Five reasons why travel insurance is so worth it
By: David Little
No one likes to stop and think about all the bad things that could take place on a trip.
But when you go away on vacation, it's important to know what you're covered for, and what you're not. Some things you might not be covered for are:
- Vehicle accidents
- Hospital visits
- Dental expenses
- Cancelled flights
- Lost luggage
So while it might seem like just an extra expense, travel insurance can save you from sudden expenses that will more than double the cost of your trip.
So here are a few details you may not know about travel insurance, misconceptions, and why you should get travel insurance next time you journey away from home.
1. Your Credit Card or Group Plan Probably Isn’t Enough
Do you remember your credit card or employee group plan having travel insurance included? Maybe?
Before you walk through Departures, take a second look at your policy booklet.
Many credit card or group plans don’t have nearly the same level of coverage compared to a standalone package like CAA. Here’s what you should check:
- The coverage limits ($ amounts, medical services, emergency types, etc.)
- Pre-existing conditions—are they covered?
- Air ambulance expenses
- Are claims paid out directly?
- Any family allowances?
- Deductible amounts?
Whatever policy you get, the most important thing is to make sure it fits your individual needs.
2. Travel Insurance Isn’t Expensive
This one’s simple. Travel insurance is affordable. Even for those over 60 years of age and with health conditions.
For instance, medical coverage for your weeklong trip to Mexico can be secured for as little as $50.
And it’s certainly more affordable than getting stuck with a hospital bill well into the tens of thousands of dollars if you get sick or injured in a foreign country.
3. Buying Your Policy Is Really Easy
Travel insurance is supposed to protect you in the event of something bad happening. Not something bad that has already happened. So make sure you snap up your insurance package early. Like when you first book your flight and hotel.
4. You Can Get Coverage for a Whole Year
Do you travel frequently?
- Business meetings across Canada
- Winter vacations down south
- Ski trips to B.C.
- Road trips to Saskatchewan
- Cross-border shopping trips to the States
You can get a multi-trip insurance plan that covers you for a full year. Buy it once, and you’re protected wherever you go.
5. Ontario Health Care Doesn’t Cover You 100% in Other Provinces
Even if you’re travelling within Canada, not all medical expenses are covered by OHIP.
What does travel insurance usually cover?
- Hospital stays, lab tests, nursing and ground ambulance
- Emergency dental expenses
- Transportation back to Canada if you were abroad
- Medical follow-up in Canada if you were abroad
- Reimbursements for vision care, hearing aids, pet care and kennel stays