Is workplace medical insurance valid?

[mommymanda]

I plan to call my provider today, but forsee long wait times to get an answer. Thinking you guys may help quicker.

I am still thinking positive and planning to go on my March break trip. Payment is due Friday. The only thing I'm trying to sort out is medical insurance while travel. I'm reading stories of people having to isolate over seas (my trip is an all inclusive, Costa Rica) and saying coverage was not valid. I also see that it's often complaints of the quarentine hotel not covered. I am aware this is a separate policy. What I'm trying to figure out is if I get sick, with COVID and need medical care, is that not valid during this advisory? I know from past vacations my work insurance/coverage is great and I wouldn't need more if it's valid.

Also curious, I work for a school board (not teacher) and read a comment here that someone was told they could use sick days if sick even over seas. Wondering if I misread, lol that would be less stress in a worse case situation, but I'm prepared either way.
Thanks

 

[wdwmom3]

It would depend on your plan. My plan through work does cover medical expenses if you catch covid. Without knowing your plan nobody here will be able to tell you.

Look and see if your plan has any info online.

 

[Disney.Dreamin.Dee]

You'll have to call and ask directly because plans are different.
But this is what TRAVEL insurance is for.

 

[Gigi22]

I plan to call my provider today, but forsee long wait times to get an answer. Thinking you guys may help quicker.

I am still thinking positive and planning to go on my March break trip. Payment is due Friday. The only thing I'm trying to sort out is medical insurance while travel. I'm reading stories of people having to isolate over seas (my trip is an all inclusive, Costa Rica) and saying coverage was not valid. I also see that it's often complaints of the quarentine hotel not covered. I am aware this is a separate policy. What I'm trying to figure out is if I get sick, with COVID and need medical care, is that not valid during this advisory? I know from past vacations my work insurance/coverage is great and I wouldn't need more if it's valid.

Also curious, I work for a school board (not teacher) and read a comment here that someone was told they could use sick days if sick even over seas. Wondering if I misread, lol that would be less stress in a worse case situation, but I'm prepared either way.
Thanks

Not sure about your travel medical insurance during Covid. Your ability to use sick leave while on vacation depends on the provisions in your collective agreement. To get vacation leave effectively replaced by sick leave, you may be required to provide a medical certificate obtained during your vacation, for example.

 

[chimo2u]

I plan to call my provider today, but forsee long wait times to get an answer. Thinking you guys may help quicker.

I am still thinking positive and planning to go on my March break trip. Payment is due Friday. The only thing I'm trying to sort out is medical insurance while travel. I'm reading stories of people having to isolate over seas (my trip is an all inclusive, Costa Rica) and saying coverage was not valid. I also see that it's often complaints of the quarentine hotel not covered. I am aware this is a separate policy. What I'm trying to figure out is if I get sick, with COVID and need medical care, is that not valid during this advisory? I know from past vacations my work insurance/coverage is great and I wouldn't need more if it's valid.

Also curious, I work for a school board (not teacher) and read a comment here that someone was told they could use sick days if sick even over seas. Wondering if I misread, lol that would be less stress in a worse case situation, but I'm prepared either way.
Thanks

I work for the govt. of Alberta, and Blue Cross told me their coverage is not valid during this pandemic with covid and the travel restrictions (we have extended health) so I was told I'd need a seperate policy with a Covid rider for quarantine issues that may arise. I will be buying a whole insurance policy through manulife and adding on a covid rider as I do not want to take chances , even though it's astronomically priced (1,500 for our family of 4 (adults) with a covid rider costing an additonal $280 approximately)

 

[mommymanda]

Thanks for the replies. Update from my provider (Canada life). After 1.5hours on hold I did get clarity. For me, my medical/travel is valid IF I NEED MEDICAL, even if covid. So we test positive, end up sick, need Dr, covered. They were very clear that if we test positive, but don't need medical support, they cover nothing. I was aware if this before calling anyhow, quarentine is a separate policy. It is good to know though, for myself, under the restrictions at this moment, if I'm sick I'm covered. The agent told me if things change I can check in again, but to enjoy my vacation lol.

 

[ronandannette]

Our work plan is through Manulife and it is valid. I also bought a supplemental Covid-Quarantine policy directly from Manulife because those expenses would not be covered by my work plan. I've got a trip upcoming through Sunwing and their packages all include Covid medical coverage. Interestingly, this is because many of the destination countries they sell require all travellers to have proof of medical insurance as an entry requirement and this way, everyone does.

 

[Sue M]

I have Blue Cross Extended thru work, that does cover travel but we have a lifetime limit and if you get very sick with Covid or anything and require hospitalization depending on the extent of care you could wipe out your entire coverage or a good chunk of it, so I’ve always bought the separate travel plan and get a 10% discount Because we have the extended medical with them.
Something to think about.

 

[Canadian Girl]

Ours will cover medical costs if hospitalized but not a hotel if forced to isolate. You might need a separate insurance for trip interruption if forced to quarantine, but would need one specifically geared toward Covid and not just travel delays.

 

[Jennkneefir]

I work for the govt. of Alberta, and Blue Cross told me their coverage is not valid during this pandemic with covid and the travel restrictions (we have extended health) so I was told I'd need a seperate policy with a Covid rider for quarantine issues that may arise. I will be buying a whole insurance policy through manulife and adding on a covid rider as I do not want to take chances , even though it's astronomically priced (1,500 for our family of 4 (adults) with a covid rider costing an additonal $280 approximately)

I also work for the GoA and had this exact question!! Thank you so much for piping up. Saved me a little bit of research.