PURCHASING TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE
Questions you should ask
When purchasing travel insurance or evaluating any current coverage you may have
(e.g., through group plans, credit cards, etc.), for your own peace of mind there are a
few key questions you should ask. In the unlikely event that a health problem arises
you will ensure that you have all the vital information at hand.
• Will your policy cover you for the entire length of your absence from Canada or
your home province? If you decide to extend the length of your stay, can your
policy be extended? How would this be done?
• What types of restrictions and limitations does your policy have?
• Does the policy deny benefits if your medical emergency arises because of a
pre-existing condition?
• Does your insurance company have a toll-free telephone number for emergency
assistance that you can reach from anywhere you travel?
• Are there exclusions that pertain to specific activities/events i.e., sports, war,
suicide, substance abuse?
• What maximums, deductibles and/or co-insurance would apply in the event of a
claim?
• What documentation is needed to submit a claim? What are the procedures?
• Does your policy pay for emergency return home?
• If you are traveling with others, does each individual need a separate policy, or
can one policy cover all travelers?
• Are there certain locations/countries that are not covered under the policy?
• Does your policy provide for trip cancellation, baggage loss and other damages?
• If you have out-of-country coverage through your group plan, are there any
restrictions? Does it cover you for business travel only?
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