Don't Leave Home Without It
Travel insurance is your financial safety net when you leave your home province or country. Provincial health plans (like OHIP, MSP, or RAMQ) provide very limited coverage once you cross the border. A broken leg in California or a stomach bug in Mexico can result in medical bills costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Core Components
Travel insurance generally falls into two main categories:
1. Emergency Medical Insurance
This covers the Cost of unexpected medical emergencies while you are away.
- Hospital and Doctor bills: Ambulance, X-rays, surgery, and prescription drugs.
- Medical Evacuation: Transporting you back to Canada if you need treatment at home.
- Paramedical Services: Chiropractor, physiotherapist, or dentist for emergency relief of pain.
2. Trip Cancellation & Interruption
This protects the money you invested in your trip.
- Cancellation: Reimburches you for non-refundable prepaid costs (flights, hotels) if you can't travel due to a covered reason (e.g., you get sick, a family member dies, or you are called for jury duty).
- Interruption: Reimburses you for the unused portion of your trip and the cost of a new flight home if you have to cut your vacation short.
Baggage and Personal Effects
Often included in comprehensive packages, this pays for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items. It may also provide an allowance for toiletries if your bags are delayed.