Visitor Insurance

Travel for Canadians

Health, Life and Disability

Auto and Home

More

Travel insurance: frequently asked questions

Emergency medical coverage abroad, trip cancellation, interruption, annual multi-trip plans, and the limits of provincial health plans. Answers to travel insurance questions.

Provincial plans reimburse only a fraction of the costs incurred outside Canada. In the United States, a hospital stay can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

These questions cover what travel insurance actually pays for, the difference between medical and cancellation coverage, and when an annual plan starts to make more sense.

What is travel insurance and why do I need it?
Travel insurance is coverage that protects against financial and certain other risks when traveling, whether within Canada or abroad. It’s essential because it covers potentially high costs such as emergency medical care abroad, trip cancellation, or lost luggage.
What types of coverage are available in travel insurance?

Travel insurance typically offers several types of coverage, including:

  • Emergency medical care: Covers medical expenses in case of illness or accident abroad
  • Trip cancellation and interruption: Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip
  • Baggage: Covers loss, theft, or damage to your luggage
  • Travel accident: Provides compensation in case of death or disability following an accident during the trip
What is a pre-existing medical condition in travel insurance?
It is any illness, injury or symptom you already had before your coverage started, whether or not it had been formally diagnosed. Insurers look at your medical history over a defined period before the departure date. Some policies cover pre-existing conditions that are considered stable, but the stability criteria vary by insurer and product. Disclose all your medical conditions when you subscribe and check the specific exclusions in your policy.
How do I know which coverage is best suited for my trip?

The choice of coverage depends on several factors, including:

  • The destination (some countries have very high medical costs)
  • The duration of the trip
  • Planned activities (extreme sports, cruising, etc.)
  • Your age and health status
  • The value of your trip and belongings you’re taking

Our advisors can help you determine the coverage that best meets your specific needs.

Can I purchase travel insurance if I'm already traveling?
In most cases, you must purchase your travel insurance before leaving your province of residence. Some insurers offer options to purchase coverage once you’re already traveling, but this usually comes with restrictions and waiting periods for certain coverages.
What are popular travel destinations and their insurance requirements?

Here are some popular travel destinations and their specific insurance requirements:

Europe (Schengen Area)

Requires travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for visitors needing a Schengen visa.

United States

No legal requirement, but healthcare costs are extremely high, making insurance essential.

Canada

Visitors are not covered by provincial health plans, so travel insurance is highly recommended.

Caribbean

Most islands don’t require insurance, but limited healthcare facilities make it important to have coverage that includes medical evacuation.

Why do Canadians need travel insurance?
Even if you are covered by your provincial plan, medical costs outside your province or outside Canada can be very high. Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, medications, emergency transport and repatriation.
What does travel insurance for Canadians cover?
Depending on the contract chosen, travel insurance can cover emergency medical costs, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage, flight delays and certain transport costs related to an emergency.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, some pre-existing conditions can be covered if they meet the insurer’s stability criteria. It is important to properly disclose your medical situation before departure.
When should you buy travel insurance?
It is best to buy your travel insurance as soon as your trip is booked, especially if you want cancellation coverage. For emergency medical insurance, coverage must generally be purchased before departure.
Is travel insurance useful for a trip within Canada?
Yes. Even for a trip to another province, some costs such as ambulance, emergency transport or repatriation may not be fully covered by your provincial plan.
Does my credit card already include travel insurance?
Some credit cards include travel insurance, but coverage can be limited by age, trip length, destination and health. It is important to check the exclusions before you leave.
How much does travel insurance for Canadians cost?
The price depends on your age, the length of the trip, the destination, your health and the coverage chosen. A quote lets you compare the options available for your situation.
Can you buy travel insurance for a long stay?
Yes. Several insurers offer coverage for long stays, frequent trips or stays of several months outside your province of residence.
How do you choose the best travel insurance?
The best travel insurance depends on your destination, your age, your health, the length of your stay and the type of coverage you want. Protecto Assurances can help you compare the options and choose suitable coverage.
What is covered if I have to cancel?
Cancellation coverage reimburses prepaid non-refundable costs (flight, accommodation, cruise) if you have to cancel for a covered reason: illness, death of a loved one, job loss, a government advisory, among others. The eligible reasons vary by plan. Read the exclusions.
Can I purchase travel insurance if I am already on my trip?
In most cases, you must purchase your travel insurance before leaving your province of residence. Some insurers offer options to buy coverage once you are already travelling, but this usually comes with restrictions and waiting periods for certain benefits.
What is an annual multi-trip plan?
A policy that covers all your trips for one year for a single premium. Economical if you travel several times a year. Each trip is covered up to a defined maximum duration (often 15, 30 or 60 days per trip).

See the page · Read the guide

Can't find your answer?

Our advisors answer in English and French, with no obligation.

Contact us (514) 500-7220