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Summer travel is an exciting time for many Canadians. Whether you're visiting family in another province, heading south to the United States, or exploring destinations overseas, it’s important to think beyond your itinerary and consider your health coverage.

Many travellers assume their provincial health plan, credit card, or workplace benefits will provide enough protection. In reality, these options often have limitations, exclusions, and coverage caps that may leave you responsible for significant expenses in the event of a medical emergency.

Provincial Health Coverage Has Limits

Many Canadians assume their provincial health plan will cover them if they become sick or injured while travelling. While some coverage may apply, it is often very minimal and may not cover:

• Ground or air ambulance services
• Prescription medications
• Emergency dental treatment
• Hospital charges above provincial reimbursement rates
• Medical evacuation back home
• Accommodation and transportation for accompanying family members

Even a short hospital stay outside your home province or country can result in significant out-of-pocket costs.

Credit Card Coverage May Not Be Enough

Some travellers rely on the travel insurance included with their credit card. While this can be helpful, there are often important restrictions, such as:

• The entire trip may need to be charged to the card
• Coverage may be limited based on age
• Maximum trip lengths may be short
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusions may apply
• Coverage limits may be lower than expected

Before relying on credit card insurance, it’s important to read the policy details carefully.

Workplace Benefits Often Have Limitations

Employer-sponsored travel insurance can also provide valuable protection, but these plans may include:

• Maximum benefit amounts
• Restrictions on trip duration
• Limited family coverage
• Exclusions for certain medical conditions

Many travellers are surprised to discover their workplace coverage may not fully meet their needs.

Emergency Medical Insurance Is Affordable and Flexible

Standalone emergency medical travel insurance is often more affordable than people expect, especially compared to the potential cost of an unexpected medical emergency.

Policies can be customized based on:

• Your age
• Destination
• Length of trip
• Medical history
• Coverage amount and deductible

This allows you to choose a plan that fits your needs and your budget.

The Government of Canada Recommends Buying Travel Insurance

The Government of Canada advises Canadians to purchase the best travel health insurance they can afford before leaving their province. This recommendation reflects the reality that medical costs can be extremely expensive and stressful without proper coverage.

Travel with Peace of Mind

Travel should be about making memories, not worrying about medical bills. Emergency medical travel insurance helps protect you and your family from unexpected costs and provides access to assistance when you need it most.

HUB Customer Central does not offer travel insurance directly, but you can easily compare and purchase emergency medical travel insurance through HUB SmartCoverage. Explore your options and travel with greater peace of mind.