Frequently Asked Questions: General Travel Insurance Information
Does Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance cover COVID-19 related illnesses?
Yes, the Emergency Medical Care benefits provided under all our standard travel insurance solutions provide coverage for COVID-19 related care at destination, provided the covered traveler meets the pre-existing medical condition requirements of their contract. For example, if you tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms for COVID-19 before the effective date of your contract, you will not be covered for this illness. This includes our Annual and Individual Travel Plans, the optional VIP Travel Benefits under our Personal Health Plans, and the Outside Province of Residence Travel Benefits under our Group Benefit Plans.
Please refer to your policy booklet for full details on pre-existing medical condition requirements.
Does Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance exclude specific destinations from COVID-19 coverage?
All destinations are covered by emergency medical care coverage within your contract's limitations, and if you meet the pre-existing medical condition requirements of your contract.
Please refer to your policy booklet for full details on pre-existing medical condition requirements.
Is the level of coverage sufficient to cover the treatment of COVID-19 in a foreign hospital?
The Emergency Medical Care benefits provided under all of our standard travel insurance solutions provide up to $5,000,000 of overall coverage for hospitalization fees, physician and health care professional fees, emergency transportation costs, and more - COVID-19 related care at destination is included in the overall Emergency Medical Care coverage and is not restricted to a separate maximum or limitation.
Will Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance cover any side effects of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while on a trip?
Yes, the Emergency Medical Care benefits provided under all our standard travel insurance solutions provide coverage for sudden and unforeseen illnesses or accidents requiring immediate treatment – should you require urgent medical care due to complications or side effects of receiving the vaccine, this would represent a covered medical emergency, subject to all other important policy terms, limitations, and exclusions.
Will Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance cover the cost of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while on a trip?
No, the Emergency Medical Care benefits provided under all our standard travel insurance solutions provide coverage for sudden and unforeseen illnesses or accidents requiring immediate treatment – the cost of receiving the preventive vaccine would not be covered, as it does not represent urgent medical care following a sudden illness.
Will Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance cover meals & accommodations if I test positive and have to remain at my destination beyond my planned return date?
All our standard travel insurance solutions provide coverage for extra costs of commercial accommodations and meals resulting from a delayed return trip due to a sudden and unforeseen illness or accident requiring immediate treatment.
If you have been placed in quarantine beyond your planned return date due to a positive COVID-19 screening test for air travel or government regulation, coverage for meals and accommodations is not available. Please contact our Travel Assistance Provider using the phone numbers indicated on your coverage/identification card.
If you have been placed in quarantine beyond your planned return date due to a positive COVID-19 test, and require immediate treatment for the management of your symptoms and medical condition, coverage for meals and accommodations is available – these benefits are generally limited to a maximum reimbursement, and we recommend you review your Policy or Benefits Booklet for specific policy terms, limitations, and exclusions.
Will Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance cover a new airline ticket or date change for an existing one if I test positive and have to remain at my destination beyond my planned return date?
No, our standard travel insurance solutions do not provide coverage for trip interruption benefits of this nature.
Will Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance cover COVID-19 screening tests for governmental entry/exit requirements?
No, the Emergency Medical Care benefits provided under all our standard travel insurance solutions provide coverage for sudden and unforeseen illnesses or accidents requiring immediate treatment – as COVID-19 screening tests for air travel or government regulation are not required due to illness, costs related to obtaining a PCR test and results abroad are not covered under these benefits.
Does Saskatchewan Blue Cross travel insurance cover COVID-19 and all other health emergencies?
Yes, the Emergency Medical Care benefits provided under all our standard travel insurance solutions provide coverage for sudden and unforeseen illnesses or accidents requiring immediate treatment, subject to important policy terms, limitations, and exclusions. We want you to understand (and it is in your best interests to know) what your plan includes, what it excludes, and what is limited (payable but with limits). Please take time to read through your Policy or Benefits Booklet before you travel.
Should I have travel insurance for travel within Canada?
Yes. Certain medical expenses are not reimbursed by your Saskatchewan health insurance plan when you travel outside your province of residence.