Travel
Insurance
Travel insurance is your safety net for unexpected events, whether you’re venturing across Canada or exploring the globe. It covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
An Ontario insurance broker can simplify the process by tailoring a policy to your unique needs. Brokers have access to multiple insurers, providing competitive rates and personalized coverage options. They can also clarify policy details, such as exclusions and add-ons, ensuring you’re fully prepared.
With the right travel insurance broker by your side, you can focus on enjoying your trip, knowing you’re well-protected every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
All Closed:
As soon as the incident occurs, contact your broker to inform them about the claim. They can provide guidance on the next steps, including how to file the claim with the insurer.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance for unexpected events that may occur before or during a trip. It typically covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, travel delays, and more.
What does travel insurance typically cover?
Coverage varies by policy but often includes:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs if you cancel or cut your trip short due to covered reasons (e.g., illness, injury, severe weather, or family emergencies).
- Medical Emergencies: Covers medical expenses, including hospital stays and treatments abroad.
- Emergency Evacuation: Includes transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or repatriation.
- Baggage Loss/Delay: Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage.
- Travel Delays: Reimbursement for additional expenses incurred due to delays (e.g., lodging, meals).
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment: Provides benefits in case of accidental death or severe injury.
What is not covered by travel insurance?
Common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless specifically covered).
- High-risk activities (e.g., extreme sports) unless added to the policy.
- Intentional acts, illegal activities, or self-inflicted injuries.
- Travel to countries under government-issued travel warnings.
- Epidemics or pandemics unless explicitly covered.
Do I need travel insurance if I have health insurance?
Yes, many domestic health insurance plans do not cover medical expenses abroad or provide limited coverage. Travel insurance fills this gap, offering medical assistance and evacuation services during your trip.
When should I buy travel insurance?
You should purchase travel insurance soon after booking your trip to maximize coverage for trip cancellations and other pre-departure benefits. Most policies allow you to buy coverage up to the day before departure.
How much does travel insurance cost?
- The trip’s cost.
- The traveler’s age.
- The destination.
- The coverage limits and policy type. On average, travel insurance costs 4-10% of the total trip price.
Can I buy travel insurance for a single trip or multiple trips?
Yes:
- Single Trip: Covers one specific trip.
- Annual/Multi-Trip Plans: Provide coverage for multiple trips within a year, ideal for frequent travelers.
Does travel insurance cover extreme sports or adventure activities?
Some policies exclude high-risk activities like skydiving or scuba diving. However, adventure travel insurance or add-ons can cover these activities. Verify with your provider.
Can I cancel my travel insurance policy?
Yes, many insurers offer a “free look” period (usually 10-14 days) after purchase. During this time, you can cancel for a full refund if you haven’t started your trip or made a claim.
Do I need travel insurance for domestic trips?
While travel insurance is most commonly associated with international travel, it can also be useful for domestic trips, particularly for covering cancellations, delays, or emergencies.
What Is Covered?
1. Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- Trip Cancellation: Reimburses non-refundable trip expenses (e.g., flights, accommodations) if you cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as:
- Illness, injury, or death of you, a traveling companion, or a family member.
- Severe weather or natural disasters.
- Military deployment or jury duty.
- Travel provider bankruptcy.
- Trip Interruption: Covers costs to return home early due to covered events like illness, injury, or family emergencies.
2. Emergency Medical Expenses
- Covers medical treatment costs if you get sick or injured while traveling, including:
- Hospitalization and doctor visits.
- Medications and treatments.
- Emergency dental care.
3. Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Pays for transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility.
- Repatriation: Covers transportation back to your home country in case of severe illness, injury, or death.
4. Travel Delays
- Provides reimbursement for extra expenses like meals, accommodations, or transportation if your trip is delayed due to:
- Weather issues.
- Airline strikes.
- Mechanical failures.
5. Baggage Loss, Damage, or Delay
- Lost or Stolen Baggage: Covers the value of personal belongings.
- Baggage Delay: Reimburses costs for essential items (e.g., clothing, toiletries) until your luggage is returned.
- Damaged Baggage: Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged luggage.
6. Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Provides a lump sum payment if a traveler experiences accidental death or a permanent disability during the trip.
7. Trip Delay or Missed Connection
- Trip Delay: Covers additional expenses incurred due to delays in transportation.
- Missed Connection: Pays for alternative travel arrangements if you miss a connecting flight or transportation due to covered reasons.
8. COVID-19 Coverage
- Some policies include coverage for:
- COVID-19-related trip cancellations or interruptions.
- Medical treatment or quarantine costs due to a COVID-19 diagnosis.
9. Rental Car Protection
- Covers costs for damages or theft of a rental car (may be an add-on to the policy).
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