SSQ travel insurance is now Beneva: what it covers and how to claim

Not under that name. SSQ Insurance merged with La Capitale in 2020, and since January 1, 2023 the insurer has been Beneva. SSQ travel policies became Beneva policies.

Existing coverage did not change because of the merger. Some employers' booklets, claim forms and travel cards still show the SSQ name; for those, read "SSQ" as "Beneva".

Yes, if your plan is still in force. The SSQ name was replaced by Beneva, but cards and booklets were updated gradually, so older ones may still show SSQ.

The emergency number on the card is the one to call. If you are unsure whether your employer or retiree plan is still with Beneva, ask your HR or benefits administrator before you leave; some groups have moved to other insurers.

Beneva's public website currently lists travel insurance only under group plans and retiree products, with no plan you can buy on your own online.

Most people with Beneva travel cover have it through an employer, a retiree plan or an association. If you need individual coverage, such as a top-up for a long trip, trip cancellation or visitor insurance for parents, Pankaj can compare other Canadian insurers for you.

Beneva does not show a Visitors to Canada or Super Visa plan on its public website. Your group plan does not cover visiting parents or relatives either.

For visiting family use a Visitors to Canada policy from an insurer that offers one. A Super Visa needs at least $100,000 of emergency medical cover for one year from entry. Compare Super Visa insurance.

Call the 24/7 assistance number on your travel card before getting treatment, or have someone call for you as soon as possible after admission.

The assistance company confirms your coverage, directs you to a suitable hospital and can arrange payment. Depending on your plan, that provider may be CanAssistance or AXA Assistance; the card tells you which. Beneva's FAQ lists 1 855 635-9460 for its travel insurance assistance service.

Medical and trip cancellation claims for Beneva insureds are handled by its assistance provider. With CanAssistance you fill in the claim form and upload documents through its secure portal.

Include itemized original invoices that show the diagnosis and treatment, proof of payment, and medical reports. For cancellation, also send a letter explaining what happened, the original travel invoice, e-tickets, proof of payment and a physician's statement or other proof. Your provincial plan does not need to be billed first; the assistance company coordinates it.

Not if your health is good and stable. If you have a new diagnosis, a medication change or a condition under investigation, call the travel assistance service before you leave.

Group travel plans have a pre-existing condition clause. A condition that changed shortly before departure may not be covered, so check before booking a long trip.

Beneva's FAQ says that if the government's travel health notice rises to Level 3 after you buy, you can cancel. If it rises to Level 4 and you still travel, you lose travel assistance coverage.

Check the Government of Canada travel advice for your destination before you book and again before you leave. Rules can differ by policy, so check yours.

Usually not. Beneva's group travel FAQ says lost or damaged baggage is not covered by its group insurance and points travellers to their airline.

If baggage matters to you, check your credit card coverage or buy an individual travel plan that includes baggage.

Buy a top-up policy for the days beyond your plan's maximum before you leave. Group plans often limit each trip to 30, 60, 90 or 180 days.

If you stay past the maximum without a top-up, you are uninsured for the extra days. Use the coverage gap checker to work out how many days you need, then get a quote.