Where do I get travel insurance?
8 minute read Published on Nov 30, 2024 by BrokerLink Communications
Anything can happen when you're on vacation. Whether it be an illness, instances of inconvenience, or one that requires emergency assistance, having a travel insurance policy in place can give you peace of mind when the unthinkable happens.
If you plan on travelling within or outside of Canada but aren't sure where you can purchase travel insurance for you and your loved ones, stick around, as BrokerLink outlines everything you need to know down below.
Where can I purchase travel insurance coverage?
Like purchasing any type of insurance coverage, buying travel insurance is widely available and easy to acquire. In fact, you can get travel insurance directly from your insurance company, a travel agent, your credit card company, a bank, your employer's insurance company, or an insurance broker.
What does travel insurance cover?
Now that you have a better idea about getting travel insurance coverage knowing what this insurance policy entails can help you better determine whether this type of protection is worth the investment before you go on vacation. Here's a closer look at what you can expect to be covered under travel insurance:
Trip interruption and trip cancellation
Your travel insurance's trip interruption and cancellation coverage will compensate you for any prepaid or non-refundable charges incurred if your trip is cancelled or interrupted because of a covered scenario stated in the terms of the policy. Situations such as extreme weather, the death of an immediate family member, or an illness are all examples of what trip interruption and trip cancellation typically cover.
Medical emergency
If you have a medical emergency during the time you're on holiday, your travel health insurance will reimburse you for the costs of any injuries or illnesses that occur during your trip. Qualifying health care costs include hospitalization, visits to the doctor, and emergency transport under travel medical insurance. However, the specifics of your medical care coverage may vary between each insurance company.
Emergency evacuation
Your travel insurance policy also protects you in the event that you require an emergency medical evacuation using an air ambulance to a hospital or your home country by providing financial protection for any associated costs needed to get you there safely.
Medical evacuation may not be included in all policies, so make sure that this portion is included in your travel medical care insurance and review the terms and conditions of each individual policy beforehand.
Baggage loss
Baggage coverage will compensate you for any damaged, missing, or misplaced baggage, including your personal possessions inside the bag. According to the terms of your travel insurance policy, lost luggage can also cover essentials that you may need to find elsewhere if you lose your luggage while travelling.
Trip delay
Your travel insurance plan will cover any extra money that is spent due to a delay if your travel is delayed for any reason at all. Costs associated can include meals, accommodation, and transit. Again, this can vary between providers, so make sure you review the policy beforehand for a better idea about what is covered and what is not.
Travel accident or flight accident
Your travel insurance could also assist in providing your family a one-time payment if you are involved in an accident which ultimately results in your accidental death.
Rental cars coverage
Travel insurance policies also provide coverage if you rent a vehicle and it is damaged or stolen during your travels. Not all travel protection plans include this as a basic option, so check with your insurance provider if you intend to rent a car during your trip.
You should also double-check to ensure that third-party car liability insurance is included, as it can protect your interests in the event you cause property damage or injury to a third party while operating a rented vehicle.
24/7 assistance
Most travel insurance policies include a 24-hour assistance hotline that can aid you with emergency medical care, accommodation, the loss of your travel documents like your passport or other critical papers, and more.
Missed transport connection
One final aspect that is generally included in most policies is missed transport connection, which will cover any additional costs for transport should you miss your aircraft, train, or other form of travel.
What does travel insurance not cover?
Like any other type of insurance, there are some limitations and exclusions when it comes to travel insurance. Knowing these can help you decide when you need to purchase additional coverage to guarantee that you and your loved ones are sufficiently covered while you are visiting Canada or other parts of the world. Here is what is not covered under a standard travel insurance plan:
Pre-existing medical conditions
Pre-existing conditions and associated medical expenses associated with your pre-existing medical condition will not be covered under travel insurance. Typically, this would fall under your provincial health insurance or territorial health plan if you need medical treatment while travelling.
Note that if you are above a certain age, you may be required to fill out a medical questionnaire when you purchase travel coverage in Canada. So, be prepared to answer questions about your current and previous health status.
High-risk activities
High-risk activities are also not included in travel insurance policies, given their heightened risk of injuries and accidental death. Activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, parasailing, and other similar adrenaline activities are examples of exclusions you can anticipate.
Global pandemics like COVID-19
When it comes to COVID-19 and travel insurance,it's important to note that many insurance providers are still navigating how to provide coverage for policyholders, and many companies still do not offer this type of coverage to travellers. If this type of travel insurance is important to you, we recommend speaking with more than one insurance company and asking whether or not this protection is available.
Intentional acts of harm
Other exclusions for travel coverage include intentional acts of harm whether it be to yourself or to other people.
Travel to destinations with advisories in place
Should you decide to travel to another country outside of Canada that has a travel advisory in place, you will not have coverage from your travel insurance in the event a war or civil unrest occurs.
Losses while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
Accidents that occur while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are the final exclusions you can anticipate from travel insurance coverage.
In the event that you already have insurance coverage in place, we highly recommend that you request the full details of your policies from your insurance company in order to better understand any limitations and exclusions that may be in place. This can help give you a better idea about whether you, as an insured person, should purchase further coverage to bridge any gaps in your policies.
How much do I need to pay for travel insurance?
So, how much does travel insurance cost? Similar to how all insurance coverage in Canada works, the amount you pay for travel coverage will depend on your unique circumstances, such as your current medical status, previous health conditions, where you plan to travel in the world, how long you plan on being away, and more.
The best thing you can do when you want to buy travel insurance in Canada is to shop around and obtain quotes from different providers. That way, you can find coverage that is not only affordable but also doesn't require you to compromise on the degree of coverage you obtain.
Who has the best travel insurance in Canada?
In Canada, there are numerous providers to choose from. Here is a list of some of our favourites that we think you should check out:
If you're unsure which provider to go with, reach out to an insurance broker from BrokerLink for assistance! We'll help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget in no time so you can get back to planning and preparing for your upcoming trip!
Why is buying travel health insurance recommended?
Trip insurance in Canada offers numerous invaluable benefits to you as a Canadian resident, including the following:
Protects your finances
Say an unexpected event happens at home, and you need to return early from your trip, but the hotels you booked aren't refundable. With travel insurance, you'll get reimbursed for these costs, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in costs.
Peace of mind during a medical emergency
With emergency medical insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're protected in the event you suffer from an illness or injury while on your trip. Medical costs can be expensive, especially if you're travelling outside of Canada. But, with travel medical coverage, you won't have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses incurred.
Trip cancellation or delay
Missing your connecting flight can be a bummer. The same can be said about having to cancel your trip last minute due to circumstances outside of your control. With trip insurance, you can rest assured that any trip cancellations or delays that occur will be covered, saving you the hassle of having to pay out of your own pocket for any related costs.
Purchase affordable travel insurance coverage with BrokerLink
Safe travels abroad come at a price, but that doesn't mean it can't be affordable. At BrokerLink, we're dedicated to helping those in Canada find affordable insurance solutions. With access to some of Canada's top insurance companies, we're able to help you shop around and compare costs, answer any of your questions about limitations, and even give you recommendations on where to travel within Canada through our travel guide.
Whether you have one trip or multiple ones coming up and wish to purchase insurance, an insurance broker from our team is ready to help. With offices across Canada, there's a chance we're in your neighbourhood! If we're close by, feel free to visit us in person--we're open seven days a week! You can also contact us over the phone during business hours. Alternatively, you can get a free, competitive travel insurance quote from the comfort of your own home using our online quote tool!
FAQs
Is it safe to travel while pregnant?
If you're currently expecting, you may be wondering, "Is plane or car travel safe while pregnant?" While it's generally safe to travel within Canada or abroad, it's never a bad idea to have preparations in place should you need medical care or treatment. We recommend carrying an emergency medical bag with you that you can store in the trunk of your car or bring with you on your flight. Another recommendation for expecting parents is to have emergency contact information for local medical facilities located in your destination. Further, while travelling in a vehicle, always make sure that your seatbelt is correctly positioned and that the airbags are on.
Do I need insurance for my travel trailer within Canada?
Yes, if you are planning a trip within Canada or one throughout the United States and Mexico, you will need to purchase travel trailer insurance. While every insurance company is different, there's a slim chance that your auto insurance extends to both your vehicle and your attached travel trailer. This means that if your trailer is damaged in an accident, vandalized, or stolen while you are on your trip, you will not have coverage for any damages or losses that occurred, which impact your finances significantly. So, to protect your finances and interests, having a separate travel trailer insurance policy is required at all times.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.