With borders re-opening, and travel restrictions being relaxed, more people are more eager than ever to get to their favourite beach destination and escape the long Canadian winters. But at what cost?
Let’s address some important questions regarding travel insurance on your American Express Card, and whether you are covered for COVID related claims.
Review Your Amex Travel Insurance
Before travelling in these uncertain times, make sure to review and understand your travel insurance policy. Amex Insurance is underwritten by RSA Group.
Here are some helpful links you should review to make sure you are covered:
- Amex Canada Insurance Coverage Policies by Card.
- Current Government of Canada Travel Advisories
- RSA Insurance COVID Coverage FAQ
- COVID-19 Testing Requirements – as of November 5, 2021
- File a Claim
Do I Have Travel Insurance If I Travel During a Travel Advisory?
If the Travel Advisory Was Issued Before Your Departure
If the Canadian government issues a travel advisory before your departure date, advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel or to avoid all travel to a specific country, region or area, NO emergency medical coverage is available.
Learn More: Government of Canada Travel Advisories
If the Travel Advisory Is Issued After Your Departure
If the travel advisory has been issued after your departure date, your emergency medical coverage will be limited to a period of 10 days from the date the travel advisory was issued or a period of time that is reasonable for you to safely leave the country.
In this case, get home as soon as you can before your travel coverage expires.
If you choose to stay, coverage will be available for medical conditions or losses which are unrelated to the reason for which the travel advisory was issued, while the travel advisory remains in effect.
Do I Have Travel Insurance if I Have COVID Symptoms Before Departure?
No coverage is available if you have experienced symptoms of any medical condition, including COVID-19, before your departure date, unless your condition meets the stability requirements outlined in your certificate of insurance.
If I Get the COVID Vaccine at My Destination, Will I Be Covered for Any Associated Costs or Complications?
Since the COVID vaccine is experimental, and pharmaceutical companies are exempt from taking responsibility for complications arising from the vaccine, that leaves you personally liable.
It might be a nice thought that you can hop on a plane, go down to your favourite sun destination and receive the vaccine elsewhere and just have your travel insurance cover you if anything goes wrong.
But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
“No, coverage is not available for expenses related to vaccination or any complications arising thereof, as it is an elective procedure that is not taken as a result of a medical emergency.”
Let that sink in.
An elective procedure is defined as your choice.
Receiving the COVID vaccine hasn’t exactly been presented as a choice, with mandates requiring employees to be vaccinated – or lose their jobs, among many other consequences for the unvaccinated.
Read more: You Can’t Sue Pfizer or Moderna Over Vaccine Side Effects
And although people vaccinated against COVID may still get the virus, the only true immunity seems to remain with the pharmaceutical companies who are exempt from vaccine side effect lawsuits.
Are COVID Test Costs to Re Enter Canada Covered by Amex Travel Insurance?
The Government of Canada is requiring all travellers returning to Canada to provide a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their return.
Amex travel insurance does not cover any costs associated with the test. Trip interruption/delay coverage is also void as a result, as it is deemed not a valid insured risk.
Conclusion: Should You Travel?
Even though travel is happening again, be sure to fully understanding your Amex travel insurance before getting caught up in the excitement of going on vacation again. Now is a good time to review those boring insurance policies and start asking questions. You can always phone the number on the back of your Card and talk to an agent who can explain your coverage as well.
If it makes sense for you: travel. But do your due diligence and make sure you are covered by Amex’s travel insurance policy first before packing your suitcase and enjoying that cocktail on the beach.
Read more: RSA Group COVID Travel Insurance FAQ
