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Travel Insurance

Definition

Travel Insurance
A type of insurance policy specifically designed to protect Canadians against financial losses and risks associated with travel, whether domestic (outside one’s home province) or international. Unlike provincial health plans (e.g., OHIP in Ontario or MSP in British Columbia), which offer limited or no coverage for out-of-province or overseas emergencies, travel insurance fills these gaps.

Key coverages typically include:

  • Emergency medical expenses: Reimbursement for hospital stays, doctor visits, medications, evacuation, or repatriation due to sudden illness or injury.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption: Compensation for non-refundable costs if a trip is cancelled, cut short, or disrupted by covered reasons like illness, death of a family member, or natural disasters.
  • Baggage loss, delay, or damage: Replacement or reimbursement for lost, stolen, delayed, or damaged luggage and personal items.
  • Flight or travel delays: Coverage for extra expenses like meals, hotels, or alternative transportation if flights or other travel are delayed.
  • Other common benefits: Rental vehicle collision/damage, accidental death, or 24/7 emergency assistance services.

Policies are offered as single-trip (for one journey) or annual multi-trip (for multiple trips per year) and can be purchased from insurance companies, banks, credit card providers, or travel agencies. Premiums depend on factors like trip length, destination, traveller age, health, and coverage limits (often $5 million+ for medical).

Important features and limitations in Canada:

  • Pre-existing condition clauses: Coverage often requires stable medical conditions for 90–180 days before the trip.
  • Age and residency rules: May exclude or limit coverage for seniors (e.g., over 75) or non-residents; must be purchased by Canadian residents.
  • Exclusions: High-risk activities (e.g., skydiving), declared pandemics (with evolving COVID-19 rules), alcohol/drug-related incidents, or travel against government advisories.
  • Claims process: Requires proof like medical reports; must contact the insurer immediately for emergencies.

Always review policy wording, as terms vary by provider and are regulated by provincial insurance authorities (e.g., FSRA in Ontario).

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Disclosure

All quotes, products, and services are marketed and distributed by Red Helm Canada, an independent brokerage. Review our brokerage disclosure to find out more about who we are. While all effort is made to ensure accuracy, rates and plan details may be subject to review or change without prior notice. Rates are not guaranteed until final approval and confirmation from the insurance carrier.  Plan eligibility is not guaranteed and may be subject to a medical questionnaire or other eligibility criteria. By submitting your information in our quote request form, you are accepting the terms and conditions of our website and are accepting that we communicate with you electronically for the purpose of solicitation.