In July 2021, a GSC Update outlined benefits within GSC standard travel plans that were accessible during a quarantine period for a covered Fully Vaccinated Traveller who tested positive for COVID-19 during their trip and was delayed in returning home. These benefits have been in place since August 1, 2021 and included the following:
- Meal and accommodation expenses of up to $150/day (to a maximum of $1,500) where quarantine is required outside of Canada (or within Canada and outside of a plan member’s province of residence) when they cannot board their pre-arranged transportation home;
- Medical expenses incurred during the quarantine period including extension of prescription medications and follow-up COVID-19 tests;
- Additional expenses incurred for one-way economy fare to return home for the covered quarantined person(s) once they are cleared for travel; and
- Emergency medical expenses and the above quarantine expenses will continue to be eligible for up to 14 days in the event that the quarantine period causes a plan member to be away from their province of residence beyond the maximum number of days per trip covered by their plan.
Effective July 1, 2022, these benefits will continue to be included within standard travel plans regardless of vaccination status. Prior to July 1, 2022 they were only available to Fully Vaccinated Travellers – *see definition below. It’s important to note that this position may change based on travel advisories issued in the future.
Plan members can always find up-to-date information about their travel coverage and COVID-19 in the “Coronavirus (COVID-19)” page in the Support Centre.
*For the purposes of this quarantine benefit, a Fully Vaccinated Traveller is someone who is eligible for and has completed the recommended vaccine treatment considered by the Canadian government (typically two doses) at least two weeks prior to departure. Plan members can visit travel.gc.ca to determine whether they are considered fully vaccinated by the Government of Canada. Travellers who are not able to receive a vaccine in Canada based on age or medical condition will be considered a Fully Vaccinated Traveller for the purpose of this quarantine coverage.
