La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services announced May 8 that it is offering free COVID-19 hospitalization coverage to its critical illness insurance (CII) clients who acquired their policy on an individual basis. It is not available for those who are covered by CII through a group plan.

The benefit consists of a lump-sum amount of $2,000 and covers the insured, the spouse and children under age 18 who live at the same address as the insured.

"La Capitale is listening to what its members need, and we believe that this type of coverage can help reduce the financial stress when a family member is hospitalized. Our mission as a mutual company has always been to value and protect what our members hold most dear. This measure affects thousands of families in all provinces across Canada," stated Jean St-Gelais, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services.

The benefit is being automatically added to individual Critical Illness insurance contracts that are in effect and will be available until July 31, 2020. Insureds with this insurance do not need to contact La Capitale to have it added.