Cancelling a planned trip anywhere in the world because of the coronavirus outbreak from now on, may not be a valid reason to be reimbursed your travel expenses.
So say representatives at TuGo, one of the biggest travel insurance providers in the country. TuGo provides policies for dozens of companies.
Manulife has also reportedly implemented a similar policy. CKOM has contacted the company for confirmation.
According to a statement provided by TuGo’s Marketing and Communications Manager Melissa Kaerne, as of March 4 they have identified coronavirus as a “known circumstance” as it relates to Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage.
“That means it is no longer considered sudden and unexpected, as it is a global health issue.”
Because of that, the company will no longer provide any new coverage for the event. If a traveller bought Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption insurance prior to March 4, their policies will not be affected.
Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance policies are non-medical in nature and provide reimbursement of unexpected events like job loss, sudden death or an unexpected medical event like emergency surgery.
The statement also indicates that TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance is still available for travellers, as long as the destination they’re visiting doesn’t have an “avoid non-essential” or “avoid all” travel advisory in place before they leave.