9 myths about travel insurance

1. I don’t need travel insurance when I’m travelling in Canada because I have my RAMQ card.

False. The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) does not fully reimburse healthcare services received outside the province. In addition, there are some services (e.g. ambulance)  that aren’t covered at all under the provincial health insurance plan. If care received in the province visited costs more than what the RAMQ is prepared to reimburse, you’ll have to pay the difference. Read the complete tip.

2. My travel insurance covers me for everything, even practising an extreme sport.

False. False. Insurance often doesn’t cover you for extreme or highly dangerous sports involving, for example, speed, specialized gear, stunts or physical contact, even if you’re supervised and guided at, say, an all-inclusive resort. Examples include rock climbing or mountaineering, parachuting, hang-gliding, hors-piste snow sports and even equestrian jumping. All may be rated as dangerous by many insurance companies.

Some of these sports could be covered if they’re practised under special conditions. Example 1: Scuba diving could be covered if it’s part of a course given by an instructor or an institution with the qualifications required and recognized by the insurer. Example 2: Rock climbing could be covered for climbs with a difficulty grade of between 1 and 3 while higher grades would be excluded.

We strongly recommend that you exercise caution and, especially, inquire with your insurer about any reductions, limitations or even complete exclusions in your coverage. This way, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises in case of a claim. Read the complete tip.

3. Travel insurance is useless. I have a health condition that isn’t covered!

False. An “excluded” condition doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile to take out insurance. In fact, you might need it for reasons other than your excluded medical condition – a fall or a car accident, for example. And if you were to need care for an excluded condition, the travel assistance service would still be available to you. This could turn out to be very helpful for covering any necessary medical follow-up and related costs. 

4. I have a pre-existing health condition... my insurance will cost me an arm and a leg!

False. A good insurer is flexible and offers products for all needs. Many insurers don’t require you to complete a health declaration for short stays of 30 days or less or will cover  health conditions considered stable (the period of stability they stipulate can vary from 3 to 12 months). This means that, whatever your particular health condition, it will not affect your premium. Some conditions may, however, be excluded. Take the time to shop around.

5. Trip interruption insurance is recommended even for car travel.

True. No one is immune to the unexpected. You learn that a close family member has suddenly taken ill and you want to be at their bedside...except you’ve taken off on a car trip. Trip interruption coverage is very useful at a time like this, because you’ll be refunded for the cost of the plane tickets you need to get to your loved one as quickly as possible!

6. My medical insurance covers my plane tickets if I need to delay my return because of a health problem.

False. If you have purchased an insurance policy that covers only emergency medical care, some transportation costs are included, including those necessary to receive the care (e.g. ambulance) or even expenses for repatriation for a medical reason. However, if, for example, your child gets an ear infection in Cuba and can’t fly, requiring you to postpone your return flight, these transportation costs will not be covered. Such costs will be reimbursed under other coverage options, such as trip interruption. This is why it is important to have comprehensive insurance to cover all kinds of unforeseen events.

7. Travel insurance does not cover pregnant women.

False. If you are pregnant before buying travel insurance and your pregnancy is going well, most insurers will cover you. However, the coverage will often be limited to the first 31 or 32 weeks, meaning that beginning in the 33rd week, the pregnancy and any complications will no longer be covered. Read the complete tip.

8. If I hurt myself while I am drunk during a stay at an all-inclusive resort, my travel insurance will pay for my care.

False. Be aware that there are major coverage limitations if the insurer determines that there has been abuse of alcohol, drugs or even medications. For example, if you drive under the influence of alcohol or any drug and have an accident, you may not receive any compensation.

9. Shopping around for insurance is a waste of time. They’re all the same. 

False. Travel insurance policies available on the market do include similar clauses. But the limitations, as well as the scope and amounts of coverage, greatly differ from one insurer to another. It’s important to keep this in mind.

If you fall ill, your family may have to switch hotels to be closer to you. The living allowance will cover the cost of accommodations, meals and transportation.

Another example: you’re travelling by car but can no longer drive due to an accident or health problem. Some insurances include the return of your vehicle and baggage in such circumstances, or even babysitting services for your children.

There can be many other variations between two insurance policies. Coverages for vision care, pet care and home care should be reviewed.

Before shopping, it’s important to assess your needs. Every detail matters and all insurance policies have their own specifics. Above all, be sure you understand what you’re buying.