The Public Health Agency of Canada¹ has advised that “Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should avoid travel to Zika-affected countries or areas” because the “Zika virus can pass from mother to baby through the placenta and cause severe birth defects in babies who are infected before they are born.”
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Avoid traveling to a Zika-affected country if pregnant or planning on getting pregnant.
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Can’t defer travel? Talk to a doctor about mosquito bite prevention measures.
What’s the Zika virus?
According to the World Health Organization², Zika is a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms are mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache. The Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations known as congenital Zika syndrome. Infection with the Zika virus is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including preterm birth and miscarriage.
Where in the world is Zika?
Specific areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time. When planning your travels, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada¹ for the latest information on affected areas.
What does your coverage offer?
World Nomads offers pregnancy-related coverage, but it will not apply if you travel, or book travel, to a country which Health Canada is advising you to avoid.
For more information, read our article on pregnancy.
What may not be covered?
There is no coverage if you choose to cancel your trip due to the Zika virus. You may also not be covered for any other claims if you choose to travel to these countries.
Should you not be able to avoid or postpone travel, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends talking to a health care professional about the risk of a Zika infection and to take measures to prevent mosquito bites.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage or if you have questions, just ask us.
¹Public Health Agency of Canada; https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/zika-virus.htm
²World Health Organization; www.who.int
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Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.