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Community transmission of COVID-19 continues in many countries. If I choose to travel, what should I consider?
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- COVID-19 activity can vary significantly and change quickly from one country to another and within regions of the country. Additionally, there is no guarantee of the care that the plan member may receive at the destination or cruise ship. Consequently stay informed of COVID-19 activity at your destination by reviewing the official Government of Canada travel advisories (https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories). If you make the decision to travel, it's also important to understand your preparedness role to help ensure as smooth a trip as possible and to plan for some situations that may be costly and not necessarily anticipated.
- Although RWAM encourages you to heed the advice of the Canadian government travel advisories, to support our Plan Members who have chosen to travel and to provide additional peace of mind, we made the decision to remove our travel advisory exclusion in July 2020.
- This means that if you choose to travel, you can be assured that as an insured Plan Member you will be covered for emergency medical treatment should you contract COVID-19 while away, even if your trip is for non-essential reasons, or if the COVID-19 travel advisory is still in place. Dependent children studying outside of Canada are also covered. Please note that this coverage is dependent on being symptom-free and in good health prior to leaving.
- Note - Travel insurance does not cover everything. For complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the policy. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of the Co-operators group of companies and administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. Also note, Allianz Global Assistance does not tolerate any attempt of fraud and considers it a serious offence. Allianz Global Assistance strictly enforces a zero tolerance policy regarding fraud.
- If you have any questions please Contact Us .
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Does the Government of Canada offer any advice for cruise ship travel outside of Canada?
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- COVID-19 continues to circulate in Canada and internationally. The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of being infected with COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series. Please refer to Government of Canada cruise ship travel advisory for travel health advice. (https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/cruise)
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If I decide to travel, is there anything else I should do before I leave?
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If I experience COVID-19 symptoms ahead of upcoming travel, how will this affect my coverage?
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| While RWAM’s travel benefit now includes coverage for emergency medical expenses related to COVID-19, the requirement is that the Plan Member must be symptom-free prior to departure. If you are experiencing symptoms before leaving, we would recommend avoiding travel, as you would not be covered for any medical treatment related to COVID-19. |
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What should I do if I experience COVID-19 symptoms while away?
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- If you do travel and experience sudden symptoms of COVID-19 while away, call RWAM Travel Assist at the emergency assistance number on the back of your RWAM OneCard. In Canada and the USA – 1-866-520-8829, anywhere else in the world (call collect) 519-742-4196.
- These numbers will put you in touch directly with Allianz Global Assistance, RWAM’s travel benefit provider. Advise Allianz that you are a RWAM member and provide your Certificate #. Allianz will assess your medical situation and provide the appropriate care recommendations.
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Are quarantine-related expenses covered if I test positive and must quarantine during my trip?
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If an insured tests positive with COVID-19 while on a trip and are required to quarantine, the Out-of-Canada coverage will cover reasonable and customary meals, accommodation, and transportation costs to an overall maximum of $2,500 (per trip occurrence NOT per person) which consists of the following:
- Accommodation and meals have a maximum day limit of $150 for up to 14 days
- Transportation costs may include:
- Economy costs to get covered person home after quarantine
- Economy costs to get 1 travelling companion home if their plans had to change due to quarantine.
This enhancement will be in place until April 30, 2022 and if extended, a notification will be provided.
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Is the cost of the COVID-19 test mandated by any government regulation covered, if I decide to travel?
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| If you make the choice to travel, the cost of a COVID-19 test required by either your destination country or for return to Canada is not covered through your RWAM travel benefit. The COVID-19 test is also not covered if required for school programs for dependent students or for visits to Long Term Care facilities. |
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Is the COVID-19 vaccine covered, if I chose to get one while I am outside of Canada?
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| If you decide to travel, the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine is not covered through your RWAM travel benefit. |
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I’m currently away and would like to stay longer than the maximum day limit allowed under my RWAM travel benefit. Is there a way to extend my travel coverage?
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- In this situation, you should call Allianz directly at the applicable number on the back of your RWAM OneCard. In Canada and the USA – 1-866-520-8829, anywhere else in the world (call collect) 519-742-4196.
- Advise that you are a RWAM member, quote your Certificate #, and explain that you would like to purchase a top-up policy to extend your RWAM coverage past the maximum day limit.
- Providing your day limit has not yet expired, your provincial health coverage is in force for your entire trip, you are in good health, and there is no known medical reason for you to incur a claim, Allianz will confirm if a top-up policy can be issued once a medical questionnaire has been fully reviewed with you.
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