Blog | CAA Niagara

Understanding Travel Insurance in Relation to Government Travel Advisories

Written by CAA Insurance | Dec 21, 2021 7:59:47 PM

Last updated: December 21, 2021

As many of us navigate shifting rules and restrictions for travel, it can be challenging to understand how the latest news relates to you. Oftentimes you might be left with more questions than answers. Can you still travel overseas to visit a sick family member? Are you still able to spend your winter at your vacation home in Florida? In theory, you can still hop on a flight. However, you’ll want to ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you for whatever lies ahead.

At CAA Niagara, we realize there are many questions around travel insurance coverage. By answering some common questions below, we hope to help shed some light regarding coverage for COVID-19 under CAA Travel insurance policies.

How do travel advisories work?

Travel advisories show the overall risk level for a country or territory based on an assessment of the nationwide safety and security. There are four possible risk levels that can be applied to a country, territory or region:

1. Exercise normal security precautions. There are no significant safety and security concerns. The overall safety and security situation is similar to that of Canada.
2. Exercise a high degree of caution. There are identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

  1. Avoid non-essential travel. There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk. You should reconsider your need to travel to the country, territory or region. It is up to you to decide what “non-essential travel” means, based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with a country, territory or region, and other factors.
  1. Avoid all travel. There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada website.

What is the current Government of Canada travel advisory?

As of December 15, 2021, the two global travel advisories in place are:

  1. Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
  2. Avoid all cruise ship travel outside of Canada until further notice.

To learn more about the current travel advisories, please visit the Government of Canada travel advisories page. 

Will CAA Travel Insurance cover any COVID related claims if I choose to travel internationally despite the travel advisory?

CAA Niagara supports the government of Canada travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel due to Covid-19. Your health and safety is our priority.

We understand that travelling is a personal choice, and there might be situations where you must travel outside of Canada. CAA Travel Insurance1 emergency medical plans now include up to $2.5 million CAD if partially vaccinated, or up to $5 million CAD if fully vaccinated, for COVID-19 related illnesses that may occur when travelling at a time when the Government of Canada has issued a related Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) travel advisory.

Please read the Level 3 Travel Advisory COVID Coverage Endorsement for the COVID-19 vaccinations requirements that must be met before departure, to be eligible for this coverage. This coverage does not apply if you are on a cruise or travelling to a destination listed in a Level 4 Government Advisory to avoid all travel.

Our emergency medical plans already provide coverage for COVID-19 related illnesses when Canadian government travel advisories are at Level 2 or 1 (i.e. “Exercise a high degree of caution” or “Exercise normal security precautions”).

Please contact us with any questions regarding CAA Travel Insurance.

Does CAA Travel Insurance cover COVID-19 when travelling in Canada?

Yes, CAA Travel Insurance will cover COVID-19 related claims when travelling within Canada. As the current travel advisory only pertains to international destinations. Should you need or choose to travel within Canada, our Travel Insurance products will be available to protect you for any unexpected emergencies, including COVID-19 related ones.

Your well-being is a priority for CAA Niagara, and we will continue doing what is right to ensure your safety. Before you book your next trip or purchase CAA Travel Insurance, please contact one of our CAA Travel Consultants to go over your options and help you make an educated decision.

To learn more about the Government of Canada’s travel advisories, please visit travel.gc.ca. Whenever you travel, your health, safety and security are important to us. We’re here for you if have questions or need help.

1CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A medical questionnaire may be required. 

2 Terms and conditions apply. $5 million CAD emergency medical coverage, is dependent on having received all Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines, at least 14 days prior to departure.  Please see the COVID-19 Endorsement for details.