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Recent global events have raised questions about how group travel insurance works when employees travel to destinations where government travel advisories exist due to political unrest, war, or other risks.
While most group benefit travel insurance plans continue to provide emergency medical coverage abroad, employers and plan members should understand that important limitations apply when travel occurs in higher-risk regions and seek pre-trip counselling prior to travel.
The importance of pre-trip planning
Travel restrictions and global events are fluid. Pre-trip counselling is strongly recommended, particularly when travel involves higher-risk regions. This may include reviewing coverage details, confirming eligibility, and understanding policy limitations before departure.
- Plan members and dependents must be covered under their provincial health plan
- Ensure trip length does not exceed the days’ limit and know the overall maximum coverage amount.
- Check Government of Canada travel advisory for the destination at Travel advice and advisories – Travel.gc.ca
Employees should also review key elements of their coverage, including stability periods for medical conditions, pre-existing condition clauses, and emergency contact procedures while travelling.
Travel insurance is designed to support members during medical emergencies abroad, but it cannot eliminate every risk associated with travelling to areas experiencing conflict or instability.
Taking time to review coverage and understand the limitations before travel can help prevent significant challenges if an emergency occurs.
Coverage may still exist, but assistance may be limited
Most travel insurance contracts do not automatically cancel coverage simply because the Government of Canada has issued an “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” advisory.
If a member experiences an unexpected medical emergency while abroad, eligible medical expenses may still be reimbursed.
However, insurers caution that travel assistance providers may face challenges providing full support in high-risk locations. Depending on the situation, they may not be able to guarantee timely access to care or coordinate a medical evacuation.
Claims will also generally not be payable if the illness or injury is directly related to the reason for the travel advisory, such as war or armed conflict. Most policies also exclude injuries related to voluntary participation in riots, insurrections, or similar events.
What this means for employers
Organizations that require employees to travel internationally should take extra care when travel involves destinations where conflict or instability exists.
Before approving travel to these locations, employers should consider:
- Reviewing the Government of Canada travel advisory for the destination at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
- Confirming how the organization’s travel insurance contract responds in that region
- Ensuring employees understand when and how to contact the insurer’s emergency assistance provider
- Discussing contingency plans if evacuation or assistance services become limited
You may also wish to assess whether the travel is essential and whether alternative arrangements are possible.
