Travel Insurance

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a financial safety net that helps cover the cost of travel-related risks. From trip cancellations and emergency medical expenses to lost luggage and evacuations, travel insurance protects you when things go wrong while you're away from home.

Most travel insurance policies offer multiple types of protection, including medical coverage, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. Whether you’re travelling within Canada or internationally, choosing the right plan gives peace of mind that you're prepared for the unexpected.

Why Is Travel Insurance Important?

Travelling without insurance could mean paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket in the event of an emergency. Travel insurance helps reduce this risk and provides immediate support for unexpected events such as illness, accidents, natural disasters, or missed flights.

In many cases, travel insurance is required for visa applications, tours, or excursions. It also helps you manage risks related to delays, COVID-19 coverage, and repatriation. Whether your trip is personal or professional, insurance can make all the difference when something goes wrong.

The benefits of travel insurance for you

• Cancel or interrupt trips without financial loss: Reclaim prepaid travel expenses if plans change.

• Get emergency medical support: Avoid high out-of-country health costs and get care fast.

• Protect baggage and belongings: Get reimbursed for delayed, lost, or stolen luggage.

• Cover car rentals: Drive abroad knowing you're protected.

• Prepare for evacuations or repatriation: Be ready in case of natural disaster or serious illness.

Explore the Different Types of Travel Insurance

The articles below break down the features, benefits, costs, and key considerations of each travel insurance option available in Canada:

Trip Cancellation/Interruption

• What Is Trip Cancellation Insurance and When Should You Get It?: Learn how this coverage protects prepaid travel costs if your trip is canceled.

• What Is Covered Under Trip Interruption Insurance?: Understand what expenses are reimbursed if your trip is unexpectedly cut short.

• Can You Cancel a Trip for Any Reason and Still Be Covered?: Explore optional “cancel for any reason” policies and their limitations.

• What Happens If You Get Sick Before or During Your Trip?: See how illness-related cancellations or interruptions are typically handled.

• How Do You Make a Claim on Trip Cancellation Insurance?: Get step-by-step guidance on the documentation and process required to file a claim.

• Does Trip Cancellation Insurance Cover Other Pandemics?: Learn whether coverage applies to pandemic-related cancellations or delays.

Emergency Medical Coverage

• What Is Emergency Medical Travel Insurance and Do You Need It?: Discover how this coverage protects you from high out-of-country medical costs.

• What Medical Emergencies Are Covered When Travelling Abroad?: Explore what situations typically qualify for emergency medical treatment and transport.

• Can You Use Provincial Health Insurance While Travelling?: Understand what your provincial plan covers — and what it doesn’t — outside your home province or country.

• How Much Emergency Medical Coverage Should You Buy?: Learn how to calculate the right amount of coverage based on travel plans and risk.

• What Happens If You Have a Pre-Existing Condition?: Find out how prior health issues affect eligibility and claims.

• How Are Emergency Medical Claims Handled When You’re Abroad?: See how hospitals and insurers work together when you need care overseas.

Baggage Loss/Delay

• What Is Baggage Insurance and What Does It Cover?: Learn how travel insurance helps when your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed.

• What Should You Do If Your Luggage Is Lost, Delayed, or Stolen?: Follow the steps to report, track, and claim reimbursement for baggage issues.

• How Much Can You Claim for Lost or Damaged Baggage?: Understand coverage limits and how item value is assessed.

• Does Travel Insurance Cover Items in Carry-On Bags?: Find out whether your personal carry-on items are included in the policy.

• What Happens If You Arrive But Your Bags Don’t?: Learn what costs are covered when baggage is delayed at your destination.

Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation

• What Is Emergency Evacuation Insurance and Why Might You Need It?: Discover when emergency transport is necessary and how insurance helps.

• What Is Covered in a Medical Repatriation Policy?: Understand the services and costs involved in bringing you back to Canada for treatment.

• Does Travel Insurance Cover Air Ambulance Services?: Learn when and how emergency air transport is included in your policy.

• Who Coordinates Emergency Evacuations When You’re Abroad?: See how insurers work with local providers to arrange urgent transfers.

• What Are the Limits and Costs of Repatriation Coverage?: Review the financial caps and eligibility rules for medical return services.

Rental Car Insurance

• What Is Rental Car Insurance in Travel Coverage?: Learn how this benefit protects you when driving a rented vehicle abroad.

• Does Travel Insurance Cover Rental Car Accidents and Damage?: Understand when and how rental car mishaps are covered by your plan.

• What’s the Difference Between Collision Damage Waiver and Rental Car Insurance?: Compare the two options and see which fits your travel needs.

• What Countries Are Covered Under Rental Car Travel Insurance?: Explore coverage limitations based on where you’re driving.