Air Canada Vacations announced today that a COVID-19 Coverage and Assistance Plan, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, will be offered at no additional cost to customers booking with Air Canada Vacations.

The plan is designed to cover emergency medical and quarantine expenses if COVID-19 is contracted while travelling. It will be included in all flight and hotel Air Canada Vacations packages to select destinations in Mexico and in the Caribbean:

It is good news that tour operators are starting to offer insurance and other assistance related to COVID-19. Several airlines have already taken this step, and some insurance companies also offer COVID-19 travel insurance.

However, until September 30, 2020 (with possible extension beyond that date), all travellers returning to Canada from abroad must complete a 14 day-quarantine.

Finally, if these travel insurance covers medical expenses related to COVID-19 (or even quarantine in a foreign country), be aware that this does not cover expenses related to the cancellation or interruption of a trip due to COVID-19. The pandemic is well known, and Canadian citizens and permanent residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.