Whether you're planning a spontaneous getaway, a long-awaited vacation, or an extended stay abroad, reviewing your travel insurance coverage should always be part of your travel preparations.
Many travelers have some form of travel insurance through their credit card or group benefits plan. However, these coverages often come with significant limitations based on factors such as trip length, health status, or the type of medical care required.
Before setting off with travel insurance that truly meets your needs, it's important to understand the coverage you already have through your credit card, public healthcare plan, group insurance, or other sources. This will help you identify any gaps in protection and determine whether you need additional coverage.
Key takeaways
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Although the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) reimburses certain medical expenses incurred while travelling, it recommends that Quebec residents purchase private travel insurance.
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The travel insurance included with your credit card or group benefits plan may offer very limited coverage.
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Québec Blue Cross offers a comprehensive range of customizable coverages, including baggage loss protection and trip cancellation insurance.
Understanding Existing Coverage
Credit cards, group insurance plans and public health coverage all work differently. Before you travel, it’s worth taking a closer look at what each one really offers.
Does the RAMQ cover medical expenses while travelling?
Yes, the RAMQ reimburses certain emergency medical services received outside Quebec, but only if those services are covered in Quebec and subject to several limitations.
In addition, reimbursement does not cover the full cost of care and is limited to the rates in effect in Quebec. For example, a single night in a U.S. hospital can cost several thousand dollars, while RAMQ reimburses only a fraction of it.
Some travel-related expenses that are not covered by RAMQ include:
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Medical services that are not covered in Quebec, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, osteopathy, and naturopathy.
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Emergency transportation (e.g., ambulance) and repatriation (by ground or air).
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Prescription medications purchased outside Quebec or abroad, even if they were prescribed by your physician.
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Private or semi-private hospital rooms.
Because these uninsured expenses can quickly add up to thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars, RAMQ recommends purchasing supplementary travel insurance before leaving the province.
What does credit card travel insurance cover?
Many credit cards available in Canada include travel insurance, but the coverage provided can vary significantly from one card to another. Before relying solely on this protection, make sure you fully understand its limitations and exclusions.
Travel insurance through a credit card: what to check
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Maximum trip coverage duration per trip (sometimes as short as 3 days)
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Eligibility requirements and any health-related exclusions
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Maximum reimbursement amounts and deductibles
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The types of coverage included (such as trip cancellation, interruption or baggage insurance, which may be limited or not included at all)
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People covered (e.g. spouse, children)
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Coverage conditions if the trip is paid for with a different credit card
Reviewing these details will help you determine whether you need extra coverage for your trip.
Is the travel insurance included in my group benefits plan enough?
Some employer-sponsored benefits plans include travel insurance, typically designed to meet standard travel needs. Be sure to review your policy carefully to confirm that the coverage aligns with the type of trip you are planning.
Travel insurance through a group benefits plan: what to check
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Maximum trip coverage duration per trip (sometimes as short as 3 days)
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Eligibility requirements and any health-related exclusions
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Maximum reimbursement amounts and deductibles
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The types of coverage included (such as trip cancellation, interruption or baggage insurance, which may be limited or not included at all)
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People covered (e.g. spouse, children)
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Whether coverage continues if your employment status changes
Understanding these elements will give you a clearer picture of your actual level of coverage before you travel.
Quick checklist: Questions to ask about your existing coverage
For each travel insurance policy you hold, whether through a credit card, group benefits plan, or another source, review the policy documentation and answer the following questions. Doing so will help you identify any potential gaps in coverage.
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What is the maximum trip duration covered?
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Are there any eligibility requirements that apply to my situation (such as age limits, health-related exclusions, or other restrictions)?
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What is the maximum amount reimbursed for emergency medical expenses?
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Does the policy include coverage for trip cancellation or interruption?
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Is there coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage?
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Who is covered under the policy (the insured person only, the insured person and dependants, etc.)?
Complete Your Coverage With Blue Cross
Blue Cross travel insurance can supplement the coverage you already have adapting to your destination, trip length, travel style and the level of coverage you want.
What travel insurance coverage does Blue Cross offer?
Blue Cross offers the following travel insurance options to help meet a variety of travel needs:
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Emergency Medical Care, up to $5,000,000.
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Trip Cancellation and Interruption, including a Cancel for Any Reason option.
Why choose Blue Cross for my travel insurance?
With Blue Cross, you can count on:
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80 years of expertise in personal insurance
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24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world
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An extensive network of health care partners in more than 150 countries
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Unique, personalized insurance coverage options (e.g., Option: Cancel for Any Reason, Rainy Day coverage)
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Flight Delay Service at no extra cost
Travel Informed, Travel with Confidence
Understanding what your travel insurance actually covers helps you avoid unpleasant surprises and gives you a greater sense of security while travelling. With a few simple checks and the right supplementary coverage, you can focus on enjoying the process, embracing the unexpected and creating the moments that make every trip unique.