Travel insurance provides protection for the unexpected when you travel outside the province or country.
The type of protection
The coverage offered by the different travel insurance policies differs from one insurer to another.
Most cover the following risks:
Healthcare;
cancellation or interruption of a trip, in the event of an accident, a health problem or the death of a loved one. Insurance will usually reimburse you for what you have already paid;
accidental death or dismemberment;
the loss or theft of your baggage.
Health care
Travel insurance is especially important when it comes to health care, the bill of which can climb quickly depending on where you are visiting and the severity of your condition.
You should know that the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec only reimburses the equivalent of the amounts it would have paid to Quebec.
If you have an auto accident in the United States, for example, the amount of medical expenses can greatly exceed the amount reimbursed by the RAMQ.
Rental auto insurance
If you are renting a car overseas, your current auto insurance policy is likely to have little or no protection. Rental auto insurance is not usually included in travel insurance.