Answer – Check your insurance wording to see if travel advisories impact your coverage and, if so, how.  If you travel to a destination or region after the Canadian government has issued a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory against travel to that location and:

1. an event happens to you (e.g., contracting COVID-19) in that destination, and
2. that event relates to the reason the travel advisory was issued,

many travel insurance policies will not cover you.  You would be covered for other things that might happen to you (as per the terms of the wording), but not if you contract COVID-19 and this leads to claims.  Level 3 and Level 4 travel advisories may be treated differently depending on the terms of your policy.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many insurers have introduced special coverage upgrades so that, even during a Level 3 travel advisory, claims due to COVID-19 can be covered (an additional premium may apply).  Ask your provider if you already have coverage for COVID-19 under your Emergency Medical benefit or if you will need to buy extra coverage.  Ask what happens if a Level 3 advisory is upgraded to Level 4.

KNOW YOUR POLICY – Contact your provider for more details.  Be sure to call your assistance company before seeking any treatment.