Frequently Asked Questions: Travel Insurance Plans
Important information regarding travel:
Situation in Ukraine
The current situation in Europe is exceptional. Following government advisories to avoid all travel to Ukraine that came into effect on February 1, 2022, we understand that you may have questions about your travel insurance coverage. We are monitoring the situation from day to day, and we are always here to support you.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact us.
Travel insurance is available for purchase online, however, our policy does include exclusions related to acts of war and government advisories.
If you are travelling to Ukraine or Europe, we recommend that you read your travel insurance policy and ensure you understand what your travel insurance covers, the associated exclusions and the risks of traveling during this time.
Prior to your trip, it is also important to be aware of the restrictions and constraints of the destination country as well as the government advisories issued by Canada. The situation is changing very quickly.
We are here to support you and recommend you exercise caution.
Why take out travel insurance when my credit card offers coverage?
The coverage provided by your credit card company may have limitations or restrictions. It is important to review your policy thoroughly for coverage details. It is often recommended that you purchase additional coverage for complete protection.
Check your credit card coverage for the following:
Travel duration
Travel insurance cannot be purchased once you depart from your province of residence. It is important to check the length of stay covered by your credit card company, as well as any restrictions based on age.
Emergency medical care coverage
There are often strict eligibility and stability requirements based on your current health. Make sure you understand the exclusions in your coverage prior to your departure. You could be quite unhappy to learn that a health condition is excluded right when you need emergency medical care. Also make sure the coverage amounts are enough, and inquire about any deductibles you may have to pay.
Trip cancellation or interruption
If you incurred fees up front, make sure the amount covered under trip interruption/cancellation is enough to save you from financial losses. Most credit card companies do not cover trip interruption or cancellation, and when they do, the maximums are not sufficient to fully cover your costs. Blue Cross can provide you with coverage that protects you in the case of unforeseen situations.
Protect yourself and your family. Don’t risk your financial security with incomplete coverage. With Blue Cross travel insurance, you enjoy complete medical coverage by a travel insurance company recognized around the world.
Is there a deductible if I claim medical fees?
Blue Cross travel insurance offers several deductible amounts if you wish to reduce your insurance premium, but they are not mandatory. If you do choose a deductible, you are responsible for any costs up to the chosen deductible amount.
I’m travelling within Canada. Why should I purchase travel insurance? Isn’t healthcare covered for Canadians across Canada?
Medical costs are covered across Canada, but provincial health plans:
- Do not offer the same services to non-resident travellers as they do to residents (even though you are Canadian, you are considered a non-resident even if you live in a neighbouring province)
- Vary from one province to another and do not pay the same rates in all provinces
Below are some examples of costs you may need to pay in a neighbouring province:
- Return of vehicle
- Air ambulance
- Relatives visiting when you are hospitalized
There are billing agreements between certain provinces, but not all. Since medical costs vary from one province to another, what may be sufficient to cover a medical service in one province may not be enough to cover the same service in another.
If I purchase a travel insurance policy, would I be covered for pre-existing conditions or illnesses?
An illness that already exists at departure is pre-existing. You must declare any pre-existing conditions when purchasing travel insurance to verify whether they are covered. For more information, please read the Travel Insurance Policy relevant for your plan type or contact a member of our Member Experience Team.
- Annual, Individual, package Plus and Canada Package Travel Policy
- Top-Up Travel Policy
- Visitors to Canada Travel Policy
If you have any additional questions regarding travel insurance coverage for your health condition, please contact a member of our Member Experience Team.