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Travel health insurance: Protect yourself abroad

You’re going on an adventure, not to the hospital! Travel with peace of mind with the right health insurance. Whether you’re going to Quebec, the U.S. or anywhere else in the world, the right medical coverage is essential to avoid exorbitant medical costs. Find out how to select the best travel insurance, understand its terms and conditions, and know when it’s needed to protect your health and your budget during your adventures abroad.

Understanding travel health insurance

Travel health insurance is your shield against unexpected medical expenses when traveling abroad. It can cover a variety of health-related expenses, from medical consultations to hospitalization, medication and repatriation. It becomes your indispensable ally in the event of a medical emergency during your stay.

But beware: the coverage offered may vary from one contract to another. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy before you leave. Make sure that the information you provide to your insurer is accurate and complete, to avoid any surprises in the event of a claim.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, be particularly vigilant: make sure that your contract covers you in the event of a relapse during your trip.

It’s also worth noting that travel health insurance can include other coverages, such as trip cancellation or interruption insurance, baggage insurance and more.

And remember, if you’re traveling to another province or territory, it’s essential to understand how your provincial health insurance works outside your usual place of residence.

Which travel insurance is right for you?

There are several types of travel insurance to suit different needs. Here are a few examples:

Travel Medical Insurance: Plan ahead with coverage for unexpected medical expenses abroad, whether it’s a simple consultation or an emergency hospitalization.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Reimburses expenses if the trip is canceled or interrupted for specified reasons.
Multi-Trip Insurance: Perfect for globe-trotters, it provides coverage for multiple adventures throughout the year.

Each type of insurance has its own conditions and limitations. Take the time to discuss your needs with one of our brokers. We’re committed to finding the insurance that’s right for you.

The importance of travel health insurance

Travel health insurance is an essential lifeline, protecting you from often exorbitant medical costs abroad. It can save you from stressful financial situations in the event of an accident or unexpected illness. This insurance is crucial, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions that may sometimes be excluded from coverage.

Without proper coverage, you risk having to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses, which can be very high, especially in countries with privatized healthcare systems. Some foreign hospitals may even refuse to treat you if you can’t prove your ability to pay.

Travel health insurance also covers emergency medical repatriation, which is often pricey, and offers invaluable 24/7 assistance in the event of a health problem abroad.

One thing to remember: not all insurance contracts are identical. In other words, each insurance company offers different options, and terms & conditions can vary considerably. Trust Fort‘s dedicated brokers to guide you through the process.

When is it necessary?

Travel health insurance becomes your ally as soon as you leave your home province, even for a simple trip across Canada. This is especially true when traveling abroad, where medical expenses can be very high. It is also essential if your state of health presents a risk of aggravation or relapse during your trip. Last but not least, some destinations, particularly those with Working Holiday Visas (WHV), require health insurance before issuing you with your valuable visa.

Does it cover foreign countries?

Health insurance coverage when traveling abroad depends on many factors. For example, some health insurance plans, such as RAMQ in Quebec, offer limited coverage abroad, sometimes restricted to certain health services and countries.

However, the reality is that most urgent medical expenses, such as hospitalization, may not be fully covered, if at all. What’s more, reimbursements are often based on the rates in force in your province, which are often well below the costs charged abroad.

For more comprehensive protection, many private insurers offer extensive coverage abroad, including medical and hospital expenses, repatriation and 24/7 assistance.

Before you travel abroad, we strongly recommend that you take out supplementary travel health insurance. This will enable you to cover services not included in your provincial health insurance plan.

How long can I stay out of Canada?

For Quebec residents, the period of absence outside Canada can influence eligibility for coverage by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). As a general rule, it is necessary to spend at least 183 days per calendar year in Quebec to maintain this eligibility, calculated from January to December.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, once every 7 years, it is possible to be absent from Quebec for 183 days or more without losing eligibility, thanks to the so-called septennial year, authorized for personal reasons.

In all cases, it’s a good idea to take out additional travel insurance to cover medical expenses abroad, as RAMQ offers limited coverage outside Quebec.

How do I get travel health insurance?

To get the best coverage for your needs, the ideal choice is to work with an insurance broker. But why?

Expertise: A specialized broker has in-depth knowledge of existing products. At Fort, we renew our passion for insurance every day, and it shows in the excellence of our advice.
Reputation: You can consult our reviews to get an idea of the quality of our services. Our customers say so!
Insurance partners: With several insurance partners and no financial ties to any of them, we guarantee you fair solutions and impartial advice. Knowing you’re better protected is our priority.
Customer service : We know that talking to a human being in a time of need is essential. We’re even more committed to helping you through the claims process, with our dedicated claims department.

Other options are available to you:

If you are covered by a group benefits plan or your employer’s plan, find out if you already have travel insurance.
Some credit cards also offer travel insurance coverage.L’assurance maladie en voyage aux États-Unis et au Canada

Health coverage for visitors to Canada

Canada does not offer health coverage for visitors, except in very specific cases. Yet medical costs in Canada can be high. Whether you’re a tourist, foreign student, temporary worker or new immigrant, it’s crucial to protect yourself with private health insurance. Specially designed to cover medical emergencies, insurance for visitors coming to Canada offers essential peace of mind.

These insurance plans usually cover :

Emergency medical consultations
Hospitalization and surgery
Prescription drugs
Ambulance services
Emergency dental care

Coverage varies according to plan and supplier, usually from $10,000 to $300,000. It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of each contract before making a choice.

Health insurance for trips to the United States

Traveling to the United States requires specific preparation in terms of health insurance. Medical costs can soar, making appropriate private insurance essential. Several companies offer specific plans for travelers to the United States.

These plans generally offer cover for medical expenses, repatriation or trip cancellation. Some offer emergency medical coverage of up to $5 million, as well as baggage insurance.

Travel cancellation insurance

Trip cancellation and health insurance are key elements to consider when planning a trip. Cancellation insurance protects you against prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip for a listed reason. It can cover a variety of expenses, such as airfare, excursions, complementary tours, all-inclusive packages, accommodations and deposits.

Visa and travel health insurance: what you need to know

The visa and health insurance are two essential pillars of any trip abroad. A visa is your ticket to entering, staying and sometimes working in your destination country for a set period of time. In many countries, valid health insurance is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa.

Visa types include tourist, study and work visas, each with its own health insurance requirements. For example, the Super Visa for Canada requires emergency health insurance covering medical care during the stay.

Consult the information provided by the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for specific visa and health insurance requirements. Make sure your insurance is valid in your destination, and carry a copy of your policy with you.

Making an informed choice

Travel health insurance is a special world. If you’re part of the majority who’d rather go about their business than dwell on it, give us a call. It’s our job to cross it off your to-do list! Talk with an expert