Travel Insurance FAQs

Travel insurance coverages are unique to each traveller. Common coverage options include emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, medical evacuation and baggage coverage.

The earlier you purchase your travel protection, the more options may be available to you. Trip Cancellation coverage starts on the day you purchase a plan. Plans with trip protection benefits must be purchased before you leave your home.

The cost of travel insurance plans will vary. Common cost considerations include age and number of the travellers, destination, length of trip, and type of coverage. In general, plans that include trip cancellation and trip interruption will cost between 4%-10% of your total pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.

Many policies may offer coverage for COVID-19-related travel concerns. It is important to remember that all insurance is subject to exclusions and limitations so be sure to read the policy wording of your plan carefully. If you have any questions, our licensed agents are available to help.

Canadian health insurance may not pay your medical bills while you’re travelling outside of Canada. Your provincial or territorial health plans may cover only a small part, or none, of the costs of medical care abroad.

It is important to consider that foreign hospitals can be very expensive and may require immediate cash payment, and in some countries hospitals or clinics may not treat you if you do not have enough insurance or money to pay for the services.

While your credit card may offer some protection, it may not provide the same amount of coverage available from traditional travel insurance. Travellers seeking additional assistance when evaluating their travel insurance options can contact a licensed travel insurance agent for help.

Many Canadian citizens and residents assume that their Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) will cover medical expenses should an unexpected medical emergency occur while travelling outside their home province or territory. This is only partly true. Your GHIP will cover only some emergency medical expenses, not all; therefore, it’s strongly recommended that you protect yourself with travel health insurance, commonly known as emergency medical insurance, when travelling domestically.

Critical risk factors such as the age of the traveller(s), number of travellers, trip duration, and the level of coverage affect the cost of travel insurance. Additional risk factors that can increase the price are the destination, whether you will be visiting a place deemed high-risk or remote, limits, deductible, and any options and add-ons you choose to add to a plan. On average, travel insurance will cost you 4%-10% of your total trip cost.

The difference between all-inclusive plans and travel medical plans is that an all-inclusive travel insurance plan is designed to offer the most robust trip protection available. Coverage is comprehensive, incorporating benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical, emergency evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss and delay, all under one policy. Add additional benefits and tailor a plan to your unique travel needs. All-inclusive plans vs. travel medical plans are typically more expensive due to their various coverage benefits.

Travel insurance plans offered by Canadian banks can be purchased through the financial institution itself. Canadian bank travel insurance is not typically available for purchase through brokers. Automobile Association travel insurance plans are available through the Automobile Association itself.

InsureMyTrip arranges insurance on behalf of various Canadian insurers. It is important to remember that all insurance is subject to exclusions and limitations. Be sure to read the policy wording carefully. If you have any questions, our licensed agents are available to help.