By Keith Martin, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Financial Institutions in Insurance (CAFII)
You may assume your healthcare coverage travels with you. But the moment you leave your province or territory, coverage becomes limited. That’s why it’s important to ask: what is travel insurance, and do I need it?
Travel insurance can include several types of coverage, but one of the most critical, and most misunderstood, is travel medical insurance. It helps cover the cost of emergency medical care while you’re outside your province, territory, or country, which your public health plan or credit card may not fully cover.
What is travel medical insurance?
Travel medical insurance is a specific type of coverage designed to protect you from the cost of emergency medical care while travelling outside your home province, territory or country.
It’s different from broader travel insurance, which may also include protection from trip cancellations, delays or baggage loss. While those are important for some travellers, this article focuses solely on medical coverage, what it covers, what it doesn’t and how to make sure you’re protected.
Why your provincial health plan isn’t enough
Travel medical insurance helps pay for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications, all of which can be costly.
Your provincial health plan offers comprehensive coverage at home but very limited protection abroad. Even a short trip can expose you to high out-of-pocket costs.
And travel within Canada can leave gaps, too. While hospital and doctor visits are generally covered between provinces, services like ambulance transport, prescriptions, or outpatient care may not be. Domestic travel insurance, sometimes included in broader trip medical policies, can help close those gaps.
Without proper coverage, you could be left paying these costs on your own.
What does travel medical insurance typically cover?
While policies can vary, travel medical insurance generally covers:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital stays and surgery
- Diagnostic tests and lab work
- Prescription medications
- Emergency medical transportation evacuation
Many policies also offer 24/7 emergency assistance, giving you support if a medical issue arises while you’re away from home.
Common misconceptions
It’s easy to assume you’re covered, but many travellers find out the hard way that they’re not. Here are some of the most common myths:
- “My credit card covers it.” Some credit cards offer limited medical coverage, but it depends on the card type, your age, and the length of your trip. Always read the fine print.
- “I’m healthy, so I don’t need it.” Even a minor injury or illness can lead to high costs abroad. Plus, you might be more active while travelling, think outdoor adventures or excursions for example, which increases the chance of needing care.
- “My province will reimburse me.” Most out-of-country care is only partially reimbursed, if at all.
Who needs travel medical insurance and what to look for
If you’re travelling outside your province or territory, you should consider travel medical insurance. Emergencies can happen to anyone and even a short weekend getaway can result in high, unexpected medical costs.
That said, not all travel medical insurance is the same. Before you buy a policy, take time to review what’s included and whether it meets your specific needs. Some things to consider:
- Pre-existing conditions: Make sure your policy covers any existing medical issues.
- Coverage limits and exclusions: Understand the fine print, know what’s covered and what’s not.
- Existing benefits: Your credit card or employer may offer some coverage. if it’s not enough, consider top-up insurance.
- Trip frequency: If you travel often, an annual policy might be more convenient and cost-effective than buying coverage every trip.
Talking with a licensed insurance provider can help you find the best option for your needs and budget.
Plan ahead and travel with confidence
Travel is an opportunity to explore, connect, and recharge, but it also brings the unexpected. A sudden illness or injury can turn your trip into a stressful and expensive situation.
Travel medical insurance helps protect you from that risk. By understanding what’s covered, asking the right questions, and choosing the right policy, you can travel with greater confidence and less worry.
At CAFII, our members are committed to helping you make informed decisions about insurance. Travel medical insurance is an important part of that conversation and a smart step for any traveller.
