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Most countries worldwide have now reopened for Canadian tourists, but what does that mean for travel insurance, especially policies that cover Covid-19.
Despite it being 2022, some Canadian travel insurance companies are still not offering complete coverage, especially when it comes to cancellations or delays as a result of the virus.
However, we have some great options for Canadian travellers that WILL cover Covid-19, and also offer great travel health insurance, even with current travel advisories in place.
Below you will find the latest news on the best travel insurance options for Canadians that also cover Covid-19 in 2022.
Please Note: This article is meant as a general information guide only. Travel Insurance is constantly changing in the current environment and it is up to each traveler to ensure they are properly covered for their individual situations. We do our best to keep this article updated but insurance policies can change without notice.
Travel Insurance for Canadians That Covers Covid-19
SafetyWing
→ Great for BUDGET travellers
Canadians! Finally, an affordable insurance provider with plans that cover Covid-19, even with the current travel advisory in place.
SafteyWing is a product we have personally been using for the past two years because it is extremely affordable, has decent coverage inclusions, but most of all works with our lifestyle. We are very nomadic and our travel plans change so frequently that we needed plans that could be extended on the fly, no matter how long we were out of the country for.
We spoke directly with SafetyWing and found that as of August 1, 2020, they officially launched coverage for Covid-19 and are automatically including it in all their policies. Since I am very familiar and comfortable with their insurance and customer service, I am thrilled to be able to recommend them to my fellow Canadian readers.
While SafetyWing doesn’t offer the biggest coverage amounts we’ve ever seen, they are a fantastic option for travelers on a budget, younger travelers, and people who want the basics covered.
SafetyWing announced August 1:
“As of August 1st, Nomad Insurance covers Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)! Coverage works the same as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date, and does not fall under any other policy exclusion or limitation.
Testing for COVID-19 will only be covered if deemed medically necessary by a physician. The antibody test is not covered, as it is not medically necessary.”
Cost of SafeyWing
For 4 weeks of coverage:
- 10-39 years old $40.04
- 40-49 years old $64.68
- 50-59 years old $101.64
- 60-64 years old $137.76
Rates are for any country of travel except for: Cuba, Iran, Syria, and North Korea. Travel to the USA can also be covered, but do to high health care costs there, rates will go up.
What that covers:
- Coverage up to $250,000
- Deductible $250
- Trip Interruption – up to $5000
- Lost Checked Luggage – up to $3000
- Political Evacuation – up to $10,000
And lots more including intensive care, ambulance, hospital stays, travel delays, medical evacuation, emergency dental, etc. You can see everything that SafetyWing covers, including what sports activities, etc on their FAQ page.
Will SafetyWing still cover me, and cover Covid-19, if Canada has the ‘Avoid All Non-Essential Travel’ advisory still in place?
Yes. When I asked SafetyWing about this, they told me:
“Yes, the policy does not follow travel advisory from the Canadian government. It relates to the advise from the CDC and US DOS. The policy covers COVID-19 regardless of travel advisory.”
Editor's Note: Earlier in 2020 I got hospitalized while in Mexico. Thankfully I did have SafetyWing coverage for my entire stay, so my hospitalization, treatment, and medications were covered with my policy. The claims system was really easy and straightforward.
Get a quote with SafetyWing:
You should get a quote for your specific trip, and look over everything else SafetyWing includes.
HeyMondo
→ Great for: High coverage amounts
HeyMondo is gaining a lot of popularity lately, especially among our Travel Off Path Community. Their policies are great because they can be customized, adding more coverage when/where you need it.
Some readers need additional medical coverage that SafetyWing doesn't offer, which makes HeyMondo a great company to use when traveling to countries that have more expensive medical care, you need additional piece of mind, or you want to have extras (like phones and laptops) covered.
We contacted HeyMondo to ask if they would cover Covid-19 related illnesses, despite the current travel advisory from the Canadian government, and they confirmed they will.
Cost for HeyMondo
For 4 weeks of coverage for a Canadian (up to 69) traveling anywhere in the world excluding USA/Canada:
$105 USD
That Includes up to:
- $10,000,000 medical expenses
- $500,000 repatriation
- $1,700 luggage
- $450 travel delay
- $2,500 trip cancellation
*however, inclusions can be modified to suit your individual needs.
Hey Mondo policies have options to cover…
– Extra lodging expenses due to medical quarantine as prescribed by a doctor
– Electronics like laptops and cameras
Plus, they have an app where you can chat with real doctors 24/7 instead of going to a local hospital for smaller/less serious things, or to help give you piece of mind before visiting a doctor in person.
Covid-19 Coverage with HeyMondo:
HeyMondo states –
“All travel insurance plans that you see in our website cover medical assistance and expenses even in the event of infection by Coronavirus.”
Go straight over to HeyMondo's quote page to get all info on costs and inclusions.
InsureMyTrip
✓ Good for senior Canadians who need coverage over 69
InsureMyTrip is great for Canadian travellers, especially seniors over 69 who can’t find coverage with other companies.
InsureMyTrip has all the normal travel insurance coverages you would expect, plus:
- Cancellation due to diagnosed illness before traveling
- Emergency medical care if you become ill from covid-19 while traveling
- Accommodation coverage if quarantined at your destination
- An optional ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ add on, which is very handy in times of Omicron
Read More: See the full list of countries now reopen for Canadian tourists
Article originally published August 2, 2020 with updates
Su
Saturday 17th of July 2021
Hi Kashlee,
When purchasing SafetyWings, I got this message - Your address is located in Canada. Due to restrictions and regulations we cannot sell you insurance if you are currently physically located there. You can cross the border in any way and buy insurance immediately when you have left.
I confirm that I am not currently physically located in Canada.
I am not planning to go outside Canada just to buy this. And I cannot buy insurance once I have started my trip. So how does anyone from Canada get this?
Wouldn't buying from Canada void the whole contract?
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 18th of July 2021
I am Canadian and I use both Safteywing and HeyMondo a lot. SafetyWing currently doesn't have a license in Canada, so they require you to be out of the country to get it. If you are not already on your trip, try using HeyMondo instead, or a combination of the two
Radhika
Wednesday 24th of February 2021
My husband and I are in our early 70's and do a lot of travelling. Does anyone know if Safety Wing and Hey Mondo cover our age group?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 25th of February 2021
No I'm sorry, both providers don't cover over 70
RF
Monday 30th of November 2020
I have just received the following reply from HeyMondo. Since I did not see the required accommodation coverage of USD$2000 on the Online quote I had received. I asked for clarification. Keep in mind I am in Canada. Here is what they said:
I'm Giuseppe from the Customer Care department in Heymondo; first of all thank you for contacting us to protect your trip.
In response to your message, we confirm all travel insurance plans that you see in our website cover medical assistance even in the event of infection by Coronavirus.
So if you had to be hospitalized for days due to illness / Covid-19 that would be covered (as well as the return flight in case it takes longer and you miss your first flight).
However hotel expenses due to quarantine is not covered. The policy covers hospitalization and repatriation only
We remain at your disposal for any further information you may need.
Kind regards, Giuseppe Del Buono Heymondo Customer Service
Rf
Thursday 26th of November 2020
Blue Cross seems to offer one that may be accepted. I am waiting for a response from them. To make sure they meet the Cr requirements. They do cover covid, but their accommodation coverage was not mentioned on the quote, only listed on the site.
Doug St John
Thursday 26th of November 2020
Has anyone found a Canadian insurance company that fulfills the $2000 USD lodging coverage requirement for costa rica?