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Travel insurance for Canada

Get Canada travel insurance by comparing your options from travel Insurance brands with a quick quote.

Zahra Campbell-Avenell
Zahra Campbell-Avenell

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Important:

Travel insurance rules continue to change as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to keep up and make sure our guides are up to date, however some information may not be accurate during the pandemic. It’s even more important to double-check all details that matter to you before taking out cover. Please know that some policies may not be available through Finder at this time. Here are some helpful tips:
    • If you're buying a policy today, it's unlikely that you'll be covered for any coronavirus-related claims
    • If your travel plans go against government advice, your policy will most likely be voided and you won't be covered
    Make sure you're covered for your hikes in the stunning Rocky Mountains, the slopes of Whistler and the uneven cobble stoned streets of Old Montreal. Not to mention a missed flight, lost luggage or a mid-holiday injury. So before you fly to The Great White North, you’ll need to tick one more thing off your to-do list – travel insurance.
    Why should I get insurance?
    Working holiday insurance
    Winter sport cover

    What does Travel Insurance Generally Cover?

    Unlike many other things we tend to hoard around on our travels, a comprehensive travel insurance policy for your trip to Canada is a non-negotiable, must-pack item.

    While each travel insurance policy will offer different premiums for higher or lower coverage, some common protections you can expect in your travel insurance policy include:

    • Overseas emergency medical cover for medical, hospital, surgical, nursing and emergency dental treatment
    • Cancellation fees and lost deposits in case you lose your accommodation bonds or flight costs
    • Luggage and personal effects if they are lost, damaged or stolen
    • Delayed luggage allowance so you can get on with your trip feeling fresh while you wait for your bags to arrive
    • Travel delay in case you have to unexpectedly spend an extra night somewhere
    • Accidental death if you pass away from an injury you have suffered on your trip
    • Personal liability to cover you for legal liability and legal expenses
    • 24/7 worldwide assistance so you’re never left alone without help in an emergency

    Travel Insurance for Canada General Exclusions

    Having a comprehensive Canada travel insurance could be worthless if your insurance claims are rejected due to exclusions. As with any insurance policy, it’s important to look out for all exclusions listed in your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

    Your Canada travel insurance claim will typically not be paid if:

    • You ignored the travel warning advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and travelled to a region that had a DO NOT TRAVEL warning
    • You were irresponsible such as acting up while under the influence of alcohol or leaving your luggage without supervision in a public place
    • You were under the influence of drugs other than those prescribed by a medical practitioner and taken accordingly
    • You’re claiming for a pre-existing medical condition that you didn’t tell your insurer about when you first applied for your Canada travel insurance
    • You acted illegally or unlawfully
    • You were participating in high-risk adventure sports or activities
    • It relates to self-inflicted harm, including suicide
    • It relates to acts of war, rebellion or terrorism
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    Canada health and safety background for travellers

    Travel insurance in Canada can cost as low as just $4 per day. Compare that to the fact hospital charges can escalate to $1,000-$2,000 for foreigners, getting cover is a no-brainer.

    Overall, Canada is a safe travel destination with the majority of hospitals and medical clinics offering an excellent standard of care, but accidents can happen anywhere, especially if you're enjoying Canada's great outdoors and hiking in the mountains or skiing down the slopes.

    Without travel insurance, you could be sorely unprepared for the full payment that will be required before receiving appropriate medical attention. In the worst case scenario, you may even have to cut your trip short after being left out of pocket by an unexpected injury or illness, taking home more than you bargained for with additional lost deposits and cancellation fees.

    With comprehensive travel insurance, you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificence of Canada with an easy peace of mind, being covered for both medical emergencies and any additional costs if you have to reschedule.

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    Travel insurance for a working holiday in Canada is compulsory

    Health insurance is a compulsory requirement for all working holiday permit holders in Canada. Upon entering Canada, you will be asked to show proof of your health insurance for the entire duration of your intended stay. So if you intend to stay for two years but only have enough health insurance for one year, you will only be able to receive a visa valid to last 12 months.

    “But can’t I just get a cheaper Canadian health insurance when I get there?”

    Repatriation coverage is included in your health insurance during your working holiday, which leaves Canadian health insurance out of the question. Plus with the added benefits of being covered for extra things such as lost or damaged luggage and cancellation costs for those extra weekend trips away, why wouldn’t you pick a comprehensive travel insurance policy?

    Comparing travel insurance policies doesn’t have to be a pain. Use finder.com.au to easily compare Canada travel insurance policies to match your budget and your needs to ensure a smooth start to your working holiday in Canada.

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    Winter Sports Travel Insurance for Canada

    Canada is one of the top destinations in the world for skiing enthusiasts with your choice of marked runs, alpine bowls and glaciers in multiple provinces. But before you pack your snow gear and rush over to carve down your favourite mountains, have you considered what you would do if you were wiped out on a slope or in the event of a piste closure?

    If you are headed to conquer the miles of snow outstretched in Canada, a ski insurance policy could save you multiple headaches and your hard-earned savings with coverage for things such as:

    • Medical treatment
    • Emergency rescue
    • Luggage and ski equipment
    • Ski pack reimbursement
    • Piste closure
    • Bad weather and avalanche closure

    Find out more of the benefits of Ski Travel Insurance

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    Who do I contact in an emergency?

    If you find yourself in an emergency in Canada, some of helpful contacts include:

    • You travel insurer. You insurance provider will have an 24/7 helpline for claims and medical emergencies.
    • Police, Fire, Ambulance, Mountain Rescue. You can reach these services by dialing 911.
    • Australian Embassies and Consulates. You can find the contact details of Australian Embassies and Consulates in Canada below.
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    Canada Travel Tips

    Canada is a beautiful country but with its large size and countless sights to take in, it can feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, the locals are known for their friendliness and English is the official language, which means that you are bound to have no trouble finding your way around the local gems.

    Here are some tips to help get you started:

    • Visas for tourists – Because Canada is one of our friendly sisters of the Commonwealth, you won’t need to apply for a visa if you intend to travel with your Australian passport.
    • Drive safe – Renting a car and taking a road trip across the provinces is a popular option for Australians to discover Canada. But beware of your Australian driving habits – they drive on the right hand side of the road!
    • Tipping – It is customary to tip approximately 15% of the total bill before tax, and around 20% for exceptional service. If you are a larger group of 8 or more, restaurants may charge an automatic 15% on your bill. An easy method to figure out the appropriate amount for a 15% tip is to multiply the 5% GST amount shown on the bill by three.
    • Parlez-vous Français? – Heading to Quebec and worried because you don’t speak any French? Not a problem. Most Quebecois are fluently bilingual and it is common to be greeted with “Bonjour, Hi” at the shops and restaurants, allowing you to choose whether you wish to converse in English or French.

    Find out the best way to take your travel money to Canada

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    Travel Insurance Canada FAQs

    Q. How much travel insurance do I need?

    • A. This depends on you and the type of travel you’ve planned for your trip to Canada. Have a think about where you are heading to, what sorts of activities you will be doing and whether you would like a basic or comprehensive cover with any extras. For example, if you are going to British Columbia and you plan on extensively hiking and skiing around the area, you may wish to check that hiking is covered under the approved list of activities and purchase extra ski insurance.

    Q. When should I buy my travel insurance?

    • A. The best recommended time to purchase your Canada travel insurance is when you are booking your trip. Not only will you remember to actually purchase travel insurance, you’ll also be protected against any possible cancellations that may occur before you even leave Australia.

    Q. How do I know if I have a ‘pre-existing medical condition’?

    • A. Check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for a list of automatically covered pre-existing medical conditions. In any case, if you have an ongoing medical conditions it is best to alert your travel insurance provider so they are aware of your situation if you do make a related claim.

    Q. Can I include my partner or my children under the same policy?

    Q. Where can I compare policies?

    • A. Right here on finder.com.au! You can easily compare multiple Canada travel insurance policies depending on your budget and specific needs. Remember to read the full Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before committing to purchase!
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    Compare Travel Insurance for Canada Online and Save

    Canada is a prime destination for Australian travellers with a wide array of explorations on offer. Whether you’re headed to hike in British Columbia, off to ski the slopes at Whistler or explore the historic French sights of Quebec, a comprehensive Canada travel insurance will give you invaluable peace of mind for whatever adventure you choose to take on in the land of the maple leaf.

    warning Finally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘
    Just remember, you won't be covered for any pandemic related claims if you do take out domestic travel insurance.
    International travel insurance is limited and sometimes unavailable at this point.

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    *Price based on quote for basic policy for a 2 day trip for 18 year old traveller. Please note that prices are subject to change. Price last checked as correct on October 2015.
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    2 Responses

      Default Gravatar
      PattiApril 5, 2015

      We are looking for exemptions regarding alcohol consumption. Some policies indicate that more than one drink can make the policy null and void.

      Reply
        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        RichardApril 7, 2015Staff

        Hi Patti,

        Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, finder.com.au is a comparison service and not an insurer. Generally, if the alcohol lead to the event for which you’re making a claim, the claim will not be paid. Conditions vary from insurer to insurer, so check your PDS.

        I hope this was helpful,
        Richard

        Reply
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