When borders were closed in March 2020, the government arranged emergency transportation to get Canadians home, but those repatriations have been discontinued.  Some insurance may cover the cost of repatriation if you have trip cancellation/interruption coverage with return home benefits but if you left Canada while a travel advisory was in effect, that is unlikely unless your return is for a covered reason and you purchased special coverage for COVID-19.

The costs to return you home are generally covered by travel medical insurance if:

1. you have an illness covered by your insurance, and
2. you require ongoing medical treatment for your illness, and

• the doctor at your destination and your insurance company agree that you are stable for transport and you should be returned to Canada, and

1. transportation is arranged by your assistance company.

Many variables must be considered before you can be transported home such as:

1. the nature of your medical emergency,
2. your location,

• the availability of air and other modes of transportation,
• the availability of medical staff to accompany you if required.

One certainty is that COVID-19 places increased strain and potential complexity around the ability for healthcare solutions to be delivered when and as needed.

KNOW YOUR POLICY – Contact your provider for more details.