As the COVID-19 situation grows around the world, we feel that we must stand with the Government of Canada in their message to travelling Canadians. It is our duty to ask that our Members return to Canada as soon as they are able to do so.
We are very concerned that strain on global healthcare systems could cause Canadians who experience any kind of medical incident – even those unrelated to COVID 19 – a considerably reduced level of care, potentially putting them at further risk.  Travel restrictions will make it impossible for family to visit hospitalized Canadians abroad.  Members may not be repatriated to Canada to continue their care at home, as our hospitals, doctors and nurses are reallocated to COVID 19 needs.
As a result and in alignment with our policy language, we will not be providing extensions of coverage, effective immediately.  Canadians who stay at their destination beyond their original travel dates will be no longer be eligible for coverage beyond their original expiry date.
For Canadians who are unable to return because of airspace, border, or health restrictions of their destination countries, we urge them to contact Global Affairs to learn more about their plans to medically protect our Canadians who find themselves stranded abroad.
This restriction on extensions does not apply to Essential Service Workers as we have defined above.