Two airline companies have recently introduced free travel medical insurance for their customers, but both offers have not been made available in the province of Saskatchewan.
The free travel insurance provided by both airlines essentially covers COVID-19-related emergency medical and hospital costs that travellers may encounter during their trips, as well as any quarantine accommodation costs. The insurance offerings also cover repatriation fees should the traveller die overseas.
While available free of charge to all Air Canada and WestJet customers, both companies have excluded Saskatchewan customers from the offer.
Air Canada has explained that it does not currently provide the free travel insurance to Saskatchewan customers because of the province’s regulatory requirements. A spokesperson with the airline told CTV News that the company is working to meet those requirements so that Saskatchewan residents can be included in the program.
Meanwhile, a WestJet spokesperson also confirmed with CTV News in an email statement that the company is working with TuGo to “potentially” provide travel insurance in the province. The airline also said it would have an update on the matter prior to September 18, when its free insurance program begins.
A representative with Saskatchewan’s Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority said that the issue has been brought to its attention, although the agency has yet to determine the specific legal provision that prevented both airlines from offering the insurance.
“We are not aware of any provision in The Insurance Act that prevents this type of insurance policy being offered to Saskatchewan residents,” an email statement from the agency said. “We are investigating to determine the reason why Air Canada and WestJet are not offering this product to Saskatchewan residents.”
