Would a COVID-19 diagnosis be covered by travel insurance?

World Nomads single and multi-trip plans for Canadian residents may provide coverage for specified benefits if your trip is affected by COVID-19. These benefits may include medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation and trip interruption if you contract COVID-19 while travelling and a doctor certifies you are too sick to travel. You may also be eligible for trip cancellation coverage for unused, prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you or certain others are unable to travel due to COVID-19, as certified by a physician.

Can I cancel my trip because I’m afraid of exposure to COVID-19?

Fear of travelling is not a covered reason for trip cancellation. However, you may choose to purchase the optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' add-on, which allows you to cancel for a broader range of reasons. This benefit may reimburse up to 50% of prepaid, non-refundable expenses (up to policy limits) if eligibility requirements are met and the trip is cancelled at least 48 hours before departure.

Can I buy travel insurance for COVID-19 when I’m already travelling?

Yes, you may be able to purchase travel insurance after your trip has started. However, restrictions apply, including a 48-hour waiting period before emergency medical coverage begins. Coverage will not apply if you purchase insurance after being diagnosed with COVID-19, and pre-existing condition exclusions may apply.

What happens if I get COVID-19 overseas while I’m travelling alone and I’m in the hospital?

If you are hospitalized for three or more days due to COVID-19 or another covered medical emergency while travelling alone, travel insurance may cover the cost for someone to travel to be with you. This can include airfare as well as accommodation and meals for up to 10 days, subject to policy limits.

Should I get ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ travel insurance?

‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage is optional and may be worth considering if you want flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons not otherwise covered, such as fear of COVID-19. It must be purchased as an add-on within 15 days of your initial trip deposit and may reimburse up to 50% of eligible prepaid, non-refundable costs if conditions are met.

What types of medical expenses may be covered if I have COVID-19?

If you experience a medical emergency due to COVID-19, travel insurance may cover expenses such as physician costs, hospital costs, prescription medication, diagnostic tests, and ambulance transport, up to policy limits. You must maintain Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) coverage to qualify for maximum benefits, otherwise coverage is limited to $40,000.

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Travel Insurance for COVID-19

Canadians may have coverage for medical expenses if COVID-19 prevents travel

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At a glance

Travel insurance coverage for COVID-19: COVID-19 is treated as any other sickness and not excluded from World Nomads Travel Insurance plans for Canadian residents
Emergency medical coverage: Emergency medical benefits may help if you need to see a doctor and get treatment for COVID-19 while travelling
Travel disruptions caused by COVID-19: All single trip and annual multi-trip plans may help with travel disruptions such as trip cancellations or interruptions, if your doctor medically restricts you from travelling with COVID-19
‘Cancel for Any Reason’ upgrade available: An optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ upgrade is available for the Explorer and Epic plans offered by World Nomads

Why should you consider travel insurance for COVID-19?
What May Be Covered for contracting COVID-19
Exclusions
Maximum Limits for COVID-19
Our Tips for Staying Healthy Before and During Your Trip
FAQs

Why should you consider travel insurance for COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been over 779,000,000 reported cases of COVID-19. While it’s not as scary as it was in 2020, the number of cases continues to grow. Data from 2026 shows that a large percentage of those new cases are from Europe and the Americas. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before your planned trip, and it results in medical restrictions that force you to cancel it, trip cancellation coverage may reimburse you for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses (such as flights, hotels and excursions).

If you become sick with COVID-19 while on your trip, your Government Health Insurance Plan could be limited when you travel outside of your province, and may only pay a small portion, if any, of your medical expenses. Travel insurance for medical emergencies may cover medical expenses if you need to see a doctor or get treatment. If you aren’t able to get the care you need at your destination, emergency medical evacuation benefits may even help you get to a place where you can get care (up to maximum limits as shown in your policy documents; subject to pre-approval by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team). In short, your travel insurance plan treats COVID-19 the same as any other sickness.

What May Be Covered for contracting COVID-19

Exclusions

Cancelled trips due to fear of travelling and getting sick (unless you purchased the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage)
Non-essential medical treatment
Pre-existing medical condition(s) as explained in your policy documents
Medical emergencies that happen while travelling in your home province
An epidemic or pandemic

Maximum Limits for COVID-19

Standard Plan	Explorer Plan	Epic Plan	Annual Plan
Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $1,500,000 CAD Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $250,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $2,500 CAD Trip Interruption: Up to $2,500 CAD Get a quote	Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $5,000,000 CAD Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $500,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000 CAD Trip Interruption: Up to $10,000CAD Get a quote	Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $10,000,000 CAD Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $750,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $15,000 CAD Trip Interruption: Up to $15,000 CAD Get a quote	Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $5,000,000 CAD Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $500,000 CAD Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000 CAD Trip Interruption: Up to $10,000 CAD Get a quote

Standard Plan

Explorer Plan

Epic Plan

Annual Plan

Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $1,500,000 CAD

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $250,000 CAD

Trip Cancellation: Up to $2,500 CAD

Trip Interruption: Up to $2,500 CAD

Get a quote

Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $5,000,000 CAD

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $500,000 CAD

Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000 CAD

Trip Interruption: Up to $10,000CAD

Get a quote

Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $10,000,000 CAD

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $750,000 CAD

Trip Cancellation: Up to $15,000 CAD

Trip Interruption: Up to $15,000 CAD

Get a quote

Emergency Medical Expenses: Up to $5,000,000 CAD

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $500,000 CAD

Trip Cancellation: Up to $10,000 CAD

Trip Interruption: Up to $10,000 CAD

Get a quote

*You must have Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefit. If you don't, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to $40,000.

Compare all benefits and plans

Our Tips for Staying Healthy Before and During Your Trip

Before your trip, check out the Canadian government’s travel advice for your destination.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Pack disinfectant wipes and wipe down high-touch surfaces, including airplane armrests.
Have a copy of your travel insurance plan saved in your phone. Save the phone number for the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as well. Hopefully you won’t need to use it, but if you have a medical emergency related to COVID-19 or other illnesses, you’ll want to have it easily accessible.

What to do if you have an emergency related to COVID-19 while overseas

It’s essential that you get in contact with our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as possible so that our team can support you from the time you get sick until the time you're well again.

So that our emergency assistance team can assist you quickly, please be ready with the following:

Your policy number
A contact number for where you are and/or your cell phone number
The nature of your problem
Your location
Don’t forget to save all documentation related to your medical emergency, including medical reports, receipts, etc. You’ll need those if you plan to make a claim.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for coronavirus. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.

Would a COVID-19 diagnosis be covered by travel insurance?
World Nomads single and multi-trip plans for Canadian residents may provide

coverage for specified benefits if your trip is affected by COVID-19.

These benefits may include medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation and trip interruption coverage if you contract COVID-19 while travelling and a doctor certifies you are too sick to travel.

You may also be eligible for trip cancellation coverage for unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses (such as flights, hotels and excursions) if you, your travel companion, a close family member or business partner are unable to travel, as certified by a physician, and it prevents you from leaving on your trip.

Do I still need a Government Health Insurance Plan while travelling?
You must have Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefit. If you don't, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to $40,000.

Can I cancel my trip because I’m afraid of exposure to COVID-19?
A fear of travelling is not considered a covered reason for cancelling a trip. However, if you’re concerned that you may want to cancel the trip because of COVID-19 (or any reason at all), you may want to consider purchasing the optional ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage. This allows you to cancel for a wider range of reasons than those included in your trip cancellation benefits, but ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage isn’t automatically included. It’s an optional add-on for Canadian residents. With ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage, benefits may be paid for up to 50% of prepaid and non-refundable deposits and payments you made towards your cancelled trip (up to policy limits).

When you get a quote for a World Nomads Travel Insurance plan within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit or payment, and you choose the Explorer or Epic plan, you’ll see the additional option to add -on ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage. This must be added at the time you purchase your plan, and you’ll need to pay an additional premium. If you have any questions, reach out to our team, and they’ll be happy to assist.

Can I buy travel insurance for COVID-19 when I’m already travelling?
Yes. With World Nomads, you may be able to buy a travel insurance plan even after your trip has started. As long as you have an internet connection, you can get a quote and purchase coverage online from almost anywhere in the world.

If you purchase a plan while already travelling, though, certain restrictions may apply. For example, there is a 48-hour waiting period before you have emergency medical coverage for injuries or sickness. There are also pre-existing medical condition exclusions that apply to medical conditions and/or symptoms that existed prior to your policy start date. Travel insurance won’t help you if you purchase it after you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19. Always review your plan details to understand what is and isn’t covered before you buy. If you have any questions, contact us and ask.

What happens if I get COVID-19 overseas while I’m travelling alone and I’m in the hospital?
Just because you’re travelling alone doesn’t mean you have to deal with a medical emergency by yourself. If you’re admitted to the hospital because of COVID-19 (or any covered medical emergency) for three or more days during a solo trip, travel insurance for overseas medical emergencies may cover the cost for someone to travel to be with you during your time of need. In addition to a plane ticket, travel insurance may also cover their costs for things such as hotel accommodations and meals for up to 10 days (up to maximum limits).

Should I get ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ travel insurance?
That’s up to you, but if you think there’s a possibility that you may want to cancel your trip because of fear of contracting COVID-19 (or for any reason that’s not listed as one of the covered cancellation reasons in your policy documents) you may want to consider it.

The ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ travel insurance benefit isn’t automatically included, but it’s an optional add-on you can select if you purchase the Epic or Explorer plan within 15 days of paying the first deposit on your trip. With ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage, benefits may be paid for up to 50% (up to policy limits) of prepaid, unused, non-refundable deposits and payments you made towards your cancelled trip, as long as you cancel your trip at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure date listed on your policy certificate. When you get a quote for travel insurance, you can compare your coverage options. If you have any questions, contact us and ask.

What types of medical expenses may be covered if I have COVID-19?
If you have a medical emergency due to COVID-19, or any illness or injury, you may be covered for a variety of expenses (up to maximum limits shown in policy documents), including:
- Physician costs
- Hospital costs
- Prescription medication
- Tests needed to diagnose your condition
- Ambulance transport
Just remember, you must have Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefit. If you don't, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to $40,000.

This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.

Standard Plan: $2,500
Explorer Plan: $10,000
Epic Plan: $15,000
AMT Plan: $10,000

Trip Protection

Unexpectedly hospitalized?
Travel buddy unfit to travel?
Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Help take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Standard Plan: $1,500,000
Explorer Plan: $5,000,000
Epic Plan: $10,000,000
Annual Plan: $5,000,000

Emergency Medical Insurance

Need meds quick?
Accidentally injured?
Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

Standard Plan: $250,000
Explorer Plan: $500,000
Epic Plan: $750,000
Annual Plan: $500,000

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

Banged up abroad?
Need a hospital urgently?
Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Gear & Baggage Protection

Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

Standard Plan: $1,000
Explorer Plan: $2,000
Epic Plan: $5,000
Annual Plan: $2,000

Protect your gear

Passport or tech stolen?
Airline lost your gear?
Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

Protect your health

Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
Emergency Professional Services
Return of Remains
Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children

Protect your trip

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Trip Delay
Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)

Protect your stuff

Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
Travel Documents Theft or Damage
Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy

Assistance Services

24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
Worldwide Travel Assistance
Personal Security Assistance
Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
Bag Trak

This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

This information is for Canadian residents only. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans. Coverage may not be available in all provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a described full description of coverage. In the event of a conflict between the information on this website and the Insurance Policy, the Insurance Policy shall govern in all circumstances. World Nomads is supported by different insurers from around the world, with variations in coverage and terms depending on your country of residence, the plan you buy and what’s happened to you. The insurance products described are available for Canadian residents through World Nomads (Canada) Ltd (“World Nomads”) are underwritten by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Canadian Branch).