“Travel insurance” is a comprehensive term for insurance policies designed to cover the financial and other losses travellers might face while travelling, either internationally or domestically. Coverage can vary widely but typically includes several key components to address the diverse needs of travellers.
Key aspects of travel insurance include:
Medical coverage
This is one of the most important aspects of travel insurance, covering emergency medical expenses incurred while travelling. It can include hospital stays, medical treatments, emergency dental care, and medical evacuation back to Canada or to a medical facility if necessary. Provincial health plans (including RAMQ in Quebec) pay little or nothing for care outside Canada.
Trip cancellation and interruption
This coverage reimburses non-refundable travel expenses if a trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered reasons such as illness, death in the family, or other unforeseeable events like natural disasters or political unrest.
Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage
Travel insurance can cover the cost of personal belongings if they are lost, stolen, or damaged during a trip, including luggage and personal items.
Flight delays and missed connections
Compensation for additional expenses incurred, such as accommodation and meals, due to delayed flights or missed connections caused by the airline.
Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
Provides a lump-sum payment to the insured or their beneficiaries in the case of accidental death or dismemberment while travelling.
24/7 assistance services
Many travel insurance policies offer around-the-clock assistance services, providing help with emergency medical services, legal assistance, lost passport or travel documents assistance, and more.
Travel insurance policies can be customized to fit the needs of different travellers, including individuals, families, students, and business travellers.