If you're planning a winter getaway, whether you're heading to a sunny beach, a ski resort or visiting family, you're likely focused on making the most of your trip. But winter travel can also bring unexpected disruptions, from flight delays and missed connections to lost baggage and illness away from home. Whether you're travelling within Canada or heading abroad, having the right travel insurance can help protect you when plans don't go as expected.

Here’s a helpful primer on your travel insurance options when you venture outside of BC and Canada.

BC Medical Services Plan travel coverage: Limited coverage outside of BC

British Columbians rely on BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) for medical treatment within BC, however this plan may not pay for all your health care costs outside of BC. MSP limits medical payments to a maximum $75 CAD a day and it won’t exceed the amount payable had the same services been performed in BC. It will also only cover treatment performed by a physician, so services provided by non-physician health care practitioners, medical supplies, prescription drugs or ambulance services won’t be covered. That means these, and any excess costs above the MSP limit, will be your responsibility.

Given the high cost of medical care outside Canada – especially in the US and Mexico — our provincial government recommends you purchase travel insurance before leaving BC.

Extended health travel insurance plans: Employer benefit packages may not cover it all

Many travellers rely on their employer's extended health benefits or credit card for travel insurance coverage. These plans may have limitations, however, including inadequate limits, age and trip length restrictions, and limited options for cancellation coverage and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

If you have travel insurance in your employee benefits package, you may not have options like coverage for unstable pre-existing medical conditions, trip cancellation or interruption insurance.  

Some employee plans only cover the employee, so if you’re travelling with your family, ask your insurance specialist about a family travel insurance plan, for both medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

If you get hospitalized during a trip, your group plan coverage may not pay for someone to stay with you. Compare that with BCAA Travel Insurance, which will arrange to have a family member with you during your hospitalization and cover transportation costs.

Credit card insurance coverage: Read the fine print on stipulations and penalties

It’s easy to see why many travellers still turn to their credit cards for their travel coverage. The simple and affordable nature of this coverage can be a convenient way to feel protected for your vacation. 

However, the downside to both credit card and health plan insurance policies is they may not cover all your travel needs or they may have specific stipulations. For example, some credit cards require that you pay for the full cost of your trip with the card. They may also penalize you if you don’t call the claims company right after an emergency or before you visit the hospital. Some credit cards won’t cover specific recreational activities, either, most of which are covered by BCAA (learn more at bcaa.com/wordings). Plus, if you decide to extend your trip, some credit card plans won’t allow a mid-trip extension, which BCAA can take care of, as long as you’re eligible.

You want to be sure your credit card plan comes with medical coverage, too, not just travel accident insurance. There’s a difference and it could cost you if something happens while you’re away. Accident insurance typically provides a lump sum payout for bodily injury or death, whereas travel emergency medical insurance covers you for hospital visits and other emergency treatments for sickness or injury.

Travel insurance through a trusted private provider: Supplement your coverage for a safe and relaxing trip

Even if you have existing coverage through your employer or credit card, it may not provide all the coverage you need while travelling. To supplement your coverage, you can get travel insurance through a private insurer like BCAA. As BC’s top choice for travel insurance, we offer up to $10,000,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses, including 24/7 Virtual Care in the event of a claim.* So you can get the medical help you need, wherever you are in the world. Plus, BCAA Members save 10% and kids go free on family plans.**

You also have more options to choose from with a private insurer. For example, with BCAA you can add up to $300,000 in coverage for unstable pre-existing medical conditions, as well as coverage for travel delay, trip cancellation and interruption costs. 

Winter weather and increased holiday travel can lead to flight and baggage delays. With BCAA's Travel Delay +AutoPay Coverage, you could receive instant payouts for flight and baggage delays, helping reduce the stress when travel doesn't go as planned.

Wherever you choose to go, BCAA has your back

No matter where your travels take you, enjoy your trip with travel insurance protection from BC’s top choice. Visit bcaa.com/travel to learn more and get a quote today.

Wishing you safe and happy travels.

^{*The availability of virtual care depends on your geographic location, medical emergency and remains subject to the discretion of BCAA Claims Assistance. Travel Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agency and is underwritten by BCAA Insurance Corporation. Insurance claims are administered by Global Excel Management Inc. and all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations can be found in the policy wording at bcaa.com/wordings.
**Applicable to dependent children are free on family Travel Emergency Medical Insurance policies with two paying adults. Adults must be age 59 or younger. Policy terms and conditions apply.}