WestJet to provide free COVID-19 travel insurance to airline customers

Canadian airline company WestJet will soon be providing free COVID-19 travel insurance coverage for eligible customers travelling to Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.

According to WestJet, any reservations made from September 18, 2020 – including WestJet Vacation bookings for travel to and from Mexico, the Caribbean (excluding the US), Europe (including the UK) and inbound to Canada – will be bundled with COVID-19 travel insurance at no additional cost. The insurance is being provided through WestJet’s partnership with travel insurer TuGo.

TuGo’s travel insurance covers the following:

• Emergency medical and hospital costs for outbound travellers if diagnosed with COVID-19 while outside of Canada (excluding the US) for up to a maximum limit of $100,000.
• Emergency medical and hospital costs for inbound travellers visiting Canada diagnosed with COVID-19 while in Canada up to the maximum limit of $100,000.
• Quarantine accommodation costs when the traveller tests positive for COVID-19 on the trip, of up to $150 per day, up to a maximum of 14 days, for both inbound and outbound reservations.
• Ambulance transportation and air evacuation costs related to COVID-19, up to the maximum limit of $100,000.
• COVID-19 repatriation costs in case of death of up to $5,000.
• One-way economy airfare for the return of one travelling companion and dependent children when air evacuated back home for treatment.

The coverage will be automatically applied for eligible guests at the time of purchase for travel until August 31, 2021, for up to 21 days. WestJet also said that one-way travel reservations will be eligible for free travel insurance, with coverage up to seven days.

“We know Canadians are seeking reassurance and our guests can now have confidence knowing they are protected against unforeseen medical costs related to the pandemic when choosing to book with WestJet,” said WestJet chief commercial officer Arved von zur Muehlen.

“TuGo is excited to partner with WestJet to offer Canadians an opportunity to travel again,” added TuGo CEO Patrick Robinson. “With our shared focus on the health, wellness and safety of travellers, it’s a natural fit for our two Canadian-owned and operated companies to come together to equip and support Canadians in this ‘next normal’.”

Read more: Air Canada, Allianz Global Assistance offer COVID-19 insurance for southern destinations

WestJet’s insurance deal comes a week after Air Canada launched a similar offering for travellers headed to southern destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean. Air Canada’s travel insurance – made possible through the airline’s partnership with Allianz Global Assistance – is also being provided at no extra charge.