Planning on traveling for Spring Break? Think again.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice
Highlights of the current Travel Restrictions:
- To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada advises that you avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada and all travel on cruise ships outside of Canada until further notice
Travel within Canada
- Whether you drive or fly, if you travel within Canada, without having been out of the country, there are no federal travel requirements, but there may be provincial or territorial rules and restrictions
- Go to the province or territory website of your final destination for restrictions and quarantine requirements
- If you enter Canada from another country, you are subject to the federal requirements and possible additional provincial or territorial requirements
- Travellers won’t be allowed to board a flight if they:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19
- Have been refused boarding in the last 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19
- Are subject to a provincial or local public health order
- All air travellers must wear a non-medical mask while travelling
Travellers entering Canada
- To limit the spread of COVID-19, travellers entering Canada must follow the rules set out by the emergency orders under the Quarantine Act.
- No one should travel when sick. Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent you from boarding your plane if you’re sick.
Travellers entering Canada must:
- provide traveller contact information through:
- the ArriveCAN mobile app or
- the ArriveCAN website or
- a paper form
- undergo screening by a border official
- answer any relevant questions:
- when you arrive in Canada
- during your 14-day period while in quarantine or isolation
- stay in a hotel while waiting a negative result of their molecular test
Travellers departing Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are advised to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself, your family and those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in our communities is to choose to stay in Canada. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine options for cancelling or postponing your trip.
Many countries have put in place travel or border restrictions, such as movement restrictions and quarantines. Many airlines have reduced or suspended flights and many airports have closed.
These restrictions are changing quickly and may be imposed by countries with little warning. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted. Should you choose to take non-essential travel outside Canada, you may be forced to remain outside of Canada longer than expected.
It’s important to remember that if you choose to travel abroad:
- your trip may become much longer than you planned
- you may have reduced access to quality health care
- you could be subject to the measures of other countries
If you’re still considering travel outside of Canada, you should:
- understand the risks to your safety and security abroad
- check the pandemic travel health notice before travelling
- know the health risks and travel restrictions and requirements for your destination
- make sure you have enough money and necessities, including medication, in case your travel is disrupted
Avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada.
For further detail on current travel restrictions please visit the Government of Canada website
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
Impact of new restrictions on your group travel benefits coverage
These restrictions are general, please consult your current benefit plan to determine your exact coverage.
Coverage for COVID-19 tests
COVID-19 tests are generally not an eligible expense under your group benefits plan, nor are they covered under travel emergency assistance programs as they are not considered an emergency treatment.
The cost of a COVID-19 test may be covered under a Health Care Spending Account.
Travel Reminder
The government urges Canadians to avoid any non-essential travel, even if some countries have reopened their borders.
Claims related to COVID-19 during travel to a country with travel advisory warnings will be assessed like any other claim under your plan. Plan coverages vary, so every claim will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Out-of-country coverage and travel assistance typically covers eligible expenses when you experience a medical emergency that requires you to seek care. These include eligible services and supplies related to the initial treatment of the medical emergency.
While you will still be covered for emergency medical care while out of the country, keep in mind the health care situation in the country you plan on visiting. Many systems are running at maximum capacity and may not be available to assist you in a timely manner.
If you incur expenses, whether under quarantine or not, when you’re not experiencing symptoms of an illness, those expenses typically aren’t covered. It’s important to review your plan wording carefully.
For a case to be considered a medical emergency, you must have acute symptoms of an illness. A positive COVID-19 test without acute symptoms isn’t considered a medical emergency.
If your trip is delayed due to flight restrictions, your emergency travel assistance may not be extended with your trip. Review your travel duration limit before embarking and plan your trip accordingly. Coverage is typically only extended if you are hospitalized as a result of an emergency, subject to the terms of your policy.
More than a dozen countries require Covid-19 coverage for visitors, for all of the details see the full Global News story:
Why Covid-19 travel insurance is turning into a vacation staple
If you would like to discuss this topic in greater detail or have any questions, please reach out to a member of your Arbutus Financial Team.
Also, check our Client Resources page for Coronavirus information and updates under Spring 2021.
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