Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ). The answers provide information that supplements our list of services offered.

1. Do I really need travel insurance?
2. What should I know about my travel health insurance policy?
3. How can I be sure I meet the terms of my insurance policy?
4. Won't I get adequate coverage through my provincial or territorial health plan?
5. Where can I purchase travel insurance?
6. Where can I find further information on travel insurance?

1. Do I really need travel insurance?

If you plan to go abroad — even on a day trip to the United States — you should purchase the best travel insurance you can afford in order to avoid large expenses, such as the cost of hospitalization or medical treatment outside of Canada. Your Canadian insurance is almost certainly not valid outside Canada. It is essential to obtain supplementary travel insurance ― health, life, disability, driving, vehicle, and trip cancellation ― before going abroad.

Foreign hospitals and clinics have been known to refuse treatment to patients who lack adequate insurance or financial resources to pay their bills. A single accident could result in years of debt for those who are not prepared.

2. What should I know about my travel health insurance policy?

Carefully research your needs and verify the conditions, limitations and requirements of your insurance policy before departure.

When assessing a travel health insurance plan, ask if it:

• provides continuous coverage before departure and after return;
• offers coverage renewable from abroad and for the maximum period of stay;
• has an in-house, worldwide, 24-hour/7-day emergency contact number in English and/or translation services for health care providers in your destination country;
• pays for foreign hospitalization for illness or injury and related medical costs and, if so, whether it pays up front or expects you to pay and be reimbursed later.;
• provides coverage for doctor’s visits and prescription medicines;
• provides direct payment of bills and cash advances abroad so you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket;
• covers pre-existing medical conditions (get an agreement in writing that you’re covered). Otherwise, you could find your claim “null and void” under a pre-existing condition clause; 
• provides for medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest location with appropriate medical care;
• pays for a medical escort (health care provider) to accompany you during evacuation;
• covers premature births and related neonatal care, as needed;
• clearly explains deductible costs (plans with 100 percent coverage are more expensive but may save money in the long run);
• covers preparation and return of your remains to Canada if you die abroad (in most cases, costs will exceed plan coverage);
• covers emergency dental care;
• covers emergency transportation, such as ambulance services; and
• does not exclude or significantly limit coverage for certain regions or countries you may visit.

3. How can I be sure I meet the terms of my insurance policy?

It is your responsibility to know the terms of your insurance policy. Carefully read the fine print to know when your insurer is obliged to pay. Never lie about your medical history when applying for travel health insurance or you could invalidate a subsequent claim.

Obtain approval from your insurer before undergoing medical treatment. Routine health checkups, non-emergency care, and cosmetic surgery are rarely covered by travel health insurance. Coverage may also be excluded for psychiatric disorders, drug- or alcohol-related incidents, or extreme sporting activities, such as bungee jumping and rock climbing.

Some insurance companies will not honour medical claims made for injuries suffered in a country for which the Government of Canada has issued an official Travel Warning. Coverage for injuries resulting from war may also be limited.

Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before leaving a country where you have received medical treatment. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get the proper paperwork from thousands of kilometres away. Always remember to submit original receipts for medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Keep a copy of the submitted documents for your files.

Carry details of your insurance and tell your travel agent, a travel companion, and a friend or relative at home how to contact your insurer.

4. Won’t I get adequate coverage through my provincial or territorial health plan?

No. Your provincial health plan may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. For more information, contact your provincial or territorial health authority.

5. Where can I purchase travel insurance?

Travel insurance may be purchased through your travel agent, insurance broker, and possibly your employer’s insurance provider. Credit card companies may also offer their clients travel and health insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically provided or that the card alone provides adequate coverage.

6. Where can I find further information on travel insurance?

Consult the sections on travel health insurance in our publications entitled Bon Voyage, But… and Well on Your Way.

The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association produces a brochure entitled A Guide to Travel Health Insurance (available in pdf format only).