COVID-19 has changed a lot about traveling, but the Johnson MEDOC team’s dedicated support of Federal Retirees and its members remains the same.
Federal Retirees continues to work closely with Johnson to obtain clarity on the MEDOC renewal process and the coverage that will be available to subscribers. At this time, there continues to be a Government of Canada international travel advisory in effect and significant uncertainty around the control of the spread of the virus in popular USA travel destinations including Florida, Texas, Arizona and California.
Up to July 30, Johnson had received and paid an unprecedented number of claims and is continuing to manage through the backlog. By April 30 there were already more claims submitted than in the entire 2019 calendar year. More than 6,500 of our members have submitted claims and have received claims payments ranging from less than $100 to over $14,000. Currently, Johnson has approximately 2,200 claims still outstanding, however progress continues to be made. It is our understanding that MEDOC has already paid out more in claims to Federal Retirees members than the total amount of annual premiums members have paid this year.
Some of MEDOC’s competitors have begun to offer early bird specials to attract new subscribers, but Association members should look very closely at what is actually being covered within the policy wording. Where there is language that speaks to exclusions to coverage while travel advisories are in effect (as is the case today) members need to connect that exclusion language back to any promotional coverage for COVID-19. Johnson is always happy to help Federal Retirees members with answers to questions they may have concerning coverage, or to assist in having a clear understanding of messaging in the marketplace as it relates to travel insurance coverage during a global pandemic.
If you would like to speak to a representative about your MEDOC coverage, please contact Johnson Insurance at 1-866-606-3362.
While Johnson is finalizing the terms for the Jan. 1, 2021, renewal, their plan remains to provide industry leading coverage. Their intention is to provide coverage for medical emergencies, including COVID-19, once travel advisories are lifted, as well as continue to provide non-COVID-19 related coverage, should advisories remain in place or be reinstated. The policy renewal period is being extended free of charge to Dec. 31, 2020, with the new policy year beginning on Jan. 1, 2021.
Federal Retirees has enjoyed a trusted relationship with Johnson Insurance for nearly 30 years and MEDOC has consistently been a top-of-market travel insurance program for our members. We have the utmost faith that this proud history will continue through this pandemic, and that MEDOC will continue to deliver the very best in protection for you and your families’ safety and security while travelling. Please stay safe and stay tuned for further updates coming very soon.