CALGARY — WestJet has announced that it will be offering no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance coverage for eligible passengers booking travel to Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, including the UK.

Through its new partner TuGo, and for reservations made on or after Sept. 18, 2020, any WestJet air-only reservation including WestJet Vacations bookings for travel to and from Mexico, the Caribbean (excluding the U.S.), Europe (including the U.K.) and inbound to Canada will provide eligible passengers no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance.

Coverage will be automatically applied at no additional charge to eligible passengers at the time of purchase for travel until August 31, 2021 for up to 21 days. One-way travel reservations will also be eligible for coverage for 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 Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “Safety measures have been implemented across our entire travel journey and providing our guests peace of mind during their travels is worth the investment we are making to ensure the safest travel experience for our guests.”

The TuGo Travel Insurance COVID-19 coverage for WestJet guests include the following:

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

Patrick Robinson, TuGo’s CEO, said that the company is excited to be partnering with WestJet to offer Canadians an opportunity to travel again.

“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,” he said.

The coverage is not available to residents of Saskatchewan or for travel that includes cruises.

The news comes on the heels of a similar announcement from Air Canada Vacations, which has teamed up with Allianz Global Assistance to offer a free COVID-19 Coverage and Assistance Plan with all flight and hotel packages to select Sun destinations.

Canadians, for the most part, are still unable to obtain COVID-19 related travel insurance due to Canada’s ongoing advisory against non-essential travel. Blue Cross and B2C insurance provider Medipac were the first to announce in July that they are now offering coverage for COVID-19.