The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is evolving very quickly and we know that our clients have a lot of questions. Rest assured that we’re here to help you find the answers you need. We’ll also make sure to keep you informed about any decisions we make in response to the coronavirus that may affect your life, health or disability insurance.
We know this is a difficult time for a lot of people, and the physical and financial health of our clients is important to us. If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, please reach out to us. Supporting you is our priority.
We’ve put together this FAQ for you. Please note that in case of discrepancy between the FAQ and your contract, the information in your contract takes precedence.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the cold virus and that usually cause respiratory illness. For more information on the symptoms of this virus, read the FAQ prepared by the Government of Canada External link. Opens in a new window..
Life insurance
Will my life insurance cover a death caused by COVID-19?
Yes, your life insurance will cover a death caused by COVID-19.
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Disability insurance
Am I covered by my disability insurance if I contract COVID-19?
Your disability insurance covers you if you contract COVID-19, just like any other illness, subject to the terms of your contract.
You’ll be entitled to receive benefits if you remain disabled at the end of your coverage’s waiting period. Note that we do not pay benefits retroactively to cover the waiting period.
Am I covered by my disability insurance while I’m quarantined for COVID-19?
No, your disability insurance does not cover you for any kind of quarantine, preventive or otherwise. Your disability insurance only covers accidents and illnesses, subject to the terms of your contract.
Please check for updates on the Government of Canada website External link. Opens in a new window.. To support Canadians under quarantine, the government has relaxed some of the rules of the Employment Insurance and Work-Sharing programs.
Critical illness insurance
Am I covered by my critical illness insurance if I contract COVID-19?
Your critical illness insurance covers only the conditions listed in your contract. Because COVID-19 is not one of these conditions, it is not covered.
However, if you become ill with one of the conditions in your contract as a result of a complication of COVID-19, that condition will be covered, subject to the terms of your contract.
Healthcare insurance (out-of-country emergency medical care and services)
Will I be covered for expenses related to emergency medical care or services if I contract COVID-19 during my trip?
It depends on the trip start date.
- If you began your trip before March 13, 2020 (the date the Government of Canada issued a travel advisory warning Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada):Yes, expenses related to emergency medical care or services to treat COVID-19 are covered.Note: If the Government of Canada had issued an advisory to avoid your specific destination before March 13, 2020 (for example, cruises or countries such as China, Italy and Iran), your medical expenses are only covered if you began your trip before the government advisory was issued.
- If you began your trip on or after March 13, 2020:No, expenses related to emergency medical care or services to treat COVID-19 are not covered.
