Because the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, Blue Cross now recognizes it as a known issue.

As a result, if a Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) or Level 4 (avoid all travel) travel advisory has been issued for a country, region (including cruise ships) or city before you depart for that destination, you and your eligible family members will not be covered for any claims related to COVID-19.

If you travel to a destination without a Level 3 or 4 advisory at the time of your departure and incur any claims arising from COVID-19, those claims will be eligible for coverage.

If you are quarantined while abroad, and you have reached the end of the travel limit duration, coverage will extend for an additional 72 hours following the end of the quarantine to ensure coverage is in place during your return. This extension does not include self-quarantine.

Currently, the Canadian government has issued Level 3 and Level 4 travel advisories due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in a number of countries. An advisory is also in place for Canadians to avoid all cruise ship travel.

If you or your eligible family members have travel scheduled in the near future, we strongly recommend you regularly check the Government of Canada Travel Advisories to confirm the latest information.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if there are further developments.

Travel healthcare benefits are provided to members of the HEB Manitoba Healthcare Plan and their eligible family members. When traveling on vacation or business, the Plan provides coverage for emergency treatment due to an accident or illness, and includes benefits for hospital, medical, and related expenses following an unexpected, sudden or unforeseen accident or sickness outside your province of residence.