April 2022

In the last few weeks, we have seen a significant rise in interest for travel. Whether people are tired of being stuck at home or have developed a “Why not?” attitude, it feels like the dark storm clouds are finally parting and the sun is coming clearly into view. With that said, there is still a healthy amount of concern and uncertainty with the recent rise in cases, but we are feeling optimistic and excited about the future.

One area of travel that has been forced to adjust to the new reality is travel insurance. Now that government travel advisories have been lifted, travel insurance can provide you with that peace of mind coverage that you need now more than ever. We would like to give you an overview of the changes that could help you decide to take the plunge and book that tour. If you are not booked with Target Tours, we can still offer you travel insurance and help you protect your investment.

The updates below will cover protection before you depart and while you are on the tour. It is important to know and understand what you are covered for whether it be our Manulife Insurance Policy or if you decide on your own insurance through your health plan or credit card. Not all coverage is created equal and now more than ever you need to know what’s really in the fine print.

Trip Cancellation Insurance before you depart:

COVID-19 is still considered a known event in relation to Travel Advisory status changes. What this means is Trip Cancellation claims will not be paid if an individual cancels their trip for a reason related to COVID-19. Like most policies however, there are exceptions that will provide you with peace of mind that if something does happen, then your investment is protected.

The following three events are not considered known events if they occur after the purchase of your Trip Cancellation insurance:

1. Your sickness (accompanied by a medical certificate) due to contracting COVID-19 that prevents you from travelling as planned.
2. A positive COVID-19 test result (accompanied by a medical certificate) within 72 hours before your departure from home which prevents you from travelling as planned.
3. Your job loss as a result of the pandemic impact at your place of employment.

Medical Insurance and Quarantine Benefits after departure:

Now that the travel advisories have been lifted, any Manulife policy with a medical component will provide coverage for Covid-19 while on your tour. You also have Quarantine Benefits as part of a Manulife Travel Insurance policy that includes Emergency Medical benefits for meals, accommodation, telephone calls and taxi fares. These benefits will extend to you if:

1. You or your travel companion are denied entry into any destination included in your trip and you are quarantined as requested by a medical professional; or
2. Due to a positive Coronavirus (COVID-19) test result or contact tracing in any destination included in your trip, you or your travel companion are required to self-isolate, or quarantine as requested by a medical professional, in your destination beyond your original return date

 

Trip Interruption after departure:

If something happens on your tour due to Covid-19, the following two events will now be considered for Trip Interruption coverage:

1. Your sickness (accompanied by a medical certificate) due to contracting COVID-19 that prevents you from travelling as planned.
2. A positive COVID-19 test result (accompanied by a medical certificate) during your trip which prevents you from travelling as planned.

We believe these latest changes will not only help our travelers make an informed decision if/when the time is right to book that tour but also understand it is possible to be prepared for the unexpected. Please give us a call if you have any questions; we are here to help!