When most people think of travel insurance, they picture overseas getaways, international flights, and unexpected hospital visits in a foreign country. But what about a weekend escape to the Rockies? Or a cross-country flight to visit family in Nova Scotia? It’s easy to assume that if you’re staying in Canada, you don’t need travel insurance. But that’s not always the case.
Whether you’re heading out on a domestic adventure, taking a multi-stop trip across provinces, or even planning a short vacation within your own province, travel insurance can still play a vital role in protecting your plans – and your wallet. Here’s why.
You May Still Be at Risk of Cancellation Costs
Say you’ve booked flights from Toronto to Vancouver for a summer hiking trip. You’ve prepaid for accommodations, locked in a car rental, and made a few deposits for activities like whale watching and zip lining. Then, just days before your departure, you get sick or experience an emergency that forces you to cancel your plans.
Without trip cancellation insurance, you’re likely on the hook for non-refundable costs. Even domestic flights often have strict refund rules, and boutique accommodations or experiences may not offer flexibility. Travel insurance helps recover those lost expenses, allowing you to reschedule your trip without taking a financial hit.
Your Provincial Health Plan Has Its Limits
It’s true, Canadian citizens benefit from public healthcare across the country. But your provincial health coverage doesn’t always follow you seamlessly across borders. For example, if you’re an Ontario resident travelling in British Columbia, your OHIP coverage will apply, but only up to Ontario’s cost thresholds. That means if the hospital or medical service in BC charges more than what’s covered in Ontario, you may be responsible for the difference.
Additionally, some services – like air ambulance transfers or out-of-hospital treatments- aren’t always fully covered when you’re out of your home province. A travel insurance policy can fill those gaps and give you peace of mind that you won’t face unexpected medical bills during a domestic trip.
Baggage Delays and Travel Interruptions Still Happen in Canada
Travel disruptions aren’t exclusive to international airports. Domestic flights can still be delayed, connections missed, or baggage misplaced. If you arrive in St. John’s but your suitcase ends up in Montreal, travel insurance can help cover the cost of essentials like clothes and toiletries until your belongings catch up to you.
In the event of a weather-related delay or an unexpected travel interruption – say, a wildfire or flood in your destination area – insurance may also cover additional expenses like hotel stays, meals, or rebooking fees to get you home safely.
Group Trips and Family Travel Add to the Risk
If you’re travelling with a group – whether it’s a family vacation, wedding party, or a multi-generational reunion- the logistics (and potential costs) grow quickly. Travel insurance can offer broader protection when plans get complicated. If one person in your group gets sick and you all need to reschedule, a group travel policy can help ensure everyone is covered for cancellations, delays, or interruptions.
This is especially valuable when travelling with children, older adults, or people with health concerns – where the chances of needing to cancel or change plans are higher.
Experience-Based Travel Comes With a Price Tag
Canadians are increasingly investing in experiences rather than traditional vacations. Think guided kayak tours, winery retreats, and wellness weekends. These bookings often require deposits or prepayment, and many come with strict cancellation policies.
Travel insurance for domestic trips helps protect your investment in those unique (and sometimes costly) experiences. If you can’t attend due to an unexpected illness, injury, or covered event, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable costs.
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Travel insurance isn’t just for international vacations. It’s for any trip where you’re spending money, making plans, and stepping away from home. From trip cancellations and delays to medical emergencies and baggage hiccups, unexpected events can happen anywhere, including right here in Canada.
Before your next domestic getaway, consider what you’ve booked, what it would cost to cancel, and how much risk you’re willing to take on. Travel insurance for Canadian trips is usually affordable and customizable, and could save you far more than it costs. Reach out to our team at Duliban Insurance and we’ll help you explore your options and find the right coverage so you can travel confidently – whether you’re crossing the country or just heading a few towns over.
