Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park - Travel Insurance for Canadians

Vacation, Trip & Travel Insurance for Canada

Last updated: 21st June 2023

Canadian travel insurance

As the world's second-largest country spanning 9.9 million square kilometres, Canada offers a vast and diverse landscape with endless vacation options. From the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains to the stunning coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador, there's something to suit every traveller's taste.

Despite this, many people may overlook the need for travel insurance when planning their Canadian adventure. However, purchasing a policy is imperative, particularly when travelling outside of your home province.

If you venture to a different province, your provincial health insurance may not cover you. Therefore, if you were to fall ill or sustain an injury whilst on holiday, you could be left with an exorbitant bill.

Moreover, travel insurance can extend beyond emergency medical coverage and provide protection in unexpected situations. For instance, if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, some policies will reimburse you for any non-refundable costs. Additionally, if you need to shorten your trip and return home early, your policy may cover the unused travel expenses.

To ensure a stress-free vacation, it is crucial to compare coverage and invest in a suitable travel insurance policy. With so many options available, it's important to do your research and find a policy that meets your specific needs and budget. By taking the time to secure the right coverage, you can relax and fully enjoy all that Canada has to offer.

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Do I need travel insurance for Canadian vacations?

Even if you have provincial health coverage, it's imperative to note that having travel medical insurance when travelling within Canada offers many benefits. This is because there might be costs that your provincial plan won't cover, or different limits, in addition to variations in Government Health Insurance Plan coverage between provinces. In fact, having travel medical insurance can provide you with a peace of mind as you embark on your journey within Canada.

Considerations and benefits of having travel medical insurance when travelling within Canada are vast. Firstly, it covers prescription drugs, which is a huge relief if you require medication during your trip. Moreover, it covers outpatient services, physician and laboratory costs, air ambulance or commercial repatriation to your home province, and hospital costs related to drug and diagnostic services. In addition, it also offers assistance with bringing a family member to your bedside, direct payment to the hospitals and doctors caring for you, and return of your vehicle if you are ill and have to be repatriated home via other transport.

Sorting out good travel insurance is an important consideration for any Canadian travelling within Canada. It's a small investment that can pay off in a big way in terms of peace of mind, protection and financial savings.

What does Canadian travel insurance cover?

If you're a Canadian looking to purchase travel insurance for travel within Canada, it's important to take a moment to consider what kind of coverage you need. Outside of the medical-related benefits, you should also consider having Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance to cover non-refundable costs for items like hotel accommodation or the costs associated when a trip has to be cut short for an unexpected return home.

But what about other unexpected events? What might happen if your baggage was lost or stolen? Or if you were to miss an internal flight, a ferry, or even a train due to circumstances beyond your control? In these scenarios, your travel insurance coverage can help make sure you're not out of pocket.

When looking at Canadian travel insurance policies, make sure to understand the coverage limits and any exclusions that may apply. For example, many policies will not cover extreme sports or activities that are considered to be high-risk. If you're planning on doing any activities that may be considered high-risk, be sure to purchase a policy that offers coverage for those activities.

In general, Canadian travel insurance policies will cover emergency medical expenses. However, if you want more comprehensive coverage, you can consider all-inclusive policies that also include coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and travel delays. Some policies will even offer coverage for rental car insurance, personal liability, and 24-hour emergency assistance. Be sure to read the policy documents carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

Regardless of the specific coverage you choose, the key element of travel insurance for Canada is that it is there to provide coverage for unexpected costs and scenarios when you are away from home. Whether it's a medical emergency, a cancelled flight, or lost luggage, having travel insurance can provide peace of mind and protect you from financial losses.

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If you're planning a trip within Canada, it's always a good idea to consider travel insurance. Whether you're travelling for leisure or business, unexpected incidents can happen, and it's best to be prepared. At Compare Your Travel Insurance, we offer a variety of travel insurance options to choose from, so you can find the right coverage that suits your needs.

When selecting travel insurance, it's important to weigh your options carefully. If you're only travelling once, a single-trip policy may be the best choice for you. However, if you're a frequent traveller, an annual policy may provide more value for your money. We're here to help you compare your options and make the right decision for your situation.

Our goal is to ensure that you have the right level of coverage to protect you while you discover Canada. We understand that every traveller has unique needs, which is why we offer a personalized approach to finding the right travel insurance policy for you. Our online quote comparison tool makes it easy to compare options and find the right policy that fits your budget.

Don't wait until it's too late. Protect yourself and your trip by getting the right travel insurance coverage today. Get started by comparing quotes and finding the perfect policy for your needs.

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There are many costs that might not be covered by your provincial plan or there may be different limits - so if you are planning to travel outside of your home province it is worth considering travel insurance.

This depends on the rules of your home province. Some provinces allow you to be outside for a total of 182 days in a calendar year while others may allow up to 212 days. While you may be able to obtain coverage up to these durations, travel insurance will only be valid as you remain a resident of your home province and have a valid Government health insurance plan.

A deductible is the amount that must be paid by you before the insurer begins to pay. For example, if your plan has a $500 deductible, and you have an accident that incurs medical costs of $2,000, you will have to pay the first $500 and your insurer would cover the additional $1,500 (or up to your coverage limits).

Deductibles can vary by coverage section and by insurer.

Your Government health plan does not provide coverage for medical expenses incurred outside of Canada (some provincial plans provide very limited reimbursement for out-of-province medical bills). Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies and related expenses incurred outside of Canada (and your home province). Travel insurance needs to be purchased prior to departing your home province.

We can help you compare travel insurance coverage if you're a Canadian resident & covered by a Government Health Insurance Plan in your province or territory of residence for the entire duration of your trip.

You are not travelling against the advice of a physician, been diagnosed with a terminal illness, metastatic cancer, require kidney dialysis or travelling to get medical treatment or advice abroad.

You have not been prescribed or used home oxygen in the last twelve months, undergoing investigative treatment for shortness of breath or chest pain.

You have never had a bone marrow, stem cell or organ transplant and do not require assistance with activities of daily living as a result of a medical condition or state of health.

 

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Warren Brown
Author: Warren Brown, Relationship Manager

Warren holds over 19 years of experience in the travel insurance industry. He enjoys telling the stories of people and places which is fed by his love of travel. Warren is an active member of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) to better educate the Canadian traveller on the benefits of travelling protected.

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