Everything You Need to Know About Travel Insurance in Canada

Updated Sep 23, 2024
Fact checked by
Vincent Morin
Vincent Morin

Vincent Morin

Vincent Morin
Vincent achieved financial independence and retired early (FIRE) at the age of 35. After a career in financial technologies for a large American investment bank, he founded Retraite101, a personal finance site that reaches more than 350,000 unique visitors per year and has more than 30,000 subscribers on social media. Passionate about personal finance, cycling, reading and gardening, he continues to write to inspire and motivate Quebecers to take charge of their finances.
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There is nothing worse than planning an amazing trip and having to cancel it because you are sick or arriving at your destination and having to go to the hospital because of an illness or accident.

If you are planning a trip to discover the beauty that Canada has to offer in the near future, you should consider apply for travel insurance to cover those unexpected costs or losses.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about travel insurance for visitors to Canada.

What is travel insurance?

Whether you’re planning an extended stay or a short weekend away, travel insurance is something you need to think about before booking your flight. Like any other type ofinsurance policy, travel insurance protects you financially against certain risks or losses when you travel to another country. Essentially, travel insurance covers costs related to medical emergencies. Some travel insurance companies can also help you find the emergency medical care you need and even provide interpreters if necessary.

That said, travel insurance does not replace health insurance. Your policy only covers expenses related to a medical emergency. Therefore, you will not be reimbursed for routine check-ups or visits. In addition, your policy does not cover the cost of an injury resulting from an unnecessary risk (i.e., if you get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated and have an accident).

In addition to reimbursing you for emergency medical expenses, some travel insurance policies may also compensate you if your luggage is lost during your trip or if you have to cancel or change your flights. This can be very useful if you are planning to visit Canada from a distant country that requires a long and expensive flight.

How does travel insurance work?

You should review travel insurance plans immediately after booking your trip, especially if you are purchasing a plan that covers trip cancellations or changes. If you have to cancel your trip a few weeks after you booked it and you don’t have travel insurance yet, you’ll have to assume the loss because you didn’t buy insurance in time.

Unlike traditional insurance policies, travel insurance premiums are usually paid in one lump sum, as you won’t need extended coverage for years. In most cases, your travel insurance company will reimburse you for expenses covered by your policy after you file a claim. Filing a claim means that you must have proof of your financial loss to be reimbursed. Sometimes insurance companies will cover the costs up front, but it depends on your policy.

Here are a few things to know before diving into the world of travel insurance:

  • As mentioned earlier, travel insurance will not cover costs related to foreseeable consequences. Your policy will only protect you against unforeseeable events such as an accident or sudden illness.
  • Not all unforeseeable events are covered by your policy, so be sure to speak with an insurance broker to understand what is and is not covered before you sign your policy. Pre-existing conditions are also not covered by travel insurance, which means that if you need to see a doctor because of your condition, you will have to pay out of pocket.
  • Different policies offer different coverage. For example, some policies only cover medical expenses, while others also cover trip cancellations or changes. When choosing a package, consider the length of your stay, the activities you will participate in and your health. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you have to pay for something out of pocket because the travel insurance you’ve chosen doesn’t cover it.
  • If you travel often, look for travel insurance companies that offer annual or multi-trip policies so you don’t have to worry about apply for a new policy for each trip.
  • Travel insurance plans usually cost between 4 and 10% of the total trip price. This means that if your trip costs $4,000, you can expect your insurance to cost between $160 and $400. The higher the cost, the more risks you are covered against, but again, make sure you do your homework before committing to a plan!

Do you need travel insurance to visit Canada?

If you are planning a trip to Canada, it is important to know that it is not necessary to apply for travel insurance before entering the country. The only exception to this rule is the visa application, in which case you are required to apply for health insurance. That being said, travel insurance is recommended for anyone traveling to Canada, but especially for international workers or students, seniors or anyone visiting for an extended period of time.

You should also consider apply for travel insurance if you participate in high-risk activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, etc. If your flight to Canada is long and expensive, you may also want to consider travel insurance apply for cover the risk of lost luggage or trip cancellation or change.

How do I get travel insurance in Canada?

It is recommended that you use a Canadian travel insurance provider, as they have direct access to Canadian medical facilities, allowing them to pay your bills or process your claim more quickly.

Most travel insurance policies in Canada offer coverage from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your initial premium. This coverage pays for hospital stays, necessary prescription drugs, doctors’ fees, etc.

This coverage can also protect you against changes in your travel plans or if you have to cancel your trip for certain reasons, such as illness, if this is included in your plan.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
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