Essential Travel Insurance Coverage Tips For Canadians Traveling Abroad

Don’t Rely on Your Provincial Health Plan Abroad

Your provincial health coverage won’t fully protect you outside Canada. It may only cover a small portion of emergency costs, leaving you with huge bills. Things like air ambulances, out-of-country hospital stays, and private care aren’t typically covered. That’s why travel insurance is a must, even for short trips. Verify exactly what your provincial plan includes and choose coverage that fills in the gaps. Without it, a simple medical emergency could cost tens of thousands.

Choose the Right Type of Coverage for Your Trip

Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll need to decide what kind of protection you want. Are you just looking for emergency medical coverage, or do you also want trip cancellation, baggage loss, or even rental car protection? If your trip is expensive and non-refundable, cancellation insurance is worth considering. Going somewhere remote? Consider evacuation coverage. It’s better to get exactly what you need than realize too late that you’re underinsured.

Disclose All Pre-Existing Conditions Honestly

This part is critical. When applying for travel insurance, you’ll be asked about pre-existing medical conditions. Be completely transparent, even if the issue seems minor or hasn’t acted up in years. If something happens abroad and they find you didn’t fully disclose your health history, your claim could be denied. Some policies cover stable pre-existing conditions, so don’t assume you’ll be rejected—you may just pay a little more or meet a stability requirement.

Understand What’s Excluded from Coverage

Every insurance policy comes with exclusions, and it’s important to know what they are before you buy. Common exclusions include injuries from high-risk sports (like scuba diving or skiing), alcohol-related incidents, or traveling against medical advice. Some plans may exclude coverage if you’re visiting countries with travel advisories. Always read the fine print or ask your provider directly.

Consider a Multi-Trip Annual Plan if You Travel Often

If you’re a frequent flyer, an annual multi-trip plan might be your best value. These plans cover multiple trips per year (each with a maximum trip length of 15, 30, or 60 days) and usually cost less than buying separate policies every time. They’re convenient, especially for spontaneous travelers, and you can often buy top-ups for extended stays.

Make Sure Your Insurance Covers COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed travel insurance forever. Not all policies automatically cover pandemic-related issues, so check the fine print. Does your plan include testing, quarantine expenses, or trip interruption if you test positive? What if the destination goes into lockdown? Many insurers now include COVID-specific riders—make sure yours does too, especially for international travel.

Keep Emergency Contact Info Handy While Traveling

Once you have travel insurance, make sure you can actually use it if something goes wrong. Keep a printed and digital copy of your policy details, emergency contact numbers, and claim instructions with you. Save the 24/7 hotline in your phone.

If you’re heading somewhere remote or less developed, also keep a physical copy in case your phone dies or you lose signal. Share key details with a travel companion or family member, too.