Summer is Here: Don't Forget About Your Benefits!

By: Simon Reyers | July 6, 2026

Summer is here, and for many Canadians, that means cottage and camping are here! Whether you're spending weekends by the lake, tackling projects around the cabin, or simply taking time to relax and recharge, it's the perfect time to make the most of the season.

So, what does this have to do with your employee benefits? More than you might think.

Travel Coverage

If you're travelling outside your home province, or outside of Canada this summer, be sure to bring your emergency medical travel insurance information with you.

Before you leave, keep these important reminders in mind:

Check Travel Advisories
Before travelling, review any travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada. If there is an advisory in effect for your destination, contact your insurer before you depart to understand whether your coverage may be affected.
 
Understand the Stability Clause
Most travel insurance policies include a stability clause, which generally requires that any pre-existing medical condition remain "stable" for a specified period before your departure (often three months).

A medical condition may not be considered stable if, during the stability period, you have:

• Received medical treatment or been assessed for new symptoms
• Experienced worsening symptoms related to the condition
• Been prescribed new medication or had changes made to your treatment plan
• Been admitted to a hospital or received hospital treatment related to the condition
• Been advised to undergo future non-routine tests, investigations, surgery, or other medical treatment related to a pre-existing or undiagnosed condition

Most Extended Health Care plans include emergency medical travel coverage, but benefits and policy wording vary by insurer. Before you travel, take a few minutes to review your coverage and contact your insurer if you have any questions.

Virtual Healthcare

Virtual Healthcare is a valuable benefit that many of our clients offer, and it can be especially helpful when you're away from home.

With access to physicians, nurse practitioners, and prescription renewals through your smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can receive medical advice for a wide range of non-emergency concerns, including:

• Insect bites and tick-related concerns
• Rashes and skin irritations, including poison ivy
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Prescription renewals
• Minor infections, such as swimmer's ear or urinary tract infections
• Seasonal allergies
• Minor injuries and strains from summer activities

Virtual Healthcare is typically offered as an optional enhancement to your core benefits plan, so it's worth checking whether your plan includes this service.

Whether it's a tick bite at the cottage, a poison ivy rash after a hike, a prescription refill, swimmer's ear, or a summer cold, virtual healthcare can connect you with a healthcare professional from the dock, the cabin, or anywhere your summer takes you.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed, and your employee benefits are there to support you when the unexpected happens. Before heading out on your next adventure, take a few minutes to review your coverage so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying a safe, healthy, and relaxing summer.