Going on Vacation? Get Travel Health Insurance First

You’ve packed your clothes, your toothbrush, extra socks and sunscreen—everything you think you’ll need for a worry-free vacation. Travel insurance should be on that list too, whether you’re heading across town or across an ocean.

“We all think, ‘Oh, we’re just taking a short trip,’” said Will McAleer, executive director of the Travel Health Insurance Association. “Often it’s those short trips that can turn into a major medical emergency.”

Many travellers overlook travel insurance as they countdown to their departure, but unexpected events happen no matter where you are. Having the right coverage can protect you from high medical bills, sudden trip interruptions, and other costly surprises.

Younger travellers often skip travel insurance

The decision to buy travel insurance often depends on the traveller’s age and risk perception, says Steven Harris, a licensed insurance broker and expert at LowestRates.ca.

“When I was younger I didn’t fully appreciate the risks or the potential financial consequences,” he recalled. For many people in their 20s, that sense of invulnerability leads them to skip coverage.

Insurance premiums for younger travellers are generally lower, Harris notes, and buying a policy can shield them from potentially devastating health-care costs abroad. The right policy varies with your plans: destination, length of stay and planned activities all matter.

What are the different kinds of travel insurance?

McAleer explains there are two primary categories of travel insurance: emergency medical coverage and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.

Emergency medical coverage helps pay for urgent care needs such as ambulance transport, hospital stays, air ambulance services and repatriation for continued treatment. This can be critical when you’re far from home and provincial or employer plans won’t apply.

Trip cancellation and interruption coverage reimburses non-refundable costs if you must cancel or cut short your trip for a covered reason—sudden illness, family emergency or other unexpected events. Without that protection, a last-minute return flight or other changes can be surprisingly expensive, especially for packaged trips or charter flights.

Many Canadians skip insurance for domestic travel because of public health care across provinces, but provincial coverage does not extend to costs like air ambulance evacuations or search-and-rescue, which can be extremely costly.

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Almost half of Ontarians travel without insurance

A recent CAA South Central survey found that four in 10 Ontarians travelled outside their home province without travel insurance on their last trip. Nearly half of those respondents felt insurance was unnecessary, while 24% said cost was the main concern.

“Imagine hiking in the Rockies and having an accident,” McAleer said. “You might need ambulance transport to a nearby hospital or an emergency evacuation helicopter to reach appropriate care. Those costs can be significant and are not covered by provincial medical plans.”

Workplace benefits may cover travel insurance

Harris recommends checking workplace benefits before buying separate coverage. Many employer plans and some credit cards include emergency medical protection, which can be useful for domestic and international travel—but they often have limits.

Common exclusions include high-risk activities, pregnancy-related issues or pre-existing medical conditions. Coverage durations may be limited and some plans impose age restrictions. It’s important to read the fine print so you know what’s covered and what isn’t.

A quick trip to the U.S. could be costly

Short trips to the United States remain popular, but McAleer warns they can be financially risky. “The United States is one of the most expensive countries for medical care. Even a brief visit south of the border can result in enormous bills if you’re not covered,” he said.

McAleer’s practical advice: know your health, know your destination, and confirm your policy covers the activities you plan to do. Understanding your coverage and your rights ahead of time avoids surprises when you need help most.

Read more about travel:

• Going on vacation? How to keep your home safe while you’re away
• The best travel credit cards in Canada for 2025
• How credit card fees can add up during your trip
• Five budget-friendly travel destinations while the Canadian dollar is weak