1. What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect travelers from financial and other potential losses or disruptions during their trip. It typically provides coverage for things like lost luggage, trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, and other unexpected situations that may occur while traveling. Travel insurance policies can vary in coverage and price, so it is important to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions before purchasing a policy.

2. Do I need travel insurance if I have provincial health care coverage?

Yes, it is recommended to have travel insurance even if you have provincial health care coverage. Provincial health care coverage usually only covers a portion of medical expenses incurred outside of your province or country. Travel insurance can provide additional coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events that may occur while traveling.

3. What types of coverage are typically included in travel insurance policies?

Travel insurance policies typically include coverage for the following:

1. Trip cancellation/interruption: This covers the costs of cancelling or interrupting your trip due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, or unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling.

2. Emergency medical expenses: This covers the costs of medical treatment and emergencies while you are traveling, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medication.

3. Emergency medical evacuation: This covers the cost of transportation to a medical facility if you become seriously ill or injured and need to be transported to a hospital or back home for treatment.

4. Baggage/Personal Belongings: This provides coverage for loss, theft or damage of your baggage and personal belongings while traveling.

5. Travel delay: This covers additional expenses incurred due to a travel delay, such as hotel accommodations and meals.

6. Flight/trip accident insurance: This provides coverage in case of accidents resulting in injury or death while traveling.

7. Rental car insurance: This covers damages or theft of rental cars during your trip.

8. 24/7 travel assistance services: Many travel insurance policies provide 24/7 access to emergency assistance services such as medical referrals, emergency cash transfer, language translation services, etc.

9. Pre-existing conditions coverage: Some policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if certain requirements are met (e.g., purchasing the policy within a certain timeframe after booking your trip).

10. Cancel for any reason (CFAR): CFAR is an optional add-on that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason not explicitly covered by standard cancellation policies (such as change of mind), usually up to a certain percentage of your total trip cost being reimbursed.

4. How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance varies depending on factors such as the length and destination of your trip, your age, the level of coverage you choose, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Generally, travel insurance can range from 4-10% of the total trip cost. For example, if your trip costs $5,000, you could expect to pay between $200-500 for travel insurance. It is always recommended to shop around for quotes from different insurance providers to find the best price for your specific trip.

5. Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under travel insurance?

It depends on the travel insurance policy. Some policies may cover pre-existing medical conditions, while others may specifically exclude them. It’s important to read the fine print and ask questions when purchasing travel insurance to make sure that any pre-existing conditions are covered. In some cases, you may be able to add coverage for pre-existing conditions for an additional fee.

6. When should I purchase travel insurance?

It is recommended to purchase travel insurance as soon as you have made your first travel arrangements or pay any non-refundable deposits. This ensures that you have coverage in case of unexpected events leading up to your trip, such as illness, accidents, or natural disasters. It is also important to purchase travel insurance before your departure to ensure that you are covered during your trip for any unforeseen circumstances that may occur.

7. Am I covered for trip cancellation or interruption due to unexpected events?

This depends on your travel insurance policy and the specific coverage you have. Some policies may cover trip cancellation or interruption due to unexpected events such as illness, injury, death of a family member, natural disasters, or job loss. However, it is important to carefully read your policy or speak with your insurance provider to understand exactly what events are covered and if any exclusions apply. It is also important to note that many travel insurance policies have specific time frames in which trip cancellation or interruption can be covered, so it is best to purchase coverage as soon as possible after booking your trip.

8. Are adventure activities, such as skiing or scuba diving, covered under travel insurance?

It depends on the specific travel insurance policy. Some policies may cover adventure activities, while others may have exclusions for certain high-risk activities. It’s important to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to determine which activities are covered and if any additional coverage or higher premiums are required for participation in these activities.

9. Can I purchase travel insurance for a one-way trip?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance for a one-way trip. Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellations, emergency medical expenses, lost or delayed baggage, and other unforeseen events that may occur during your travels. It is important to carefully read the policy terms and conditions to ensure that the insurance covers your specific needs for a one-way trip.

10. Does travel insurance cover lost or stolen baggage and belongings?

Yes, most travel insurance policies include coverage for lost or stolen baggage and belongings. This coverage typically provides reimbursement for the cost of replacing your lost or stolen items, up to the policy’s limit. This coverage may also include coverage for delayed baggage, which can reimburse you for essential items purchased due to your baggage being delayed. It is important to review the specific policy details to understand what is covered and any exclusions that may apply.

11. Will my policy cover me if I need to cancel my trip due to work-related reasons?

It depends on the specific terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. Some policies may cover trip cancellation due to work-related reasons, such as a sudden job loss or mandatory work obligation. However, it is important to carefully review your policy or consult with an insurance provider to understand the specific coverage and any exclusions for work-related cancellations.

12. Do all countries accept Canadian travel insurance policies as valid proof of coverage?

No, while Canadian travel insurance policies may be widely accepted, it is not guaranteed that all countries will accept them as valid proof of coverage. It is important to review the specific requirements and regulations for each country before traveling. In some cases, additional insurance or documentation may be necessary.

13. Is there an age limit for purchasing travel insurance?

Yes, there is typically an age limit for purchasing travel insurance. The minimum age for purchasing travel insurance varies by provider but is usually around 18 years old. Some providers may have a maximum age limit as well, often ranging from 65 to 85 years old. It is important to check with the specific provider for their age restrictions before purchasing travel insurance.

14. Can I purchase a policy that covers multiple trips throughout the year?

Yes, some insurance providers offer annual multi-trip policies that can cover multiple trips throughout the year. These policies often have a maximum trip length and may only provide coverage for trips within a certain geographical area or for specific types of travel (e.g. leisure vs business). It is important to carefully review the policy details and consider your travel plans before purchasing an annual multi-trip policy.

15. Am I covered if I get sick while travelling and need to see a doctor or go to the hospital?

If your travel insurance includes a medical coverage benefit, then you may be covered for necessary medical expenses if you become ill or injured while travelling. However, it is important to carefully review the specific details of your policy as some limitations and exclusions may apply.

You should also keep in mind that travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected and unforeseen events, so pre-existing conditions may not be covered unless specifically stated in your policy. It is always best to disclose any pre-existing conditions when purchasing your travel insurance to ensure that you have proper coverage in case of an emergency.

If you do need to see a doctor or go to the hospital while travelling, be sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to your medical treatment as this will be necessary when filing a claim with your travel insurance provider.

16. Is emergency medical evacuation included in travel insurance?

It depends on the specific insurance policy. Some travel insurance policies may include emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others may not. It is important to carefully review the terms and coverage details of a travel insurance policy before purchasing it to determine if emergency medical evacuation is included.

17. What documents do I need when making a claim on my travel insurance?

When making a claim on your travel insurance, you will typically need the following documents:

1. Your policy number and details of your coverage
2. Proof of travel dates and itinerary (e.g. flight tickets, hotel reservations)
3. Original receipts or invoices for any expenses related to your claim (e.g. medical bills)
4. Police report or incident report if your claim is for loss or theft
5. Any supporting documentation for your claim, such as photos, videos, or witness statements

It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to determine what specific documents may be required for your particular claim.

18. Does my credit card provide any type of travel insurance coverage?

It depends on the specific credit card you have. Many credit cards offer some type of travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost or delayed baggage insurance, and emergency medical coverage. However, the extent of coverage and required qualifications may vary. It is recommended to contact your credit card issuer directly or review your credit card’s benefits guide to determine if any travel insurance coverage is provided.

19. Can I extend my travel insurance policy if my trip is unexpectedly extended?

Yes, most travel insurance policies allow you to extend your coverage if your trip is unexpectedly extended. You may need to contact your insurance provider and request an extension before your original policy expires. The terms and conditions of the extension will vary depending on the insurance provider and policy, so it is important to review them carefully before making a decision. There may also be an additional fee for extending your coverage.

20.Can I purchase additional coverage for high-risk activities such as extreme sports or adventure treks?

Yes, some insurance companies offer additional coverage for high-risk activities such as extreme sports or adventure treks. This additional coverage is usually available as an add-on to your existing travel insurance policy and may come at an extra cost. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the additional coverage before purchasing it to ensure that it covers all of the activities you plan to participate in.