the future. While AwayCare’s plan offer a “COVID rider”, there are specific conditions that need to be met in order to qualify for the rider. We suggest you contact your broker for those details.

If you are an Essential Worker (providing public service outside of Canada e.g. Truck Driver, Healthcare Provider etc.)

  • Emergency Medical coverage will apply as normal and COVID-19 coverage may be available. Please contact your broker for specific details.

 Am I covered for COVID-19 if I am currently out of the country and have a policy in effect?

  • While we’ve made some adjustments and improvements in relation to coverage for COVID-19, coverage is not guaranteed if you are already abroad. Several factors would come into play, I.E. departure date, version of policy you have, enhanced pandemic coverage purchase, etc.. Please contact for your broker for your specific situation.

The insured is encouraged and required to call the claims assistance company immediately upon becoming symptomatic. The assistance company will direct the insured as to the necessary steps to take. Please also note that the insurance companies are all impacted and wait times on calls will be longer than normal.

FOR TRIP CANCELLATION AND TRIP INTERRUPTION:

I have an annual plan that I am unable to use, can I get a refund?

While some insurance carriers are offering different forms of compensation, annual plans are non-refundable.

I bought Trip Cancellation Coverage and the Tour/Airline Company is offering me a credit.  Do I have to accept this credit?

  • In most cases, if you are offered a voucher or credit, this is considered compensation and you would not be able to submit a claim for Trip Cancellation so most clients are encouraged to accept the offer of voucher/credit where they are able. If this is not possible for you, please give us a call.

My trip was cancelled, can I change the dates on my Trip Cancellation policy?

  • If your trip cancellation coverage is built in to your annual plan, dates cannot be changed. If you have something different, please give us a call.

Can I buy a Trip Cancellation policy now and will it cover me if I have to cancel for reasons related to COVID-19.

  • No insurance company will cover COVID-19 while a government travel advisory is in place at the time of purchase.

Can I claim for trip cancellation because of COVID-19?

  • Similar to travel medical insurance, the cost of the non-refundable portion of your trip may be covered if you booked and purchased the trip cancellation policy prior to any travel advisory for any area, country, cruise ship and again, as of March 13th, travel anywhere outside Canada, as noted on the Canadian Government’s “Avoid Non-Essential and Avoid all Travel” list. You must also meet the terms and conditions of the application at point of purchase.

What if I can’t get back to Canada because of COVID-19 even though I am not infected?

  • The costs of quarantine outside of hospital may not be covered unless Trip Interruption coverage was purchased prior to departure.

FOR VISITORS TO CANADA TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE:

My mother is going to visit from _____ will she be covered for claims related to COVID-19 while she’s in Canada?

  • Yes, if your mother is healthy and shows no symptoms of the virus, we should be able to provide coverage for COVID-19 while in Canada.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Please refer to the Government of Canada’s travel advisory page and other resources below which will advise on the specific dates that these advisories took effect and other important information.

Canada – Travel Advisory
Canada – Travel health notices – Levels of risk
Canada – Registration of Canadians Abroad