Do I Need Travel Insurance? 7 Reasons Why Travel Insurance Is Important for Your Next Trip

Traveling is an exciting and enriching experience that allows us to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended international trip, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. One essential aspect of travel planning that often gets overlooked is travel insurance (also known as ‘travel medical insurance’ or ‘travel health insurance’). We’ll share with you why travel insurance is important and what travel insurance can cover.

Why Travel Health Insurance is Important

1. Medical Emergencies:

One of the primary reasons to invest in travel insurance is to protect yourself against unexpected medical emergencies. While Canada has an excellent healthcare system, your provincial health insurance typically has restrictions on coverage when you’re traveling outside your home province (whether you’re travelling within Canada or abroad). They might cover only a portion of medical expenses, leaving you responsible for the rest. Travel insurance ensures that you have access to necessary medical treatment and can cover expenses such as hospitalization, medication, and emergency medical evacuation.

2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption:

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. Travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or a family emergency. This coverage can help you recoup non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodations, and tour bookings.

3. Lost or Delayed Baggage:

Imagine arriving at your destination, only to find that your luggage has been lost or significantly delayed. Travel insurance can provide coverage for the replacement of essential items and clothing, ensuring that you can continue your trip without major disruptions.

4. Travel Delays:

Flight delays and cancellations are common issues that travelers may face. Travel insurance can offer compensation for additional expenses incurred due to unexpected travel delays, such as accommodation, meals, and transportation.

5. Emergency Evacuation:

In the event of a natural disaster or political unrest, travel insurance can cover the costs of emergency evacuation, ensuring your safe return home.

6. Continuity of Care:

Having travel health insurance ensures that you receive continuous and comprehensive medical care while away from home, without the financial burden that may come with out-of-province medical expenses.

7. Peace of Mind:

Traveling with health insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection in the event of a medical emergency. This allows you to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about potential healthcare costs.

What Does Travel Health Insurance Cover?

1. Emergency Medical Expenses:

Travel health insurance provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, and other necessary medical treatments. Without this coverage, you could be personally responsible for high medical bills in the event of an unforeseen medical emergency.

2. Medical Evacuation:

In the case of a severe medical emergency, travel health insurance can cover the costs of emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or even repatriation back to your home province.

3. Trip Cancellation and Interruption:

As mentioned above, travel health insurance often includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to unexpected events such as illness, injury, or a family emergency, providing reimbursement for non-refundable trip expenses.

4. Non-Medical Emergency Assistance:

Travel health insurance may provide non-medical emergency assistance, including services such as emergency cash advances, help with lost travel documents, and other travel-related emergencies.

5. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D):

Travel health insurance may include coverage for accidental death or serious injury resulting in loss of limb or sight during your trip.

6. Coverage for Adventure Activities:

If you plan to engage in adventurous activities or sports during your trip, travel health insurance can offer coverage for injuries or emergencies related to these activities.

7. Personal Liability:

Personal liability coverage is designed to protect you in case you unintentionally cause injury to someone else or damage someone else’s property while you are traveling.

8. Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

Some travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, provided certain criteria are met. It’s crucial to disclose any pre-existing conditions during the application process.

9. Legal Assistance:

Some travel health insurance plans offer legal assistance services, helping you navigate legal issues that may arise while you are traveling outside your home province.

Travel insurance is not just an optional add-on; it’s a crucial component of responsible travel planning. Whether you’re exploring the diverse landscapes of Canada or venturing to international destinations, having comprehensive travel insurance ensures that you can focus on creating lasting memories without the worry of unexpected expenses or emergencies.

When you are getting travel insurance, remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to understand the specific coverage, exclusions, and limitations. Additionally, consider factors such as the duration of your trip, the activities you plan to engage in, and any pre-existing medical conditions when selecting a travel insurance policy. Always contact an insurance broker or provider for clarification on coverage details and to address any specific concerns you may have. Once you get travel insurance, your future self will thank you for the added layer of protection and Space to Breathe.