Why travel insurance is essential, even when travelling within Canada

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When we think of travel insurance, most Canadians automatically assume it’s only necessary for international trips.

However, unexpected emergencies, medical expenses and trip disruptions can occur at any time, even when you’re travelling in Canada.

Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or an extended vacation within the country, travel insurance can provide a safety net that helps mitigate unforeseen risks.

Whether you’re visiting the province next door or crossing the country, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered by your provincial health plan.

Why travel insurance matters even within Canada

There’s a common misconception that any provincial health plan is sufficient when travelling within Canada, but that can be a costly mistake.

Your provincial health plan (such as OHIP in Ontario) covers basic medical expenses, it’s crucial to understand that coverage has limitations if or when you need to visit a clinic or hospital in a different province -- and this gap can lead to costly out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an emergency.

Aside from medical coverage, getting separate travel insurance also provides peace of mind with protection against trip cancellations, lost baggage and emergency transportation, which are all common issues that can arise during your trip.

Limitations of provincial health plans

Many Canadians are surprised to learn that their provincial health coverage does not fully cover medical services outside their home province.

When travelling within Canada, here are some key areas where provincial health plans often fall short:

• Limited out-of-province medical coverage Provincial health insurance programs typically cover only basic emergency medical services when travelling in another province. However, this coverage is often limited to hospital visits and certain medical treatments. Other services, such as specialized care, diagnostic tests, or surgeries, may not be fully covered. As a result, you could be responsible for covering a significant portion of medical costs out of your pocket.
• Emergency transportation costs In case of an emergency, the need for air or ground ambulance services can be critical. Unfortunately, these transportation costs are often not fully covered by provincial health plans, especially when travelling out of the province. The costs associated with emergency transportation can add up quickly, making this one of the more expensive gaps in your provincial coverage.
• Medical expenses that may not be covered Even for basic medical treatments, there are often restrictions. For example, if you get sick while travelling out of the province, the cost of some prescription drugs isn’t covered by your provincial health plan, and expenses related to hospital stays, surgeries, or other critical care may only be partially reimbursed - if at all.

Employer and credit card coverage may not be enough

For those who know their provincial health plan isn’t enough, they might assume that employer-provided benefits or credit card travel insurance will cover all their needs when travelling within the country.

And while these benefits can offer some protection, they often come with limitations, exclusions, and high deductibles.

For instance, credit card travel insurance typically covers only certain types of emergencies or might require you to pay upfront and then submit for reimbursement.

It’s crucial to fully understand the terms and conditions of your employer’s health benefits or your credit card coverage.

Review the fine print and confirm the specifics of your coverage before you hit the road.

Make sure that your plan offers sufficient protection for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost baggage, and other unexpected events.

Discover any coverage gaps using this checklist, and if needed, get additional coverage that may be necessary to ensure that you’re fully protected.

The protection you need

For frequent travellers or those seeking comprehensive coverage, there are several options available that can offer peace of mind during your trips within Canada.

• Multi-trip travel insurance For Canadians who travel often, multi-trip travel insurance¹ may be the ideal solution. With plans like the CAA emergency medical multi-trip, you can get coverage for multiple trips throughout the year. These plans offer flexibility and savings, with coverage for trips lasting up to four, eight, 15, or 30 days outside your province for a full year. You can purchase a plan that suits your travel habits and avoid buying separate policies for each trip. If you stay longer than the allotted time, a simple top-up can extend your coverage.
• Vacation package travel insurance For those planning a vacation within Canada, bundling travel insurance with your vacation package² can provide convenience and savings. Vacation package insurance typically includes multiple types of coverage, such as medical emergencies, flight accidents, lost personal travel documents, delayed baggage and trip cancellation or interruption. This all-in-one solution can protect you against a wide range of issues, saving you the hassle of purchasing separate policies for each risk.

Get the right coverage for your next trip

Still have questions about travel insurance? A CAA Travel Consultant can help answer your questions and ensure you get the right coverage for your trip.

It’s important to understand the full scope of your needs and choose a plan that addresses any potential risks.

As a CAA Member, you can save up to 20 per cent³ on CAA Travel Insurance.

Get a free quote online today and secure your travel insurance with just a few simple steps.

Whether you’re heading out for a quick trip or an extended vacation, don’t leave home without the right coverage to protect yourself.

CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.

¹ Medical Multi-Trip Plans cover four, eight, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date.

² Multi-Trip Vacation Packages cover four, eight, 15 or 30 days per trip depending on the plan purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot exceed 365 days from departure date or effective date. There is a maximum travel coverage of 63 days including Top-Up for travellers aged 60 to 84 years of age.

³ Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty per cent (20 per cent) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10 per cent. CAA Premier® Members save 20 per cent at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-705-1803. CAA Premier Members save 10 per cent and earn 10 per cent in CAA Dollars® when booking online.

®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.