Traveling is a cherished pursuit, a journey into the unknown that promises adventure and memories that last a lifetime. However, amidst the excitement, one common question arises: is travel insurance worth it?
In this blog, we aim to provide clarity by dispelling myths and examining the practical benefits of travel insurance. We'll delve into the myths and misconceptions and, more importantly, explore the compelling reasons why investing in travel insurance is a smart decision for your next trip. Read on to discover how it can offer reassurance when you're far from home.
What is travel insurance?
Canadian residents are covered for certain medical expenses by their provincial government’s health plan. However, it's a different story once you leave the country or your province. Most hospitals around the world charge foreigners for unexpected medical and dental treatments, and if you need hospitalization while you’re travelling, you can get stuck with a steep bill. That’s where travel insurance comes in.
The best-known purpose of travel insurance is to cover unexpected medical expenses. This means if you get sick or have an accident while you’re travelling, your insurance may cover the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulance rides, surgery, and any medicine or medical equipment you might need.
Many comprehensive travel insurance plans also cover costly non-medical travel issues such as trip cancellations, lost luggage or flight delays. Some even cover pre-existing medical conditions so that people dealing with health issues can enjoy travel knowing they can access health care if needed. For example, the Manulife CoverMe® Single-Trip Emergency Medical plan covers travellers with stable pre-existing conditions, and the Manulife CoverMe TravelEaseTM plan can provide coverage for disclosed pre-existing medical conditions that have gone through medical underwriting. The best way to find out what’s covered by different plans is to get a quote and review the terms.
In short, travel insurance doesn’t prevent problems, but it does help you be better prepared for their financial impacts.
What does travel insurance cover, and how it can help save you money?
Travel is a unique experience, and it requires both time and financial commitment. You might be wondering if adding the expense of travel insurance is worth it—why spend on coverage that may go unused?
The truth is, forgoing travel insurance could potentially lead to much higher costs. In the tables below, we've outlined the areas that travel insurance can assist with and how this coverage can ultimately save you money.
Medical emergencies
What’s covered? |
How can it help you save |
|---|---|
Ambulance rides, overnight hospital stays, emergency dental work due to pain or accidents blow to the face, X-rays and medication: getting treatment can require multiple services, and these can add up. Travel emergency medical insurance helps cover these costs. |
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Trip cancellation and trip interruption
What’s covered? |
How can it help you save |
|---|---|
Trip cancellation insurance helps you recover any pre-booked, non-refundable costs if you need to cancel your trip for covered reasons, including death in the family, sudden unexpected illness or injury of travellers, or even visa delays.
Trip interruption insurance covers you if you need to end your trip early due to a covered emergency—for example, getting sick or a natural disaster.
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Baggage loss, damage and delay
What’s covered? |
How can it help you save |
|---|---|
When your bags don’t show up, it doesn’t have to put a damper on your trip. Many plans will cover lost, damaged or delayed baggage, so you can replace what you packed and carry on with your adventure. |
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Dependent care
What’s covered? |
How can it help you save |
|---|---|
Coverage for dependent care helps ensure that both your loved ones and pets you’re responsible for are safe and looked after if you need to be hospitalized.
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Can travel insurance cover more than one trip? Absolutely!
If you've got multiple escapes planned this year, you could save by purchasing a multi-trip plan. Manulife CoverMe offers Multi-Trip Emergency Medical and All-Inclusive Plans that cover an unlimited number of trips, anywhere in the world, all year round.
Get travel insurance quotes here
How travel insurance saved a Canadian $16,000
While cycling in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Monica and her husband experienced a mishap when she suffered a fall, resulting in a fractured pelvis. Upon being admitted to the hospital, they were surprised to learn that their journey back to Calgary, their hometown, for specialized treatment would not be covered by their provincial health insurance, leaving them to bear the cost of hospital transportation totalling $16,000.
Luckily, Monica had travel emergency medical insurance through Manulife, and she was able to receive the advice and assistance she needed. Manulife helped communicate with the hospital and doctors, and after a 10-day stay in hospital, Monica made a full recovery and continues to travel—always with Manulife’s affordable travel insurance.
Monica’s story proves that when it comes to the cost of travel insurance, paying a small amount up-front is a worthwhile investment.
Read Monica’s full story here.
Understanding travel insurance cost versus benefits isn’t about paying for the coverage or not paying for it: it’s about paying for coverage versus paying the price of potential medical emergencies. Before you head out for your next trip, don’t forget to get a quote and the protection you need: by preparing for what could go wrong, you’ll be freer to enjoy what goes right!
Wherever you wander...
Many Manulife CoverMe plans can be upgraded with optional add-ons that protect you in countries for which Canada has issued a government health travel advisory (GHTA).
It’s an investment in your future.
Life's journey is a tapestry of unexpected twists and turns, particularly for those who take the road less travelled, both literally and metaphorically. Thoughtfully including the cost of unforeseen events in your travel plans is a practical way to safeguard your finances. By opting for travel insurance, you ensure that you can fully engage with all the enjoyable pursuits you have in store, allowing you to relish your travels with ease and confidence.
Travel policies—including Manulife CoverMe—also come with 24/7 assistance, so that if you do need to deal with an emergency, you have support no matter where you are in the world.
FAQ:
Even if you don’t have known health conditions, travel insurance can still help you protect your finances. Travel can present many risks including participating in sports. Even more common, everyday risks like twisting an ankle can also affect you while you’re travelling.
According to a 2023 Bank of America poll reported by CNBCopen in new window, Gen Z and millennials are actually more likely to purchase travel coverage than previous generations. Factors like the need to save during a period of inflation, the scarcity of time off for younger workers and post-pandemic risk aversion are all making these generations more prudent.
Even for seasoned globetrotters, travel presents risks. No matter how careful or knowledgeable you are, accidents and unforeseen health issues can occur anywhere, at any time. Getting coverage isn’t about your level of experience, it’s about the Scout’s Motto: be prepared!
A common misconception about travel insurance coverage is that we only need it abroad. However, your provincial health insurance may not cover all the expenses related to medical outside your own province. To explore the best insurance for travel outside your home province, check out our Travelling Canadians CoverMe plans. Want to discover your country and save on travel insurance price? When you travel within Canada, CoverMe plans are 50% off.
According to Forbesopen in new window, travel insurance price averages about 5-6% of the total cost of a trip. Many basic medical travel insurance policies cost between CAD $60-$100, with more comprehensive CoverMe plans for single travellers averaging between $100-$300. To get a quote today, visit our website and find the coverage that’s right for you.
It may seem like just another expense, but trip coverage is a modest investment that shields you from the financial repercussions of medical and accidental dental emergencies, as well as trip cancellation or interruption. The true worth of insurance lies not in its price but in its potential to offer significant savings and provide support during unforeseen travel disruptions and unexpected medical emergencies.
Yes! It’s a small investment that can protect your finances in case the unexpected happens. But the benefits of travel insurance aren’t just about money: they’re also about feeling confident. We can’t always prevent bad things from happening, but we can be prepared.