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Applaud Travel Insurance Coverage Update

We continue to support you

COVID-19 continues to impact travel. We strongly encourage Canadians to follow the advice of the Government of Canada and local government when booking and travelling. Please be aware that return transportation options and availability of medical care may become very limited outside Canada. Rules and guidelines are changing rapidly. Be sure to monitor applicable Government of Canada websites and visit this website regularly for the most current information.

We know that travel is a personal decision for everyone. If you do choose to travel, it’s important that you plan ahead, research, ask questions, be knowledgeable and make sure that all the elements of your trip come together for a safe experience. Be sure to read your policy in full, to ensure you have an understanding of what it covers, and what it doesn’t cover.

Not all travel insurance products include emergency medical coverage and/or trip cancellation/interruption coverage. The information on this page speaks specifically to the Applaud MEDOC Travel Insurance plan insured by SSQ Financial Corp. While the information on this webpage could address most cases, each person’s travel arrangements and coverage may differ. Please refer to your policy to find out which coverages apply to your travel insurance.

 

COVID-19 Travel FAQs

I’m planning a trip. Am I covered for emergency medical expenses including those related to COVID-19?

Since October 1st 2020 emergency medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19, are covered for travel destinations for which the Government of Canada has issued a Level 1, 2, or 3* travel advisory.  However as indicated in your policy, some exclusions and limitations may apply to your coverage depending on the state of your health prior to or on your day of departure.

Travel advisories: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Emergency medical expenses are not covered for travel destinations for which the Government of Canada has issued a Level 4* travel advisory.

* The Government of Canada issues four levels of travel health notices for travel destinations:

  • Level 1 – Exercise normal security precautions
  • Level 2 – Exercise a high degree of caution
  • Level 3 – Avoid all non-essential travel
  • Level 4 – Avoid all travel
What do I do if I contract COVID-19 while travelling and I am covered for this illness by my insurance policy?

Call your travel insurance assistance service AXA. You will be referred to a healthcare professional.

I'm planning a cruise. Am I covered for emergency medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19?

During a level 4 warning issued before you leave

You are not covered for emergency medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19. This applies to all cruises, for as long as the Canadian government maintains a level 4 travel advisory.

During a level 4 warning issued during your trip, after your date of departure

You have 14 days to comply with the advisory and return to your province of residence otherwise you will not be covered for emergency medical expenses under your travel insurance policy after the 14 days deadline

During a level 3 warning or less issued before you leave

You are covered for emergency medical expenses, including those related to COVID-19. This applies for all cruises, as long as the Canadian government maintains a level 3 warning and below.

Am I covered if I have a trip planned to another province in Canada?

Yes, you are covered for emergency medical expenses, whether you become ill as a result of COVID-19, or due to other causes or an accident. Refer to your policy as some exclusions may apply.

What happens if the travel agency or airline offers a travel credit as reimbursement?

For the insurer, a travel credit is equivalent to a refund. Therefore, whether you accept the travel credit or not, the insurer will deduct this amount from the reimbursement.

If the travel credit is equal to the total amount, you will not receive any reimbursement.

Can I receive a refund if I cancel my trip to another Canadian province due to a surge in COVID-19 cases?

No, it isn’t currently possible to cancel your travel to other provinces due to COVID-19 and obtain a reimbursement because there are currently no travel health notices issued by the Government of Canada to avoid travel to Canadian provinces.

However, if you have COVID-19, it may be the reason for cancelling your trip under your contract.

Are expenses for mandatory COVID-19 screening tests to return to Canada covered?

No, the expenses for mandatory COVID-19 screening tests to return to Canada are not covered under travel insurance.

I need to cancel my trip because I do not meet the vaccination requirements (number of doses required, the type of vaccine, vaccination time frames, etc.) Am I eligible for a refund?

No. You are not eligible for a refund if you do not meet vaccination requirements, or if you do not meet the PCR / Antigen testing requirements as it is not a cancellation reason listed under your policy.

 

Helpful websites

Disclaimer

Johnson Insurance is a trade name of Johnson Inc., a licensed insurance intermediary, and operates as Johnson Insurance Services in British Columbia and Johnson Inc. in Manitoba. MEDOC® is a Registered Trademark of JI. This insurance product is administered by JI and underwritten by SSQ Insurance Company Inc. (“SSQ”). Valid provincial or territorial health plan coverage required. Travel Assistance provided by AXA Assistance. The eligibility requirements, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions which apply to the described coverage are as set out in the policy. Policy wordings prevail. Call 1.866.606.3362 for details.