Skip to content
Sponsored Content

How to travel safely and with confidence in a post-COVID world

As travel restrictions loosen, Canadians should consider the best ways to protect themselves when they choose to travel
CAA Spotlight Pilot

Even the best-planned trips can be derailed by the unexpected. Vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, cancelled flights and lost luggage – every time you travel, these risks are all real.

Luckily there are easy ways, like travel insurance, to protect yourself from potential losses if your trip goes sideways.

Here are five reasons you should get travel insurance for your next trip.

1. The pandemic is still impacting travellers

If you are travelling outside of Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, check with a travel insurance provider to make sure you’re covered for COVID-19-related medical expenses, non-COVID-19 emergency-related expenses, and trip cancellation and interruption.

Trip cancellation assists in protecting you against complications with your travel plans. Depending on your plan, your policy will help cover the cost up until departure. 

CAA Travel Insurance offers COVID-19 protection1 enhancements with new interruption coverage and emergency medical coverage expansions. Travel with confidence when you contact a CAA Travel Consultant or call 1-800-267-8713.

2. Your credit card or group plan probably isn’t enough

Is credit card travel insurance enough? It may not be. Many credit card or group plans don't have nearly the same level of coverage compared to a standalone package. Here's what you should check:

  • The coverage limits ($ amounts, medical services, emergency types, etc.)
  • Pre-existing conditions—are they covered?
  • Air ambulance expenses
  • Are claims paid out directly?
  • Any family allowances?
  • Deductible amounts?

How does credit card travel insurance work? 

If your card has travel insurance, you'll typically have to pay for the entire cost of the travel booking with your card for its coverage to kick in.

3. Travel insurance is affordable

How much is trip insurance? Even for those over 60 years of age and with health conditions, travel insurance can be reasonably priced. For instance, medical coverage for your week long trip to Mexico can be secured for as little as $50. And it’s certainly more affordable than getting stuck with a hospital bill well into the tens of thousands of dollars if you get sick or injured in a foreign country.

Keep an eye out for loyalty discounts so save on your policy. CAA Members save up to 20%2 on CAA Travel Insurance when they buy from a CAA Travel Consultant or online.

4. Travel insurance is easy to purchase and comes in different forms

Buying travel insurance is straightforward. From the comfort of your home or on the go, get a free, quick quote online to find the best plan for you and your family and call CAA Travel at 1-800-267-8713 with the details along with any questions you have.

The most common types of travel insurance are:

Single Trip Plan: Protect against the cost of unexpected medical emergencies for the duration of your trip.

  • For one trip only
  • Travel for up to 365 days with GHIP approval
  • Extended coverage is available if you stay away for longer than originally planned
  • Only pay for the coverage you need


Multi-Trip Plan: Protect against the cost of unexpected medical emergencies for multiple individual trips (up to 4, 8, 15, 30 or 60 days each) throughout the year.

A multi-trip annual plan starts each time you leave Canada. If you stay longer than the days included in the plan, a top-up can be purchased.

  • For an unlimited number of trips in one year3
  • Travel for up 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip
  • Away for longer than 30 or 60 days? Top-up is available
  • Purchase once and be covered for an entire year 

CAA offers Emergency Medical Insurance, Vacation Packages, In-Province Medical Assistance4, and Repurchase Savings Coverage plans. 

5. Protect yourself from medical emergencies

Your Ontario Health Insurance Plan does not cover your medical expenses while outside of Canada. Foreign hospitals can be expensive and require immediate cash payment to receive treatment.

Even if you’re travelling within Canada, not all medical expenses are covered by OHIP.

Medical insurance provides coverage for unforeseen sickness, injuries, accidents and more.

What does medical insurance usually cover?

  • Hospital stays, lab tests, nursing and ground ambulance
  • Emergency dental expenses
  • Transportation back to Canada if you were abroad
  • Medical follow-up in Canada if you were abroad
  • Reimbursements for vision care, hearing aids, pet care and kennel stays

As more countries start to open up and travel restrictions loosen, travel demand is starting to spike. If you are among the many Canadians who are planning to splurge on travel this year, choose to protect yourself and travel with confidence.

Find out more about the benefits of travel insurance from CAA Travel by visiting a CAA Store or calling 1-800-267-8713 for more information.


CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance. Quotes are valid for 30 days. 1. Terms and conditions apply. $5 million CAD emergency medical coverage, is dependent on having received all Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines, at least 14 days prior to departure.  Please see the COVID-19 Endorsement for details. 2. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-267-8713. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online. 3. Medical Multi-Trip Annual Plans cover 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date. 4. CAA Assistance is provided by Global Excel Management. Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance and House Call services availability may vary depending on geographical locations and current emergency medical condition. Multi-trip Annual Plans include in-province virtual assistance, limited to four (4) calls per insured and unlimited virtual visits when travelling outside of Ontario and internationally. Single Trip Medical Plan include unlimited number of virtual visits when traveling outside of Ontario and internationally. ®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.