If you are going to travel or immigrate to Canada for whatever reason, one important document you’d be required to provide is travel insurance covering you for the duration of your stay. We’ll help you understand why it’s important, and how to get one for the best price.
Travel insurance plans are designed to help protect you from the unexpected, but they do not cover everything. Some of the most common things travel insurance does not cover include: Transportation including airline tickets, car rentals, and public transportation, Personal items such as cameras and smartphones Liability for injury caused by you or a traveling companion Emergency evacuation Medical care that is available in your destination country Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods; avalanches Lost or stolen property due to
Why is travel insurance a requirement?
By law, when you apply for a Canadian passport or an authorization to travel in Canada (visitor visa, work permit), you need to show proof that you have a valid plan of insurance in case of illness or injury during your stay.
A valid Canadian health care provider must provide the certificate with the medication list. This will be checked at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada, so make sure that yours is up-to-date and covers all your needs: day surgery, prescription drugs, and hospitalization are usually included. Note that travel insurance is not the same as health insurance. It’s designed to help you avoid financial losses caused by unexpected events such as cancellation of flights, missed connections, lost or stolen luggage, and medical emergencies abroad.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Usually, your standard health plan will cover some of those costs but if you need additional coverage or don’t have one at all, it’s best to purchase an international plan designed for travelers. These plans offer: Emergency medical and dental care
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage up to a certain amount. Usually, it covers repatriation costs in the event of an accident or injury that results in death or permanent disability. In Canada, repatriation is required for services not available locally (for example organ transplants).
What a typical travel health plan can cover:
Emergency medical expenses Medical evacuation Return transportation to home country Hospital confinement Up to $10 000 emergency dental treatment Lost luggage Reimbursement for stolen money up to certain amount Coverage not available in your home country (for example organ transplants)
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage Up to a certain amount. Usually, it covers repatriation costs in the event of an accident or injury that results in death or permanent disability. In Canada, repatriation is required for services not available locally (for example organ transplants).
Who Can Apply? What do You need?
Eligible Travellers Anyone with a Canadian passport who is traveling to Canada for any reason. You may also be required to show proof of residence in the country where you are currently living. Proof of Residence If you have a work permit or student visa and meet all requirements, you will be accepted and issued with a temporary visitor record that proves your status in Canada and allows you to apply for insurance coverage.
Other documents that will prove your identity include a Birth certificate, Marriage license, Military card, Permanent resident card, Government-issued ID card, etc.
What’s the Cost?
Premiums may vary depending on your destination and the insurance plan you choose (see the section below). The average cost is between $6 to $8 per day, but it can go as high as $30 per day for an extended trip to some countries. If you are under 18 years old or if you have pre-existing conditions that aren’t covered by your provincial health plan, additional costs will apply.
Trip Type Price Estimated: Non -refundable $100 – $200 per person, depending on destination 2-6 months Multiple Trips: Non-refundable (12 months) $300 to $600 per person, depending on destination 24 months Multiple Trips: Non-refundable (36 months)
$400 – $900 per person, depending on destination 36 Months Group Trip: (Refundable) Varies according to trip per Year. it also refers only to the cost of insurance and does not include any cost of accommodation
What Do You Get?
- Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage In case of illness or injury, your health plan will help you receive necessary medical care up to the limits outlined in the policy. The plans include coverage for Ambulance Services (to hospital)
- Emergency Room Care (for a maximum number of days) While on Vacation When traveling outside your home country, if you are injured or become sick, emergency evacuation and repatriation are included to help get you back home quickly and safely. This includes: Transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility
- Medical or surgical treatment (up to the limits of coverage): Medically required transportation up to a maximum amount In the Event of Death If you are traveling outside your country and die as a result of an accident, all expenses related to a proper funeral, including transporting your remains back home will be paid. Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage In case of accidental death or dismemberment while you are traveling outside of your home country, the plan will cover costs such as Death or permanent disability
- Repatriation up to a maximum amount In-Country Accidents While you are in Canada and not traveling outside your province, accidents still happen. The insurance policy will help pay for expenses related to any accident that occurs while you are staying in Canada. This includes: Ambulance services (to hospital)
- Emergency Room Care (for a maximum number of days) In addition to these benefits, the plan also covers the cost of Telephone consultations with your family doctor Prescriptions, including medical equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches, etc.
- Medical exams required for travel outside Canada (up to a maximum amount) Additional Benefits Travel Medical Insurance also provides coverage for additional services associated with your trip. This includes: Flight cancellation or interruption expenses (when medically necessary) up to $1,000 per person and $5,000 per accident/incident;
What are the Top Medical Insurance Companies in Canada?
Many insurance companies cover travel medical insurance in Canada. We recommend that you compare quotes from at least 3 different companies before deciding on a plan. Each company will have slightly different coverage options and prices, so it is always best to check the fine print with your provider of choice. We also recommend
- Arctic Brokers & Advisors Group Inc.
- AIG Travel Guard Canada, a division of AIG Canada Limited Allianz Global Assistance Canada
- BMO Insurance Group, a division of BMO Financial Group (for Quebec residents only)
What Should I Consider When Choosing Travel Medical Insurance?
Not all travel medical insurance plans are the same. Depending on your specific needs and budget, there may be one that fits your requirements better than others. Here are a few things to consider: Trip Length – Some plans cover shorter trips while others include coverage for longer stays or even an entire year outside of your country of residence.
It is important to remember that the maximum time you can be away from your home country will vary by plan and provider so check with them for their specific terms; conditions before purchasing a plan.
Medical Expenses – Some plans include more coverage than others, but it is always best to check what each plan covers as some may not cover certain treatments such as dental or prescription medication.
Most travel medical insurance plans will not include coverage for pre-existing conditions. This is something you should keep in mind if you have been recently diagnosed with a condition that may require treatment while traveling outside of your home country or Canada.
If you are planning to bring your pet on vacation, be sure to check the fine print of any plan before purchasing it as most do not cover pets (and some companies may exclude certain breeds ).
It is also important to remember that many travel medical insurance plans do not cover any costs related to transportation if you are injured while traveling. Be sure to check with your provider first so that you know what is covered before purchasing a plan.
Types of Travel Insurance Available:
There are several different types of travel insurance available in Canada. The following is a list of the most common: Trip Cancellation Insurance – This type of plan will reimburse you for trip-related expenses if your plans change and you must cancel your trip or return home before completing it.
Travel Medical Insurance – What It Covers: Some companies even offer travel medical insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, so you can enjoy coverage no matter what happens while traveling outside of your home country or Canada.