Are you all packed and ready to start your holiday across Canada? One of the worst things that could happen on holiday is getting sick or injured, and that’s where Canada travel insurance comes in. Travel insurance is something that many people spend less time thinking about when they book their trip.
Travel Insurance is an integral part of your trip planning. It’s a safeguard against any emergency and ensures that comes what may, you will still return from the trip safe and sound. Travel insurance can help protect you from the financial consequences of trip cancellation, injury or emergency medical coverage while travelling abroad.
Choosing the right travel insurance for Canada is essential to travel safely. The purpose of this guide is to give you all the information you need to know before choosing between government health insurance plans or some of the top Canadian travel insurance companies.
Interested in learning more? Keep reading
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
Travel insurance for Canadian residents is a great way to protect your vacation. One of the best things about living in Canada is our access to the world.
Whether on a family vacation or a business trip, travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection should something go wrong. The Canadian Government recommends that all travellers purchase travel insurance before embarking on their trip.
Travel insurance should be purchased before your trip starts and before you leave home. It’s not always easy to find time in your busy schedule to shop for travel insurance, but it’s essential to do so well before your trip.
If you wait until the last minute, you may find yourself without coverage or paying more than necessary. Travel health insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies and accidents that occur during your trip. It includes coverage for lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellations and interruptions, and more.
Moreover, travel health insurance does not cover the cost of medical services in Canada or any other country. You should purchase separate travel health insurance before leaving Canada if you need to visit a doctor while travelling outside of Canada.
According to Statistics Canada, approximately 8% of Canadians travel outside of the country every year. If this includes you or someone close to you, they must have the right coverage to protect them while away from home.
Travel insurance policies often include coverage for specific situations, such as:
- Medical expenses that are not covered by your territorial health plan (e.g., prescription drugs)
- Emergency medical transportation to return home or to another country for treatment
- Loss or theft of personal belongings while travelling, including money, passport or credit cards
- Cancellation due to illness or injury that prevents you from travelling
Who Needs It?
Aside from people going on vacation outside of Canada, some other groups also need travel insurance.
Snowbirds
Snowbirds are people who travel to warmer climates in the winter. The perfect travel insurance for snowbirds offers coverage whenever you’re away from home, whether on a permanent move or a vacation.
Snowbirds are usually retirees who have saved enough money to be able to afford this type of lifestyle. They enjoy being warm in their winter home and then enjoying the cooler temperatures when they go to their summer home.
Athletes
Travelling for sports competitions or other events can be risky without travel insurance because injuries can happen on the road as quickly as on the field of play.
A good policy will cover medical care and lost wages if an injury interrupts your training schedule or competition schedule for an event like the Olympics.
Students
If you’re a student planning to study abroad, travel insurance is essential for covering medical expenses and other costs if something goes wrong.
It’s not uncommon for students to go on overseas trips through their university or college, and they’re always considered minors in the eyes of the law. In other words, they’ll need to be protected by their parents’ travel insurance policy if anything happens during their trip.
In addition, students are often more likely than others to suffer from medical conditions that can prevent them from safely travelling, like epilepsy or asthma.
A student with such a condition may require additional protections in case of an emergency abroad, which is why they must have their policy tailored specifically for their needs as a traveller.
Non-medical emergencies, such as theft or lost luggage, are often overlooked, but students should consider purchasing additional coverage.
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Basic Types of Travel Insurance
As a Canadian, travel insurance is necessary. While protecting your travel is essential, you want to avoid paying for a policy that will only be useful when you need it most. That’s why knowing the basics of Canadian travel insurance is essential before heading off on your next adventure.
One of the first things to consider when shopping for travel insurance is what type of coverage you need for your trip.
There are many different types of plans, so it’s essential to understand what each covers and how much they cost. Here are some of the most common types:
We have listed some of the most common types of Canada travel insurance to help you decide which policy is best for you and your family.
Trip Protection Plans
Trip protection plans are designed to protect you against the cost of cancelling or changing your vacation plans. They can be purchased as a standalone policy or included in your travel insurance package.
- Single trip protection plan
This plan protects you during one trip and includes coverage for emergency medical expenses, lost luggage and money, flight cancellations/delays and more.
It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, so this isn’t the best option if you have any medical issues before you leave. But if you’re healthy, this could be a good choice for your needs!
- Multi Trip Protection Plan
Canada trip protection insurance plans are travel insurance plans that provide coverage for multiple trips. These plans are great for individuals who travel frequently or want to ensure they’re covered when they take a trip.
The most common type of multi-trip plan is the annual plan. This type of plan allows you to purchase a single policy that covers multiple trips within one year. The annual policy can be divided into two more minor policies, called semi-annual policies, which cover multiple trips within six months.
Multi-trip plans are often cheaper than single-trip plans as they provide coverage for multiple trips (usually 12 months). Multi-trip plans also offer more flexibility as they allow for changes in dates and destinations that aren’t allowed under single-trip policies.
- Cancellation Plans
Whenever you have to cancel your trip, cancellation plans reimburse you for expenses related to the cancellation. For example, if you cancel because of illness or injury, the plan will reimburse you for your non-refundable travel expenses, such as airfare and hotel stays.
If you cancel for other reasons, such as a change in employment status or a family emergency, these plans typically reimburse only the cost of non-refundable travel expenses. Some plans include an option to reimburse unused non-refundable amounts; others do not.
- Trip Interruption Plans
If something happens during the trip that prevents you from finishing it, trip interruption plans will pay out a benefit based on how much time has passed since the original departure date.
This benefit varies by plan but usually covers additional transportation and sometimes emergency medical expenses incurred by travellers injured or who become ill while on their trips. In some cases, they also cover lost baggage or other personal items.
- Trip delay reimbursement
If you’re delayed more than 12 hours on a flight, this plan will reimburse you for meals, lodging and transportation costs incurred during the delay.
You’ll also receive additional compensation if your flight is cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours before departure time or doesn’t arrive within six hours after the scheduled arrival time.
Covered Costs
There’s a chance that your travel insurance will pay for the entire price of your vacation. This will pay for your hotel, airfare, and any other pre-paid vacation expenses and any additional costs incurred if you have to cut your trip short.
Trip interruption travel plans cover two main types of fees:
- Non-refundable travel costs: If you’ve already paid for an airline ticket, hotel room or other travel-related item and it’s non-refundable, you may be able to get reimbursement from your travel protection plan.
- Additional expenses: If you have to cancel your trip due to an emergency and need to book new flights or car rentals at the last minute, you may get coverage for those costs through your travel protection plan.
- Accident or sudden illness that requires immediate medical attention
- The urgent situation involving a member of the family
- Accidentally missed your connecting flight:
- The hospitalization or passing of the travel host.
Travel Medical Plans
If you’ve ever had to deal with a medical emergency while travelling, you know how stressful it can be. Many people opt for emergency medical insurance when planning a trip abroad.
Travel medical plans are insurance that allows you to skip the line and get help from a doctor or hospital, even if you’re in a foreign country.
These plans can be costly, but they’re worth it if you travel for an extended period or have certain pre-existing medical condition.
Travel medical plans are typically offered by U.S.-based insurance companies that specialize in providing coverage to travellers. They provide emergency medical care, prescription drugs and other services while you’re travelling abroad.
While travel medical plans are designed specifically for international travel, they may also cover emergency care back home, such as assistance with evacuation from an aeroplane crash or natural disaster.
Covered Costs
Policies for travel medical insurance typically cover the following three fundamental emergency medical costs:
Emergency medical evacuation: If you need to be airlifted out of the country due to a severe illness or injury, this coverage will pay for it. It can also help with the cost of transporting a family member to your side if you’re in an accident or have an emergency while travelling abroad.
Repatriation costs: If you become critically ill or injured while travelling outside Canada, repatriation back home could cost tens of thousands or more. Make sure your travel medical insurance covers repatriation costs (in some cases, this may require additional payment).
Pre-existing conditions: If you buy travel medical insurance within six months of your trip, it will cover any medical conditions that existed before you purchased the policy as long as they don’t require immediate treatment. If treatment is required, then there may be restrictions on coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Emergency dental expenses: usually, a government health insurance plan offers emergency dental coverage when you’re outside Canada, without any waiting period.
Check Out How to Choose Travel Insurance | Know What’s Covered (And What to Look Out For!):
Top Insurance Companies in Canada
Canada is a popular destination for travellers, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. If you’re planning to travel to Canada, you should ensure you have the right travel insurance policy.
Canada’s insurance industry has a long history of providing Canadians with the protection they need to enjoy a worry-free life. Canadians are known to be some of the most cautious people in the world, which is reflected in their insurance choices.
Canadians take their financial security seriously, whether life, health, or travel insurance. The best insurance companies in Canada are the ones that cover your needs and do so at a fair price. These companies offer a wide variety of insurance products and services to Canadians.
Manulife
Manulife is a Canadian-based insurance and financial services company that has been in business for a long time.
The company’s travel insurance products are designed to help people protect their finances in the event of an unexpected illness or injury while travelling outside their home country.
Manulife’s travel insurance plans are available in single-trip and annual multi-trip versions, with coverage options ranging from basic to comprehensive.
Manulife Travel Insurance provides the coverage you need to get back on your feet after an unexpected illness or injury away from home, helping you to focus on what’s essential getting well and staying safe.
You can get a policy from them whether you’re a Canadian, a student who wants full coverage while studying abroad, or a foreign visitor to Canada.
Insurance Plans (Single-Trip All-Inclusive Plan)
| Coverage | Limit |
| Urgent Medical Care | Up to $10,000,000 |
| Trip Interruption/ Cancellation | Up to $3500 |
| Baggage delay and Loss | $500 (delay), $1,000 (loss) |
| Flight Guard | Up to $100,00 |
BlueCross
If you’re looking for a travel insurance company that offers affordable and comprehensive coverage, Bluecross is an excellent option. This company has been in business for 70 years and has protected travellers since day one. They offer travellers various policies, including short-term plans, annual plans, and more.
Bluecross also offers medical evacuation plans, typically not included with standard travel insurance policies. This can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong while you’re abroad!
Blue Cross also has a unique “snowbird” travel insurance package that provides coverage for people who live in Florida during the winter but want to travel to other states during spring break or summer vacation.
Insurance Plan
| Coverage | Limit |
| Urgent Medical Care | Up to $5,000,000 |
| Trip Interruption/ Cancellation | In case of Unexpected events |
| Baggage delay and Loss | $500 (delay), $1,000 (loss) |
| Flight Guard | Up to $300,000 |
Allianz
Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the best travel insurance companies in the world. With high-quality and affordable travel insurance plans, Allianz Travel Insurance has become a trusted name in the travel insurance industry.
Allianz offers several different plans that can be customized to fit your needs. If you want to add coverage for cancellations, lost luggage or medical expenses, you can do that easily through their website or by calling them directly.
Insurance Plan (Cancellation and Medical)
| Coverage | Limit |
| Urgent Medical Care | Up to $10,000,000 |
| Trip Interruption/ Cancellation | Amount Paid |
| Baggage delay and Loss | $400 (delay), $1,000 (loss) |
| Flight Guard | Up to $100,00 |
Travel Guard
Travel Guard insurance company offers a range of travel insurance products to help you plan your next trip. With competitive rates and the right level of coverage, you can be sure that Travel Guard insurance will meet your needs.
When planning a trip, you want to ensure everything goes smoothly. That’s why Travel Guard provides comprehensive travel protection plans to ensure you’re covered for unexpected events while away from home.
Travel Guard offers various coverage options to suit your needs and budget. Whether a vacation adventure, student or business traveller, it provides affordable travel insurance policies with reliable customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Travel Guard Insurance Plans
Travel Guard offers the largest selection of plans, with coverage for medical emergencies, cancelled or postponed flights, lost luggage and more. Plus, you can choose a plan that suits your needs and budget. Let’s have a look.
| Packages | Covered Costs |
| Deluxe Package | Trip Cancellation: Up to $150000 Trip Interruption: Up to $225,000 Trip Exchange: Up to $75000 Trip Saver: $2500 Trip Delay: $1000 Missed Connection:$1000 Baggage Coverage: $2500 Travel Medical Expenses: Up to $100,000 Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $100,000 Flight Guard: Up to $100,00 |
| Preferred Package | Trip Cancellation: Up to $150000 Trip Interruption: Up to $225,000 Trip Exchange: Up to $75000 Trip Saver: $2500 Trip Delay: $800 Missed Connection:$1000 Baggage Coverage: $1000 Travel Medical Expenses: Up to $50,000 Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $500,00 |
| Essential | Trip Cancellation: Up to 100,000 Trip Interruption: Up to 100,000 Trip Delay: $500 Baggage Coverage: $750 Travel Medical Expenses: Up to $15,000 Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $150,000 |
| Pack N’ Go | Trip Interruption: Up to $1000 Trip Delay: $1000 Missed Connection:$500 Baggage Coverage: $1000 Travel Medical Expenses: Up to $25,000 Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $500,000 |
| Annual | Trip Interruption: Up to $2500 Trip Delay: $1500 Missed Connection:$500 Baggage Coverage: $2500 Travel Medical Expenses: Up to $50,000 Evacuation and Repatriation: Up to $500,000 |
FAQs
Who is the Best Travel Insurance Company?
If you obtain supplementary travel insurance, they will offer a good range of policies at competitive prices and a wide range of emergency medical benefits. The best travel insurance company will provide good customer service and straightforward claims handling.
The best travel insurance company depends on your circumstances, which means that no single policy or insurer can be “the best” for everyone.
Finding the right travel insurance company can be challenging, but it’s worth your time. Travellers rely on their insurance companies to protect them in an emergency, so it’s essential to do your research before purchasing a policy.
A good travel insurance plan can help protect your vacation investment by reimbursing you for lost baggage, cancelled flights and medical emergencies, among other things. But not all travel insurance companies are alike.
Hence, you should always check out the terms and conditions of any policy before you sign up to make sure that it suits your needs.
Do Travel insurances Cover Covid 19?
Travel insurance policies are designed to help protect you in an emergency while travelling. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all travel insurance policy, so you must understand what each policy covers and what it doesn’t.
Most emergency medical evacuations due to Covid 19 are covered by standard travel insurance. Nevertheless, make sure that your insurance plan covers Covid 19. It’s also important to note that even if your policy covers covid 19, it may not cover certain virus complications.
Is Trip Protection Worth Getting?
Trip protection is a travel insurance coverage that can help you in case of a covered event such as cancellation or interruption of your trip. It’s not quite the same as travel insurance, but it does provide some similar benefits.
Trip Protection is the best way to ensure a smooth trip. It covers almost any scenario, from lost luggage to medical emergencies, so you can rest assured that you will be protected no matter what happens on your trip.
Moreover, trip protection will reimburse you if your trip is cancelled or postponed. If there are changes to your plan due to weather or other conditions, you may be reimbursed for additional transportation costs incurred by you and your group.
What Time Does Travel Insurance Expire?
The answer depends on the policy. Most travel insurance policies have an expiry date, which will be clearly stated in the policy document. It is possible to have travel insurance for 30 days or up to 5 years. Your policy will automatically renew for another 30 days after the initial 30 days are up. Still, if you don’t want to renew it, you can cancel your policy by calling or emailing your provider.
If you have an annual or two-year plan, the same rules apply. You must contact your provider before the original policy expires and tell them that you want to cancel. If you don’t do this, they will automatically renew for another year (or two).
Conclusion
Canada is a great country with a lot to offer. Whether you’re travelling for business, pleasure, or both, Canada travel insurance is a great way to ensure your trip goes smoothly and safely.
It can also help protect you from unexpected expenses or problems arising while you’re away from home. And if anything does happen? Travel insurance will be there to help you out!
So, it’s essential to have travel insurance that suits your needs, no matter where you’re going. That’s why we created this guide to give you everything you need about Canada travel insurance.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the basics of what type of coverage you need and how to find the perfect fit for your needs. If you’re interested in learning more about Canada Travel Insurance or finding out what other options are available for your upcoming trip, feel free to contact us.