9 Things you should check in your travel insurance policy

Just like your passport, travel insurance is a must-have for every traveller. If things go awry, you know you are covered. But if you need to learn how travel insurance coverage works, we're here to help.

The last thing you want to discover is that you didn't understand your plan and are not eligible to make a claim. That's why it's essential to understand your coverage.

Here are nine things to check in your travel insurance plan's fine print.

1. If the Government of Canada raises travel advisories, will my trip cancellation and interruption policy still cover me?

Some travel insurance companies might not cover your trip cancellation or interruption policy if travel advisories are raised to Level 3 or Level 4. But if you purchased your insurance policy during a Level 1 or Level 2 travel advisory, CAA Travel Insurance will cover trip cancellation and interruption claims if advisories go up. To better understand travel advisories and their impact on travel insurance, speak with your CAA Travel Consultant.       

2. What are my deductibles?

So, you’ve done your homework by comparing multiple travel insurance options, found the lowest quote and are ready to buy. Easy, right? But not all quotes are created equal, which can be the result of deductible limits. To help provide coverage that’s right for you, CAA Travel Insurance offers a range of deductibles on most policies we issue.

3. Can I cancel for any reason?

Sometimes there's a lot of fine print in trip cancellation insurance. But CAA Travel Insurance is different. We offer Cancel for Any Other Reason¹, which allows you to cancel your trip up to three hours before departure when purchased within 72 hours of booking your trip or before cancellation penalties are in effect. Get a refund of up to 50% for prepaid non-refundable charges when you book your trip with a third party. Better still, get a refund up to 75% for prepaid non-refundable charges when you book your trip through CAA Travel.                                                                                       

4. What are my coverage caps or my reimbursement limits?

You have emergency medical coverage, but how much? If you have travel insurance through group or credit card plans, look at how much coverage is offered. These policies can vary widely in coverage caps and may not include certain coverage such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance. CAA Travel Insurance can help fill in the gaps to make sure you’ve got the right coverage for your trip. Speak with a CAA Travel Consultant to purchase trip cancellation and interruption plans or top-up your emergency medical insurance.   

5. What are the exclusions?

When shopping for a travel insurance plan, most people only consider the benefits — but you'll want to look at the exclusions.

Exclusions are situations and circumstances where your travel insurance won't supply reimbursement for any losses. A few key exclusions include any loss, condition, or known event, foreseeable, intended, or expected when your plan was bought. For example, taking part in extreme, high-risk sports and activities.

At CAA, we offer insurance plans with rider options, if you're parasailing, hot-air ballooning or taking a helicopter tour. The rider can be added to all emergency medical and vacation package plans. 

6. How easy is the claim process?

The moment of truth for any insurance policy is the claims process. So, you'll want to pick a reputable provider who offers seamless and efficient claims settlement.

CAA Assistance² is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. We work with you throughout the entire claims process, from the first response through to a final resolution. We are here to supply a fast, caring service and to settle your claim.

7. Does my policy cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Many travellers are under the false impression that their travel insurance policy will cover them for treatment costs related to their pre-existing medical conditions while travelling.

So, read your policy carefully and talk to a licensed agent if you think a pre-existing medical condition could affect your trip. The last thing you want is to be surprised and find out your claim has been rejected.

At CAA, we offer a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Rider³ to give you peace of mind if you have an unstable medical condition or have a medication change before departure.

You can add a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Rider to all emergency medical and vacation package plans. It includes coverage up to a maximum of $200,000 per insured, per trip for eligible hospitals and medical-related expenses for sickness or injury due to a pre-existing medical condition that was not stable 7 days or more before the departure date.                             

8. Does my plan cover trip cancellation?

Even the best-laid plans can fall apart. Travel bookings can get altered, trips can suddenly get cancelled, or your luggage can mysteriously end up thousands of miles away from your hotel. CAA Travel Insurance offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Buy this policy as a stand-alone product or bundle your emergency medical insurance with trip cancellation and interruption for the best coverage.              

9. Are my children covered?

It’s essential to ensure you have the correct travel insurance to protect your family from accidents or unexpected injuries. For example, you could be on vacation, and your child gets a fever and needs to be hospitalized for a day until they've stabilized, leaving you with a hefty medical bill.          

CAA offers a variety of travel insurance plans that include free coverage for kids on all family plans⁴, 24/7 help finding a local doctor or hospital and interpreters to communicate with the medical staff if needed, and emergency dental.