The answer to the last question is always yes but the rest really depends on your plans. So to help, we’ve outlined some of the key factors to consider as you explore your travel insurance options. 

3 sources of travel insurance to consider

Private plans aren’t your only option for travel insurance. You may already have a certain amount of coverage from a a few different sources:

• BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) – MSP does cover emergency care when you travel outside BC, but it’s important to note that the daily payment limit is $75 – an amount that likely won’t cover most medical bills abroad.
• Credit card coverage – Some credit cards offer travel insurance as part of their benefits package. Just make sure to check the policy as it can include coverage requirements, like paying for a certain percentage of your trip using the card.
• Extended health plan – Your employer may provide travel insurance as part of your extended health plan, so it’s worth checking your benefits to see what’s included.

All these travel insurance options can be good sources of protection for your travels (although MSP should always be topped up with additional coverage). But, before settling on any of them, take a look at your plans and consider the following questions to make sure you’re covering all aspects of your trip.

4 coverage questions to ask yourself & your insurer

1. Am I planning any adventures on my trip?
   Not everyone wants to kick back and relax on vacation. Some of us crave a little more excitement, be that jet skiing, scuba diving or abseiling off the side of a mountain. Just remember to make sure your travel insurance covers the activities you have planned – and, if it doesn’t, consider adding supplemental coverage. It might cost a little more, but you’ll be grateful for it if your adventures go awry, and you need medical care.
   
   What to ask your insurer:
   
   
   • Does my policy have any exclusions for adventure travel?
   • Will my insurance cover [planned activity]?
   • If not, do you offer optional coverage for sports and activities?
2. Am I taking my pets or vehicles along?
   There’s no reason you shouldn’t travel with man’s best friend or road trip in the comfort of your own car. But it’s important to consider how you’ll get them home if you have a medical emergency and need to be air-lifted back. Travel insurance will often cover returning a travel companion or children, but don’t forget to check if that also includes vehicles and pets.
   
   What to ask your insurer:
   
   
   • Does my policy include Vehicle and Pet Repatriation in an emergency?
   • Are there any restrictions on the types of pets and vehicles?
3. Do I wear glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids?
   Losing or breaking these items may not be a medical emergency, but it definitely puts a dampener on your trip when you can’t enjoy its sights and sounds. That’s why it’s helpful to check whether your travel insurance has coverage to replace them if they get lost, stolen or damaged.
   
   What to ask your insurer:
   
   
   • Does my policy cover vision care and hearing aids?
   • Are there any restrictions on the types of glasses and hearing aids covered?
4. Do I have any medical conditions, dental issues, illnesses or injuries right now?
   If before your departure date the answer to this question is yes, then you have what insurers call a “pre-existing condition.” As a result, your travel insurance may not fully cover you unless you get extra protection or your condition is considered “stable” (and each insurer has their own definition of what “stable” means). So, to avoid any unwelcome surprises when claiming, it’s important to chat with your insurer to understand your policy and coverage requirements.
   
   What to ask your insurer:
   
   
   • Will my “pre-existing condition” affect my coverage?
   • Does my policy cover stable “pre-existing conditions”?
   • If so, how do you define “stable”?

Travel insurance ensures you come back from your vacation with wonderful memories rather than unexpected and unwelcome costs. But, with all the options out there and factors to consider, it can be a little overwhelming deciding on the plan to choose. That’s where our experts come in. Whether you have questions, concerns or simply need a second opinion, they’re here to help you work out the coverage you need.