travel insurance bc canada

Residents of BC and the Yukon

Single trip travel insurance.

• Medical and Hospital
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption
• Accidental Death
• Air Flight Accidents
• Emergency Return
• Baggage Loss, Delay or Damage
• Learn more about these benefits
• Do you already have PBC coverage?

Multiple Trip Travel Insurance

Buy one policy for the whole year and save!

Includes all benefits of the Single Trip plans, plus:

• Save time buying one plan for all trips in one year.
• Save money if you take two or more trips a year. Learn more...

Visitors to Canada

Visitors to canada travel insurance.

Emergency health coverage for tourists, workers, new immigrants and students. It includes:

• Hospital stays
• Doctors Bills and Prescription Drugs
• Ambulance Service
• Accidental Dental Care
• 24 Hour medical assistance hotline

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Travel Insurance

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PBC group plan members may be eligible to receive a discount off of the Travel Plan premium.

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What are my travel insurance coverage options, through bcaa you can purchase emergency medical travel insurance, visitors to canada insurance and/or a trip protection package to cover you on your travels. sep 28, 2022 • knowledge, was this article helpful, related articles.

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Travel Insurance

Our travel insurance experts are here to help you get the right coverage for your needs, no matter how complex they are.

If you’re travelling to a topical destination, shopping in the US, or visiting friends in another province or country—your provincial healthcare plan won't cover you. At CapriCMW, we have the expertise and a wide range of coverage options to get you the right travel insurance policy at the right price.

Key Travel Insurance Coverages:

• Emergency Medical and Dental
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Baggage Coverage and Delay
• Rental Car Coverage
• COVID-19-related cancellation
• High-risk activities
• Adventure travel

Helpful Links:

• Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories by Destination: Click here
• Government of Canada – Travel Health Notices: Click here  
• CATSA – ACSTA Current Wait Times: Click here

Do your travel plans involve "high-risk" activities?

Many adventure and back-country sports such as sky diving, ice climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, or back-country skiing are classified as high-risk sport activities and may not be covered by typical travel insurance policies.

CapriCMW's Lifestyle Travel Insurance Services offers a unique specialization in Adventure Travel and can help you get the right coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a pre-existing condition. Can I get travel medical insurance?

We can usually find coverage for people with health issues, but some exclusions could apply. If you have an existing health condition, it’s critical that you disclose the details when applying for coverage.

I have travel insurance through my credit card. Do I need a separate policy?

Some credit cards do provide basic travel insurance. However, it’s important to fully understand exactly what your coverage includes and what exclusions apply.

Do I need travel insurance for travelling outside of my province, but within Canada?

Yes. Your provincial healthcare plan will not cover medical expenses incurred outside of your province of residence, even if you’re travelling within Canada.

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Canadians are optimistic about travel in 2024: Blue Cross Travel Study

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Out-of-province emergency medical expenses are not generally covered by your provincial medical plan and these expenses can be financially overwhelming.

For millions of Canadians, comprehensive emergency travel coverage offered by Blue Cross has become an essential part of their holiday plans.

As a recognized symbol of health care globally, being trusted, professional and familiar is what you need in your coverage provider when travelling out of province.

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Let Blue Cross travel coverage take care of any unexpected medical emergency costs so you can make the most of your trip.

Whether you travel frequently during the year, take regular sun destination trips or do only occasional short trips, there is a plan that’s right for you.

Blue Cross is a member of a trusted global network, including the American Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association and the International Federation of Health Funds.

Canadians are optimistic about travel in 2024

The cost of travel is on the rise, but that isn’t stopping most Canadians from planning a vacation.

A ccording to a new study from Blue Cross , Canadians spent an average of $4,200 on their last vacation, and 94 per cent feel the cost of travelling is increasing .

H owever , the 2024 Blue Cross Travel Study also reveals that more Canadians are feeling optimistic about travel and are planning more trips this year.   

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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » BC

What are the Best Travel Insurance BC Plans in 2024?

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Travelling is an exhilarating experience, filled with new adventures and discoveries. However, unforeseen events can disrupt even the most meticulously planned trips.

To safeguard against these uncertainties, travel insurance becomes essential for any traveller, including residents of British Columbia.  But how do you choose the best travel insurance BC policy that's right for you?

In this guide, we look at the best travel insurance BC plans, what they cover, how much they cost, and more. You can use the HelloSafe comparator to compare plans from various providers and also get free quotes in seconds , so you can pick a policy that truly suits your individual needs.

Best BC Travel Insurance Plans

• SoNomad travel insurance : "Versatile coverage options"
• Allianz travel insurance : "Global assurance for your journey"
• TuGo travel insurance : "Adventure and all-inclusive choices"
• Desjardins travel insurance : "Reputable brand coverage"
• Manulife travel insurance : "Comprehensive protection for all travels"
• Sun Life travel insurance : "Flexible options for all types of travel"
• Blue Cross travel insurance : "Established provider with various plans"
• Medoc travel insurance : "Focus on emergency medical benefits"
• BCAA travel insurance : "Tailored coverage for BC explorers"

Top BC travel insurance plans in 2024

In general, the best travel insurance option depends on your specific needs, such as the type of trip, the level of coverage required and any pre-existing medical conditions. We compared plans from different companies and considered factors like reputation, coverage scope and pricing to help you choose the best option for your travel needs. Here are our top 9 picks for travel insurance for BC residents: 

SoNomad travel insurance: Versatile coverage options

SoNomad travel insurance in Canada covers a wide range of expenses, including emergency medical expenses trip cancellation or interruption expenses, baggage loss or damage, personal liability coverage, trip delay insurance, emergency medical transportation, COVID-19-related expenses, such as medical treatment, quarantine and transportation.

SoNomad travel insurance is ideal for Canadian residents who are travelling outside of Canada or Canadian residents who are travelling within Canada, but who do not have a provincial health insurance plan. It’s also a good option for people who are travelling to countries with high medical costs.

• Competitive prices
• Easy to purchase and claim
• Covers a wide range of expenses
• Includes COVID-19-related expenses
• Some plans have high deductibles
• There may be exclusions for certain pre-existing conditions
• The policy may not cover all types of travel, such as adventure travel or cruises

If you would like to explore further and get a SoNomad travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

Allianz travel insurance: Global assurance for your journey

Allianz travel insurance is a leading provider in Canada. With a strong international presence, Allianz can help travellers overcome language barriers and get quality medical care wherever they are. 

Allianz Travel Insurance Canada offers a variety of coverage plans to fit any travel itinerary. The coverage per travel package is comprehensive and includes medical interventions, car rental protection and travel interruptions.

• Variety of plans to choose from, depending on your budget and travel needs
• Free coverage for dependent children under 17 years old
• Extensive coverage for long trips
• Easy access to customer service for assistance
• Lower coverage limits than some competitors
• Adventure and extreme sports activities not included

If you would like to explore further and get an Allianz travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

TuGo travel insurance: Adventure and all-inclusive choices

TuGo is a Canadian travel insurance provider that offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. It offers emergency medical coverage of up to $10 million, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, adventure sports and more. TuGo travel insurance also offers the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade, which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a full refund.

TuGo is a good option for snowbirds or frequent young travellers who also seek adventure activities. However, its all-inclusive plans are only available for those aged 59 years and under, making it not the best choice for older adults.

• TuGo travel insurance covers a wide range of expenses including rental car damage
• Offers emergency medical coverage, including doctor's visits, hospital stays and ambulance rides
• Has multi-trip plans for frequent travellers
• Can be purchased easily — online or through their customer service representatives
• Premiums can be higher than some other providers
• May not cover pre-existing medical conditions, depending on the severity of the condition
• Some customers reported delays or difficulties in processing claims
• The all-inclusive TuGo travel insurance plan has an age limit of 59
• People above 59 may need to purchase a different plan or provide a medical questionnaire

If you would like to explore further and get a TuGo travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

Desjardins travel insurance: Reputable brand coverage

Desjardins is Canada's largest cooperative financial institution, with over 7.5 million members, mostly in Quebec and Ontario. It was founded in 1900 in Lévis, Quebec. Desjardins travel health insurance is therefore provided by a reputable company with a trusted history.

Its coverage includes a range of travel-related risks, such as emergencies like accidents, health, evacuations, trip cancellations, delays and more.

• Well-established and reputable company with a long history of providing financial services
• Desjardins members can get 3 days of complimentary coverage
• Free insurance on some credit cards
• Easy-to-use website and 24/7 customer service
• Penalty for not contacting assistance service
• Some advantages only for Desjardins members
• No online chatbox

Before you decide if Desjardins is the right pick for you, compare coverages, and the pros and cons of Canada's best travel insurance plans right here. You can use our HelloSafe comparator below and compare plans from the best providers and also get free quotes in no time.

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

Manulife travel insurance: Comprehensive protection for all travels

Manulife travel insurance in Canada covers a wide range of expenses, including emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption expenses, baggage loss or damage, personal liability coverage, trip delay insurance and emergency medical transportation.

Manulife travel insurance is ideal for anyone who is travelling outside of Canada, whether for business or pleasure. It is also a good option for people who are travelling within Canada, but who do not have a provincial health insurance plan.

• Wide range of coverage

If you would like to explore further and get a Manulife travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.

Sun Life travel insurance: Flexible options for all types of travel

Sun Life is a well-regarded insurance company hailing from Canada, recognized for its assortment of insurance offerings, which encompass travel insurance as well. Its coverage encompasses emergency medical costs, trip cancellations, interruptions, loss of baggage and insurance against accidents during travel.

Families, individuals and groups of travellers alike will find appeal in its manifold coverage choices and a purchase process that is refreshingly unambiguous. Elderly individuals seeking travel insurance might find it relatively pricey due to the escalations in premiums that come with advancing age.

• An extensive array of coverage alternatives
• Provides robust coverage for exigent medical expenditures
• Simple and easy travel insurance process, catering to individuals, families and even groups embarking on journeys
• More exclusions and constraints compared to competing providers
• Might not extend coverage to pre-existing medical conditions, or the coverage for such conditions could be confined
• The claims process could prove cumbersome, potentially demanding substantial documentation from travellers

Blue Cross travel insurance: Established provider with various plans

Blue Cross travel insurance provides a range of coverage options including emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss and more. They offer various plans tailored to different types of travellers, such as individual, family, or senior travellers.

It offers courage for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, accidental death and dismemberment and travel assistance services. However, pre-existing medical conditions in some cases, risky activities and certain trip cancellation reasons are not covered. 

• A well-known and established insurance provider with a strong reputation
• Caters to various types of travellers and offers comprehensive coverage options
• Offers flexibility in plans
• Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Certain exclusions in cancellation coverage

MEDOC travel insurance: Focus on emergency medical benefits

If your primary concern is medical coverage while travelling, MEDOC specializes in offering comprehensive emergency medical benefits. Medoc travel insurance focuses on emergency medical coverage for travellers. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation and certain non-medical benefits.

While it offers great coverage options, it doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions, some adventure sports and certain non-medical trip interruptions.

• Strong emergency medical coverage
• Simple plans tailored to medical needs
• Limited coverage for non-medical aspects
• Pre-existing condition limitations

BCAA travel insurance: Tailored coverage for BC explorers

BCAA is a well-regarded insurance provider in BC, offering a range of coverage options for different types of travellers.

It offers various plans including emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage protection, accidental death and dismemberment and more. Its exclusions include pre-existing conditions, certain risky activities and non-medical trip interruptions.

• Established provider
• Multiple coverage options
• Some plans cover pre-existing conditions
• Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions in some plans
• Exclusions for risky activities

How much does travel insurance BC cost?

The cost of travel insurance in BC will vary depending on the company you choose, the type of coverage you need and your age and health. However, here is a general overview of the cost of travel insurance (for a 27-year-old BC resident travelling to India) from some of the top companies in BC:

Please note that these are just estimated prices for an all-inclusive package with a trip value of $1,000.00. The actual cost of travel insurance will vary depending on the factors mentioned above. It is important to get quotes from multiple companies before you buy a travel insurance policy. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing travel insurance quotes:

• The level of coverage
• The deductible
• The maximum benefit
• The waiting period
• The exclusions

We recommend that you compare pricing, coverage, and exclusions from various policies before you decide upon one. All you need to do is simply use the HelloSafe comparator below and get free quotes tailormade to your unique needs, in just a few seconds.

What does travel insurance BC cover?

The coverage level for each of these travel insurance providers will vary depending on the specific plan you choose. However, here is a general overview of the coverage that is typically included:

These are just the maximum benefits for each coverage. The actual amount of coverage you receive will depend on the specific plan you choose.

What is travel trailer insurance BC plan?

Travel trailer insurance in BC is a type of insurance that covers your travel trailer against damage, theft and liability. It is similar to car insurance, but it is specifically designed for travel trailers.

Travel trailer insurance can be purchased through a variety of insurance companies, including ICBC, BCAA and Westland Insurance. The cost of insurance will vary depending on the make, model and value of your travel trailer, as well as your driving record and the level of coverage you choose.

The coverage that is typically included in travel trailer insurance includes:

• Physical damage: This coverage will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your travel trailer if it is damaged in an accident, fire or other event.
• Theft: This coverage will pay for the cost of replacing your travel trailer if it is stolen.
• Liability: This coverage will pay for the cost of damages that you cause to other people or property while driving your travel trailer.
• Medical payments: This coverage will pay for the cost of medical expenses for people who are injured in an accident involving your travel trailer.
• Collision forgiveness: This coverage will waive your deductible if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault.
• Rental reimbursement: This coverage will pay for the cost of renting a replacement travel trailer if yours is damaged or stolen.

Do you need medical travel insurance in BC?

Yes, you need to purchase medical travel insurance if you are a British Columbian travelling outside of the province, even if you are only going to another part of Canada. This is because the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover medical expenses outside of the province.

There are many different travel insurance providers available, so it is important to compare plans before you buy. Some things to consider when comparing plans include:

• The level of coverage: Make sure the plan covers all of your medical expenses, including emergency hospitalization, doctor's visits and prescription drugs.
• The deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts paying.
• The maximum benefit: The maximum benefit is the total amount of money the insurance company will pay for your medical expenses.
• The waiting period: Some plans have a waiting period, which is the amount of time you have to wait before the insurance company starts paying for your medical expenses.
• The exclusions: Make sure you understand the exclusions, which are the types of medical expenses that are not covered by the plan.

Is there BC government employee travel insurance?

British Columbia government employees are eligible for group out-of-country and travel assistance coverage through Canada Life. This coverage includes:

• Emergency medical and dental services
• Emergency transportation
• Travel delay reimbursement
• Baggage loss or damage
• Trip cancellation or interruption

Employees can also purchase an optional emergency travel medical benefit, which provides additional coverage for medical expenses that occur during trips that begin and end in Canada. In addition to group coverage, BC government employees may also want to consider purchasing individual travel insurance. This can provide additional coverage for things like:

• Cancelling or postponing a trip due to a non-medical reason
• Lost or stolen passports or travel documents
• Trip interruption due to weather or other events
• Medical evacuation

If you'd like to explore policies that cover you beyond your government employee benefits or if you'd like to look for a policy with comprehensive coverage, you can do it right here. You can use the HelloSafe comparator below and get free personalised quotes from the best travel insurance providers.

5 tips to get cheap travel insurance BC plan

• Compare Quotes: Shop around and compare prices from different insurers. Use the HelloSafe comparator and get free quotes in seconds.
• Choose Basic Coverage: Opt for essential coverage that matches your trip needs.
• Travel Off-Peak: Plan your trip during less busy travel seasons for lower rates.
• Bundle with Existing Policies: Check if your existing insurance provider offers discounts for travel insurance.
• Increase Deductibles: Consider higher deductibles to lower premium costs.

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Travel & Lifestyle Insurance

Get personalized solutions to protect you from financial loss in the event of death or total and permanent disability.

Travel and Lifestyle Insurance for Every Need

Protect yourself and your loved ones from unforeseen circumstances and enjoy your travels and lifestyle to the fullest with the right insurance coverage. Explore the variety of coverage options available below:

Emergency Medical Insurance

Whether you’re taking a brief trip south of the border or a series of trips over the course of the year, we offer various travel insurance products that will provide you with peace of mind.

Visitors to Canada Insurance

Arriving in a new country can be quite stressful. We have partnered with Canada’s leading travel insurance company to offer a Visitors-to-Canada insurance to ensure your stay in BC is worry-free.

Sports Equipment Insurance

As a first insurance broker for sports equipment insurance in BC, we provide the insurance coverage to protect the equipment you care about most.

Special Events Insurance

Special events insurance is available to all BC residents and can be purchased in order to protect your event from disastrous circumstances that are beyond your control.

Boat Insurance

If you’re out on the water you know the importance of protecting your watercraft. Protect yours with boat insurance from InsureBC.

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Travel Insurance

An important part of travel medical insurance is pre-existing condition coverage.  In order to make sure that you are covered for any illness that worsens and requires medical attention while you are away from BC, you will want to make sure that you understand any limitations of coverage regarding pre-existing conditions, since not all travel insurance policies cover these.  Please talk to one of our brokers about your specific situation, so that we can help you find the most suitable coverage for you. To download some helpful information from our travel insurance provider TUGO , please follow the links below: Travel Medical Features & Benefits  (for Canadians) Trip Cancellation/Interruption Features & Benefits Traveller Brochure Traveller Checklist Travel Medical Health Questionnaire (For BC Travellers over 60+) TUGO Traveller Wordings (Feb 2024) Visitors to Canada Features & Benefits Visitors to Canada Brochure Visitors to Canada Medical Health Questionnaire (For non-residents over 60+) Claim Example #1 - Travelling Abroad Claim Example #2 - Travelling within Canada (outside BC) Claim Example #3 - Visitors to Canada Claim Example #4 - Trip Cancellation/Interruption Claim Example #5 - Sports & Activities Coverage

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Is it safe to visit Mexico? What Canadians must know about the updated 2024 travel advisory

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It might be the third-most-visited destination for Canadians after the United States, but Mexico isn't considered a low-risk country for travellers. 

The Canadian government continues to advise tourists to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Mexico, highlighting the country's "high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping." 

In November 2023, the United Nations stated that over 100,000 people are  currently missing in Mexico , characterizing the mass disappearances as "alarming," according to Reuters.

In December 2023, the Mexican government released the findings of their Disappeared Persons Search Strategy, revealing the scope of missing people in the country. However, the document "ambiguously" categorized roughly 80,000 individuals "due to the lack of sufficient data ," said Amnesty International. 

Other violent crimes, including armed burglaries and physical and sexual assault, are common in many places. Many robberies happen at airports, currency exchange bureaus, or ATMs.

Petty theft, including purse and bag snatching, is also common, particularly in popular tourist areas or during crowded festivals or protests.

Updated Mexico travel advisory for Canada in 2024

Canadian travellers do not require a visa to visit Mexico but their passport must be valid for their stay in the country. It is always a good idea to ensure your passport is valid for six months after you return home from travel. If you become ill or injured while in your destination, you may not be able to travel home. Having a buffer for your travel document before it expires ensures you won't have trouble coming home. 

In 2022, Canada and its neighbours south of the border issued updated  advisories for parts of Mexico  due to violent crime, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. 

There continue to be high rates of these types of crime in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum), and Acapulco. Criminal groups and drug cartels are also present in tourist areas and bystanders can get caught in crossfire.

Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur in these popular tourist destinations. Drivers generally don't target tourists but you "be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured."

In Mexico City, government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B." Other taxis at stands will have their company's logo and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.

Buses are relatively safe in the capital city but you should use VIP or executive class transportation when travelling to other cities.

Avoid all travel to the Guerrero State 

Canada continues to advise against any travel to the Guerrero State due to the aftermath of  Hurricane Otis . The area has grappled with increased criminal and gang activity following the natural disaster. 

The cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco are excluded from the advisory. 

Avoid non-essential travel to these areas in Mexico

The Canadian government warns against non-essential travel to the following areas due to high levels of violence of violence and organized crime

• all Chihuahua
• all Colima, except the city of Manzanillo
• all Coahuila, except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor
• all Durango, except Durango City
• Highway 45 between León and Irapuato
• the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya
• all Michoacán, except the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
• the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
• the municipality of Xoxocotla
• the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango
• the city of Tepic
• all Nuevo León, except the city of Monterrey
• all Sinaloa, except the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• all Sonora, except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• all Tamaulipas
• all Zacatecas

What happens if you are caught committing a crime in Mexico?

If you are caught committing a crime, even a "minor" one such as smoking outside a public building or public urination, you could be detained. 

Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada. Travellers can be held in pre-trial detention for 72 hours before a trial.

Paying a fine may secure an early release from detention but is not guaranteed.

Smoking is prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. Some places tourists can no longer smoke include beaches, parks, hotels, and restaurants. If you are caught  smoking in public,  you may be fined.

What to do if you need help while you are in Mexico 

In case of an emergency in Mexico, dial 911. 

Contact roadside assistance if you run into an issue on a highway. The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. 

To contact the Angeles Verdes,  download their App  on your mobile device. In an emergency, dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.

Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 001-800-514-0129 (toll-free from Mexico only), +1 613 996 8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658, via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881, via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad or by  e-mail . 

Visit a  travel medical clinic  before you book a ticket from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The healthcare professionals will inform you about what vaccinations you require and what you can expect on your trip. There are risks of contracting several viruses spread by mosquitoes including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

Travellers should always check the latest government advisory before booking a ticket from Vancouver to Mexico. They should also purchase a  comprehensive travel insurance policy  when they book their ticket, which will cover the cost of your ticket in case you can't leave due to an unforeseeable medical or other emergency reason. It will also cover incidents such as missed connections, baggage interruption and loss, and more. 

Canadians should always register trips they take  online  before they leave so that the government can contact them in an emergency.

Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up for  V.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer . Since travel deals can sell out, find out the day they are posted by signing up for our  daily Travel Deals newsletter.

Want to learn more about a specific destination or have a travel concern or idea you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at elana@vancouverisawesome. Send us stories about recent holidays that you've been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about. 

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Find a plan, advice center, common questions, travel medical insurance.

Emergency Medical coverage for British Columbians travelling outside BC.

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The Government of Canada has issued an official global advisory to avoid non-essential travel (Level 3) outside of the country to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, coverage related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) will be affected:

Travel Medical Insurance For trips that depart on or after March 13, 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) related illness will not be covered unless you are fully vaccinated. You can learn more about how Government travel advisories impact coverage in our Travel Insurance FAQs .

Trip Protection Insurance (Cancellations/Interruptions) Effective March 12, 2020, we are considering Coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a known event for individually purchased Trip Protection. Travel insurance is intended to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. Any claims resulting from events known to a policyholder at time purchasing the trip are not covered.

These conditions will remain in effect until the advisory is lifted or otherwise stated by Pacific Blue Cross.

We want you to enjoy your trip...

You're going to relax, have a good time, unwind… but before you leave do the one thing that could save you thousands or millions of dollars. Buy travel insurance.

It would be nice if you could guarantee good health and a safe trip, but in our world today, we know life, and certainly travel, are not predictable. When we travel in an unknown environment, we face risk from all angles. Don't stop exploring; just protect yourself from the unexpected — our travel plans can help you do that.

Who do we cover?

You're eligible for travel coverage if:

• You are a resident of Canada
• You have coverage with the government health plan of your province or territory
• You are applying for coverage prior to departing

We provide travel coverage to people of any age. However, persons 61 and older may be required to complete a Health Declaration form as part of their application.

If you're a visitor to Canada and want to apply for health coverage while in BC, you may be eligible for our Visitors to Canada plan.

Pacific Blue Cross travel plans are known everywhere you want to go. Whether you're looking for $10 million travel health coverage or a comprehensive package that includes baggage and trip cancellation, single or multiple trips– we have a solution for you!

What coverage is available?

Our basic travel plan covers costs related to emergency medical care resulting from an accident or sudden illness. Additional coverage is also available for trip cancellation or interruption, air flight accident, emergency return, as well as baggage loss, delay or damage.

All of our plans include:

• 24/7 access   to a team of professionals to connect you with local resources.
• Direct Pay—We will pay any providers directly.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions—As long as your pre-existing condition meets a minimum stability period you can receive full protection.

Plan Highlights:

Basic plan coverage.

Our base plan covers the following costs for emergency medical care to a maximum of 10 million dollars:

• Emergency medical expenses:   This includes any hospital fees (for a private or semi-private room), nursing fees, drug costs, incidental hospital expenses (television, parking etc), the cost of medical appliances (crutches, canes, wheelchairs), physician and professional fees, diagnostic services (lab tests, xrays), and emergency dental care. F r ee fo r Kids! Only Pacific Blue Cross covers kids of all families for free when you buy travel medical insurance – whether its for one parent or two.
• Repatriation costs:   In addition to paying for you to return to your province or residence to receive immediate medical attention*, we will arrange to have your vehicle returned, your pet returned and your baggage returned. Should an insured person pass away, we cover the cost of repatriating the deceased.
• Medical Follow-up in Canada:   We cover select treatment costs following repatriation.
• Ambulance and taxi fees:   We will pay for the cost to transport a sick or injured person to the nearest Hospital or accredited medical facility.
• Transportation to visit the covered person:   We will cover the cost of round trip, economy class transportation for a family member or friend to visit a sick or injured person in hospital. We also cover the expenses of this visitor while he/she is staying close by up to $300 per day to a maximum of $1,200.
• Subsistence allowance:   We will reimburse you up to $300/day to a maximum of $3000 for accommodation, meals, essential phone calls and transportation by taxi if your return is delayed due to illness or injury.

*Requires the authorization of the attending physician and CanAssistance.

Additional Coverage Options

You can add the following individual benefits to your plan or choose a package and save:

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption:   We will reimburse your travel costs if your trip is cancelled before the planned departure or interrupted after your trip has begun.
• Air Flight Accident:   We insure you if you lose your life or the use of a limb in an air flight accident.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment:   We insure you if you lose your life or the use of a limb in a non-air flight-related accident.
• Emergency Return:   We will cover transportation expenses for you to return home and possibly back to the holiday destination in the event of an emergency.
• Baggage loss, delay or damage:   We provide payment to cover the cost of lost baggage or the cost to purchase items while baggage is delayed.

This is not a policy. Actual terms and conditions are detailed in the policy issued by Pacific Blue Cross upon approval of application. Our policy will detail plan limitations and exclusions.

Call us if an emergency strikes

Medi-Assist is our 24/7 medical travel assistance line that will help you locate medical care, provide advisory services, refer you to interpreters, assist with transportation, contact relatives and more. It means you can focus on getting healthy and leave it to us to manage your care while in an unfamiliar environment.

If you do experience an unexpected emergency while travelling, we are here to help.

During your trip, you can call our   Medi-Assist   service to determine your level of coverage and receive help:

• In Canada or the U.S., call toll-free:   1-888-699-9333
• Outside of Canada or the U.S. or where toll-free is unavailable, please call collect to   1-604-419-4487   and we will pay for the call.

Claims Process

Out-of-Province Emergency Medical Claims  — Four simple steps

Trip Cancellation / Baggage Claim Form   — Form for claiming Trip Cancellations or Lost Baggage [pdf]

Visitors to Canada Travel Plan Claim Form   — Form for claiming against a Visitors to Canada Travel Plan contract [pdf]

Choose one of our Travel Insurance plans below to get started

Travel Medical

Emergency medical coverage for British Columbians while travelling outside of BC.

Visitors to Canada

Emergency health coverage for tourists, workers, new immigrants and students visiting BC.

Trip Protection

Peace of mind coverage for travel costs related to unexpected cancellations, interruptions and delays.