Warm-weather winter vacations: What you need to know

The dream of travel lives on in all of us, as the nightmare of the pandemic continues. For CAA-Quebec, the answer is clear—unfortunately, travel abroad is currently inadvisable. But some people are still wondering if they’re allowed to travel and whether they can get COVID-19 insurance. Here are our recommendations and answers the questions our travel advisors hear most frequently.

“As vice president of travel services at CAA-Quebec, I’m probably the first person to want to travel, but for now I’m staying put and telling my family and friends to do the same,” said Philippe Blain, vice president of travel services at CAA-Quebec.

Am I allowed to travel right now?

Global Affairs Canada advises would-be travellers to avoid all cruise ship and non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. Who makes the decision on what constitutes “essential” travel? Ultimately, you do. Be aware that the Quebec government has also issued its own guidelines on travelling from one region to another.

Technically, you do have the right to travel abroad. But you have to make sure the destination country will accept you. Canadian visitors are welcome in some countries—but not all. Some are screening visitors based on their reasons for travel. Others are imposing restrictions like quarantine, a negative test, or health insurance covering COVID-19. Know before you go! Here are links to the entry requirements for some of the more popular travel destinations:

How the pandemic may affect your travel plans

COVID-19 is a global pandemic, but every country is affected and dealing with it differently. The Canadian government launched a massive repatriation flight program in March, but the authorities were crystal clear that no more repatriation flights would be offered. From Global Affairs Canada: “Local authorities [in the destination country] may impose additional restrictions without notice, which could seriously impact your travel plans. Don’t expect the Canadian government to provide assistance in changing your travel plans.”  Again, know before you go.

Can I get insurance covering COVID-19?

There are three types of COVID-19 coverage for foreign travel:

• Some countries are offering COVID-19 insurance to tourists who contract the disease within their borders.
• Certain travel service providers and airlines (Transat, Sunwing, Air Canada, or their tour operators) can provide coverage against COVID-19.
• Some insurers include COVID-19 as a risk covered under their travel insurance.

Yes, it is possible to obtain medical coverage for COVID-19, but it has significant limitations.

First, you have to understand that insurers cannot guarantee access to health care to treat COVID-19 abroad. The coverage offered by some insurers may appear sufficient, but care at your destination—which could be essential—may be compromised by the pandemic. Even if you have insurance, there is a significant and very real risk that you may not have access to the resources and care you might need at your destination.

In addition, COVID-19 insurance provided by suppliers, hotels, or destinations may be sorely insufficient in the event of hospitalization. You need to ask who is covered, for how long and how much, etc. For example, $100,000 in coverage can get eaten up very quickly.

Here’s another tip: COVID-19 insurance doesn’t cover other risks. You still need emergency medical insurance to cover any other mishaps.

=> Everything you need to know about insurance, travel, and COVID-19

Mandatory quarantine

Like Canada, many countries are requiring international travellers to quarantine on arrival—but there are a number of sunny destinations that don’t. Check the links above for details by country.

When you get back, Canadian travellers must adhere to a strict 14-day quarantine that is increasingly subject to enforcement by public health authorities. All returning Canadians are also required to use the ArriveCAN mobile app.

Health protocols

The tourism industry has put strict health protocols in place to protect travellers and reinstill trust. Hand washing, temperature checks, social distancing, masks, and contactless transactions are all a part of life now, especially when you travel. Airports, airlines, hotels, and attractions all have their own protocols in place. It is your responsibility to know and follow them so we can work together to curb the spread.

Flexible pricing and restrictions

Since the first wave of the pandemic, travel agents have gradually resumed operations and are offering some great deals. Many have also really relaxed their travel restrictions. Generally speaking, travellers can change destinations at the last minute, delay or cancel a trip for credit toward future travel, or even get a refund.

              => Travel service provider policies

What’s CAA-Quebec’s position?

While we don’t recommend travelling abroad in the current context, we can help you navigate the new normal when it comes to travel. All the recommendations, requirements, and protocols out there can be complex and confusing. If you’re having trouble making travel decisions, you’re not alone. Talk to one of our travel counsellors for professional advice to help you make an informed decision and get the right coverage. It is our duty as a travel agent to give you the information you need to make the right decision for you and your family.

Taking a break from travel?

There’s nothing stopping you from dreaming about your next trip and starting to do your homework—in fact, we encourage it! Our travel counsellors would be happy to help. After all, there’s no such thing as planning too far in advance!