Coronavirus (COVID‑19)
Answers to questions from Specialized Groups
Updated : September 25, 2020 at 15:40 p.m.
We are monitoring the situation closely so that we can quickly adapt to it in order to serve through this difficult period.
Services maintained, but prioritized
We want to reassure you: we are there for you.
However, in order to be fully available for those currently in an emergency situation, in Canada or elsewhere, we ask that you please call back in a few weeks if you are leaving on a trip more than 30 days from now.
All claims will be processed as quickly as possible.
FAQ Update
This FAQ will be updated as the situation evolves. Please return to this link often for the latest information.
Traveller guidelines
Whether you are currently travelling or are planning a trip, you likely have many questions. Before cancelling your trip, call your airline to see if you can:
- Get a reimbursement
- Change destination
- Postpone your trip
Don’t forget, people coming back from a trip MUST self quarantine for 14 days and contact their health authorities if symptoms appear.
As of October 1, 2020
Yes, you are covered for emergency medical expenses (including those related to COVID-19) for any destination for which a travel advisory notice was issued by the Government of Canada to avoid all non-essential travel (Level 3). However, emergency medical expenses are not covered for travel to a country for which an avoid all travel advisory (level 4) has been issued.
During the trip:
In the event that the Canadian government issues an avoid all travel advisory (level 4), insureds will have 14 days to return to Canada, after which time, coverage will no longer be provided.
Information and advice:
During this pandemic, our priority remains the health and safety of our insureds. Our decisions are based on their best interests. Although the best option is to avoid travelling altogether, SSQ Insurance wants to protect those who must.
Remember that in all countries affected by the coronavirus, any directives issued by the local government and public safety authorities will supersede those of our assistance service. As a result, access to health care may be limited.
Please note:
Insureds with war zone travel coverage can refer to their contract for more information
You will receive your renewal proposition as planned and it will be discussed with SSQ Insurance and implement at the usual date.
We will maintain all contracts in their current form without making temporary changes. However, if you would like to make permanent changes to your contract, we will evaluate this option with you.
Return to normal for claims processing starting August 1, 2020
To accommodate your employees, SSQ Insurance will temporarily allow members to maintain their coverage, even if the hours worked are reduced below the minimum number of hours required to be eligible for insurance coverage.
Return to normal for claims processing starting August 1, 2020
Salary-based benefits, for accidental death and dismemberment insurance, will be paid based on the in-force salary, i.e., the salary used to determine the premium to be paid.
Return to normal for claims processing starting August 1, 2020
If your policy already provides Continuation of Coverage during temporary layoff periods (including Weekly Accident Indemnity insurance coverage), then the Continuation period stipulated in the policy will apply (premium payment is also continued for the duration of the layoff).
If your policy does not provide Continuation of coverage, we are agreeable to continuing coverage on an exceptional basis until July 31, 2020 with premium payment. A request must be made should you wish to continue coverage; all benefits must be continued.
Note that when an insured becomes disabled during a temporary layoff period, the waiting period stipulated in the contract begins on the date the employee returns to work.
SSQ Insurance will be offering COVID-19 coverage for trips taken in Canada.