Does Travel Insurance cover medical expenses?

In most cases, travel insurance does cover medical expenses, but it’s crucial to understand the specifics of your plan as coverage can vary among insurers. Generally, these plans cover unexpected medical emergencies like illness, injury, or hospitalization while travelling. This could include doctor visits, prescriptions, and even ambulance services.

Can I get coverage for a pre-existing medical condition with Travel Insurance?

Yes, but insurer plans use a “stability clause,” when determining if coverage is available. This clause requires your condition to be stable for a set period before your trip to qualify for coverage.

1. Insurers may offer optional riders or waivers for pre-existing conditions, allowing coverage for those conditions upon meeting specific criteria.
2. Insurance companies could offer specific plans designed for travellers with pre-existing conditions. These plans typically have stricter eligibility requirements.

Are there additional costs for pre-existing condition coverage on Travel Insurance?

There can be additional costs for pre-existing condition coverage on travel insurance, but it depends on the insurer and the specifics of your situation. For example, your insurer may offer an unstable pre-existing medical condition add-on as an optional purchase alongside their emergency medical plan. This add-on provides coverage for pre-existing conditions that weren’t stable in a set period before departure (check details).

What risks does Trip Interruption Insurance cover?

Trip interruption insurance may reimburse certain risks requiring you to cancel and interrupt your trip. A few of the reasons applicable may include but are not limited to:

• Injuries
• Sickness
• Death
• Advisory against travel issued by the Canadian Government

What reasons are covered for Trip Cancellation?

While specific covered reasons may vary slightly between providers, most travel insurance plans from companies like BlueCross, GMS, and TuGo will share common ground. Generally, they’ll cover trip cancellation for unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from travelling, such as:

• Illness, injury, or death of yourself, a close family member, or travelling companion.
• Severe weather or natural disasters that significantly impact your destination or residence.
• A critical home or business emergency requires your immediate presence.

Can I get coverage for lost or delayed baggage?

Lost or delayed baggage can throw a wrench in your travel plans. While airlines offer some compensation, travel insurance provides additional security. Some insurers may reimburse essential items like toiletries and clothing if your bags are delayed for a specified period. However, the coverage limits can differ between insurance companies for compensation per day and per person, with a maximum cap per trip.

Important Note: Exclusions often apply for high-value items like jewelry or electronics. Check your policy for details and consider adding additional coverage if needed.

Does travel insurance cover medical evacuation?

Medical evacuation is usually a listed coverage included in travel insurance if you’ve purchased Emergency Medical Coverage, but it’s essential to check the specifics of each plan as coverage can vary among insurers.

Are adventure activities like skiing or rock climbing covered under travel insurance?

Adventure activities like skiing and rock climbing typically fall under the “extreme sports” category in travel insurance plans. While basic travel insurance from providers like BlueCross or GMS may cover medical expenses for illness or injury, they often exclude coverage for injuries sustained during these high-risk activities.

Remember, “standard travel insurance” often prioritizes safety and avoids high-risk activities. If you plan on indulging in your adventurous side, explore add-on coverage options to ensure your safety during your trip.

What Travel Insurance options are there for snowbirds?

Canadian snowbirds generally have two options for travel medical insurance plans: Single Trip Plans and Multi-Trip Annual Plans. The choice between these two types of policies depends on your travel plans over the winter and throughout the year, as well as how long you expect to be outside your province of residence in one stretch.

Does my travel insurance cover trip cancellation due to COVID-19?

Post-pandemic coverage for COVID-19 has been added to your government health plan and medical emergency travel insurance list. However, remember that there is a ‘stability period’ requirement when it comes to pre-existing conditions. The duration of this period varies between companies.