Whether it is for education, a business trip, a vacation, or a visit to meet family, travelling to Canada from India has a lot to offer. From its stunning vast landscapes, cultural diversity, and modern architecture to its close relations with Indians, Canada is a top destination for many Indian travellers. 

However, whether it is just for a short trip or a long-term travel plan, while planning your itinerary and packing your bags, one crucial aspect that should not be overlooked is getting travel insurance for Canada. Keep reading to learn about the importance of travel insurance Canada, its benefits and coverage, and why it’s an essential investment for everyone’s travel plans.

What is Travel Insurance Canada?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance policy specially designed to cover the risks associated with travelling abroad (and, in some instances, even within one’s own country). It provides financial protection against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost checked-in luggage, and other travel-related and medical issues. For Indians travelling to Canada, having a comprehensive travel insurance Canada policy can offer peace of mind and security.

When Should You Purchase Travel Insurance?

While in 2024, it is now easier than ever to buy travel insurance, allowing travellers to purchase the policy at any time before starting on the trip, ideally, travellers are recommended to buy travel insurance as soon as they start booking the flight tickets during their trip. This ensures that the traveller is covered from the moment of purchase, thus securing the journey from the financial implications of risks such as trip cancellation. 

In addition to this, while not applicable for Canada, travellers planning an international trip to a country where travel insurance is mandatory for a visa, it is beneficial to purchase international travel insurance for the duration of the journey when sending the visa application.

What are the Benefits of Travel Insurance for Canada?

Depending on the specific international travel insurance plan and policy opted for, a traveller has dozens of benefits or coverages to consider. These coverages cover a wide range of risks and are broadly classified into three categories: medical risks, trip-related risks, and miscellaneous risks. These risks can be of varying severity and frequency of occurrence, while the coverages can have different scopes and extent of coverage depending on the specific policy opted for.

Here are some of the key benefits and coverages offered under travel insurance for Canada:

• Medical Emergencies and Healthcare Costs

While Canada’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, it is also one of the most expensive countries for medical emergencies and healthcare costs for non-residents. If you fall ill or suffer from an accident during your trip, the medical bills can quickly add up, leading to hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical expenses. 

This is where travellers opt for travel insurance Canada, which covers medical emergencies, hospitalisation, OPD, and even medical evacuation if necessary. This ensures you receive the best care without worrying about the financial burden.

• Trip Cancellations and Interruptions

When going on an international trip, a traveller might often be exposed to unexpected events such as flight cancellations, delays, or personal emergencies, which can disrupt travel plans. Travel insurance Canada compensates for non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or interrupted for covered reasons. This includes reimbursement for the non-recoverable expenses made for flight tickets and hotel bookings, allowing you to recover some of your financial losses.

• Lost or Delayed Baggage

Delays or permanent loss of checked-in baggage can cause significant inconvenience when in a foreign country, as well as the loss of essential clothes, medications, and other necessary items that were outside the carry-on luggage. Travel insurance covers lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, helping you replace essential items and clothing. Some policies also offer compensation for personal belongings such as electronics, jewellery, and travel documents.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Canada

Before purchasing travel insurance for Canada, travellers must assess their specific needs and travel plans. Key factors such as the duration of the trip, travel destination, the activities they will be participating in, budget for the policy, and any pre-existing medical conditions will help them choose a policy that provides adequate coverage.

After comparing the various policies based on the specific needs and plans, it’s essential to look at the coverage options, exclusions, claim process, and customer reviews to determine the best policy for their needs. 

Once you have chosen the right policy for your trip, check out the terms and conditions and exclusions listed in the policy document to be aware of the limitations and not be caught unaware at the last moment when looking to claim settlement for it. 

Consider opting for a travel insurance policy from a leading and reliable provider to avoid any unexpected limitations and get comprehensive coverage for an affordable price from anywhere in India at any time before your trip.

Conclusion

Travelling to Canada from India has a lot to offer; however, travellers must consider the various risks they may be exposed to and avail of relevant coverages and protection to secure themselves from its aftermath while also taking adequate precautions to avoid being caught up in these risks in the first place. So secure your travel plans with the best travel insurance for Canada now to ensure a safe and hassle-free trip from a leading insurer such as Niva Bupa.