Protect the trip you planned—and the unexpected.

Buy as soon as practical after booking. Emergency medical coverage generally begins on the policy's effective date, while cancellation protection is only useful for covered events that happen after the policy is purchased. Waiting can leave the trip investment unprotected and may affect the options available.

Trip cancellation applies before departure when a covered reason prevents the trip from starting. Trip interruption applies after departure when a covered event disrupts the trip and can help with eligible unused arrangements, extra accommodation or transportation costs. Covered reasons and benefit limits come from the policy wording.

Depending on the plan, eligible benefits can include emergency hospital and physician care, diagnostic services, ambulance transportation, prescription medication required for a covered emergency, emergency dental treatment, medical evacuation or repatriation, and assistance services. Limits, deductibles and exclusions vary by policy.

Single-trip coverage is issued for one defined travel period. Annual multi-trip coverage can cover multiple eligible trips during a policy year, with each trip limited to the maximum number of days selected. Travellers should compare their expected number of trips, the longest trip and whether annual cancellation benefits are included or optional.

Some plans may cover eligible pre-existing conditions that meet the policy's stability requirements. Definitions and stability periods vary by insurer, age and plan. Recent symptoms, diagnoses, medication changes, treatment, tests or referrals can affect eligibility, so the wording and any medical questionnaire should be reviewed carefully.

Provincial coverage for care outside Canada can be limited and may reimburse only a small portion of the actual cost. It generally does not replace travel insurance benefits such as emergency assistance, evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption or baggage coverage. Confirm current provincial rules and your private coverage before travelling.

It may be, but confirm who is insured, how the trip must be paid for, the medical coverage amount, maximum trip length, age restrictions, pre-existing-condition rules, cancellation limits, exclusions and claim procedures. If the itinerary exceeds any limit, separate or top-up coverage may be appropriate.

Eligible non-refundable prepaid travel arrangements can often be insured through trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Use the amount you could actually lose after supplier refunds or credits, and confirm which expenses and covered reasons the policy recognizes.

Get urgent help first when necessary, then contact the insurer's emergency-assistance centre as soon as reasonably possible. The assistance team can explain next steps, coordinate eligible care and advise on documentation. Keep the policy number and contact details accessible and retain medical records and receipts.

Some insurers allow an extension if the request is made before the policy expires and no event has occurred that would make the traveller ineligible. Approval is not automatic, and a gap in coverage can prevent extension. Contact the insurer or advisor early if travel dates change.

No. Travel insurance covers the specific events and expenses described in the policy, subject to maximums, deductibles, item limits and exclusions. Changing your mind, known events and certain high-risk activities are common examples of situations that may not be covered. Review the certificate before purchase.