Canadian Association of Blue Cross® Plans confirms change pertaining to Coronavirus (COVID-19) policy for trip cancellation effective March 12, 2020
AMENDMENT: For Manitoba Blue Cross customers, this change is effective March 13, 2020.
March 11, 2020 – Canadian Association of Blue Cross® Plans are advising of eligibility restrictions for trip cancellation coverage provided through its travel insurance policies regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They confirm that the pandemic of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now considered a "known issue". Effective March 12, 2020 the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is no longer an unknown risk when customers purchase trip cancellation with their travel insurance. This information applies to individual personal policies ONLY and does not apply to group employer policies.
Travel insurance including trip cancellation coverage purchased prior to this date covers cancellations due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for destinations that were not already excluded, as it was an unknown risk at the time of purchase.
In just a few weeks, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic became a major public health issue across the globe. Blue Cross sympathizes with and understands the concern of the general population and of travellers, as we count a growing number of cases and increasingly restrictive preventive measures. Customers who planned and paid for their travel arrangements before this situation became a "known issue" can be reassured that their coverage remains in place and that they will be provided the assistance they require, as part of their policy.
As coverage and exclusions vary across these types of plans, the Association recommends customers to review their policy booklet and take note of the plan and travel benefit exclusions.
Tips for travellers protected by an individual Blue Cross trip cancellation or interruption insurance:
- In general, trip cancellation or interruption insurance does not cover risks related to destinations covered by a Canadian government advisory to "avoid all travel" or "avoid non-essential travel" at the time of purchase. This includes specific regions or the recent warnings about cruises. It means that customers who purchased a trip and an insurance policy before such official warning are covered but those who purchased their trip after are not.
- Travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage purchased with Blue Cross on March 11 or earlier still covers cancellations for any future advisories regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), for the destinations that were not already excluded (part of an "avoid all travel" or "avoid non-essential travel" advisory).
- Travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage purchased with Blue Cross as of March 12 or after does not cover cancellations due to the pandemic of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) even if an advisory was not in place at the time of purchase.
- For annual travel insurance policies including trip cancellation, only trips purchased and paid for until March 11, 2020 will be covered.
Now, more than ever, customers should consider purchasing travel insurance and verify the terms and conditions of coverage as insurance excludes known situations or conditions. Although Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a known situation, purchasing travel insurance including emergency medical, cancellation and interruption still provides valuable protection for other unknown risks.
About Blue Cross
As Canada's leading benefit provider, Blue Cross delivers health and travel coverage to more than seven million Canadians. The members of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans are the 6 independent Blue Cross plans operating in all regions across the country.
Manitoba Blue Cross funds warehouse space for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
The Sleep in Heavenly Peace building, sponsored by Manitoba Blue Cross, will provide ample space for bed construction, assembly and storage, streamlining the entire process and ensuring that more kids have access to a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
“A warm, safe bed should not be a luxury – it is a fundamental right. That’s why Manitoba Blue Cross is stepping up to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace for years to come,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “We are providing essential resources that Sleep in Heavenly Peace needs to expand their operations and reach more children in the community. This investment aligns with our own commitment to support the health and well-being of all Manitobans, and we are proud to play an ongoing role in ensuring no child sleeps on the floor.”
This new facility will allow SHP to:
- increase production capacity: With a large, dedicated space and the ability to build beds in the colder months, SHP volunteers can now build and assemble more than twice as many beds, reducing wait times for families in need.
- improve storage capabilities: The facility will provide secure storage for completed beds before delivery can occur while allowing for more efficient and timely delivery.
- enhance the volunteer experience: The workspace will create a more comfortable and efficient environment for volunteers – who are the backbone of SHP’s operations – to build and store beds all year long.
“This generous support from Manitoba Blue Cross is a game changer for us,” says Jim Thiessen, co-president of the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “This new space will allow us to drastically increase the number of beds we build and deliver, ensuring that more children in our community have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. We currently build approximately 400 beds a year and we hope to now increase that to 1,000. We are incredibly grateful for Manitoba Blue Cross’s continued commitment to our mission.”
Join us in helping local children find comfort: Manitoba Blue Cross holds annual bedding drive
Support this valuable cause during our annual bedding drive. Donate new, twin-sized bedding items, including comforters, pillows and sheet sets for local children. Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Manitoba Blue Cross (599 Empress Street in Winnipeg) until June 20.
Online donations toward bedding purchases can be made at https://bit.ly/50beds.
“Our focus at Manitoba Blue Cross is the health and well-being of all Manitobans. We’re committed to building healthier communities – one bed and one good night’s sleep at a time,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “The outpouring of support that Manitobans showed last year did not disappoint and this generosity helped to create safe havens for local kids. I’m certain the same community spirit that Manitoba is known for will be seen again this year.”
Manitoba Blue Cross holds second annual bed build event
“The bed build event that was held in 2024 to celebrate our 50th anniversary had a profound impact on our staff and myself. Building those beds at Blue Cross Park was incredibly inspiring. We had to turn away staff who wanted to participate,” says Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross. “That hands-on work really connected us to this important cause, and I believe it also helped us build stronger bonds within our team.”
Employee volunteers from the health benefits provider, along with SHP volunteers, will be constructing 50 beds for local kids on June 6, 2025 at Blue Cross Park.
To encourage the community to support this valuable cause, Manitoba Blue Cross is also holding a bedding drive once again. Donate new, twin-sized bedding items, including comforters, pillows and sheet sets for local kids. Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Manitoba Blue Cross (599 Empress Street in Winnipeg) until June 20.
Online donations toward bedding purchases can be made at https://bit.ly/50beds.