Effective Date: March 26, 2020
Please note: This FAQ document replaces any and all previous versions.
Currently Available in English Only.
Can I receive COVID-19 testing even if I have no symptoms?
Since medical benefits are largely limited to expenses related to unforeseen emergencies requiring immediate attention, elective testing for COVID-19 is unfortunately not covered. If you are in Canada, please check with your province’s Ministry of Health for COVID-19 testing details. For example, in Ontario, COVID-19 testing is covered at no charge, regardless of your eligibility under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.
Where do I go for COVID-19 testing?
If you are in Canada, please visit the website for your province’s Ministry of Health to view a list of assessment centres in your area.
Are over-the-counter COVID-19 screening kits (such as those available in pharmacies) covered?
Unfortunately, over-the-counter medications, including screening kits, are not covered.
Does my policy cover medical expenses related to COVID-19?
Visitors to Canada medical insurance policies can cover emergency COVID-19 treatment in Canada, but policy exclusions may apply, such as exclusions related to pre-existing medical conditions. Governments may also cover pandemic-related treatment costs. Expenses related to COVID-19 that occur on side trips outside of Canada would not be covered if the trip destination is under a Canadian travel advisory at the time of departure.
Will my policy provide repatriation coverage if I get COVID-19 and need to be returned to my home country?
Unfortunately, our Assistance service excludes coverage for repatriation that requires transportation in a biohazard isolation unit.
Am I covered by trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance?
Canadian travel insurers determine this on an individual policy basis. Policies purchased after the Government of Canada’s global advisory against non-essential travel issued on March 13, 2020 may not provide coverage for trip cancellations related to COVID-19.
What do I do if I get sick while I am travelling?
If you begin to feel symptoms related to COVID-19, contact Assistance at 1-866-883-9787, toll-free from Canada or the United States, or at 1-416-640-7865 from anywhere in the world.
Assistance will help to assess your symptoms and direct you, as needed, to a hospital or clinic for the appropriate care. Depending on your specific situation, Assistance is also available to:
- Provide interpretation services to help you better communicate with health care personnel
- Advance funds to a service provider if you’re required to pay up-front for medical care
- Monitor your case through to recovery
When consulting with a doctor, be sure to disclose if you visited any high-risk areas or have been in contact with anyone who has shown COVID-19 symptoms.
Will I be covered for self-isolation or quarantine—for example, if I need a hotel room?
Precautionary quarantines imposed on travellers due to government restrictions, including upon arrival at a destination or upon return to their home country, are not covered under our Discover Canada policy. However, if your return to your home country is delayed due to a precautionary quarantine, your coverage can be extended provided you remain eligible. Coverage is automatically extended for up to five days under certain circumstances (ex: delayed return due to flight disruption or hospitalization).
Provided their policy took effect before March 13, 2020, insured individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections will be covered the same as with any illness. However, this does not include self-isolation outside of a hospital, as our policies do not cover additional living expenses.
Can I still mail information, such as original documents regarding claims, to MSH International?
While our offices are still open and mail continues to be delivered, we kindly ask that claims and supporting information be submitted online or via email.
What if I get sick returning to Canada from abroad?
If you have travelled, or have been in contact with someone who has travelled:
- Stay home and avoid contact with others for 14 days
- Contact your local public health authority within 24 hours of your arrival in Canada
- Follow up with your health care professional
Closely monitor your health. If you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing over the 14 days after your return:
- Call your health care provider or your local public health authority
- Disclose your symptoms, travel to the outbreak area/area under travel advisory, and/or any contact with individuals with symptoms
If you are sick and need medical attention in Canada:
– Notify the medical clinic or hospital in advance. Disclose your symptoms and/or your travel abroad. DO NOT take public transit, an Uber, or a taxi!
– Wear a mask while waiting for or receiving treatment to prevent spreading the illness
If you feel sick before your departure for Canada:
– Do not use any form of public transportation
– Seek medical attention immediately
If you feel sick during travel to or upon your arrival in Canada:
– Inform the flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services agent. They will decide whether medical assessment by a quarantine officer is needed
Am I covered for emergency medical treatment in Canada for COVID-19?
Policies for travel purchased will continue to cover new and unforeseen medical expenses related to COVID-19 infection; however, it’s best to consult your policy wording for specific details. Alternatively, you may contact us for help in determining the impact of COVID-19 on your coverage.
Am I covered if I am from a country with a known outbreak of COVID-19?
Coverage for COVID-19 treatment in this instance will be determined on an individual case basis, taking into account traveller health for the stability period before the policy start date.
Will I be covered if I contract COVID-19 during travel outside of Canada, or on a visit to my home country?
The Discover Canada policy allows for side trips outside of Canada, provided that certain criteria are met (see your policy wording for details). Side trips outside of Canada that took place before the Government of Canada’s global travel advisory issued on March 13, 2020 are covered for emergency COVID-19 related expenses, provided the trip was not made to a country for which an advisory was issued at the time of departure. Side trips after March 13, 2020 are not covered for COVID-19 related expenses.
The Discover Canada policy does not cover expenses incurred during trips to your home country.
You can also call us at 416-730-8488 (or toll-free at 1-800-360-3234) to speak with a customer service representative or email us at helpline@americas.msh-intl.com