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What CAA Members need to know about COVID-19.

Last Updated: October 15, 2021

Travel insurance.

COVID-19 continues to cause concern among travellers and the general public.

This is an evolving situation and your safety continues to be of utmost importance to us.

Protecting the safety of CAA travellers.

As Canadians look ahead to their future travel, we at CAA Travel Insurance are prepared and ready to protect them with the coverage they need to feel assured when it's safe to travel again.

CAA Travel Insurance 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 Canadian government has issued a related Level 3 travel advisory (i.e. Avoid non-essential travel”). 

While this coverage is included with no additional costs, you'll have to meet certain COVID-19 vaccination conditions to be eligible. Please click here to read the policy endorsement to make sure you meet the requirements before you travel.

CAA Travel Insurance continues to support Global Affairs Canada and its recommendation that Canadians refrain from non-essential travel. This coverage enhancement is in preparation for when travel can resume safely.

Important information to consider:

  • While there has been significant progress made in the development and rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine, the virus continues to spread in many parts of the world, and the broader benefits of the vaccine are still many months away.
  • As cases of COVID-19 increase in many destinations, it is increasingly difficult for Canadians to secure access to necessary medical care. If a destination experiences a significant increase in COVID cases, local governments can prioritize citizens over tourists, should health services become strained, leaving Canadian travellers without the necessary support in a time of need regardless of one’s insurance coverage.
  • There is an increased challenge repatriating travellers back to a Canadian hospital – particularly as ICU facilities at home are increasingly strained.
  • Air Ambulance companies are expressing concerns transporting active COVID cases back to their home province.
  • Due to the pandemic, many Canadian consular services are limited globally. As a result, the ability for Canadians to reach Embassy staff should an issue arise may be limited. The Canadian government has already advised that there will be no further repatriation flights should a traveller wish to return or they are no longer safe at their destination.
  • Some of the COVID coverage options being promoted as available in the market may be insufficient, and travellers should be prepared to absorb any expenses above the coverage maximums.
  • Concerns around the availability of care at a destination applies to any ailment, including but not limited to COVID-19.
  • Global Affairs Canada has advised all travellers to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice. Canadians abroad have been urged to return as soon as possible. Travel advice and advisories are updated regularly.
  • Many countries have put in place travel or border restrictions and other measures such as movement restrictions and quarantines.
  • Airlines have cancelled flights and new restrictions may be imposed with little warning.
  • Travel supply companies have advised us that paperwork related to refunds may take time to be issued. We require the paperwork from your travel supply companies to review a claim.

We are experiencing a very high volume of inquiries related to the impacts of COVID-19. We ask for your understanding and patience. We are currently focusing on those who are currently travelling and require medical treatment, as well as those who are travelling within the next 30 days. We have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions below to help serve you better.

For COVID-19 related trip cancellation and interruption claims:

Step 1: Contact your travel supplier immediately to cancel your travel plans.

Step 2: Have your travel supplier send confirmation that the travel plans were cancelled, including cancellation and refund policy.

Step 3: To initiate a claim, visit CAA Assistance.

FAQ.

It is always best to ensure that when you're planning a trip to first check if there are any travel advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada for the destination you want to visit. There are four Government of Canada travel advisory levels:
  • Exercise normal security precautions (Level 1)
  • Exercise a high degree of caution (Level 2)
  • Avoid non-essential travel (Level 3)
  • Avoid all travel (Level 4)
Unfortunately, no. As per the policy conditions, you must be vaccinated a minimum of 14 days or more prior to your departure to be eligible for COVID coverage. Click here to read the full conditions of the policy endorsement.
Yes, if the vaccination was administered 14 or more days prior to your trip departure and it's approved by Health Canada. To see approved vaccinations by Health Canada, click here.
If you are not vaccinated a minimum of 14 days or more prior to your departure, you will not be eligible for the COVID coverage included in any of the emergency medical plans. Your emergency medical policy will cover you for unexpected situations unrelated to the current Level 3 travel advisory for COVID-19.
Unfortunately, no. If the Level 4 travel advisory is still in effect to avoid all cruise ship travel due to COVID-19, you will not be covered for any related COVID-19 illnesses.
Unfortunately, no. To be eligible for COVID coverage, you must adhere to the COVID-19 vaccination protocols and schedules outlined by the Ministry of Health for Ontario and receive at least one Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccination 14 days or more prior to your departure date.
Yes. If you and your spouse have received at least one Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccination 14 days or more prior to your departure and your children do not meet Health Canada's minimum age requirement for a COVID-19 vaccination, everyone is eligible and covered for any COVID-19 related illnesses.
Yes. Provided the destination is at a Level 3 travel advisory or below and you've received at least one Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccination 14 days or more prior to your departure, you will be covered up to $2.5 million CAD per insured for emergency medical treatment related to COVID-19 and related complications.
Yes, for any subsequent trips after April 26, 2021, if you received the COVID-19 vaccination 14 days or more prior to your departure. Also, if Health Canada approves the vaccination you received in Florida and you've met all the vaccination protocols and schedules, then you may be covered up to $2.5 million CAD per insured for emergency medical treatment related to COVID-19 and related complications.
Unfortunately, no. To be eligible for the COVID coverage, you must adhere to the COVID-19 vaccination protocols and schedules as outlined by the Ministry of Health for Ontario.
Yes, the COVID coverage will be included in all new CAA Home Insurance policies issued on May 1, 2021, and for renewals effective July 1, 2021.
Yes, provided you comply with the COVID-19 vaccination protocols and schedules as outlined by the Ministry of Health for Ontario and you received your first vaccine dose 14 days prior to departure.
Yes, you can purchase travel insurance for future travel. CAA Travel Insurance Emergency Medical Plans include coverage for COVID-19 related illnesses, which includes up to $2.5 million CAD in coverage for any COVID-19 related illnesses that may occur while travelling during a Level 3 (avoid non-essential) travel advisory, as issued by the Government of Canada. Certain COVID-19 vaccination conditions apply. Click here to read the COVID-19 coverage conditions.
Yes, you can continue to purchase travel insurance for family members visiting Canada.

If departure from Canada was PRIOR to a Level 3 Global Affairs Canada travel advisory, medical insurance would not be impacted by the advisory.

If departure was AFTER the Global Affairs Canada travel advisory, medical expenses unrelated to the travel advisory would be eligible for coverage according to the terms and conditions of the policy. COVID-19 related illnesses are covered in all CAA Emergency Medical Plans during a Level 3 travel advisory related to COVID. Click here to read the COVID-19 coverage conditions.

Please note, if your policy is set to expire, you will need to speak with your travel insurance professional for extension or top up & coverage clarification.

Yes, you can purchase an extension/Top Up to the original policy while at the destination, as long as no claims have been made. You will be eligible for COVID coverage if you have been fully vaccinated or have received your first vaccine dose before your departure. Click here to read the COVID-19 coverage conditions.
You will need to contact your travel insurance professional and discuss the situation directly with them.
The Global Affairs Advisory states to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice and does not apply to travel within Canada.
Extension to Single Trip/Top Up: Yes, you can purchase an extension to the original policy while at the destination, and no claims have been made. If you were fully vaccinated or have received your first vaccine dose before your departure, then you will be eligible for COVID coverage. Please contact your travel insurance professional to add a Top Up to your original policy.
Exclusive to the CAA Multi-Trip and Vacation Package Annual Plans, we’ve now introduced Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance*, an in-province benefit that provides you with easier access to emergency medical assistance with a licensed Canadian doctor via phone or video conference. The service will help you avoid long wait times and reduce exposure to other medical facilities or hospitals while keeping you safe in Ontario, even at home. To access this new benefit, contact CAA Assistance at 1-888-493-0161.

CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply.