How to find the best travel insurance for Canadians

Travel insurance isn’t required by law, but getting coverage is the smart and financially responsible thing to do. The price of a policy is just a small fraction of what you might otherwise need to pay during a financial emergency. Medical care is the best example of this, as most health insurers won’t cover you overseas. Because of the high cost of healthcare, an uninsured emergency while you’re travelling can cost you thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. And even if you don't end up using the coverage, having protection just in case can still be worth the peace of mind.

Yes, travel insurance is recommended even when travelling within Canada. Public healthcare is provided at a provincial or territorial level, so while you may have some form of medical coverage out of province, there are limits. Generally, costs for ambulance rides, medical testing, or dental work will not be covered and could leave you paying out of pocket. Having the right travel policy in place ensures you won’t be left on your own to cover the gaps. Keep in mind that a travel policy isn’t limited only to coverage for medical expenses. You may want to purchase trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance for your out-of-province stay to ensure you won’t lose out on any prepaid expenses in case of an emergency.

You can buy travel insurance in Canada on Ratehub.ca. By providing a few details, you can get a customized quote and secure your policy online with our travel insurance partner today. In just a few minutes, you'll be ready to take off.

Yes, our partner allows you to purchase travel insurance while you're already overseas. There is, however, a 48-hour waiting period from your policy start date during which you won't be able to claim benefits for injury or illness. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions, as there may be additional exclusions to your coverage when binding a last-minute policy. Keep in mind that other providers might not offer insurance to travellers who have already departed, so it’s always best to prepare far in advance. 

To understand the exact coverages you'll receive from travel insurance, be sure to read the specific terms of your policy. Every insurer is different, and you wouldn't want to be left on your own during a financial emergency. Some common exclusions on travel insurance plans include non-emergent health services and dental care (e.g. routine check-ups), cosmetic surgery, incidents related to alcohol and drug usage, trip cancellation due to an unlisted reason (e.g. fear of flying) and incidents related to extreme sports (some insurers offer specialized adventure sports packages).

Yes, travel insurance may cover pre-existing conditions, but availability and coverage terms will vary by provider. In some cases, you may need to sign a waiver before you travel, or you’ll need to purchase specialized coverage. It is essential to inform your insurer of your pre-existing condition in advance, as failing to do so could result in a claim being denied.