Emergency Travel Medical Insurance

A pre-existing condition typically refers to any illness, injury, or medical condition that existed before your travel insurance policy's start date. This includes conditions that have been diagnosed, as well as those for which you've received treatment or experienced symptoms, regardless of a formal diagnosis. It's crucial to disclose all such conditions when applying for insurance, even if they seem minor, to ensure full coverage and avoid potential issues during claims.

Travel insurance policies generally exclude pre-existing medical conditions, defined as conditions present before your policy's start date. All travel insurance will have a 'stability period' -often requiring stability in the pre-existing condition(s) for a set period (e.g., 3-months, 6-monnths, 9-months) prior to departure. If a condition hasn't been stable within this timeframe and you file a claim related to it, it will typically mean that any medical expenses relating (directly or indirectly) to the condition will not be covered.

Travel insurance policies have specific exclusions and limitations. Key exclusions often include pre-existing medical conditions, complications arising from pregnancy, injuries from high-risk sports and activities, and incidents involving the use of illegal or certain legal substances. Additionally, claims related to war, kidnapping, terrorism, riots, strikes, or civil unrest are typically not covered. It's crucial to thoroughly read the policy's exclusion section to fully understand the scope and limitations of your coverage before your trip.

To extend your travel insurance for a longer journey than initially planned, you must obtain a new policy before your current policy's expiration date, as indicated on your Confirmation of Coverage. Be aware that eligibility for extended coverage may be affected if you, your travel companion, or a family member experienced a medical issue or injury during the initial coverage period. This also applies to pre-existing conditions that required medical assessment. Additionally, age restrictions may apply for certain policy types. It's advisable to contact your advisor promptly upon deciding to extend your trip to discuss the feasibility and terms of purchasing additional coverage for the extended travel period.

While the importance of travel insurance is well-recognized for international trips, it's also important for domestic travel within Canada. Even if you're just exploring another province, like a trip to the Canadian Rockies, your provincial health insurance might not fully cover medical expenses like ground or air ambulance services, X-rays, emergency dental treatments, and prescription medications outside your home province.