Six tips when you protect your trip with Travel Insurance

Travel costs are climbing from flights and accommodations to medical care outside of BC. While BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) offers limited coverage, costs abroad can quickly exceed what’s reimbursed. That’s why the provincial government recommends buying private travel insurance for any trip outside of BC, through a provider like BCAA. And don’t forget, unexpected cancellations or delays can also put your plans and your travel investment at risk.

With BCAA Travel Insurance, you won’t be left out of pocket if the unexpected happens. Thanks to direct pay for eligible emergency medical expenses, many covered costs can be paid directly to the provider, helping ease the financial burden while you're away. Coverage includes physician and hospital care, prescriptions, ambulance services and transportation back to BC. Plus, you have the option to round out your coverage with add-ons like BCAA Trip Protection, which helps protect against baggage loss, damage or delay, trip cancellations and more. It’s an easy way to customize your coverage to your trip and travel with greater peace of mind. 

Here are our six top tips on how to cover your travels from the unexpected:

Tip 1: Choose the right plan for your trip

Consider your upcoming travel plans and if you need coverage for just one or two trips, or many. Depending on how many trips you plan to take in the next year, the savings with an Annual Multi-Trip plan could be considerable compared to buying Single Trip coverage every time you need it. From there, based on the trips you’re planning, you can determine if you need either (or both!) emergency medical coverage and protection to cover trip cancellation and interruption costs, including instant payouts for flight and baggage delays to make your delay more comfortable with Travel Delay +AutoPay.  

Find out how to find the best travel insurance for your travel needs.

Tip 2: Get coverage before you travel

Don’t wait to get insurance after you get off the plane or cross the border – be sure to buy before you leave BC as some providers don’t allow coverage to be purchased after you’ve already left, or some may apply coverage waiting periods. Buying early also matters for trip protection coverage as it can help cover cancellations or delays before your trip starts. Some add ons, like BCAA's Travel Delay +AutoPay, also provide instant cash payouts if your flight or baggage are delayed. Since it only takes a few minutes to buy online at bcaa.com/travel, make BCAA Travel Insurance one of the first things you check off your vacation planning to do list.  

Tip 3: Know exactly what your policy covers

Ask yourself: is this travel insurance the right coverage for me? Will your policy cover emergency expenses if you get sick or injured? How about if your airline changes or cancels your flights? Or if you have to change your travel plans? Will your insurance cover you for loss, damage or theft of your baggage or valuables?  

Make sure you’re getting top quality protection by reading the Trip Interruption and Travel Health Insurance guide from the Government of Canada. Their guide seeks to answer a common traveller question: "Where can I find travel health insurance and what should I look for?". 

Tip 4: Be honest about your health

Many insurance providers require completion of a health questionnaire if you’re over a certain age. This allows you to get a rate specific to your health status. Be sure to answer the questionnaire accurately, even consulting with your health care provider if needed.

If you don’t and something happens on your trip, your insurer may impose a costly deductible or deny your claim altogether. Although not required by BCAA, some providers need you to update your policy if your health status changes throughout your policy term, so pay close attention to the conditions specific to your coverage.

Tip 5: Get extra coverage if you need it

Now that you have a good understanding of your health status, consider add-ons if you need them. For example, no matter your age, if you have any unstable pre-existing medical conditions, BCAA Travel Insurance offers up to $300,000 in extra coverage. Not sure if your condition is considered stable? Review the stability periods in the policy wording at bcaa.com/wordings.

Tip 6: Keep the receipts!

If you need to make a claim, make sure you keep all receipts and documents related to the incident, including medical bills, police reports and receipts for lost or stolen items. With BCAA these documents will help speed up the claims process. 

In the event you do need to make a claim with BCAA, you can find helpful information, including convenient ways you can file a claim at bcaa.com/travelclaims. Or, even better, add your policy to your digital wallet through the link on your policy confirmation email.

Why BCAA is the right choice for your travel insurance

Based in BC, BCAA understands what local travellers need. We offer affordable travel protection that’s easy to use, so you don’t have to worry about surprise bills or who to call. 

Get up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage, direct pay for claims and instant cash payouts for delays with optional Travel Delay +AutoPay. Plus, enjoy 24/7 Virtual Care, FREE coverage for your kids and 10% savings for Members. Buy online in minutes at bcaa.com/travel. Safe travels! 

 

^{Travel Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agent 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.
*Dependent children are free on family policy with two paying adults. Adults must be age 59 or younger. Policy terms and conditions apply.}