It is your responsibility to know the terms of your insurance policy. Carefully read the fine print to know when your insurer is obliged to pay. Never lie about your medical history when applying for travel health insurance or you could invalidate a subsequent claim.

Carefully research your needs and verify the conditions, limitations and requirements of your insurance policy before departure.

• provides continuous coverage before departure and after return;
• offers coverage renewable from abroad and for the maximum period of stay;
• has an in-house, worldwide, 24-hour/7-day emergency contact number in English and/or translation services for health care providers in your destination country;
• pays for foreign hospitalization for illness or injury and related medical costs and, if so, whether it pays up front or expects you to pay and be reimbursed later.;
• provides coverage for doctor’s visits and prescription medicines;
• provides direct payment of bills and cash advances abroad so you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket;
• covers pre-existing medical conditions (get an agreement in writing that you’re covered). Otherwise, you could find your claim “null and void” under a pre-existing condition clause; 
• provides for medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest location with appropriate medical care;
• pays for a medical escort (health care provider) to accompany you during evacuation;
• covers premature births and related neonatal care, as needed;
• clearly explains deductible costs (plans with 100 percent coverage are more expensive but may save money in the long run);
• covers preparation and return of your remains to Canada if you die abroad (in most cases, costs will exceed plan coverage);
• covers emergency dental care;
• covers emergency transportation, such as ambulance services; and
• does not exclude or significantly limit coverage for certain regions or countries you may visit.

No. Your provincial health plan may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. For more information, contact your provincial or territorial health authority.

Travel insurance may be purchased through your travel agent, insurance broker, and possibly your employer’s Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Chrono watches insurance provider. Credit card companies may also offer their clients travel and health insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically provided or that the card alone provides adequate coverage.