The coverage will apply to southern destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean. With limits up to CA$100,000, Air Canada’s free insurance will cover quarantine accommodation expenses and emergency medical bills related to Covid-19 in the event the traveller contracts the coronavirus abroad. The insurance also covers repatriation fees should the traveller die overseas.

Putting health first

Nino Montagnese, Air Canada Vacation’s Managing Director, said: “We’re pleased to be the first Canadian tour operator to ensure coverage is in place for emergency medical and quarantine expenses relating to Covid-19 as a part of our vacation packages. Our strategy has been to be at the forefront of travel safety measures, including through the implementation of our Health and Safety Standards in our Sun destinations. We look forward to continuing to work with Allianz Global Assistance to turn our customers' travel dreams into reality.”

Chris Van Kooten, CEO at Allianz Global Assistance, added: "As Canadians look forward to travelling again, safety while abroad is top of mind for travellers more than ever before. Air Canada Vacations' customers can once again travel with confidence and enjoy their holiday to the fullest with peace of mind about Covid-19 related medical emergencies."

Other airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and flydubai have also started to provide Covid-19 medical cover for their passengers, which reflects a clear priority of putting health first when it comes to restarting the tourism industry.