travel insurance

Travel Insurance for Traveling Canadians

Whether you’re skiing in the Rockies or sightseeing in Europe, travel insurance ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. It not only provides peace of mind but also financial protection against unforeseen circumstances that could impact your trip. Travel insurance is an affordable medical treatment option for Canadians traveling abroad, costing just around $20 per week for emergency medical coverage. This affordable rate can save you from exorbitant medical bills. There are all-inclusive plans also available to cover loss of baggage, trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation, flight delays, and other travel inconveniences. These plans ensure that you are covered from the moment you leave your home to the time you return, making your travel experience smoother and less stressful.

Visitor to Canada Travel Insurance

As we know, the Canadian healthcare system is expensive, making it hard to afford for uninsured visitors. Whether you are visiting on a super visa or a visitor visa, always ensure you secure appropriate insurance coverage. Visiting family or friends in Canada? Ensure you’re protected with visitor-to-Canada travel insurance, which offers coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and other unforeseen events. This type of insurance is essential for those who may not be covered by Canada’s public healthcare system, providing peace of mind during your stay. In addition to medical coverage, some visitor-to-Canada insurance plans also include benefits such as trip interruption protection, lost baggage coverage, and accidental death benefits, further safeguarding your travel experience.

Comprehensive travel insurance can prevent financial hardships and provide quality care in times of need. Additionally, many insurance providers offer customized plans to fit your specific needs, allowing you to choose the appropriate level of coverage based on your health condition, duration of stay, and activities planned during your visit. Therefore, taking the time to research and purchase the right travel insurance is a crucial step in preparing for your trip to Canada, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience as you enjoy your time with loved ones.

International Student Insurance

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to have the right insurance in place. International student insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and more, so you can focus on your studies without worrying about the unexpected. Whether you’re attending a short-term language course or a full degree program, this insurance keeps you covered.

We have Major Canadian Companies

When it comes to travel insurance in Canada, some of the leading names include Manulife, Travelance, and Allianz Global. These companies offer a broad range of products tailored to individual needs, ensuring your travel experiences are safe and secure. Their coverage options span medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and various other travel-related risks, providing peace of mind wherever your adventures take you.

If you’re looking for more affordable options, consider RIMI, Ingle, and Travel Shield. These companies provide budget-friendly plans that still cover your essential needs without compromising quality. With so many options available, you can find travel insurance that fits both your requirements and your budget, allowing you to travel with confidence and security.

What is Covered in Travel Insurance?

Why take the risk when you can easily purchase travel insurance to safeguard your journey? Whether you’re traveling within Canada or abroad, having the right insurance coverage can make all the difference. From trip cancellations to medical emergencies, travel insurance offers peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your time away.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage

This type of insurance reimburses travelers for some or all prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses. It comes in several forms:

  • Trip Cancellation: Reimburses you for prepaid travel expenses if you can’t travel because of a pre-approved reason.
  • Travel Delay: Reimburses you for expenses incurred if your travel is delayed.
  • Trip Interruption: Reimburses you for travel costs if your trip is cut short.
  • Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Reimburses you for a portion of costs if you cancel your trip for any reason; typically more expensive than other types.

The acceptable reasons for cancellation or interruption and the reimbursement amounts vary by provider. Common acceptable reasons for a claim include:

  • Your illness
  • Illness or death in your immediate family
  • Sudden business conflicts
  • Weather-related issues
  • Legal obligations such as jury duty
  • Bankruptcy

Additional fees or requirements may apply for claims because of financial default, terrorism in your destination city, or work-related reasons.

Damage and Baggage Losses Coverage

Baggage and belongings being lost, stolen, or damaged can quickly ruin a trip. Baggage and personal effects coverage protect your belongings during travel. However, many travel insurance policies will only pay for belongings after you exhaust all other available claims. Coverage may have restrictions, such as only covering up to $500 per item and $250 for each additional item. You may adjust these amounts by paying more.

For example, lost and damaged luggage because of airline’s fault might not be covered by your insurance. Most airlines reimburse travelers if baggage is lost or destroyed because of their error, but there may be limitations on reimbursement amounts. Baggage and personal effects coverage provide an additional layer of protection.

Rental Insurance

Vacation rental insurance covers costs from accidental damage to a vacation rental property and may also offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Common reasons for claims include:

  • Lost or stolen keys
  • Unsanitary or unsafe vacation property
  • Vacation rental not as advertised
  • Company overselling your vacation rental

Rental car insurance covers damage or loss of a rental car while on a trip, serving as an alternative to the rental agency’s collision damage waiver (CDW) or your regular car insurance policy. Policies may cover collisions, theft, vandalism, and other incidents, but rarely cover your liability or legal responsibility for damage or injury caused to others.

Travel Health Insurance

Medical coverage can help with unexpected international medical and dental expenses and assist with locating doctors and healthcare facilities abroad. Coverage varies by price and provider.

  • Foreign Travel Medical Coverage: These policies range from five days to one year or longer and cover costs from illness and injuries while traveling.
  • Medical Evacuation: May cover airlift travel to a medical facility and medical evacuation to receive care.

Consult your current medical insurer before purchasing a policy to determine whether your existing coverage extends outside the country. Most health insurance companies pay “customary and reasonable” hospital costs if you become sick or injured while traveling, but few will cover medical evacuation.

The U.S. government does not insure citizens or pay for medical expenses abroad. Read policy provisions to understand exclusions, such as preexisting medical conditions. Routine medical care is typically excluded unless you purchase a long-term medical plan for expatriates, missionaries, maritime crew members, or others abroad for extended periods.

Medicare or Medicaid rarely cover medical costs overseas unless you have specific Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans that include emergency overseas care.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage

If an accident results in death or serious injury, an AD&D policy pays a lump sum to surviving beneficiaries or to you for an injury. This insurance usually offers three parts, covering accidents and fatalities:

  • Flight Accident Insurance: Covers incidents during flights on a licensed commercial airliner.
  • Common Carrier: Covers incidents during public transportation such as train, ferry, or bus travel.
  • General Travel: Covers incidents occurring at any point during a trip.

Exclusions may apply, such as death caused by drug overdose or sickness. Coverage for injuries is typically limited to specific cases, like loss of hand, foot, limb, or eyesight, with stated amount limits per injury.

Accidental death coverage may not be necessary if you already have a life insurance policy. However, benefits paid by travel insurance may be besides those paid by your life insurance policy, leaving more money to your beneficiaries.

Other Travel Insurance Coverage

Depending on your plan or package, you may add the following types of travel insurance:

  • Identity theft resolution services
  • School activity coverage
  • Destination wedding coverage
  • Adventure sports coverage
  • Pet health as a reason for cancellation or delay
  • Hunting or fishing activities as a reason for cancellation or delay
  • Missed flight connections

Travel Insurance FAQ

Is there a deductible? If so, how much is it?

Yes, most travel insurance plans have a deductible. The amount varies depending on the plan you choose. Typically, deductibles can range from $50 to $500 or more. It’s important to review your policy details to understand the specific deductible for your coverage.

Plans with 100% coverage are more expensive but may save you money in the long run.

Indeed, plans offering 100% coverage tend to have higher premiums. However, they can save you money in the event of a claim by covering all eligible expenses without requiring you to pay a portion out-of-pocket.

Does the plan offer continuous coverage for the length of your stay outside Canada and after your return?

Some travel insurance plans offer continuous coverage for the entire duration of your trip abroad and may even extend coverage for a short period after your return to Canada. It’s essential to verify this with your insurance provider to ensure you are covered for the entirety of your travels.

Does the plan exclude or limit coverage for certain regions or countries you may visit?

Yes, some plans may have exclusions or limitations for specific regions or countries, particularly those deemed high-risk due to political instability, war, or other dangers. Always check the policy’s fine print or consult with the insurance provider to understand any regional exclusions.

Does the plan cover medical treatment?

Yes, travel insurance generally covers medical treatment for emergencies that occur during your trip. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and other necessary medical procedures.

Travel health insurance rarely covers routine health checkups, non-emergency care, or cosmetic surgery.

Correct, most travel health insurance plans do not cover routine health checkups, non-emergency care, or cosmetic surgery. They are primarily designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies.

It may not cover mental health disorders.

Many travel insurance plans do not cover mental health disorders, or they may offer limited coverage. It’s crucial to read the policy details to understand the extent of mental health coverage.

Does the plan cover drug or alcohol-related incidents?

Coverage for drug or alcohol-related incidents varies by plan. Some plans may exclude coverage for incidents that occur while the insured is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Review the policy to understand these exclusions.

Does the plan exclude coverage for activities such as mountaineering, skiing, scuba diving, or extreme sports?

Yes, many standard travel insurance plans exclude coverage for high-risk activities such as mountaineering, skiing, scuba diving, or other extreme sports. You may need to purchase additional coverage specifically designed for these activities.

Does the plan offer assistance in the event of a natural disaster or political unrest?

Many travel insurance plans include provisions for natural disasters or political unrest, offering evacuation assistance, trip interruption coverage, and other support. Check your policy for these specific benefits.

Tips to Buy the Best Travel Insurance

Planning your next adventure but feeling overwhelmed by the many travel insurance options out there? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are some valuable tips to guide you in finding the best travel insurance policy for your needs.

What is Covered?

Understanding what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Most standard plans include coverage for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and travel delays. However, it’s essential to read the policy details carefully to ensure it covers your specific needs. For example, if you plan on skiing or scuba diving, make sure your policy includes coverage for these activities.

Read Exclusions

Just as important as knowing what is covered is understanding what is not covered. Exclusions are specific situations or circumstances that your insurance policy won’t cover. Common exclusions might include pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, acts as a key to terrorism, and travel to countries with travel advisories. Reviewing the list of exclusions carefully will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you need to make a claim.

Check Prices Around

Shopping around and comparing prices from different insurance providers is a smart move before purchasing travel insurance. Prices can vary significantly based on factors like the trip’s length, destination, the traveler’s age, and coverage limits. Getting quotes from multiple companies ensures you’re getting the best price for the coverage you need. Some comparison websites make this easier by allowing you to compare prices and features of different policies in one place.

Read Reviews

Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into an insurance provider’s reliability and quality. Reviews can shed light on the company’s customer service, claims process, and overall satisfaction with the policy. Look for reviews on independent websites, forums, and social media to get a well-rounded view of the provider’s reputation. Positive reviews can give you confidence in choosing a reputable company that will support you in an emergency.

Why Choose Us

When selecting travel insurance, there are several major Canadian companies to consider. Here’s why you should choose us for your travel insurance needs:

  • Experience: With years in the industry, we understand Canadian travelers’ unique needs and strive to provide comprehensive coverage to keep you safe on your adventures.
  • Expertise: Our Our team of insurance professionals will guide you in selecting the right coverage for your trip, ensuring you have the protection you need.
  • Authority: As a trusted travel insurance provider, we have the resources and authority to handle unexpected events during your travels, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.
  • Trust: When you choose us, you can trust we’ll be there for you when you need us most, offering support and assistance to navigate any challenges.

Don’t leave your travel plans to chance—invest in travel insurance today and travel with confidence knowing you’re protected every step of the way.

Travel insurance is a vital component of any travel plan, offering comprehensive protection against unforeseen events. From trip cancellations and baggage loss to medical emergencies and extreme sports coverage, there are numerous options to ensure you’re covered during your travels. Whether you’re a Canadian traveling abroad or a visitor coming to Canada, securing the right travel insurance policy can provide peace of mind and financial security throughout your journey.