Planning a sunny escape this winter? Or heading overseas to visit family? Whatever your plans, travel medical insurance deserves a spot on your travel checklist.
Getting sick or injured away from home is stressful enough. Unexpected medical bills can make things even more complicated. Your Saskatchewan Health Card also doesn’t mean you’re fully covered everywhere, especially when travelling internationally.
A little preparation can go a long way. Here are seven tips to know before your next adventure.
1. Buy Before You Leave the Province
Whether you’re travelling outside Saskatchewan for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, make sure you have travel insurance in place before you leave the province. Purchasing coverage ahead of your trip helps ensure you’re protected from the moment you cross the provincial border. Take time to review your coverage, benefits and exclusions, so you know what’s included before you go.
2. Pick a Plan That Matches Your Travel Style
Are you planning one big vacation or several getaways this year? Your travel habits can help determine which coverage to explore. And if you’re planning an extended winter escape, make sure your coverage lasts for your entire stay. Always compare plans based on your destination, trip length and travel frequency.
3. Be Accurate on Medical Questionnaires
Medical questionnaires might not be the most exciting part of vacation planning, but they matter.
Answer questions about your medical history, conditions and medications accurately. If you’re unsure about something, check with your healthcare provider before completing your application. Incorrect or incomplete information could affect your coverage or the payment of a future claim.
4. You Can Get Coverage with a Pre-Existing Medical Condition
An ongoing health condition doesn’t automatically mean travel is off the table.
Depending on your policy, coverage may be available if your condition has remained stable for a specified period before departure. Requirements can vary based on your age, medical history and insurance plan. Ask your insurer about stability requirements and available options before leaving.
5. Know What Your Insurance Won’t Cover
Travel medical insurance can help cover eligible, unexpected medical emergencies, but it doesn’t cover everything.
Planned procedures, routine checkups and medical treatment arranged specifically for your trip are generally excluded. Some adventure activities may also have restrictions. Planning to ski, scuba dive or zipline? Check your policy before participating. Read the exclusions carefully so you understand what your coverage includes and where limitations apply.
6. Keep Your Insurance Details Within Reach
Imagine needing medical attention abroad and discovering your insurance information is tucked away in your checked luggage. Not ideal!
Save your policy documents and emergency assistance number on your phone. A printed copy with your travel documents is helpful, too. If you need medical care, follow your policy’s instructions and contact your assistance provider as soon as possible. They can explain next steps and help coordinate eligible services.
For a life-threatening emergency, seek immediate help through the local emergency number first.
7. Don’t Assume Your Existing Benefits Are Enough
Your employer benefits, retirement plan or credit card may already include travel coverage. But have you checked the details lately?
Coverage limits, trip-duration restrictions, age requirements and medical stability rules can vary. Your existing benefits may not cover every aspect of your upcoming trip. Review your current benefits before purchasing additional coverage and identify any gaps.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, visiting family abroad or escaping Saskatchewan’s winter for a few months, preparing for unexpected medical expenses is an important part of travel planning.
Connect with CAA Saskatchewan to explore travel medical insurance options and find coverage that fits your travel plans.
®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.
CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A Medical Questionnaire may be required if you are 60 years of age and older.