CALGARY — WestJet’s COVID-19 travel insurance coverage is now available to passengers flying to, through or from the U.S.

The airline has also increased the maximum limit of its coverage from $100,000, as announced two weeks ago, to $200,000.

When WestJet first announced its new no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance on Sept. 14, coverage was available to  passengers booking travel to Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe / UK, but not the U.S.

Now passengers travelling to, through or from the U.S. are eligible for the $200,000 COVID-19 travel insurance coverage, for air-only and vacation reservations.

The enhanced coverage retroactively includes all bookings made as of Sept. 18, 2020 and increases by $100,000 to include up to a maximum of $200,000 at no additional charge to eligible passengers.

With the new addition, any WestJet air-only reservation including WestJet Vacations bookings for travel to and from the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe (including U.K.) and inbound to Canada will be eligible for the coverage for up to 21 days for travel into and including Aug. 31, 2021 through partner TuGo.

For one-way travel reservations, coverage is available for up to seven days.

“Our research shows that a lack of COVID insurance is a considerable barrier to travel and our guests were seeking the inclusion of U.S. destinations to our travel insurance offering,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “Eligible guests travelling to and from the destinations we serve can now have an added layer of confidence knowing they are covered for up to $200,000 CAD against unforeseen medical costs related to COVID-19 when booking with WestJet.”

TuGo’s COVID-19  coverage for WestJet passengers includes:

• COVID-19 coverage for emergency medical related expenses for eligible guests with COVID-19 while outside of Canada (or for visitors travelling to Canada) for up to a maximum limit of $200,000 per insured person if they have tested positive or have been diagnosed for COVID-19 while on a trip.
• Trip interruption coverage if the Canadian government’s travel advisory changes to ‘Avoid all travel’ (level 4) while at any of the travel destinations.

Some exceptions apply and the coverage does not apply to travel that includes cruises.

Inclusions are:

• Medical and related expenses, such as medical treatment in hospital if a guest tests positive for and is diagnosed with COVID-19 during their trip.
• Emergency transportation back to Canada or home country (including up to $5,000 for repatriation in case of death).
• Quarantine meals and commercial accommodation expenses up to $150/day (or up to $300/day per family) to a maximum of 14 days.
• Up to $500 combined for a one-way economy flight home, unexpected meals and commercial accommodation expenses.