Travelling during the pandemic? Here’s what you need to know.

Learn more about travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic and the questions you should ask your insurance provider before you leave.

Travelling on any given day can be stressful, so travelling during a pandemic adds an obvious layer of stress we’re not used to. It’s important for you to know that your travel insurance will protect you if something happens to you while you’re away.

With the Government of Canada’s advisory to avoid non-essential travel still in effect, we recommend following the advice of the Government of Canada and avoiding non-essential travel if you can. We also understand that you may be facing circumstances that make it necessary for you to travel. We want to make sure you’re protected if you decide to leave the province, and that you’re prepared with the right questions to ask your insurance provider prior to your departure. Read on for a few tips to help make sure you have the right information to keep you and your family safe.

Quick Tips

• Saskatchewan Health doesn’t cover all medical expenses when travelling out of province. Without travel insurance, you will be responsible for medical expenses not covered by Saskatchewan Health when you travel outside the province.
• Your existing healthcare coverage may not be enough to cover you. Credit cards or group/employer benefit plans may have certain limitations or exclusions that can affect your coverage. Review your existing coverage as additional travel insurance may be required.
• Consider your health. Most travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions. If a medical questionnaire is required, fill it out accurately and disclose all known medical conditions. Review your travel plan policy before you leave to make sure you understand what’s covered.

What to ask your Travel Insurance Provider

Just like any type of insurance, travel insurance can be complicated. It’s important to ask the right questions to make sure you have the right plan for you before you go on your trip. Make sure you ask your insurance provider:

1. What does my plan cover and what are the benefit maximums? Does the plan cover me if I contract COVID-19 while travelling?
2. What are the exclusions and limitations to the policy? Will the plan extend coverage outside of Canada if I am not able to return home by the date of expiration on my policy?
3. Does the plan provide coverage for automatic extension if I am hospitalized beyond my date of return?
4. What do I do in the event of a medical emergency? Is the Travel Assistance provider available 24/7?

If you’re unsure about the kind of coverage you need, reach out to us at 1-800-USEBLUE® – we’re here to help you make sure you have the right plan for your travel insurance needs.

What to watch out for when shopping for Travel Insurance

Some insurance providers are offering a distinct COVID-19 travel insurance plan or offering coverage as an add-on, which means you may have reduced coverage and limits for expenses related to COVID-19. Knowing your coverage limits is especially important if you’re travelling somewhere where medical expenses are typically high. It’s important to know whether the coverage you have is enough to take care of your medical expenses if you have a medical emergency. Ask yourself – if I need hospital care, will my coverage expense maximums be enough to cover my expenses?

It’s also important to note that some bundled packages like one you might purchase from an airline may not cover all the expenses that are typically covered under a Travel Insurance package. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print before you choose a policy.

Saskatchewan Blue Cross Travel Plans include coverage for COVID-19 as part of our core Emergency Medical Care benefit, so you don’t have to worry about coverage limits specific to COVID-19 or another illness. Learn more about our coverage here.

Our Travel Insurance Options

We know Saskatchewan residents may need to leave the province for essential travel. If you do choose to travel, we have plans to fit your unique needs. We can help you figure out the best options for you to make sure you’re covered, so you can travel without having to worry about the costs of an out-of-province medical emergency.

NOTE: All our Travel Insurance plans include coverage for Emergency Medical Care, which will cover you if you contract the COVID-19 virus while travelling internationally or within Canada. To learn more about our Travel Plan coverage during the pandemic, click here. You will not have coverage for expenses related to COVID-19 if you have tested positive or shown symptoms for COVID-19 within 3 months prior to your departure if you are under age 55, or within 6 months prior to departure if you are aged 55 or older.

All of our plans include:

• $5,000,000 worth of coverage for Emergency Medical Care and 24/7 access to Travel Assistance provider who is there to help should you need to use your coverage
• Optional deductibles to help you cover your trip without cutting into your travel budget.
• Customize your coverage by selecting additional coverage for Accidental Death or Dismemberment and Air Flight Accident to make sure you’re prepared for any emergency that may arise
• Medical follow-up in Canada*
• Premium discounts for travelling companions and grandchildren
• And more!

Plan Options:

• The Annual Plan Best for those who travel out of province more than once per year, the Annual Plan is great for snowbirds or people who live away from family and friends. This plan often costs less than insuring two single trips and offers coverage that lasts all year, so you don’t have to purchase a new plan each time you travel. Choose a maximum trip duration between 4, 8, 17, 31, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days. This plan will cover you for an unlimited number of trips per year, up to your chosen maximum number of days per trip. Learn More.

• The Individual Plan Ideal for single-trip coverage on family trips, quick getaways or last-minute essential travel, the Individual Plan is the best fit for someone who only plans to leave the province once per year. You can customize your coverage to the needs of each individual trip you plan. If you’re planning to be away for a long time, trip breaks allow for return home for a visit before heading back to your destination. Learn More.

• The VIP Travel Benefits Available as an optional benefit for Personal Health Plan members, the VIP Travel Plan is the perfect fit for travellers who want to be ready to leave whenever they need to, without worry about out-of-province medical expenses. VIP Travel includes coverage for 30 days of consecutive travel, with an unlimited number of trips per year, and you can extend coverage for trips longer than 30 days with a Top-Up to VIP Travel. This plan includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Air Flight Accident in core plan benefits and also offers lost or damaged baggage and post-departure trip interruption benefits. Learn More.

Conditions apply. Refer to the Travel Insurance Plans Policy  for additional coverage details.

*VIP Travel does not include coverage for Medical Follow-up in Canada.