Getting ready for a trip? Unexpected events can turn dream vacations into financial burdens. TravelStar® Travel Insurance protects you from unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Discover why investing in travel insurance is a necessity for every Canadian traveler.
Provincial or territorial health plans may not cover the costs of medical care while you’re away. This means not only that you must pay up front for any medical emergencies abroad, but you could also be left with hefty bills for uncovered expenses.
A recent TD Bank Group survey found 54 percent of Canadians say they have the financial means to cover some out-of-pocket expenses, but most would only be able to cover less than $5,000.
With hospital stays in the US averaging $13,262 USD and medical transport flights from the Caribbean costing between $10,000 and $20,000, unexpected and uninsured medical emergencies can leave travelers with significant debt.
Travelers using credit cards to pay for holidays often opt-out of purchasing a travel insurance policy, believing it unnecessary. While most credit cards offer some form of travel insurance, coverage can be restrictive. It is important to read your policy in detail to understand any limitations. Key information to note is:
- What types of travel insurance are offered by your credit card provider? Credit card provided travel insurance policies often focus on trip cancellation/interruption and offer limited emergency medical coverage.
- What action do you need to take to qualify for coverage? Credit card provided travel insurance policies coverage only applies to items booked and paid for in full on the credit card (such as airline, hotel, vacation package).
- Does it cover additional family members or travel partners in addition to you?
- What is the maximum amount of coverage?
- What is the maximum length of trip covered?
- Is treatment covered for pre-existing medical conditions?
- Is medical evacuation covered if needed?
- Does age affect coverage?
- How do you make a claim?
- Are you required to pay first before making a claim or will the insurance company pay directly?
Purchasing a stand-alone travel insurance policy offers wider protection with the option to customize plans with potentially higher payouts and coverage for more scenarios.
TravelStar® Travel Insurance by GMS gives you peace of mind by covering everything from trip cancellations to medical emergencies, letting you focus on enjoying your trip.
TravelStar® Travel Insurance has two options available:
- Emergency Medical Coverage: Our TravelStar® Emergency Medical Coverage protects you from the high costs of emergency treatment when you are travelling outside of Canada. Core benefits include ambulance, emergency dental, hospital care, etc. We also provide virtual care options for minor emergencies like lower back pain, minor sprains and injuries, eye infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, stomach flu and common cold symptoms.
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: Even the most carefully planned trips can be disrupted by unexpected circumstances that lead to trip cancellations. If you're covered for cancellations, you can plan your trip without any worries. Our TravelStar® Trip Cancellation Coverage has your back even before your trip begins. It covers things like non-refundable airfare, pre-paid travel arrangements and any cancellation penalties. You are covered for meals, accommodations, telephone calls and taxi fares in instances of unexpected interruptions to your trip. We also have baggage benefits included in the plan, which covers you if bags are delayed, lost, or damaged.
Depending on your travel plans, you can select between single- or multi-trip plans and save 10% on your Trip Cancellation Coverage when bundled with Emergency Medical Coverage.
Purchasing travel insurance is worth it. With a safety net in place, you can explore and create unforgettable travel experiences across the globe. Don't let unexpected circumstances interfere with your travel plans and go on adventures with confidence!