First-in-Canada service announced as eased coronavirus-related restrictions open door to more in-province movement
Orion Travel Insurance, a CAA-owned company, has achieved a Canadian first by offering Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance for vacationers choosing to stay in their home province.
“We felt it was important to add Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance to in-province travel, to help travellers preserve as much of their vacation as possible if faced with a medical emergency," said Kellee Irwin, vice president, Orion Travel Insurance.
Irwin noted that coronavirus-induced restrictions have highlighted gaps in the coverage available for in-province travel compared to international and inter-province travel.
Already included as part of Orion’s emergency medical coverage for out-of-province and international travel, the company’s Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance is now also embedded into Multi-Trip Annual Plans and Multi-Trip Annual Vacation Package Plans for travellers within province.
Under existing and new annual plans, travellers can benefit from up to four virtual visits through CAA Assistance provided by licensed doctors within Canada. Travellers with Orion’s Annual Travel Plan can use the new feature by contacting CAA Assistance, who will then triage the planholder’s situation and connect them with a Canadian doctor.
“As COVID related restrictions begin to ease, we anticipate more people will be staying closer to home and choosing travel options within their home province,” Irwin said. “This will provide additional peace of mind to those who venture out.”
