With the imminent opening of the US land border for non-essential travel (Nov. 8), and over a third of Canadians planning to visit the United States on their first trip outside of Canada after the pandemic, the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada is warning that cross-border can be complicated and costly and that it will be more important than ever for Canadians to understand re-entry requirements and their travel health insurance policy before making their journey.
According to just-released THIA survey, the US is the most popular first travel destination for Canadians, based on proximity to avoid air travel and the country’s vaccination rollout. According to the survey:
• 37% of Canadians indicated that the US is the first place they plan to travel outside of Canada
• 33% of respondents said they were more likely to travel to the US after the pandemic, than before
• 46% of respondents say their preferred mode of travel is by vehicle (car, van, or camper), which makes the US a convenient destination.
And while the THIA is calling for consistent and convenient testing requirement to be adopted to support travellers from this country, the association says first and foremost for Canadians planning on travelling to the US is to understand that they require different kinds of negative COVID-19 test results to enter the US and then to return to Canada.
The US accepts rapid antigen test results, combined with proof of complete vaccination, to enter the country; however, Canada requires molecular tests such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which cost upwards of US$125 and are harder to find than rapid antigen tests, which can be found at most pharmacies.
Insurance
Canadians are also taking more interest in researching their coverage options and what their current plan offers in advance of booking their trip, says THIA, noting that 74% of its survey respondents said they are more likely to review their travel health insurance coverage now, following the pandemic, than ever before.
To that end, THIA recommends always following travel health insurance best practices before leaving Canada, including:
Know your policy – Make sure to ask your provider about extended coverage options for COVID-19, recent policy updates or changes, and what additional benefits may apply to vaccinated travellers.
Know your health – Consult a health care provider if you have any questions.
Know your trip – How long will you be gone? Are you a snowbird? Will you be travelling many times during the year? Do you plan to scuba dive? Find a policy that is specifically tailored to your trip.
Know your rights – THIA’s Rights and Responsibilities guidelines offer all travelling Canadians with additional confidence in their travel insurance purchase knowing their company is supporting their rights as a consumer and making them aware of their responsibilities.
“Travel is already more expensive because of the pandemic. It doesn’t need to be more complicated and more costly,” says Will McAleer, THIA’s Executive Director and spokesperson. “Canadians have always looked to the US for holidays and short cross border trips, and that interest is heightened now because of proximity, familiarity, and confidence in the quality of medical care available.”
Founded in 1998, the Travel Health Insurance Association (THIA) is the national organization representing travel insurers, brokers, underwriters, re-insurers, emergency assistance companies, air ambulance companies and allied services in the travel insurance field. Its 2021 Smart Traveller Survey was conducted in June 2021, polling 1,500 responses across Canada, ranging from ages 18 to 60-plus.