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Travelling is fun and interesting, but has some risks. Whether you’re exploring a new city or enjoying a tropical beach vacation, accidents and emergencies can happen when you least expect them. That’s where Travel Insurance comes in, providing coverage for unexpected medical issues, trip cancellations, lost bags, and more. However, with so many companies to choose from, picking the right one to provide your Travel Medical Insurance can be confusing.
Who has the best coverage, price and customer service?
In this blog, we will guide you through what you should consider when selecting a Travel Medical Insurance provider in Canada. We’ll go over the main determinants of your decision and examine the best providers in the space.
What is Travel Medical Insurance?
But before we get into which is the better company, let’s start by understanding what Travel Medical Insurance covers. In other words, this insurance will cover you against unforeseen medical expenses incurred while travelling abroad. This can include health coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation if you are required to return home due to a health emergency.
Many policies provide coverage beyond medical, including for:
- Cancellations or interruptions of trips
- Lost or stolen baggage
- Delayed flights
- Emergency evacuation
- Personal liability
More of these perks differ from company to company, so you need to compare different providers before making a decision.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance?
Here are a few of the main factors to consider when shopping for the best Travel Insurance:
- Coverage Levels: Each provider varies in what they cover, so you need to evaluate what type of trip you’re taking. For example, if you’re travelling to a country where medical care is expensive (the United States, for example), you’ll want a policy with higher medical coverage limits. The best policies will also provide coverage for activities like adventure sports, which are excluded from standard policies.
- Policy flexibility: It is vital to ensure that the company you’re considering also offers flexible policies to accommodate changes to your travel plans at the last minute. Seek insurers with trip interruption and cancellation coverage that lets you change your trip if something unexpected happens.
- Customer Service: Travel Insurance is an item that you hope you’ll never have to use, but if you do, great customer service is a must. In case you need urgent medical care, a good company will have a 24/7 helpline that will be easy for you to contact.
- Price: Travel Insurance can vary greatly in price when taking into account the destination, the length of the trip, the traveller’s age and the level of coverage needed. It can be tempting to just grab the cheapest plan you can find, but you should not sacrifice coverage just to save money. Sometimes, the extra premium is well worth the peace of mind.
- Exclusions: Every Travel Insurance Policy has exclusions or things that are not covered by the plan. Read the fine print closely and inquire about specific exclusions, especially regarding medical coverage. For instance, certain policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, while others do not cover specific medical procedures overseas.
Top Companies Offering Travel Medical Insurance in Canada
Now that you know what to look for in a Travel Insurance Policy, let’s explore some of the top companies offering Travel Medical Insurance in Canada.
1. Blue Cross Travel Insurance
Blue Cross is a dominant name in Canada’s Travel Insurance market. They provide a range of policies to meet different travel requirements, like trip cancellation, medical, and emergency evacuation protection. Blue Cross has extensive travel health coverage and makes sure that you have access to emergency care while overseas.
The differentiating factor for Blue Cross is the extent of flexibility they offer. Whether you’re taking a short-term vacation or a long-term stay, their Travel Insurance Policies are customizable to fit your preferences. They also have some optional add-ons, for example, for adventure sports coverage, which is so important for those who are travelling and performing things like skiing, scuba diving, hiking, etc.
Pros:
- Many inscription options are available.
- Policies that are flexible for every kind of traveller
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- Premiums might be slightly lower than other providers
- limited exclusions on pre-existing conditions
2. Manulife Travel Insurance
Another leading provider of travel medical insurance policies in Canada is Manulife. Manulife is another top global insurer which provides both single-trip and multi-trip insurance plans. They offer strong coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage and much more. And Manulife probably has the most coverage limits, which is important for pricier trips.
Both plans are part of Manulife’s well-known “CoverMe” series, covering different types of travellers. They provide unique policies for seniors, business travellers and visiting friends and family. Their policies can be conveniently bought online, and the coverage is confirmed immediately, making it an ideal option for travellers.
Pros:
- High coverage limits for medical expenses
- Flexible plans for all kinds of travel needs
- You have a very simple online buying process
Cons:
- Adventure activities not fully covered
- A bit pricier for older customers
3. Travel Guard by AIG
Travel Guard, which is a division of AIG, is an international Travel Insurance agency that reflects the fact that it offers the most coverage options. Coverage for emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation is included in their travel medical insurance plans. Travel Guard is also a good fit for travellers who want all the bells and whistles with global coverage and round-the-clock customer support.
Travel Guard also offers a “Deluxe” package with a precision that sets it apart, with higher medical limits and other benefits in the event of travel disruption. Their mobile app is another useful way to manage your insurance while abroad, providing access to policy details,
emergency assistance, etc.
Pros:
- Comprehensive global coverage
- 24/7 emergency support
- Additional benefits for trip interruptions and cancellations
Cons:
- More expensive than basic policies
- Limited flexibility in customizing certain plans
4. TD Insurance Travel Medical Insurance
One of the most highly rated travel medical insurance providers, it offers solid coverage at affordable rates. Their coverage options for Travel Medical Insurance include emergency medical expenses, trip interruption, and lost baggage coverage. If you travel as a snowbird or senior, TD Insurance provides specialized plans that may be helpful.
TD Insurance also really appeals to those who already bank with TD as they provide bundle discounts for customers with more than one insurance policy. Get travel medical insurance policy quotes online in no time via their user-friendly online portal.
Pros:
- Affordable coverage options
- Bundle discounts for TD customers
- User-friendly online quote system
Cons:
- Some exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Limited coverage options for high-risk activities
5. RSA Travel Insurance
Now, let us dive into more examples to guide you through the process! RSA Travel Insurance: Another good provider of coverage for services offered nationwide. Their full-coverage medical insurance plans cover emergency medical costs, hospitalization, evacuation and repatriation. RSA does offer optional add-on coverage for trip cancellation, lost baggage and trip interruption
coverage.
We think what sets RSA apart is its great customer support and how easy it is to file claims online. They’re also tailored to fit a variety of plans, so you can pick one that suits your actual requirements from travelling for leisure or work.
Pros:
- A comprehensive range of coverage options
- Excellent customer service
- Easy claims process
Cons:
- Higher premiums for older travellers
- Limited coverage for certain types of activities
How to Compare Travel Insurance Providers
When looking at Travel Insurance providers, making Travel Medical Insurance Policy Quotes Online is imperative to know what each company covers, as well as how much it will cost. Most insurance providers let you compare quotes and coverage information on their sites so you can easily find a policy that works for you.
Travel Medical Insurance Policy Brokers can also clarify your coverage, exclusions, and pricing questions. Brokers can also assist you in comparing policies from multiple insurers to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Final Thoughts
The best Travel Insurance Provider for you will depend on your needs and the nature of the trip you are taking. So, if premiums are lower for some, coverage limits or other benefits may be higher for others. However, before making your decision, be sure to compare coverage, costs, exclusions and customer service. Most importantly, select a company with strong support and a trustworthy claims process so that your travels are worry-free.
Policy Comparison: The best way to find a Travel Medical Insurance Policy that’s right for you is to carefully evaluate the options you’re considering and use an online tool to compare quotes. Whether you are going on a short trip or a long trip, it is important to have the appropriate Travel Insurance as it protects you from unexpected expenses and ensures a safe and enjoyable trip.
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