Summer is prime time for travel, with Ontarians jetting off abroad or discovering new spots closer to home. But amid the excitement of booking flights and packing bags, travel insurance often slips through the cracks–until it’s urgently needed. From unexpected medical emergencies to delayed flights or lost luggage, the right travel insurance can protect your plans and provide peace of mind. Before you go anywhere this year, ensure you’re protected to explore confidently and enjoy your travels.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of protection that helps cover unexpected events that can happen before or during your trip. It can save you from costly surprises, such as needing emergency medical care, canceling your vacation at the last minute, or losing your luggage along the way.
Depending on your plan, travel insurance may cover:
- Medical emergencies while traveling
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage
- Travel delays and missed connections
- Accidents and emergency evacuation
Coverage depends on whether you’re traveling within Canada or abroad. While your provincial health plan may offer limited support for travel within the country, it won’t cover everything, especially when it comes to emergency medical expenses. Once you’re outside Canada, that coverage becomes even more limited or nonexistent. That’s why having the right travel insurance is essential to protect yourself wherever your journey takes you.
Why Travel Insurance Matters More in Summer
Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons, which means crowded airports, fuller flights, and a higher chance of things going wrong. Increased travel volume often leads to more delays, lost baggage, and overbooked accommodations, turning an exciting getaway into a stressful situation.
Seasonal risks also play a role in needing more protection. Summer-related claims often include flight disruptions due to storms or wildfires, heat-related illnesses, and other weather-related emergencies that can derail your plans.
If you’re traveling outside of your province or abroad, medical care can be expensive, especially without proper coverage. A single emergency room visit or hospital stay can quickly turn into thousands of dollars out of pocket. It’s essential to purchase travel insurance to protect your vacation and wallet, regardless of where you’re going.
Key Types of Travel Insurance Coverage
Not all travel insurance is the same. Here are the most common coverages that can help protect you from unexpected issues during your travels.
Emergency Medical Insurance
This covers the cost of emergency medical treatment if you get sick or injured while traveling. Travel medical insurance is especially important when traveling outside your province or country, where healthcare costs can be high and not covered by your provincial government health insurance plan.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance help reimburse non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel or cut your trip short from illness, injury, family emergencies, or natural disasters.
Baggage Loss & Delay Insurance
This coverage provides compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed, helping you replace essential items and avoid added stress during your trip.
Travel Accident Insurance
Travel accident insurance offers financial protection in the event of accidental death or serious injury while traveling.
Rental Car Damage Protection
If you plan on renting a car, it covers damage or theft to the rental vehicle. It can help you avoid paying out-of-pocket or relying solely on credit card coverage, which may be limited.
Travel Assistance Services
This offers practical help when you need it most, such as finding medical care, replacing lost documents like your passport, or arranging emergency transportation home.
Who Should Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t just for international jet-setters. It’s for anyone who wants peace of mind on vacation. No matter your travel style or destination, unexpected events can happen. Here’s who should consider getting coverage:
- Solo travelers: Traveling alone means you’re solely responsible if something goes wrong. Travel insurance can help you stay protected without backup.
- Families: There’s more at stake when you’re traveling with kids. From minor illnesses to lost bags or canceled plans, family-friendly coverage helps keep everyone safe.
- Seniors and snowbirds: As you age, the risk of medical emergencies increases, especially when traveling for extended periods. Specialized travel insurance can help cover pre-existing medical conditions and out-of-country care.
- Students studying abroad: Being far from home comes with added risks. Travel insurance can help cover medical costs, trip interruptions, or emergency travel home.
- Road-trippers within Canada: Even if you’re staying within the country, your provincial health plan may not cover everything in other regions. Travel insurance fills those gaps and can also help with trip cancellations or unexpected delays.
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance
Choosing the right travel insurance starts with understanding your trip needs. The right coverage depends on factors like:
- Destination: Medical costs and travel risks vary between countries and provinces.
- Trip duration: Longer trips may require extended coverage or more comprehensive protection.
- Type of trip: Are you going on a cruise, backpacking, a family vacation, or a business trip? Different trips have different risks.
- Existing health conditions: Ensure your plan covers pre-existing conditions or medications you may need.
You also want to decide between a single-trip plan and a multi-trip plan, which is ideal if you travel frequently throughout the year.
Not sure what you need? That’s where Oracle RMS comes in. Our experienced advisors take the guesswork out of travel insurance by helping you compare options for your travel style, budget, and health needs.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel insurance costs vary based on your destination, trip length, age, type of coverage, and existing health conditions. Generally, the price reflects the level of protection you choose and the risks involved in your trip.
While it’s an additional expense upfront, travel insurance can save you significant money and stress if unexpected events occur. Think of it as an investment in peace of mind, protecting you from costly surprises so you can fully enjoy your travels.
Get Covered Before You Travel
The best time to secure travel insurance is before you start your trip planning. Early coverage ensures you’re protected from unexpected events, whether it’s a sudden illness, travel delays, or cancellations.
At Oracle RMS, we’re here to help you navigate your options and select the travel insurance plan that fits your unique needs. Our expert advisors provide personalized guidance, so you get the right coverage.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get peace of mind today and travel with confidence.
Get a travel insurance quote, or contact us to learn more about your options. Your perfect trip starts with the right protection.
