WHEN DO I BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE?

We recommend as soon as you make your travel plans this will be one less thing you need to worry about before you leave. Coverage can be purchased; up to the day of departure.  If you have any preexisting conditions, we recommend that you speak to a licensed adviser to make sure coverage is available.

* Especially if you are looking for Trip Cancellation & Interruption.

WHY RATES VARY WITH DIFFERENT PROVIDERS?

Travel Medical Insurance rates vary widely from different providers. Some insurance company are more competitive in different age brackets, depending on length of trip and mostly depending on their own definitions of “ Pre-existing Conditions”
Learn more

DO ALL TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE THE SAME?

NO, they are very similar in benefits, but maximum amount will differ in all Insurance Contract.  Make sure you read all you contract before you leave, to better understand all the benefits and restrictions.
Learn more

WHAT ARE MY COVERAGE OPTIONS?

You can purchase  Medical Insurance, but their is also a wide range of coverage, especially if you have purchase vacation arrangements.  To better protect, you can also add Trip Cancellation & Interruptions.  You may also have the options to increase certain benefits, like laptop or camera coverage.  Ask our Agent for more informations.
Learn more

WHY SHOULD I BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE?

Nobody ever plans on experiencing an expensive emergency while travelling.  The Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP)  in Canada and other insurance coverage such as employee group benefits and credit cards may not adequately provide the full coverage required to safeguard you on your trip.  If you are not sure, make sure before you leave.  We, can help to better understand what you already have in coverage.

CAN I BUY A POLICY FROM AN INSURANCE COMPANY IN MY PARENTS HOME COUNTRY?

The Canadian government has indicated that applicants must show proof of private Canadian health insurance, so using insurance from a country not regulated by Canadian authorities would jeopardize the chances of getting your visa application approved. Don't take that risk!

CAN I BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE, AFTER I ARRIVED IN CANADA?

Yes, you can buy coverage anytime before or after you arrive in Canada. 

Note: If you do buy coverage after you arrive in Canada, a 48 to 72 hour waiting period will apply.
Learn More

CAN I BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE, AFTER I LEAVE CANADA OR PROVINCE OF RESIDENCE?

Yes, you MAY buy coverage anytime after you leave Canada. 
Note: If you do buy coverage after you LEAVE Canada, a 48 to 72 hour waiting period may apply. Call to learn more.
Learn More

IF I DON’T HAVE INSURANCE, WHO WILL PAY THE MEDICAL BILLS?

You are 100% responsible for expenses and costs resulting from sickness or injury if you don’t purchase coverage. Some hospitals charge thousands of dollars a day to cover the costs, and fees associated with medical expenses.
Learn More

I HAVE INSURANCE ON MY CREDIT CARD OR FROM MY GROUP INSURANCE?

Credit card protections have specific limitations and requirements that may be significantly different that those offered by more traditional policies. Be prudent and carefully read the limitations and coverage they offer. Only personal coverage will cover all the different options available (ex: trip cancellations) and you can purchase a custom plan.  
Learn More

IS THE INSURANCE PREMIUM REFUNDABLE IF YOU RETURN HOME EARLIER FROM YOUR TRIP?

For more information on the refund policy, refer to your policy.

WHEN SHOULD I SUBMIT A CLAIM?

We understand that an emergency can be a lot to deal with. That’s why insurers will give you up to 30 days from the date of claim  to submit your claim for expenses you’ve occurred. 
For the necessary claim forms, please refer to your contract and contact number provided or click here

aren’t all travel insurance plans the same?

Absolutely not. The difference may only be apparent if you run into an emergency situation. Coverage can differ on many levels; this is why the price is not the primary indicator for the best coverage. At Optimal Travel™, we only offers travel insurance coverage from the most trusted insurer in Canada.  
See our Top List

WITH A FEW MEDICAL ISSUES, CAN I STILL QUALIFY FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE?

Yes. It is important to get approval before you leave. Some exclusions and limitations may apply depending on your health status. Please refer to the official policy wording of the insurance when purchasing, for more details ask our licensed travel insurance specialist, they are there to help you to make sure you get the best coverage.
Learn more

WHAT IS A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION?

A pre-existing condition is a health condition that exists when you buy your travel insurance plan, prior to departure. It may be a chronic illness, such as high blood pressure, a cold or a recent surgery.
Learn more

I HAVE A CHRONIC ILLNESS. AM I STILL COVERED?

It depends on the illness, its seriousness and stability. Some illnesses are easily covered. Others require a three or six month stability period (up t0 365 days) depending on your age. Most insurers offers the possibility of covering your illness with a medical questionnaire completed; then the medical team will evaluate your condition. If authorized, you can travel worry-free: your chronic illness could also be covered or might have an exclusion.
Learn more

WHY DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE A MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE?

When a medical questionnaires is requested the condition may be excluded or may be covered if it is determined to be stable by your treating doctor and might get approval from Blue Cross Travel™
Learn more

DO I HAVE SOME COVERAGE WHEN I TRAVEL OUT OF CANADA?

Yes, with your Visitor’s to Canada Emergency coverage, you are covered, if you travel out of Canada.  If in doubt, get confirmation from our travel team.

DO I NEED TO READ MY CONTRACT?

Absolutely “Yes” to ensure your understand your coverage, to know what you are covered for and if you have exclusions.
 Make sure you read; your insurance certificate, your travel insurance policy as it is a contract an agreement between two parties. You must know your responsibilities. Pay particular attention to the following sections; what is covered, what is not covered
 and exclusions and reductions of coverage.  

** All Insurance company have those sections or clauses in their contract.  Make sure you read them before you leave!

what does “EXCLUSIONS” MEANS IN A POLICY?

Every insurance contract carries exclusions, for the simple reason that an insurer cannot cover all risks.  
*Make sure you read your contract to better understand exclusions. 
Learn more

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON EXCLUSIONS IN A TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY?

The most common exclusions are: 

• Any preexisting illness, that was diagnosed prior to leaving on your trip.
• Any risk taken by the insured that surpasses those considered insurable, such as taking part in a race, an extreme sport
• An illegal act or using drugs.
• Other details on exclusions can be found in the “What is not covered” section, in your contract.

**Learn more on exclusions

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE AN EMERGENCY TRAVEL CLAIM?

In the event of a travel medical emergency, please contact the Emergency Assistance Centre prior to seeking treatment or no later than 24 hours after receiving treatment or being admitted to hospital. 24-hour travel assistance is available to help you obtain medical treatment, verify coverage, coordinate medical care, transportation and provide foreign language support. 

* Refer to your certificate for all-important contact information’s or click here