Exploring Travel Insurance: Your guide to heading south

October 23, 2023 | Christina Tota

 

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As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, many Canadians venture south and to Europe in search of sunny beaches and milder weather. This lifestyle of eternal summer requires some advance planning. Thankfully, CAA offers travel insurance that provides peace of mind for long-term travellers. Here are some commonly asked questions to help you get started!

What does travel insurance cover?

With CAA, you can choose a plan tailored to your travel requirements. CAA Travel Insurance includes emergency medical coverage1, trip cancellation, and trip interruption protection. If you're over 60, don't fret! CAA's pre-existing medical conditions rider* allows you to travel safely while chasing the sun. You can easily obtain a quote online in just a few simple steps or reach out to a CAA Travel Consultant.

Will my travel insurance plan cover COVID-19 related illnesses?

CAA Travel Insurance's emergency medical plans now provide up to $2.5 million CAD for partially vaccinated individuals and up to $5 million CAD for fully vaccinated individuals to cover COVID-19 related illnesses that might occur when traveling during a time when the Government of Canada has issued a Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel).

Which medical conditions affect travel insurance rates?

For individuals aged 60 and above, any medical conditions known prior to purchasing travel insurance are considered "pre-existing conditions," and you must declare them. These conditions can range from high cholesterol and diabetes to cancer. You can find more information online or speak with a CAA Travel Consultant.

Which medical conditions are not covered by insurance?

Travel insurance typically excludes routine health checkups, non-emergency care, cosmetic surgery, and non-essential therapies. Your travel insurance plan is designed to protect you in emergency situations.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Coverage is available for individuals with pre-existing conditions if they purchase an additional coverage option for their emergency medical plan. Pre-existing conditions are covered if your health has remained stable for 3 months or 6 months depending on your age before travelling.2

Is a medical exam required for emergency medical insurance?

A medical exam is usually not necessary when buying travel insurance. However, travellers aged 60 and older will need to complete a medical questionnaire, which can be done online or over the phone with a CAA Travel Consultant.

How do insurance companies learn about pre-existing conditions?

Insurers typically assess the presence of pre-existing conditions based on your current health status. Being truthful on medical questionnaires ensures you receive the best coverage. Honesty is essential to ensure you're covered if you need to make a claim.

Can I use OHIP to cover out-of-country medical expenses?

While OHIP may cover some out-of-country medical expenses, it's advisable not to rely solely on OHIP. If you're traveling over the winter, especially for several weeks to months, comprehensive insurance coverage is recommended.

What travel insurance plans cover multiple trips in a year?

If you're a traveller who likes to return home periodically, you may be interested in CAA's multi-trip insurance plans.3 These plans protect against the costs of unexpected medical emergencies for multiple individual trips, ranging from 4 to 60 days each, throughout the year. Your multi-trip plan starts each time you leave Canada, and a top-up can be purchased if you stay longer than the days included in the plan. For travel within Canada, your number of travel days is unlimited with a multi-trip plan, and a top-up is not necessary.

Can I get discounts on my travel insurance policy by purchasing through CAA?

CAA Members can save 10%4 on CAA Travel Insurance, which can add up to significant savings, especially for extended travel. You can obtain a quote online to see how much you'll save.

Travel protected with the people you trust this winter. Go online to get a quote in a few simple steps or call 1.800.263.7272 to speak with a CAA Niagara Travel Insurance Consultant.


CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years or older to purchase travel insurance. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
*All pre-existing medical conditions rider must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply.
1. Up to $5 million CAD. Maximum $25,000 for all Emergency Medical Insurance benefits for Canadian residents without active Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP); and/or without GHIP authorization to cover trip days in excess of 212 days in Ontario in a 12-month period. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Please click here to read the policy endorsement to make sure you meet the requirements before you travel.
2. To have your pre-existing medical condition covered by your travel insurance policy, the medical condition must be stable as defined by your policy. Please see the policy at [caaniagara.ca/policy] for full details.
3. Medical Multi-Trip Plans cover 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date.
4. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). Ten percent (10%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. Subject to change without notice.
®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.

Tags: Travel, Travel Insurance, Insurance

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