COVID-19 Updates

Here are some helpful links to find out more about Government restrictions and how they may impact your travels:

• Government of Canada Travel advice and advisories website
• COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance issued by Transport Canada
• ArriveCAN – download the app to enter your mandatory travel information on and after your entry into Canada

Below is the latest information relating to COVID-19 and how it's impacting GMS travel coverage.

July 7, 2021

We've opened sales of TravelStar Single-Trip and Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical Plans.

New plans sold on or after July 7, 2021 will provide emergency medical coverage in countries where there is only an "Avoid Non-Essential Travel" travel advisory due to COVID-19.

Plans will also include up to $500,000 in coverage for COVID-19 emergency medical expenses.

May 6, 2021

On May 6, 2021 our Immigrants & Visitors to Canada Insurance Plans (VTC) will include coverage for emergency medical expenses related to COVID-19. This applies to plans purchased on or after May 6 2021, and to existing plans too.

Important Reminders:

• Plans sold on or after April 24, 2020 that end before or on May 5, 2021 do not include coverage for COVID-19.
• We'll be treating COVID-19 like any other medical condition. Coverage could be impacted if you've been diagnosed with COVID-19 180 days before your effective date.
• VTC Plans have an exclusion for side-trip travel to countries with a travel advisory. Due to the current worldwide "Avoid non-essential travel" advisory from the Government of Canada, there is no coverage for trips outside of Canada.

These are questions about the travel emergency medical coverage for our Personal Health, Replacement Health, and Group benefit plans, along with our TravelStar Emergency Medical Plans.

I have a plan that includes out-of-country emergency medical coverage. If I travel abroad, do I have medical coverage for emergencies? 

As of November 12, 2020, you have coverage as long as:

• You’re travelling while your policy is effective;
• Your trip is within the number of days you have coverage for, from your departure date;
• There is no “Avoid All Travel” advisory for your destination; and
• There is no “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” advisory for your destination for anything other than COVID-19.

Please note: 3sHealth Retiree Plan members have out-of-country emergency medical coverage as of August 9, 2021. 

I have a plan that includes emergency medical coverage. Do I have coverage for COVID-19 if I travel outside of Canada?

You have coverage up to $500,000 for medical expenses related to a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. This $500,000 is part of the emergency medical coverage maximum identified within your plan – not in addition to. 

You’re covered for emergency medical expenses related to testing positive for COVID-19 when:

• Your destination has a travel warning to “Avoid Non-Essential” travel exclusively for COVID-19.
• You haven’t had a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 during your stability period.
• You didn’t have any symptoms of COVID-19 before your departure.
• You’re within your allowable days of travel or effective dates of your plan.

You’re not covered for any emergency medical expenses when the Government of Canada has issued the following travel warnings for your destination:

• “Avoid All Travel” warning
• “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” for something other than COVID-19.

Examples would be (but not limited to) terrorism, high crime, violence, civil unrest, other health notices, etc.

Am I covered if I go on a cruise?

No. The Government of Canada has issued an “Avoid All Travel” advisory for cruise ships.

What happens if I'm on a trip to a country that only has an "Avoid non-essential travel" for COVID-19, but during my trip the advisory changes to a "Avoid all travel"? Is my coverage still in effect?

Your coverage would be in effect until your plan expires. Extensions would not be available though.

Can I extend my GMS emergency medical coverage if I need to be away longer due to COVID-19 travel disruptions?

If you're stranded or delayed passed your scheduled return date due to the delay of a common carrier (bus, train, airplane, etc.) you would be eligible for an automatic three-day coverage extension. This is only for customers with an Individual Health or TravelStar plan. If you're a group plan member, check your policy to see if an automatic coverage extension is included with your plan.

If you're going to be stranded or delayed more than three days due to the COVID-19 disruptions you can purchase a policy extension if you:

• Contact us prior to the expiry date of your policy; and
• Have not had a claim or required medical treatment during your trip and have met the plan's eligibility requirements.

Please call us at 1.800.667.3699 (within Canada and the US) or collect at 1.306.352.7638 (from all other locations) if you need an automatic extension or if you need to purchase an extension. Our Call Centre is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.

I'm choosing to remain on my trip longer than my GMS annual plan allows for. Can I purchase a TravelStar Emergency Medical Plan to extend my trip?

Yes. When buying a TravelStar Emergency Medical Plan as a top-up for a GMS policy, you must:

• Apply for coverage two business days before the expiry of your current policy
• Not have had a claim or required medical treatment during your trip
• Meet the plans eligibility requirements of the policy you are purchasing

Please call us at 1.800.667.3699 (within Canada and the US) or collect at 1.306.352.7638 (from all other locations) if you need to purchase a top-up. Our call centre is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.

Can I purchase a StudentPlan plan for the upcoming school year?

No. Sales of our StudentPlan are unavailable until further notice.

Can I purchase a TravelStar Trip Cancellation Plan?

No. Due to the Global Travel Advisory issued by the Canadian Government in response to the COVID-19, we’ve suspended sales of Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage until further notice.

What happens if I can’t get home before my emergency medical coverage expires because I’m in isolation or quarantine because of COVID-19?

We’ll automatically extend your policy for 72 hours after you’ve been discharged or deemed fit to travel as long as your policy was still effective when you went into isolation or quarantine. Please make sure to contact GMS Travel Assistance toll free at: 1.800.459.6604 or collect: 905.762.5196.

Will I have emergency medical coverage if I decide to stay outside of Canada if the Canadian Government asks all Canadians to return home?

You’ll have coverage, according to the terms and conditions of your policy, up to the expiry date of your plan.

Are trip interruption or delay expenses covered under my emergency medical plan if I'm delayed at my destination waiting for a COVID-19 test to enter Canada?

No. This is not a benefit of the policy.

Is the cost of the mandatory COVID-19 test needed to board my flight, enter Canada, and/or needed once I'm in Canada covered?

No. The costs for tests or documentation to enter or re-enter a country are not covered.

If I can be vaccinated for COVID-19 while I'm travelling in another country, is that covered?

No. Vaccinations are not covered.

Can I cancel my TravelStar emergency medical plan if I haven’t left on my trip?

You can change or cancel your coverage for a full refund as long as it’s before the effective date. Just give us a call toll free at 1.800.667.3699 or at our local number 306.352.7638, or send us an email at info@gms.ca to cancel. If you purchased your plan through a broker, you can also contact them.

I came home early from my trip, can I get a refund for the days of emergency medical coverage I didn’t use?

Single-Trip Emergency Medical plans can be refunded. We’ll refund you for your unused days of Single Trip coverage as long as you haven’t submitted a claim for that trip

Be sure to send us a cancellation request by email no more than 30 days from the day you return home. Once we’ve issued your refund, you’ll no longer be able to submit a claim under that plan. If you purchased your plan through a broker, you can also contact them.

Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical plans are not refundable.

Can I still purchase an Immigrants & Visitors to Canada plan?

Yes, as long as all applicants meet the eligibility requirements.

Does my plan have COVID-19 Coverage?

It depends on when you purchased or extended your plan.

You have coverage for COVID-19 as long as it wasn't a pre-existing condition and if:

• Your plan was purchased before April 24, 2020.
• Your plan was purchased on or after May 6, 2021.
• You have an existing plan that ends after May 6, 2021. You will have coverage from May 6, 2021, until your plan expires. Please note, you cannot claim for COVID-19 expenses that happened between April 24, 2020 - May 5, 2021.

Will I be covered if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19 while in Canada?

As of May 6, 2021, coverage for emergency medical expenses related to COVID-19 is available. You'll have coverage as long as you haven't experienced COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 during your 180-day stability period or waiting period.

You're not covered for COVID-19 emergency medical expenses when:

• You purchased a plan that had a COVID-19 exclusion and you saw a doctor or received tests/treatment for it between April 24, 2020 through May 5, 2021.
• You've tested positive or had symptoms of COVID-19 during your 180-day stability period.
• You experienced COVID-19 symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19 during the waiting period.

Please note, a waiting period only applies if you were without insurance and purchased overage after arriving in Canada. Information on waiting periods can be found on your policy confirmation.

What is my plan's maximum for COVID-19 expenses?

You are covered up to the amount of insurance you purchased. Applicable benefit maximums and policy terms and conditions will apply. Please review your confirmation email to locate your policy's maximum amount.

Is the cost of a mandatory COVID-19 test to board my flight to Canada covered?

No. The costs for tests or documentation to enter or re-enter a country are not covered.

Is the cost of mandatory COVID-19 tests to enter Canada covered?

No. The costs for tests or documentation to enter or re-enter a country are not covered.

Is the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine covered?

No. Vaccinations are not covered.

If I want to stay in Canada longer, can I extend my plan?

Yes, there are some conditions and things to know.

• You need to contact us 48-hours before your plan expires.
• During your time in Canada, you must not have needed any medical treatment. In some cases, if you received medical treatment, you might be able to purchase a plan. Contact us to find out.
• Your plan can't be extended beyond one year from your effective date.
• You must not have turned 80 years old since arriving in Canada.

Can I purchase a plan after arriving in Canada?

Yes. There are a few things you should know.

There is a waiting period for medical conditions not related to an injury when:

• You applied within 30 days of arriving in Canada and were without insurance; the earliest your coverage can go into effect is 2 days after your effective date.
• It has been more than 30 days since you've arrived in Canada and you were without insurance; the earliest your coverage can go into effect is 7 days after your effective date.

Your coverage for injuries that result in emergency care start on your effective date.

Can I still purchase trip cancellation and interruption coverage?

No. Due to the Global Travel Advisory issued by the Canadian government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re unable to provide coverage for claims outside of Canada. As a result, we’ve decided to suspend sales of our TravelStar product which offers trip cancellation and interruption coverage, until further notice.

I cancelled my trip because of the Canadian government’s Global Travel Advisory – what do I do?

A travel advisory must be in effect on your scheduled travel dates. Please click here for further information on how and when to submit your claim.

My travel supplier is only offering a voucher/credit for the full value of my cancelled trip, but I'd like a cash refund instead. Can I make a claim?

Our Trip Cancellation Plans offer coverage for costs that can’t be recovered when a trip is cancelled - for example a non-refundable deposit. If your supplier has offered a voucher/credit for the total value of your cancelled trip, it’s considered a full refund under your Trip Cancellation Plan. With a full refund available in voucher/credit form, there is no cost to be recovered, and a claim cannot be made.

With that said, you may be eligible for a premium refund. Please call us at
1-800-667-3699 for more information.

Any disputes over refunds and vouchers/credits should be directed to your travel provider, transportation carrier, or the Canadian Transportation Agency.

My travel supplier has cancelled my trip due to the Canadian government’s Global Travel Advisory – can I submit a claim for it now?

Yes. Click here to get started. A call isn’t necessary to start the claim process.

My trip was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic – can I get a premium refund for my plan?

You’d be eligible for a premium refund if your travel supplier (ex. airline, tour operator, cruise ship, etc):

• cancelled the trip and gave you a full refund with all penalties waived; or
• changed the travel dates and gave you a full refund with all penalties waived because you’re unable to travel on the new dates.
  
  

Can I extend my Trip Cancellation Insurance if I’ve been delayed returning to Canada?

There’s no need to extend your policy if you’re delayed returning home. You can submit a claim for your interrupted trip once you get back home.

My vacation’s been rescheduled by my travel supplier - can I change the dates of my Trip Cancellation Insurance?

Yes, you can change the dates of your coverage as long as you haven’t left on your trip and your new departure date is within 18 months from the date you purchased your plan.

Does my Trip Cancellation Insurance cover changes and cancellations due to COVID-19?

Yes, you have coverage as long as there was no travel advisory to “avoid non-essential” or “avoid all travel” before you purchased your plan. For Multi-trip plans, you have coverage if there was no travel advisory in place before your purchase date or booking date.

If I have to cancel my trip before I’m scheduled to leave because I’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 or am in self-quarantine because I’ve been exposed to COVID-19, will my Trip Cancellation Insurance cover expenses?

Yes, you’d have coverage under your Trip Cancellation plan.

I’m returning to Canada early because the Canadian government advised all Canadians to return home. What will my trip cancellation insurance cover?

Your plan will cover the cost to change your ticket or book one-way transportation home, whichever’s less. You’ll also have coverage for unused, non-refundable tickets, accommodations, car rentals, etc.

We believe it’s our responsibility to be there for our customers in situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re committed to providing support and solutions to individuals and families covered under our Personal and Replacement Health Plans. Starting March 27th, we’re implementing a number of exceptions to our regular business practices for the duration of the provincial states of emergency. These will serve as relief measures to our existing customers during this unprecedented time.

What services or support is available to customers during the pandemic?

Our health plans are intended to help you live well and afford the care you need. During these uncertain times, emergency medical coverage is more important than ever. 

We thrive on helping our customers live well and making sure they can access care when health challenges arise. For example, our individual health plans give customers access to mental health professionals. Plus, all of our Personal Health plans provide access to LifeWorks, a total wellness program that includes components geared to improve your mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing. 

My policy's coming up for renewal and I might not be able to afford the whole year. Are there payment options?

You bet. We know paying for the whole year up front isn’t always doable, so you also have the option to pay monthly. You can even set up convenient automatic monthly withdrawals from your bank account. Give us a call at 1.800.667.3699 and one of our Customer Care Representatives will set you up on the payment plan that suits your needs.

I can't make my yearly payment. I may need to cancel, but I don't want to lose my benefits. Can you help me?

We're here to make sure you're able to keep your health benefits throughout this challenging time. To help, we have options such as a 30-day grace period for your premium payment. Please call us at 1.800.667.3699, and we'll work with you to find your best option.

At GMS we believe it is our responsibility to do our best to provide support in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to providing solutions to our business partners and will update this information frequently to keep you up to date. We want to outline our current practice and exceptions to our regular business process that we will adopt effective March 27th for business relief measures and Group Benefits during this event.

How do I access my Groups’ information online?

Plan administrators
Register for an online plan administrator account by completing The Online Administrator Agreement and emailing it to group@gms.ca. Once you’re registered, it’s easy to perform a variety of tasks online such as:

• Updating employee information 
• Adding or removing members/dependants
• Updating personal information

Plan members
Register for a My GMS account so you can:

• Submit claims online
• Review claim payments
• Update personal information (security and banking information)

 The following questions reference Assumption Life benefit coverage. If your group does not have Assumption Life benefit coverage, we will be contacting you directly.

Will truck drivers delivering goods across the US/Canada border still have Emergency Out-of-Country Medical coverage?

In collaboration with the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, GMS fully supports the continuation of cross-border trade with the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we will guarantee Emergency Out-of-Country Medical coverage for truck drivers hauling essential goods over the US/Canada border.

My business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 causing things such as temporary layoffs, business closures or other financial hardships. How can GMS help?

We have a variety of options to support your business through COVID-19. Each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If your group qualifies, extended grace periods, deferrals of payments and suspension of coverage and premiums may be available. Send us an email with your group name and number to group@gms.ca and we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss how we can help you and your business during this difficult time.

What if I have laid off some or all of my employees?  How is my Group Benefits plan affected?

As each groups’ needs may vary, we encourage you to reach out to us at group@gms.ca. We can discuss potential solutions and next steps for your company. If you would like to keep employees on your benefits plan after a layoff, you may do so. However, you will need to notify us and their premiums will need to continue to be paid.

Do I need to notify GMS to extend Health and Dental benefits to employees on temporary layoff?

Yes. Please let us know, within 31 days, which of your employees have been temporarily laid off. We will update our records and set a follow-up date to return them to employed status.

Are short- and long-term disability benefits (LTD/STD) available during temporary layoffs? What is our layoff provision?

As disability benefits are income-related benefits, they generally are not available and do not continue during layoffs. However, if premiums are paid, during this time we can offer 90 days of disability coverage during a layoff without an amendment to your policy.

Do I need to notify GMS to extend Life and Disability benefits to employees on temporary layoff?

Yes. Please notify us within 31 days of the date of layoff. If premiums continue to be paid, you can extend benefits for up to 12 months (one year) for Life benefits and 90 days for Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability benefits.

I haven’t laid off employees, but their hours of work have been significantly reduced. How does that affect my plan?

Health & Dental Benefits:
We’re currently making an exception for employees who are working reduced hours due to COVID-19.  As long as we are notified, we will no longer apply our standard minimum number of hours worked requirement to remain eligible for benefits. To remove coverage for a plan member, a plan administrator must submit an employee termination or contact group@gms.ca.

Life & Disability Coverage: 
Should a plan member fall below the minimum number of hours noted in the policy, we must be notified of the date within 31 days. If the premiums continue to be paid, your employee(s) can maintain Life coverage for up to 12 months and Disability coverage for up to 90 days.

Who can I talk to about the wellbeing of my business and employees during this difficult time?

We offer an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) as an optional Group benefit. If your Group opted for this benefit, please visit the Homewood Health Website which provides a variety of resources and services available to help you through the COVID-19 pandemic or call the Homewood Health helpline at
1-800-663-1142.

If you are interested in adding this benefit to your employee benefits, please contact us at group@gms.ca or talk to your broker.

Can I still purchase a StudentPlan?

No. Due to the Global Travel Advisory issued by the Canadian Government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re unable to provide coverage for claims outside of Canada. As a result, we’ve suspended sales of StudentPlan until further notice.

How do I make a claim?

For Trip Cancellation Insurance, please visit the Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Claim page, or complete a claim form and include all supporting documentation. Then, email the form and documentation to travelinquiry@gms.ca within 12 months after the cancellation or interruption occurred.

For Emergency Medical Coverage, please visit the Emergency Medical Coverage Claim page, or complete a claim form and include all supporting documentation. Then, email the form and documentation to submit@allianz-assistance.ca.

For Drug, Dental, Vision and Health Claims:

• Online is your best and quickest option. Sign up for a My GMS account (hit Login/Register at the top of this page) and you’ll be able to submit claims online and sign-up for direct deposit to have your claim payments automatically deposited into your bank account. No need to worry about waiting for cheques in the mail.
• To avoid submitting a claim altogether, show your GMS ID card at your pharmacy or healthcare provider and ask if they’ll bill us directly.
  
  

How have GMS’ operations been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

We’ve moved the majority of our office-based staff to working remotely to help minimize any potential spread of COVID-19. However, as of September 9, 2021, we’ve reopened the front counter at our Regina office for in-person service. We also continue to conduct regular business by phone, email and online.

With your staff working from home, how can I pay my plan premiums?

As of September 9, 2021, we’ve reopened the front counter at our Regina office for in-person service. We ask that customers using our front counter service follow the safety-first precautions we’ve put in place. These can be found in the “Maintaining Service” tab on the left-hand side of this page.

We also offer these methods for paying your premium:

• Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD)
• Cheque by mail to Head Office
• Credit Card (Individual clients only)
• Contact your Broker

If you would like to set up one of these payment methods:
Group benefit plan customers please contact group@gms.ca
Individual health customers please contact info@gms.ca.

If COVID-19 prevents me from working, do I qualify for short-term disability?

Here's how your short-term disability benefit works when it comes to employees needing to miss work due to COVID-19:

• If someone has tested positive or is waiting for test results for COVID-19.
  They can apply for short-term disability benefits. The waiting period and need for an Attending Physician's Statement to process their claim will be waived to make sure they receive benefits as soon as possible. This will support them during their immediate self-quarantine. If they have not been tested, their claim will be evaluated after a waiting period to allow time to first receive their test results.
  To apply:
  
  • fill out the Confirmation of Illness Form and Member Statement;
  • follow the instructions; and
  • submit it to lifedisability@assumption.ca
    
    
• If someone is experiencing symptoms but has not been tested for COVID-19.
  They can apply for short-term disability benefits. Their claim will be evaluated after a waiting period to allow time to first receive their test results. If someone is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have not yet been tested, we require them to get tested before completing their short-term disability claim.
  To apply:
  • fill out the Disability Claim Initial Request;
  • follow the instructions; and
  • submit it to lifedisability@assumption.ca
    
    
• If someone has no symptoms but has been told to self-quarantine by a government or healthcare professional.
  If working from home is not possible, Employment Insurance benefits should be used, not short-term disability benefits.

Serving you safely is our priority.

Call Centre:  Our hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday

Can’t find the answer you need? Find it in our product-specific FAQs, or feel free to give us a call toll-free at 1.800.667.3699.

Front Counter: Effective September 9, 2021, we’ve re-opened the front counter at our Regina office for in-person service. We’ve implemented a number of protocols to protect the safety and well-being of our customers and staff, and appreciate your cooperation as we keep each other safe.  Staff at our front counter are happy to assist you with purchases, payment inquiries and plan and benefit inquiries. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to stop by:

Front counter hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Safety first precautions:

• To help keep everyone safe, please don’t visit us if: you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath; you've travelled outside of Canada within the past 14 days; you've been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days; and/or you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days;
• Please use the hand sanitizer provided at our front entrance;
• Please maintain six feet of physical distance from others;
• Claims drop-off available: You’re welcome to drop off your claims in the box provided in our lobby, but please note we’re not handling claims at the front counter at this time. Thanks for your patience.

And remember, we’re always available to serve you online and in the following ways:

• Questions? If you can't find the answer you need, email us at info@gms.ca, or call us at 306.352.7638 or 1.800.667.3699.
• Submitting claims? Online is your best and quickest option. Sign up for a My GMS account, and you’ll be able to submit claims online and sign-up for direct deposit to have your claim payments automatically put into your account. No need to worry about cheques being delayed in the mail. 
• Skip the paperwork! To avoid submitting a claim altogether, show your GMS ID card at your pharmacy, dentist or healthcare provider and ask if they’ll bill us directly. 
• Payments? Call us at 306.352.7638 or 1.800.667.3699, and we’ll take your payment for a Personal or Replacement Health plan by credit card. You can also call us to set up convenient monthly payments that are automatically debited from your bank account.

Have questions? This site is a great source of information. To make things easier, we've created a number of product-specific FAQs that can be viewed by selecting the tab on the left-hand side of this page. Can’t find the answer you need? Give us a call toll-free at 1.800.667.3699.

To submit claims please visit the following pages on our website:
Immigrants & Visitors
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
Travel Emergency Medical
Baggage

To make payment: We have several methods, Pre-Authorized Debit, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Cheque (mailed to our office), and credit card (for clients with a Personal or Replacement Health Plan only). To set up one of these payment methods, email info@gms.ca if you have Personal Health or Replacement Health Plan, or group@gms.ca if you have a Group Benefits Plan.

To request tax receipts: Please email your request to info@gms.ca. Be sure to include your full name, date of birth, and GMS ID number.