Travel insurance covers the costs that can come with a trip: a medical emergency, a cancelled or interrupted trip, delayed or lost baggage, and in some policies, accidents. Provincial health plans usually pay little or nothing for care outside Canada, and hospital bills abroad can be very large.
The main parts
- Emergency medical. Covers urgent care while you are away. This is the core of most plans, and the one that matters most for trips outside Canada.
- Trip cancellation. Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you have to cancel for a reason the policy lists.
- Trip interruption. Covers costs if you have to cut a trip short or return home for a covered reason.
- Baggage and travel delay. Covers lost or delayed baggage and some added costs.
Things that change what is covered
- Pre-existing conditions. Many policies exclude conditions that were not stable before you left. The required stability period varies by policy, and the rules are exact. Answer health questions fully.
- Age and trip length. Cost and rules often change with age and for longer stays.
- Trip type. A single trip, a year of multiple trips and a long winter stay are different products.
- When you buy. Some cover, such as trip cancellation, usually needs to be bought soon after you pay your first trip deposit. Buy before you leave in all cases.
If something happens
Most plans want you to call their emergency assistance line before seeking non-urgent care. Keep receipts and records, and check what the plan needs from you to make a claim.
Questions to ask an advisor
- What counts as a pre-existing condition, and what is the stability period?
- What are the medical limits and the deductible?
- What reasons for cancelling are covered, and what is excluded?
- Is my credit card or employer plan cover enough, and for how long does it last?
Common mistakes
- Relying on provincial health insurance outside Canada.
- Not declaring a medical condition and later having a claim refused.
- Buying after leaving home.