To travel OR not to travel – that is the question!
Summer is here. Many of us are eager to abandon COVID cabin fever and go visit family, friends, or take a beach vacation! But what about the new COVID rules for air travel within Canada or beyond? Also, If you are heading to an airport in the near future, you have likely heard that you might be faced with long waits in long lines. How do you navigate the new COVID rules and the lines to improve your trip experience?
What are the new COVID travel rules?
Canadians travelling by air or train within Canada will have to provide proof of vaccinations prior to boarding. ?You can travel with unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, and they will not require a COVID test result. There are exemptions to the vaccine requirement for travel within and out of Canada. They are listed on the Canadian government website at:
Passengers who qualify for an exemption from the vaccine mandate must still provide proof of a negative COVID test result taken by a professional no more than 1 day before your scheduled flight
Canadians travelling by air to the United States must still be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the US. As of June 12, you will no longer have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from COVID-19.?If you travel by land or ferry to the US, you will need to provide proof of COVID vaccinations. ?
All pre-boarding and health requirements for passengers remain in place. Airports request that passengers wear masks while inside airports. Airlines require passengers to wear masks on board planes except when drinking a beverage or eating food.
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About those long airport lines, what if you could avoid them?
Airlines have been hugely impacted by COVID, and as air travel is picking up, they are facing shortages of pilots and other staff to deal with the increased travel demands.
Not all Canadian airports have problems with long airport lines for security, but it’s wise to check your departure airport’s recommendations for arrival time before your flights. Some recommendations have gone from two hours to three hours ahead of flight time for international travel.
Any coverage for delayed flights?
Sometimes, passengers face delayed flights as airline schedules are in flux due to staff shortages. Health Risk Services can provide their insurance customers with a plan that provides complimentary Lounge passes when a policyholder experiences a flight delay of 2 hours or more. The same plan also provides telemedicine for common ailments experienced in the US.
Because of the reality that COVID is still a risk, even for vaccinated travellers, and because of delayed flights, it is extremely important to purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your trip. Delays can effect your connecting flights to final destinations that will mean extra costs for you. Medical issues can arise no matter how healthy you are when you leave home. Being prepared and well protected by travel insurance will ensure you have a better travel experience.
At Health Risk Services, we can provide alternate solutions to travel insurance plans that cover you and your family members for a range of risks including flight delays or cancellations, lost baggage, and medical care, if you require it while you are away from home. Before you pack your suitcases, give Health Risk Services a call and we will help you get the travel insurance coverage you need. To schedule your Complimentary Consultation with Health Risk Services, please call 403-236-9430 OR email: [email protected]