Coverage Period

The coverage period is the span of time during which an insurance policy is active and the insured person is eligible to receive benefits. It begins on the policy’s effective date and ends on the contract expiry date or termination date, depending on whether the policy is renewed or canceled. During this time, the insurer is obligated to pay for eligible claims according to the terms of the plan, as long as premiums are paid and coverage remains in force.

Coverage periods can be annual, semi-annual, or monthly, depending on the policy type. In health and dental insurance, coverage is continuous as long as premiums are paid. In travel insurance, the coverage period is specific to the trip duration, starting on the departure date and ending on the return date or after a set number of insured days. Understanding your coverage period ensures you know when your benefits apply and helps prevent lapses in protection.

Example:

If your health insurance policy begins on January 1, 2025, and renews annually, your coverage period runs from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Claims for expenses incurred during this time are eligible for reimbursement under that policy year.

What to Watch For:

Always verify the start and end dates of your coverage period, especially when changing jobs, renewing a plan, or traveling. Claims incurred outside the active period will not be reimbursed. For travel policies, coverage typically begins when you leave your home province and ends on the earlier of your return date or the policy expiry.