Important clarifications related to coronavirus from Allianz Global Assistance in Canada
In follow up to our prior communication declaring Coronavirus (COVID-19) a known event, effective March 13, 2020, Global Affairs Canada has issued a Global Travel Advisory to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.
Please read this update in detail as it includes new information regarding coverage.
How this impacts your client’s policy
Travel insurance is intended to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. Any claims resulting from events known to a policyholder when purchasing insurance are not covered.
Emergency Medical benefits - For policies with Emergency Medical benefits, policyholders who departed on their trip prior to March 13, 2020, who contract coronavirus at their destination will continue to be eligible for emergency medical treatment, unless the Government of Canada issued a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory for their trip destination prior to their departure date.
- Important update: For policies with Emergency Medical benefits that are purchased on or after March 13, 2020, any Emergency Medical claims related to coronavirus will not be payable.
Trip Cancellation benefits
- For policies with Trip Cancellation benefits that were purchased before March 11, 2020, policyholders will still be eligible to claim for Trip Cancellation if the Government of Canada issued a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory for their destination after purchasing their policy.
For clarification:
o The March 9th cruise advisory, issued by the Government of Canada,
is being treated as a Level 4 travel advisory.
o The March 13th global travel advisory for travel outside of Canada,
issued by the Government of Canada, is considered a Level 3 advisory.
- Please note: Many travel suppliers are offering refunds or waiving change fees for trips impacted by coronavirus. If a policyholder needs to cancel their trip, please ensure they have contacted their travel provider to confirm how to cancel their trip and what refunds or credits may be available to them. As travel insurance plans reimburse the non-refundable, non-transferable portion of prepaid travel expenses, proof of unavailable refunds or credits will be required when filing a claim.
- For policies with Trip Cancellation benefits that are purchased on or after March 11, 2020, any Trip Cancellation claims related to coronavirus will not be payable as this was deemed a known event.
Trip Interruption benefits
- For policies with Trip Interruption benefits that were purchased prior to March 11, 2020, provided policyholders departed before March 13, 2020, they will be eligible to claim for Trip Interruption if, after they have departed on their trip, the Government of Canada issues a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory at their destination.
For clarification:
o The March 9th cruise advisory, issued by the Government of Canada, is being
treated as a Level 4 travel advisory.
o The March 13th global travel advisory for travel outside of Canada, issued by the
Government of Canada, is considered a Level 3 advisory.
- Important update: For policies purchased prior to March 11, 2020, if a policyholder departs on their trip after March 13, 2020, they will not have Trip Interruption coverage if they travel outside of Canada.
- For policies with Trip Interruption benefits that are purchased on or after March 11, 2020, any Trip Interruption claims related to coronavirus will not be payable as this was deemed a known event.
Refund Policy
- Our standard refund terms and conditions still apply. Please refer to the Premium Refund section of the policy for full details.
All changes above are applicable to our broker distributed products.
To help you in addressing these coverage updates with your clients, you will find the following downloadable pdf’s available on the Sales Resources tab on Quicktic shortly:
- Partner Agent Coronavirus FAQ
- Coronavirus notice to print and provide to clients at time of purchase
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