Do you have your plane ticket or are you planning to leave soon, especially for spring break? We take stock of medical insurance and cancellation.
The travelers are mixed up. A lot of contradictory information is circulating.
Especially since several insurers no longer offer medical coverage in their travel insurance products, in the event of infection by Covid-19, since in December, Ottawa introduced a level 3 warning (avoid all non-essential travel) for all countries.
We are obviously not talking about countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Libya or Chad (level 4), for which it is impossible to insure.
Medical insurance
On the other hand, many insurers offer a rider, for about $ 40 per week per person, which covers medical issues if you catch the Covid. A word of advice: buy this cover from your travel agent.
Be aware that, depending on your age, you must not have tested positive or had symptoms of Covid three to six months before departure.
cancellation insurance
Since practically the start of the pandemic, cancellation insurance no longer covers Covid-19. But travel agents sell cancellation insurance for whatever reason (Covid or otherwise). It’s not cheap: $ 50 to $ 100 per person.
You will generally be entitled to a full refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the departure date, 50% in cash and 50% in travel credit if you give up seven days before you leave, and 100% in credit if you cancel 48 hours before the flight.
Make the right choices
If your budget is tight, you may need to choose a less luxurious hotel, so that you can afford adequate travel or cancellation insurance.
Credit card insurance
Some group insurance policies and many credit cards offer travel coverage.
Check if the medical or cancellation insurance includes Covid-19.
PCR test
Ottawa requires that you have had a negative PCR test prior to your return flight, or medical confirmation of your Covid infection within the past six months (and more than 14 days prior to departure). Also expect random testing at Canadian airports.
Normally your hotel reception will direct you to a doctor or clinic.
Allow approximately $ 150 per person, payable by credit card. Normally you get the result the same day by email.
Some hotels even have dedicated addresses where you print the result.
Advice
◆ If a carrier or wholesaler cancels your flight or trip (due to weather or if they no longer serve your destination), you are normally reimbursed. A departure delayed by a few hours does not constitute a cancellation.
◆ Some countries should be avoided, such as Cuba (because infected tourists are mistreated there) or Jamaica and France (you must get a negative PCR test before leaving).
◆ In many cases, insurers do not reimburse if you refuse the credit offered by the air carrier.