Travel Insurance for Canadians: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip

Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether it is relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean, exploring Europe’s historic cities, or unwinding at a yoga retreat, nothing compares to the excitement of new destinations.

But what happens if your plans go sideways? A sudden illness, an accident, or a cancelled flight can turn a dream trip into a costly nightmare. That is where travel insurance in Canada comes in.

Why Canadians Need Travel Insurance

Many Canadians are surprised to learn their provincial health coverage does not fully protect them outside their home province or abroad.

• Emergency medical care abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
• Air ambulance transport back to Canada can exceed the cost of your entire trip.
• Even travelling within Canada may leave you with expenses not covered by your government health plan.

Emergency medical travel insurance ensures you will not face these expenses alone.

What Does Canadian Travel Insurance Cover?

1. Emergency Medical Travel Insurance

• Doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions
• Ambulance services, including costly air evacuations
• Coordination of medical care with international hospitals
• Translation services for non-English or non-French providers
• Meals, hotels, and childcare for family members if you are hospitalized
• Transportation back to Canada when medically necessary

2. Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance

Travel insurance can reimburse you if:

• Illness or injury prevents you from travelling
• Severe weather such as snowstorms cancels your flight
• An emergency at home forces you to return early
• This protects your prepaid, non-refundable expenses and unused portions of your trip.

3. Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Luggage Insurance

If your bags do not arrive, or arrive days late, travel insurance helps cover replacement essentials so your vacation continues stress free.

When Do Canadians Need Travel Insurance?

In short, every time you travel outside your home province.

Even if you already have coverage through employee benefits or a credit card, always review the details. Many of these plans have limitations such as:

• Trip length restrictions
• Low maximum benefit amounts
• Exclusions for pre-existing conditions

If there are gaps, you can easily top up your travel insurance for complete protection.

Types of Travel Insurance Plans in Canada

• Single Trip Travel Insurance: Best for one-time or occasional travel
• Multi Trip Annual Travel Insurance: Cost effective for Canadians who travel multiple times per year
• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance: Protects you against unexpected events before or during your trip, such as illness, severe weather, or family emergencies, by reimbursing non-refundable expenses or unused portions of your trip
• Visitors to Canada Insurance: Protects friends and family visiting Canada who are not covered by provincial health care
• Student Travel Insurance: Covers Canadian students studying outside their home province, or international students studying in Canada

Key Takeaway

Travel is unpredictable, but travel insurance ensures you are financially protected from the unexpected. For a relatively small cost, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones against:

• Expensive medical bills abroad
• Cancelled or interrupted trips
• Lost or delayed luggage

Just as you would not leave home without your passport, sunscreen, or toothbrush, make sure travel insurance is part of your travel essentials.

Talk to Garrett Agencies About Travel Insurance

At Garrett Agencies, we help Canadians choose the right travel insurance for their unique needs. Whether you are planning a single trip, travelling multiple times per year, welcoming family from abroad, or sending a student away for studies, we will make sure you are protected.

Contact Garrett Agencies today to compare travel insurance options and enjoy peace of mind before your next trip.