Great West Life Travel Insurance and COVID‑19: What's Covered, What's Not, and How to Claim

Quick Answer: Does Great West Life Travel Insurance Cover COVID‑19?

Great West Life offers travel insurance plans that include specific COVID‑19 provisions, but coverage varies by product and destination. Generally, you can receive reimbursement for medically‑necessary treatment, trip‑cancellation or interruption due to a COVID‑19 diagnosis, and quarantine‑related expenses if the policy was purchased before travel began. However, many plans exclude losses caused by government travel bans or pre‑existing conditions. Always read the policy wording and confirm the COVID‑19 clause before you buy.

Understanding Great West Life's Travel Insurance Portfolio

Great West Life (GWL) provides three main travel‑insurance families in Canada:

• Standard Travel – basic coverage for medical emergencies, baggage loss, and trip interruption.
• Premium Travel – higher limits, optional add‑ons, and broader trip‑cancellation protection.
• COVID‑19 Travel Protect – a dedicated rider that adds pandemic‑specific benefits to any existing plan.

Each family includes a range of plans tailored to short‑term trips (up to 30 days), extended stays (up to 180 days), and group travel. The COVID‑19 provisions are most robust in the Premium and COVID‑19 Travel Protect options.

Key COVID‑19 Coverage Elements

Medical Expenses

If you contract COVID‑19 while traveling, GWL will cover medically‑necessary treatment up to the plan's medical‑expense limit (often CAD 100,000 – CAD 250,000). Coverage includes hospital stays, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medication, provided the treatment is received after the trip's start date.

Trip Cancellation & Interruption

Cancellation or interruption due to a confirmed COVID‑19 diagnosis, or a mandatory quarantine ordered by a local health authority, is reimbursable up to the prepaid, non‑refundable trip cost. The claim must be filed within 30 days of the event, and you'll need a positive test result or official quarantine order as proof.

Quarantine & Accommodation Costs

GWL reimburses reasonable expenses for mandatory quarantine (hotel, meals, and transport) if the quarantine is imposed by a government authority because of a COVID‑19 infection diagnosed during the trip. The daily limit is typically CAD 150 – CAD 250, with a maximum total of CAD 1,500 per trip.

Travel Delay

When a flight is delayed more than 6 hours due to COVID‑19‑related airport closures, GWL may cover meals, accommodation, and alternate transportation up to a per‑day allowance (often CAD 100). This is an optional add‑on in most plans.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

Even with COVID‑19 riders, GWL policies have notable exclusions:

• Pre‑existing Conditions: If you had a COVID‑19 infection or related symptoms within 90 days before the trip start date, most plans consider it pre‑existing and deny coverage.
• Government Travel Bans: If a country imposes a blanket travel ban that prevents you from leaving, the loss is usually excluded unless you purchased a specific "Travel Ban" rider.
• Voluntary Cancellation: Deciding not to travel because of personal fear of COVID‑19 does not qualify for reimbursement.
• Non‑Medical Quarantine: Voluntary self‑isolation without a formal order is not covered.

How to Verify Your Policy's COVID‑19 Benefits

Because policy wording can change, follow these steps before you travel:

• Log into your Great West Life account or request a PDF of the full policy documents.
• Locate the "COVID‑19 Coverage" or "Pandemic Rider" section.
• Check the effective date – the policy must be active before your departure to qualify.
• Note the maximum limits for medical, cancellation, and quarantine expenses.
• Confirm any required add‑ons (e.g., Travel Delay Rider) are attached.

Filing a COVID‑19 Claim with Great West Life

Prompt, organized documentation speeds up reimbursement:

Comparing Great West Life's COVID‑19 Coverage to Competitors

The table below summarizes how GWL stacks up against two major Canadian insurers – Manulife and Allianz Global Assistance – for the most common COVID‑19 claim types.

GWL leads in medical limits and quarantine reimbursement, but the overall value depends on the specific plan and add‑ons you select.

Tips for Maximizing Protection and Minimizing Out‑of‑Pocket Costs

• Buy Early: Policies must be in force before departure; buying at the last minute can invalidate COVID‑19 coverage.
• Choose the Right Rider: If you're traveling to a high‑risk region, add the "COVID‑19 Travel Protect" rider for broader cancellation benefits.
• Document Everything: Keep digital copies of test results, health‑authority notices, and all receipts.
• Know Local Rules: Some countries require proof of insurance that covers COVID‑19; verify this before you leave.
• Consider a Separate Medical Plan: If your primary health insurance already offers strong overseas coverage, you might opt for a lighter GWL plan focused on trip interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Great West Life cover COVID‑19 testing abroad?

Yes, if the test is ordered by a medical professional as part of treatment for symptoms you develop after arrival. Routine screening tests are excluded.

2. What if my flight is cancelled because the destination country closes its borders?

Standard plans treat this as a government travel ban and exclude it unless you purchased a specific "Travel Ban" rider. The Premium plan's cancellation benefit may still apply if the ban occurs after you've already started your trip.

3. Can I extend my coverage if my trip is prolonged due to quarantine?

GWL allows extensions up to the original policy's maximum duration (usually 180 days) for an additional premium. Request the extension before the original expiry date.

4. Are there any age limits for COVID‑19 coverage?

Most GWL plans cover travelers up to age 80. Some senior‑specific plans extend coverage to age 85 but may have lower medical limits.

5. How does vaccination status affect coverage?

Vaccination is not a condition for coverage, but some insurers (not GWL) offer reduced premiums for fully vaccinated travelers. GWL's policy wording does not differentiate based on vaccination.