Travel Insurance

Medical insurance

One of the first things to check before even booking a trip is your medical condition and insurance. It’s better to start here than to have to cancel a reservation.

If you are in perfect health and nothing has changed in your medical condition over the past 6 months, you are lucky and it will be easier for you. If this is not the case, you must start by contacting your insurer (the one you have at work or another company) to see what their conditions are for insuring you. For example, a simple change in the dosage of a medication, whether you have been taking it for a long time or not, can lead to refusal or overloading. Nothing should be omitted otherwise you will be refused reimbursement in the event of a complaint.

If your condition is undesirable from your insurer’s point of view, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel, but you are considered a higher risk for an insurance company. I would therefore recommend that you check with your doctor to be certain that your condition does not constitute an obstacle and if the latter gives you his approval, there is a company which brings together several insurers and who will accommodate you by separating the risk. No pre-existing conditions are refused. This is the Prime Link “Travel Sense” plan (in Canada). This option is more expensive, but sometimes it’s worth the few extra dollars to allow you to leave with peace of mind.

For more conventional insurance, those with your employer for example, it is important to read it carefully to see what is covered and quickly have the necessary information on hand if needed. It may only cover a trip of a few weeks, but you can extend it before your departure for an additional premium. It is important to keep in mind that the premium must be taken out before your departure.

For Canadians, contrary to what some people think, all provinces offer the same type of coverage and you will not be asked for your credit card if you go to a clinic or hospital in a province other than the one where you reside. .

However, having insurance is important to avoid high costs in the event of the need for repatriation or for certain more specific care. They usually only cost a few dollars and will give you peace of mind.

Do not leave this formality to chance in order to leave with adequate coverage which will not risk putting you in a perilous financial situation and jeopardize your future trips.

Other insurance

Several other types of insurance will be offered to you, but for the majority of problems encountered (car rental, lost luggage, delayed or canceled flights, etc.), a credit card focused on travel will offer you coverage for these events provided that the trip has been booked and paid for with it. Again, take the time to read your contract carefully to learn about the benefits offered and see if you need more coverage.

If your trip is purchased with points and the amount is significant, it might be wise to take out insurance that would allow you to recover the points in the event of cancellation. It’s up to you.

And even if you have all the required insurance, the best thing to do abroad is to always question the risks inherent in any activity and reflect on our acceptability of these risks in order to make informed decisions.

Have a good trip!