Question 1

Should I buy my travel insurance through a travel agent or an airline?

Accepted Answer

You can buy insurance through a travel agent or airline; however, if you plan to add other elements to your trip or have a health condition, it is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance through a licensed insurance broker or advisor, or by contacting an insurer like TuGo, Allianz, or Manulife directly.

Question 2

When should I buy my travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Buy your insurance as soon as you have booked and paid for your trip, making sure all your prepaid travel expenses are finalized. This is especially important for trip cancellation and interruption insurance, since covered events can occur at any time between booking and departure. Your policy should cover your departure date and your return date.

Question 3

Can I buy travel insurance after my trip has started?

Accepted Answer

No. Travel insurance must be purchased before your departure date. Once your trip has begun, you cannot add new coverages or purchase a new policy.

Question 4

Can I buy coverage on the day of departure?

Accepted Answer

Some insurers allow same-day purchase, but this depends on the insurer and the type of product. For emergency medical insurance, most insurers permit same-day purchase. For trip cancellation insurance, the policy must be purchased before the event that triggers the cancellation occurs.

Question 5

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Accepted Answer

No, travel insurance is not mandatory. However, it protects you against potentially very high unexpected costs, such as a medical emergency abroad. The Government of Canada strongly recommends it, as provincial public health plans cover very little outside Canada.

Question 6

How do I compare different travel insurance plans?

Accepted Answer

Use a comparison site like BIIS.ca or Ehcover.ca. Compare coverage amounts, exclusions, deductibles, and premiums side by side. Pay close attention to pre-existing condition clauses and stability periods.

Question 7

Can I buy travel insurance as a gift for someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some insurers allow you to purchase a policy in the name of a family member or as a gift, as long as the insured person meets the eligibility criteria (e.g. Canadian residency, age limits).

Question 8

What is the difference between a single-trip policy and a multi-trip (annual) plan?

Accepted Answer

A single-trip plan covers one specific trip for a set number of days. A multi-trip (annual) plan covers an unlimited number of trips over a 12-month period, with a maximum number of days per trip (e.g. 10, 15, or 30 days per departure). Annual plans are well suited for frequent travellers.

Question 9

Do I need travel insurance for travel within Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is recommended. Your provincial public health plan may not cover ambulance services, emergency dental care, or certain medical costs when you travel outside your home province. Emergency medical insurance for inter-provincial travel can fill those gaps.

Question 10

Can non-residents or visitors to Canada buy travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visitors to Canada can purchase emergency medical insurance for visitors to Canada through us; we have agreements with several insurers to offer a variety of plans suited to your needs. This coverage protects against emergency medical costs during a stay in Canada.

Question 11

What does emergency medical insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

It covers hospitalization, physician fees, diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood work), prescription medications needed to treat an emergency, emergency dental care, ambulance services, and medical repatriation. It kicks in where your provincial public health plan stops covering.

Question 12

What is trip cancellation insurance and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

It reimburses prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you must cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason, such as sudden illness, death of a family member, or a natural disaster at your destination.

Question 13

What is trip interruption insurance?

Accepted Answer

It covers costs if your trip is cut short after departure due to a covered event, such as a medical emergency, a death in the family back home, or the issuance of a higher-level travel advisory. It can also cover additional expenses needed to return home early.

Question 14

What does baggage loss or delay insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Baggage loss insurance reimburses the value of lost or stolen luggage. Baggage delay insurance covers the cost of essential items (clothing, toiletries) if your baggage is delayed by the airline for a set number of hours (generally between 6 and 12 hours).

Question 15

Does travel insurance cover rental car damage?

Accepted Answer

Some travel insurance plans include rental car protection or a collision damage waiver. We offer rental vehicle coverage through TuGo.

Question 16

Are sports and adventure activities covered?

Accepted Answer

Most standard recreational sports are automatically covered. However, high-risk activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, mountaineering, or professional sports may require an optional Sports & Activities add-on. Always check your policy for the list of exclusions and speak with an advisor to cover any high-risk sport.

Question 17

Does travel insurance cover dental emergencies abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most emergency medical plans cover emergency dental care resulting from an accident or sudden acute pain. Routine or cosmetic dental care is not covered.

Question 18

Is emergency medical evacuation and repatriation covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most comprehensive plans cover emergency medical evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or return to Canada, as well as repatriation of remains in the event of death.

Question 19

Are prescription medications covered by travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Prescription medications needed to treat a medical emergency that occurs during your trip are covered. Refills of maintenance medications you take on a regular basis are generally not covered.

Question 20

Does travel insurance cover accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)?

Accepted Answer

Many comprehensive plans include accidental death and dismemberment coverage, which pays a lump sum in the event of accidental death or loss of a limb or sight following an accident. Some companies offer it as an option; ask your advisor and always check your policy certificate for the insured amount.

Question 21

Is 24/7 emergency assistance included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All reputable Canadian travel insurers offer a 24/7 emergency assistance line. You should always call this number before seeking medical care abroad to allow for coverage coordination and to avoid large out-of-pocket expenses.

Question 22

Does travel insurance cover flight delays caused by airlines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your policy includes a travel delay benefit. This generally reimburses meals, accommodation, and transport if your flight is delayed beyond a certain threshold (e.g. 4 to 6 hours) due to a covered reason, such as a mechanical failure or weather conditions.

Question 23

Is there travel insurance coverage for cruises?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several insurers offer cruise-specific plans or cover cruises under standard plans. Cruise coverage can include missed port departure, cabin quarantine due to illness, and itinerary changes.

Question 24

Does my plan cover an emergency return home if a family member falls ill?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most trip interruption plans cover an emergency return if an immediate family member at home dies or is hospitalized with a life-threatening condition.

Question 25

Are ambulance services covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ground and air ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate hospital is generally covered by emergency medical insurance plans. Note that some provincial public health plans do not cover ambulance services when you are outside your home province, making travel insurance even more important.

Question 26

What is a pre-existing medical condition and how does it affect my coverage?

Accepted Answer

A pre-existing condition is a health issue that existed, was diagnosed, or was treated before your departure date. If that condition is not 'stable' during the look-back period defined in your policy, claims related to it may be excluded.

Question 27

Do I have to declare all my medical conditions when purchasing a policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are legally required to answer all questions fully and truthfully. An inaccurate declaration can result in a claim being denied or the policy being voided. Always declare your conditions accurately, even if you consider them minor.

Question 28

What is a medical questionnaire (MQ) and who needs to complete one?

Accepted Answer

A medical questionnaire is a series of health questions used to assess risk and determine your premium. TuGo, for example, requires travellers aged 60 and over to complete one. It determines whether your pre-existing conditions can be covered and at what rate.

Question 29

Does the medical questionnaire only set the premium, or does it also determine coverage?

Accepted Answer

Both. The medical questionnaire determines your eligibility for coverage, whether certain conditions are included or excluded, and the premium to be paid. It is essential to answer it accurately for your coverage to be valid.

Question 30

What is a stability clause?

Accepted Answer

A stability clause requires that a pre-existing condition be 'stable' for a set period (e.g. 90 or 180 days) before departure to be eligible for coverage. 'Stable' generally means no new symptoms, no change in medication, and no new diagnosis or tests during that period.

Question 31

Is there a look-back period for pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most policies have a look-back period of 90 to 365 days before departure. Any condition that was changed, diagnosed, or subject to testing or treatment during that period must be declared and may be excluded.

Question 32

If I had surgery before my trip, am I still covered?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Some insurers exclude, for example, emergency medical coverage if you had surgery or a physician recommended surgery within the 90 days before departure (182 days if you are over 55). Check the specific terms of your policy.

Question 33

Can people with diabetes or heart conditions get travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but they will often need to complete a medical questionnaire and pay a higher premium. Some conditions may be excluded if they are not stable. There are specialized insurers and plans for travellers with serious health issues.

Question 34

Are mental health conditions covered?

Accepted Answer

Mental health emergencies (e.g. an acute psychiatric crisis) may be covered by some emergency medical plans. However, ongoing treatment or pre-existing mental health conditions are often excluded. TuGo also offers a free emotional support service for travellers.

Question 35

Does travel insurance cover pregnancy-related emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. Most insurers cover pregnancy-related emergencies up to 32 weeks of gestation. Beyond that threshold, you are generally no longer covered. Pregnancy complications are generally covered; routine prenatal care is not.

Question 36

What age limit applies to travel medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most Canadian insurers offer coverage up to age 85, with some going up to 89 or beyond for certain plans. Premiums increase significantly with age, and a medical questionnaire is generally required for older travellers.

Question 37

What is the minimum age to be covered under a family plan?

Accepted Answer

Most family plans cover dependent children from birth (a few days old) up to age 21, or up to age 25 if they are full-time students.

Question 38

Do seniors need to answer additional medical questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most insurers require travellers aged 60 or over to complete a medical questionnaire. Questions cover chronic conditions, recent hospitalizations, medications, and recent medical tests or procedures.

Question 39

What is generally not covered by travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Common exclusions include: unstable pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted injuries, travel to destinations subject to a level-4 official advisory from the Government of Canada, alcohol or drug misuse, professional sports, cosmetic surgery, and routine medical or dental care.

Question 40

Are high-risk activities like skydiving or scuba diving excluded?

Accepted Answer

Yes, high-risk activities are generally excluded from standard plans. However, many insurers offer an optional Sports & Activities add-on that can include, for an additional premium, activities such as skydiving, deep-sea scuba diving, or extreme skiing.

Question 41

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions that are not stable?

Accepted Answer

No. If your condition is not stable during the defined look-back period, claims related to that condition will be denied. Some insurers offer 'all pre-existing conditions' coverage for a higher premium.

Question 42

Is my insurance voided if I was drinking alcohol at the time of the incident?

Accepted Answer

Most policies exclude claims when alcohol intoxication contributed to the incident. The exact threshold varies by insurer but generally applies when your blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit for driving.

Question 43

Does travel insurance cover acts of terrorism or civil unrest?

Accepted Answer

Some policies include terrorism coverage as a standard benefit; others offer it as an option. Civil unrest is often excluded or only partially covered. Always check the exact wording of your policy.

Question 44

Is mental health treatment abroad covered?

Accepted Answer

Acute mental health emergencies may be covered, but ongoing or chronic treatment abroad is generally excluded.

Question 45

Does travel insurance cover cosmetic surgery abroad?

Accepted Answer

No. Elective cosmetic procedures are not covered by travel insurance, nor are complications arising from such procedures.

Question 46

Does cancellation insurance cover a cancellation for work-related reasons?

Accepted Answer

Work-related cancellations (e.g. your employer changes your schedule) are generally not a covered reason under standard trip cancellation plans. Some Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) endorsements may cover this type of situation.

Question 47

Is trip cancellation covered in the event of an airline strike or lockout?

Accepted Answer

No. Most Canadian insurers expressly exclude cancellation claims related to airline strikes or lockouts. In that case, contact the airline directly for possible compensation.

Question 48

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to missing or expired travel documents?

Accepted Answer

No. If your trip is cancelled because you do not have the required documents (e.g. expired passport, missing visa), you are not covered. This is your responsibility as a traveller.

Question 49

Am I covered if the Government of Canada issues a travel advisory?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the level of the warning and when it was issued. If a level 3 or 4 advisory is issued after your departure, some insurers will maintain your coverage. If you depart while a level-4 advisory is already in effect, you will generally not be covered for that risk.

Question 50

What happens if a level-4 advisory (Avoid All Travel) is issued before my departure?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to travel while a level-4 advisory has been issued for your destination, your coverage is generally voided for that risk at that destination. Several insurers may offer a refund if you decide not to travel, subject to their refund rules (administrative fees or conditions may apply).

Question 51

What happens if a travel advisory is issued after my departure?

Accepted Answer

Many insurers will continue to cover you for a limited period (e.g. 10 days) after a level-4 advisory is issued, to give you time to arrange your return.

Question 52

Am I covered if I travel to a destination already under a travel advisory?

Accepted Answer

No. If you travel to a destination already subject to a level-3 or level-4 advisory from the Government of Canada at the time of purchase or departure, coverage related to that risk is generally excluded.

Question 53

Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip due to a travel advisory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some insurers allow a claim for the unused portion of a trip under emergency medical coverage if you return early due to a level-4 advisory, provided no medical claim has been submitted.

Question 54

What is the maximum trip length covered under a single-trip policy?

Accepted Answer

This varies by insurer and product. Most Canadian providers offer single-trip plans with a maximum duration of 183 or 212 days. Snowbird plans often have maximum durations aligned with the out-of-province stay limits set by provincial public health plans.

Your travel insurance questions, answered.

Buying Travel Insurance

Coverage & Benefits

Medical Care & Pre-existing Conditions

Exclusions & Limitations

Travel Advisories & Government Warnings

Policy Duration & Extensions

Still have questions?