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RTOERO Pandemic Preparedness

RTOERO travel insurance coverage – what you need to know

COVID-19 continues to impact travel and we strongly encourage Canadians to follow the advice of the Government of Canada and local government when booking trips and travelling.

We know that travel is a personal decision. It’s important that you plan ahead and do your research, to make sure your trip is a safe experience. Be sure to read the Insurance Plans Booklet to make sure you know what’s covered – and what isn’t.

Before travelling outside of Canada, check for any new travel restrictions, guidelines or requirements at your destination country such as:

  • Status of allowing foreign visitors
  • Proof of vaccination
  • Requirements to be recognized as fully vaccinated
  • Quarantine requirements upon arrival and/or the need for a recent negative COVID-19 test
  • Any other entry requirements i.e. download local app, QR code, etc.

Make sure you know about re-entry requirements when returning to Canada.

If you have questions not answered below or if you wish to discuss your specific personal situation, call Global Excel Management Inc. at 1-877-346-1467.

Does my RTOERO travel insurance cover COVID-19 medical emergencies?

Yes. RTOERO members with Extended Health Care plans are covered for COVID-19 medical emergencies, even if there is a travel advisory for the area in which you are travelling.

Does my travel insurance cover COVID-19 related trip cancellation, interruption or delay?

As of May 1, 2022, you are covered if you need to cancel, interrupt or delay a trip because you or your travelling companion have a positive COVID-19 test result or become ill with COVID-19 or die due to COVID-19.

Will my travel insurance cover the additional expenses if I must quarantine at destination, or if I am refused boarding or entry to my destination or re-entry into my province or territory of residence due to a positive COVID-19 test result?

Effective May 1, 2022, you are covered for these additional costs if you or your travelling companion test positive for COVID-19.

What documentation do I need to provide as proof of a COVID-19 positive test result that prevents me from travelling on my departure date or my return date?

A documented proof of a professionally administered or professionally observed positive antigen test is required. The test must be authorized for sale or distribution in Canada or in the jurisdiction in which it was obtained and must be administered or observed by a pharmacy, laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service.

How is my coverage affected if a COVID-19 travel advisory is issued before I leave?

You are covered for COVID-19 medical emergencies, even if a COVID-19 travel advisory is in effect for your destination or cruise. You are not covered for a trip cancellation caused by a COVID-19 travel advisory.

How is my coverage affected if a COVID-19 travel advisory is issued while I’m away?

You are covered for COVID-19 medical emergencies, even if a COVID-19 travel advisory is in effect for your destination or cruise. You are not covered for a trip interruption or trip delay caused by a COVID-19 travel advisory.

Does my COVID-19 vaccination status impact my coverage?

No.

Does my travel insurance cover the cost of a COVID-19 test required for travel?

No. Check with your local or provincial public health department for information about how and where you can get a COVID-19 test. Be sure your test results meet the timeframe for your destination.

Will my travel insurance cover a trip cancellation or interruption if my vaccination or proof of vaccination, does not meet entry requirements of my destination?

No

If I have complications due to a COVID-19 vaccine during my trip, will expenses related to the complications be covered?

If you received the vaccine before your departure date but didn’t have symptoms or complications, you are covered.

If you receive the vaccine at your destination, you are covered for medical emergency costs arising from a COVID-19 vaccination. Your coverage does not include expenses for the vaccination.

Am I covered if I decide to stay out of the country longer than planned?

If you want to stay longer than the 93 days covered by the Extended Health Care plan, you can buy Supplemental Travel insurance by calling 1-877-406-9007 before day 93 of your trip.

Remember — your coverage ends at midnight on day 93 or the last day of your Supplemental Travel plan if you have purchased this additional coverage.

Travel insurance does not cover expenses incurred after your coverage has ended – unless your return home was delayed by a previous and covered medical emergency.

Can I claim if I have been issued a credit or voucher due to COVID-19?

Contact your travel supplier to see if you are entitled to a refund if you are unable to use a voucher or credit before its expiry, or if you have other disputes regarding refunds and credits. If the credit or voucher expires or a situation arises where you are unable to use it, please contact Global Excel Management to understand what solutions are available.

Where can I go to find information on Canadian government issued travel advisories?

For Canadian government travel advisories, go to travel.gc.ca.

When I return to Canada, what will I need to do?

Check for the most current information and details at travel.gc.ca before you leave and prior to your return. These rules and guidelines change frequently. Expenses related to entry requirements are not covered by RTOERO travel insurance.

Where can I go to find out about travel restrictions within Canada?

Check provincial/territorial websites. When travelling in Canada, your RTOERO insurance will help to cover any gaps in your government health insurance.

Helpful websites