PSA: The ongoing fuel shortage will probably change your travel insurance coverage! It's already impacting Manulife insurance.
Heads up for anyone travelling soon, especially if you bought or plan to buy travel insurance through Manulife.
Manulife says the ongoing global jet fuel shortage is now considered a “known event” as of May 5, 2026 for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance.
For policies bought on or after May 5, benefits related to fuel-shortage disruptions may not apply. If your your flight gets cancelled or changed because of fuel shortages, Manulife says the airline/travel supplier is generally responsible first for refunds, rebooking, or credits. Insurance coverage is secondary and depends heavily on your specific policy.
The other insurers are likely to follow suit.
Before you travel anywhere this summer, read your policy exclusions carefully. Check what counts as a known event, and make sure you understand whether your credit card insurance works differently from a standalone travel insurance policy. You should also check Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination and contact your insurer before assuming cancellation or interruption coverage will apply.
I've put links to sources in the comments.