The Ontario Insurance News Roundup for the week of March 20, 2021 looks at COVID-19, flood prevention, taxi insurance, and first-time homebuyers.

Ontario insurance to cover some forms of virtual medical care to reduce virus spread – The Globe and Mail

“The Ontario government has agreed to have health insurance cover some forms of virtual medical care, in a bid to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus by preventing unnecessary visits to doctors’ offices.”

Ontario new flood strategy seeks ‘national action plan’: MPP Smith – The Intelligencer

“Ontario’s new flooding strategy is requesting the federal government inject more money into flood prevention along Lake Ontario to help property owners who fear this spring’s melt will bring even more troublesome flooding than in two of the last three years, said Todd Smith, Bay of Quinte MPP, Tuesday.”

Major Canadian travel insurers stop covering coronavirus trip cancellations. – CTV News

“Two Canadian travel insurers are no longer covering customers who want to cancel their trip due to COVID-19, and the rest of the industry is likely to follow suit. Manulife and TuGo have both decided that coronavirus is now a “known” issue and cancellation coverage no longer applies.”

Lack of insurance keeping hundreds of taxis parked in the GTA. – CP24.com

“Hundreds of taxis across the Greater Toronto Area are currently parked and suspended from operating as the industry says it’s faced with a massive hurdle that could potentially lead to job losses and fewer vehicles out on the roads.”

First-time homebuyers in Mississauga need average of $65.7K in cash at closing: study – mississauga.com

“A recent study shows first-time homebuyers in Mississauga will need an average of $65,698 in cash to cover closing costs, exceeding the provincial average by almost $20,000.”