Following the World Health Organization’s declaration of the COVID-19 coronavirus as a pandemic, the Canadian Association of Blue Cross has advised of “eligibility restrictions” for trip cancellation coverage related to the health crisis.

The insurance association said that effective March 12, 2020, COVID-19 would no longer be classified as an unknown risk when customers purchase trip cancellation with their travel insurance. Blue Cross noted in its release that this change affects only an individual person’s policies, and not group employer policies.

Blue Cross stated that travel insurance, including trip cancellation coverage purchased before March 12, 2020, will still cover trip cancellations due to COVID-19 for destinations that were not already excluded. The insurer explained that prior to the date, the virus was still classified as an unknown risk.

With coverage and exclusions varying across plans, Blue Cross has recommended that customers review their policies, as well as their plan and travel exclusions.