Travel Insurance Advice For Canada

It’s a big old country with lots to offer visitors, from modern city sophistication, to breath-taking, snow landscapes.

It’s generally safe, and the people are internationally renowned for their friendliness, but you’re still a long way from home, which is why travel insurance is vital for any overseas trip.

Some ideas for your Canadian adventure – best enjoyed with travel insurance

With its cosmopolitan cities, breathtakingly spectacular scenery and nature, and let’s not forget, incredible skiing, it’s no surprise that Canada has become a popular holiday destination. Here’s just a few ideas to help with planning your Canadian getaway:

• Skiing and snowboarding: For many travellers, carving up the powder at Whistler, Banff, or one of Canada’s other ski resorts is THE reason for visiting the country. With guaranteed deep powder that puts the Australian ski fields to shame, it’s worth the long-haul journey to get there. But if hitting the snow slopes is your reason for visiting Canada, don’t forget the travel insurance, and make sure that snow activities are a stipulated inclusion on your policy.
• Get up close with a polar bear: Churchill, in the Canadian province of Manitoba, is known as the polar bear capital of the world. In November each year, it’s not surprising to see these incredible animals ambling down the town streets as they make their way to the ice caps. But remember, these are wild animals and need to be treated with respect. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you engage in deliberately reckless behaviour, so keep a safe distance.
• Other mountain sports: Canada isn’t just for the winter snow sports. When summer hits its stride, mountain biking and other outdoor activities can be lots of fun in Canada. Just make sure to stay safe by using appropriate protective equipment, such as helmets, and check that any adventure sports you’re doing are covered by your travel insurance policy!
• Feel the power of Niagara Falls: Straddling the US/Canada border, Niagara Falls is made up of three enormous cascades. The best views are from the Canada side, but these falls are powerful, so be prepared to get drenched! Also, on your way from Toronto, there’s several vineyards selling the local ‘icewine’, so pop in for a sample. Just make sure to stay under the limit if you’ve hired a car for your drive to Niagara – your travel insurance will be void if you have an accident while drinking.

Potential travel problems in Canada

Canada’s crime rate is similar to Australia’s,²https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/americas/north/pages/canada.aspx#safety_and_security with most incidents occurring in cities. Thefts are also more common in tourist hotspots, and from unlocked cars. Canada is also prone to extreme weather conditions, as well as wildfires, tornadoes and earthquakes.³https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/americas/north/pages/canada.aspx#safety_and_security

What does travel insurance cover in Canada?

Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses you might incur in Canada. Australia doesn’t have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Canada, so you’ll bear your own costs if you get ill or injured.⁴https://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/americas/north/pages/canada.aspx#safety_and_security

Wherever you are in the world there’s always the chance of delays, cancellations and, especially if you’re skiing or canoeing, the chance of injury.

Medical problems

Your policy should cover ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, medical and hospital costs, dental treatment and also in-hospital cash up to the pre-determined limit of your policy.

Personal liability

If you injure someone, or damage property while you’re in Canada, then this cover will help you up to the limits specified in your policy.

Cancellation fees and lost deposits

If you have to cancel or rearrange your trip, or part of it, then you may lose deposits or incur cancellation fees and this cover can reimburse you up to the limits specified in your policy.

Lost or delayed luggage

If your luggage is lost or delayed then you’ll be able to buy replacement items up to the limits specified in your policy.

Lost or stolen possessions

If you lose your luggage in Canada then you’ll be reimbursed for the cost of replacing your goods up to the limits specified in your policy.

Travel delays and cancellations

If your travel plans are disrupted by circumstances beyond your control, then you’ll get a payment to cover any additional meals and accommodation up to the limits specified in your policy. You may be able to enjoy a moose burger, on the house!

Accidental death benefit

If you die on your travels due to an accident, then your relatives will receive a benefit payment.

Lost or stolen travel documents

If you need to replace passports or visas while in Canada, then the costs are covered up to the limits of your specific policy.

Rental vehicle excess

If you have an accident with your rental car then you’re covered against the rental company’s insurance excess payment.

Getting cover for snowsports and skiing in Canada

Planning on enjoying the amazing winter sports opportunities Canada has to offer? It’s important to ensure you add Snow Cover benefit on to your travel policy. Additionally, it’s important to check the terms & conditions of your policy to make sure you’re adequately covered should an accident occur.

Find a suitable travel policy for your Canadian adventure

With iSelect, you can compare travel policies online from our range of providers. Find a policy for your needs before embarking on the Canadian trip of a lifetime.