The holidays are meant for joy, family, and a little well-earned rest, but if you’ve ever travelled during the winter months, you know things don’t always go as planned. Snowstorms, flight cancellations, and unexpected illness can quickly turn a dream getaway into a logistical nightmare. That’s where travel insurance steps in.
Before you pack your bags or book your flights, here’s why travel insurance should be at the top of your holiday checklist.
Unpredictable Weather and Flight Delays
Canadian winters are beautiful, but not exactly dependable. One snowstorm at a major airport can delay or cancel flights for days, leaving travelers stranded or scrambling for new connections.
Travel insurance can reimburse the cost of hotel stays, meals, and alternate flights if weather forces a delay or cancellation. Some policies even cover missed connections and pre-paid accommodations, helping you avoid losing money because of something completely out of your control.
Illness or Injury While Abroad
It’s easy to forget that most provincial health plans offer limited or no coverage once you’re outside Canada. A single hospital visit in the U.S., for example, can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Comprehensive travel insurance covers medical emergencies, ambulance transportation, prescriptions, and even medical evacuation if necessary. It ensures you get the care you need, without the stress of unexpected medical bills following you home.
Lost Luggage and Stolen Items
Losing your luggage on the way to your destination is stressful enough, and replacing everything in a hurry can be expensive. Travel insurance often includes baggage protection to help cover essential items if your bags are delayed, lost, or stolen.
That means you can get reimbursed for clothing, toiletries, or other essentials while the airline tracks your belongings down, and you won’t need to spend your holiday budget making up for lost items.
Trip Cancellations and Interruptions
Sometimes, life happens: a family emergency, sudden illness, or job obligation might force you to cancel or cut your trip short. Without travel insurance, you could lose the money spent on flights, hotels, or tours.
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage helps protect your investment, reimbursing non-refundable expenses when unexpected events get in the way. It’s peace of mind for those “what if” moments that no one can predict.
Credit Card Insurance Isn’t Always Enough
Many travelers assume their credit card includes full travel coverage, but those benefits are often limited. They may only apply to trips paid entirely with that card, or have strict age and duration restrictions.
A standalone travel insurance policy provides more flexibility and often higher limits, especially for longer trips, older travelers, or those with pre-existing conditions. It’s a simple way to close any coverage gaps before takeoff.
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The holidays are busy enough without worrying about what might go wrong. A travel insurance policy protects you from the unexpected, whether you’re heading to a ski chalet, sunny resort, or a family reunion across the country.
If you’re planning a winter trip, our team can help you find the right coverage – whether that means medical-only protection or a full package including cancellation and baggage insurance.
