Just as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, so is the travel insurance industry.
Two key issues are currently taking place during the second wave of the pandemic with people and airlines consistently trying to keep up with public health regulations.
Negative COVID-19 Tests
The Canadian government made it mandatory for travelers five years old and above to produce a negative PCR COVID-19 test prior to returning to the country, effective January 7.
Passengers won't be allowed to board if test aren't presented. If the country where they are departing from does not have the proper COVID-19 testing available, they will still be able to board the plane, but will be held in a federal quarantine facility upon entry in Canada. The mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entering Canada still applies for all travelers.
NFP spoke to Martin Firestone of Travel Secure to find out more about how it will be handled.
Q: How much is the test and will the insurer will cover it?
A: COVID-19 tests range between $120 and $180 and there is no coverage provided through the insurer.
Q: If I miss the plane because results weren't returned in time or I couldn't get the test, will the insurance company extend their coverage?
A: People who missed flights will have to call their insurer to pay and get it extended. If there is a claim, it could present an issue into getting coverage extended.
Q: Can I find out whether the country I'm going to has the required test?
A: There has yet to be a list produced to indicate which countries carry the required tests.
Lines at the airport are also expected to be long as airline employees review and decide whether you are allowed to board or not.
Snowbirds Chase Vaccine
Firestone has recently had clients flying to the United States to get the COVID-19 vaccine that is being made available to them either through the community they live in or snowbirds who are already in the US and have access either online or through American doctors.
Q: Will insurance companies pay for the vaccine for snowbirds and what will the cost be?
A: Insurance companies will not cover the vaccine, although it's free of charge. There may be a dispensing fee once it can be administered at drug stores.
Q: Will snowbirds still need to present a negative COVID-19 test and quarantine if they receive both doses of the vaccine?
A: Yes. A new development also requires people to present a negative to enter the US as of January 26.
Many Canadians are wondering it's even possible for snowbirds to move ahead of the queue and get vaccines months ahead of what would happen if they had to wait for vaccines in Canada. Firestone says it's an incredibly fluid situation and updates will continue as more details become available.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday that people who own property in Florida and live there at least part-time would qualify for the vaccine, however, non-state residents are no longer eligible to receive the vaccine. For more information, please reach out to Martin Firestone.