How to Get Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection and assistance to travelers in case of unexpected events or emergencies that may occur before or during a trip.
It is designed to help mitigate the financial risks associated with traveling, such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Travel insurance policies can vary in coverage and cost depending on factors such as the duration of the trip, the destination, the traveler’s age, and the level of coverage desired. It’s important to carefully review the policy terms, exclusions, and limitations to ensure it meets your specific needs.
What is travel insurance?
Whether you’re headed outside your home province or to the other side of the world, traveling can be stressful.
Travel insurance can help protect you from the difficulties that come from unexpected medical expenses.
If you’re traveling soon and looking for coverage, a Sun Life advisor can talk to you about your options.
Benefits of Travel Insurance
Here are some common features and benefits of travel insurance:
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage: This protects your financial investment in case you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or unforeseen events like natural disasters.
- Medical expenses coverage: This covers medical and hospital expenses incurred while traveling, including emergency medical treatments, doctor visits, and medication. It may also include medical evacuation to transport you to a suitable medical facility if needed.
- Baggage and personal belongings coverage: This provides compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. It may also cover the replacement of essential items, such as passports or travel documents.
- Travel delay coverage: If your trip is delayed due to reasons beyond your control (e.g., weather conditions, strikes, or mechanical breakdowns), travel insurance can reimburse you for additional expenses incurred, such as accommodation and meals.
- Emergency assistance services: Many travel insurance policies offer 24/7 emergency assistance services, which can include medical advice, travel information, emergency cash transfers, and coordination of medical services.
- Personal liability coverage: This covers legal expenses and compensation if you cause injury to someone or damage their property while traveling.
Why do I need travel insurance?
If you’re planning to travel, there are many reasons why travel insurance may be right for you:
- For the peace of mind. You’ll know you’re protected in case of an accident or sudden illness.
- To cover unexpectedly high bills. The cost of medical care can be much higher abroad than in Canada,
- To be supported by a team of professionals. They’ll make sure that you have access to medical care and arrange for you to come home if needed.
- For unexpected hospital visits. Some hospitals require that uninsured patients pay a deposit of several thousands of dollars before providing the necessary care. With travel insurance, you’ll save money on any potential hospital charges.
What does travel insurance cover?
When you’re traveling outside your home province, territory, or country, unexpected emergencies can cost thousands of dollars.
Your government health care plans have limits on how much they’ll cover. You may be left with any potential bills.
Travel insurance can help you manage your way through difficult situations:
- Emergency medical care. Travel insurance can help when you need unexpected hospital, ambulance, and dental care.
- Theft or loss of documents. Insurance specialists can help you reach the Canadian embassy or your financial institution if your documents or cards are lost or stolen.
- Translation services. If you don’t speak the local language where you’re traveling, multilingual interpreters can help. In an emergency, these interpreters can help you communicate with local resources.
- Trip interruption. Travel insurance can help you arrange for your return home in the event you must cut your trip short due to a medical reason.
Keep in mind that your coverage may not include any pre-existing health conditions. A Sun Life advisor can talk you through your insurance options.