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Your Group Benefits Travel Coverage

Planning to travel? It's important to know how your group travel insurance works—especially when it comes to pre-existing conditions.

One key detail you need to be aware of is the stability clause.

Understanding Your Coverage

What is Stability Clause?

A stability clause outlines how long a pre-existing medical condition must be stable before your departure date in order to be covered under your travel insurance policy.

"Stable" means:
  • No changes in medication (dosage or frequency)
  • No new symptoms
  • No medical treatment, testing, or hospital visits
Why It Matters

Could Your Condition Affect Your Coverage?

If your condition hasn’t been stable for the required period (usually 90 or 180 days, depending on your policy), it may not be covered while you’re travelling.

This could affect coverage for:

Heart Conditions

Pre-existing cardiac issues such as arrhythmia, heart failure, or coronary artery disease may not be covered if the stability requirement hasn't been met.

Diabetes

Any changes in insulin dosage, blood sugar levels, or diabetes-related medication within the stability period could affect your coverage while abroad.

Respiratory Issues

Conditions like asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis may be excluded if you've had recent flare-ups, new prescriptions, or breathing-related treatment.

Any Ongoing Medical Treatment

If you're undergoing active treatment, testing, or specialist visits for any condition, those conditions may be considered unstable and excluded from coverage.

Before You Go

What You Should Do Before You Travel

Review Your Policy

Read through your group benefits booklet or speak directly with your Healthwise Advisor to understand exactly what your travel coverage includes.

Confirm the Stability Period

Find out how many days your condition must be stable before departure — this is typically 90 or 180 days depending on your plan.

Check With Your Doctor

If you've had any recent changes in your health — new medications, symptoms, or treatments — consult your doctor before you travel.

Disclose Your Medical History

Always be upfront about your medical history when asked. Full disclosure protects you — it ensures your claim won't be denied on a technicality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What You Need to Know About Your Group Travel Insurance

Everything you need to know about your group travel benefits, answered in plain language.
What does my group travel insurance cover?
Your coverage is for emergency medical care only while you're travelling outside your home province or country.
Does it cover trip cancellation or delays?
No. This is not a trip cancellation or trip interruption policy. It does not cover costs related to cancelled flights, delayed travel, or lost luggage.
What counts as a medical emergency?
Any sudden, unexpected illness or injury that requires urgent medical treatment—such as a broken bone or heart attack—while you're travelling.
How long can I be away and still be covered?
Always check your group benefits booklet for your policy's coverage duration. If you're away longer than that, you must purchase extended coverage before your departure to remain protected.
What happens if I stay longer than the allowed trip duration without extending my coverage?
If you exceed the maximum trip duration without arranging extra coverage before you leave, your policy may become void, and any emergency claims could be denied.
If I return home during my trip, does my trip duration 'clock' reset?
Yes. If you return to your home province for at least 24 hours, the trip duration clock resets and starts fresh when you travel again.
Who do I call in an emergency while travelling?
Your travel insurance provider has a 24/7 emergency assistance line. Keep this number with you while travelling — it is located on your benefits card. If you'll be without WiFi and are using a digital card, we recommend screenshotting it before travelling out of range.
Are there any countries I can't travel to under this coverage?
Your travel insurance does not cover travel to countries with an active travel advisory issued by the Government of Canada.
Am I covered if I have a medical emergency while under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
No. Most group travel insurance policies exclude alcohol and drug-related incidents. If intoxication is found to be a contributing factor in the emergency, your claim may be denied.

Where to Find Your Coverage Details

To review your travel insurance coverage—including your benefit details, eligibility, and how to arrange extended coverage—follow these steps:

1

Log In to Your Portal

Sign in to the employee portal provided by your employer or plan administrator.

2

Open Your Benefits Booklet

Your group benefits booklet outlines all key features of your plan, including travel coverage duration and eligibility.

3

Review or Extend

Confirm your coverage period and arrange extended coverage before departure if needed.

Book a Meeting
We Are Here to Help

Questions?

Not sure if your condition qualifies as "stable"? Confused about the fine print? Need extended coverage? Reach out to your Healthwise Advisor. We'll help you get clarity so you can travel confidently.

Katrina Sinclair
Insurance Advisor · Healthwise Benefits
778.554.6676