This year has been a little difficult for those of us who want to travel responsibly, even from a future planning perspective. The Canadian government's blanket advisory has not been accompanied with any sort of timeline or even criteria for potential change, with many travel insurance policies excluding coverage under such status.
Since the end of August, however, the suppliers themselves seem to be stepping up to the mark. First Air Canada Vacations then WestJet, now Air Canada and Sunwing.
Manulife, our own travel insurance partner for Canadian travellers here at Odyssean Travel has also announced their own coverage will be available at some time during October. Details to be confirmed.
I can't comment on specific policy aspects, but this is certainly welcome news. If you've lost out on your vacation away this year, you may have several choices for your next trip!
A little more information has been brought forward by Manulife, suggesting their October debut policy may be titled the Manulife COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan and that the plan may feature coverage familiar to those who've held a Manulife policy in past.
Manulife is one of, if not the largest travel insurance provider in Canada. There will be plenty of you out there!
It sounds a lot like there may be coverage for COVID-related and non-related Emergency Medical Coverage, but also considerations for quarantine and for a surprise change in the advisory level while away from home - subject to the specific policy terms but the Level 3 advisory does appear to be covered.
That's important because the Canadian government's blanket advisory status for the entire globe has been at a Level 3 or greater, asking Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel anywhere.
Although it should be noted that the greater status has been reserved for places typically associated with war and conflict, such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.