For many travellers, purchasing travel insurance is like packing a comfortable pair of walking shoes—an absolute must. However, some think they can go without it. Before you decide, here are some reasons why you might want a travel insurance policy alongside you on your next trip.

1. Your employee benefits may not cover everything

The travel medical insurance plan offered through your employer may only cover emergency medical expenses, but it may not cover travel-related hiccups like lost baggage, trip cancellation or interruption. Check your policy carefully to determine coverage limits, exclusions and terms, such as the inclusion of pre-existing medical conditions.

2. Not all credit card coverage is created equal

Many credit cards include travel insurance, yet not all of these policies include trip cancellation or interruption coverage. If yours does, check the limits. Plus, coverage may only apply when you used that credit card to pay for your trip—or the policy may have certain eligibility restrictions. Contact your credit card company to determine what’s covered. To help you, we’ve created a list of questions to ask in our Know Your Coverage checklist.

3. You can save with travel insurance

Travel insurance ensures you’re prepared in case anything spoils your plans. Your coverage can help you save thousands of dollars in emergency medical care, for a cancelled trip or if you suddenly need to return home due to an unforeseen reason.

If you’re planning on being away for several months at a time, a deductible is a great way to reduce premiums and save money.

Taking more than two trips outside of Ontario? A Multi-Trip plan may help you save on your travel coverage needs. And CAA’s Travel Insurance¹ includes Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance and House Call Service² for immediate access to 24/7 emergency treatment from medical professionals via virtual healthcare.

4. OHIP won’t cover everything

Supplementary travel insurance can help to fill the gaps and provide coverage that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) may not protect. Many Ontarians also presume that the OHIP will cover their emergency medical expenses if they’re travelling in Canada or internationally. While OHIP still provides basic coverage for travel within Canada, not everything is included, such as ambulance services or prescription drugs.

5. You can get coverage suited to your needs

Don’t travel often? Choose from Single Trip plans that cover any or all of the following: emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations and interruptions, lost or delayed baggage and more.

Not staying at a hotel? No problem. CAA’s Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage includes bookings made through an approved alternative lodging platforms like Airbnb, HomeAway (VRBO) or Tripadvisor rentals.

No matter where you’re headed, take along the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the coverage you need.

Click here for more information about travel insurance from CAA and to get a free quote today for your next trip.

 

Terms & Conditions

¹ CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older.

² CAA Assistance is provided by Active Care Management Inc. Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance and House Call services availability may vary depending on geographical locations and current emergency medical condition. Multi-trip Annual Plans include in-province virtual assistance, limited to four (4) calls per insured and unlimited virtual visits when travelling outside of Ontario and internationally. Single Trip Medical Plan include unlimited number of virtual visits when travelling outside of Ontario and internationally.

^®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.

Image credit: istock.com/martin-dm