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Scotia Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Jan 8, 2024, 1:17pm

Scotia Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage in the event of a medical or travel emergency. And if you’re worried about testing positive for COVID while travelling, the COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan has you covered. There’s also robust travel assistance services, including a mobile assistance app and medical concierge. If you have any pre-existing conditions, the Individual Medical Underwriting Plan can help you get the coverage you need. While the cost is comparable to other plans, Scotia Travel Insurance offers a lot of value, unless you live in Quebec, as travel insurance is not currently offered there.

• Comprehensive coverage
• Robust travel assistance services
• TravelAid mobile assistance app
• Individual Medical Underwriting Plan
• Not available for Quebec residents
• Not able to customize coverage
• No plan upgrades or add-ons
• No CFAR coverage

Table of Contents

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The Bank of Nova Scotia, now operating as Scotiabank, became the first chartered bank in Canada in 1832. With assets of over $1.4 trillion as of October 2023, Scotiabank is one of Canada’s Big Six Banks. Scotiabank offers personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets services.

Scotia Travel Insurance, distributed by the BNS Insurance Agency Inc., is underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife) and First North American Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife. Manulife has appointed Active Claims Management Inc. (operating as Active Care Management) as the provider of all assistance and claims services.

Scotia Travel Insurance is currently not available for Quebec residents.

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered in Scotia Travel Insurance plans:

• Emergency medical insurance: If you get ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the coverage limits in your plan. These expenses can include doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work, as well as medical evacuations, repatriation and arranging for a bedside companion if you are hospitalized.
• Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel a trip for a reason listed in your travel policy, such as you or your travelling companion becoming ill, weather conditions cause a massive delay or you lose your job, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
• Travel interruption or delay insurance: Trip interruption insurance can pay for a last-minute flight home in an emergency and reimburse money that you lose by cutting a trip short due to a covered reason, including non-refundable activities and hotel stays. If your flight is delayed , your insurance can cover the cost of incidentals, such as meals or accommodations, after a specified period of time, such as six, 10 or 12 hours.
• Baggage insurance: Baggage travel insurance can compensate you up to your policy limits if your luggage is lost or stolen. It will reimburse the depreciated value of your suitcases and what you packed. If your bags are delayed, it can reimburse you for the cost of the necessities you’ll have to buy to tide you over. It also extends to your personal belongings, if they are lost, damaged or stolen.
• Travel accident insurance. This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from an accident during your trip. Flight Accident Insurance covers injury while you’re on a commercial plane, during a connection or in an airport. Travel Accident Insurance covers death or dismemberment, including the loss of limbs or eyesight, while in transit during your trip.

Scotia Travel Insurance offers three core plans for travelling outside of Canada, as well as a COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan.

All Inclusive: This is the most comprehensive plan offered by Scotia Travel Insurance. It includes coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies, trip cancellation and interruption, flight and travel accident coverage, and baggage loss, damage and delay insurance.

Emergency medical treatment includes:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room and/or treatment expenses in an intensive care unit or coronary care unit
• Treatment by a physician
• Private duty nursing
• Rental or purchase of a hospital bed, wheelchair, brace, crutch or other medical appliance
• X-rays and other diagnostic tests
• Prescription drugs
• Paramedical services, such as care from a chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropodist or podiatrist, up to $70 per visit, maximum $700 per injury
• Ambulance transportation
• Emergency dental due to a blow to the face, up to $3,000 (up to $1,500 during your trip and up to $1,500 when you return home)
• Emergency dental due to pain, up to $300

Medical benefits also include coverage to bring someone to your bedside, expenses for meals, hotel accommodations and associated expenses if you are hospitalized and/or if a medical delay prevents you from returning home, repatriation expenses and return of your remains if you die.

Emergency Medical: If you’re only worried about medical emergencies while travelling, this benefit offers all of the medical coverage listed above.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption: This coverage option reimburses you for insured non-refundable travel expenses (such as hotels or prepaid excursions) if you have to cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip due to a covered reason. This benefit also includes baggage loss, damage and delay coverage, flight and travel accident coverage, and provides a specific benefit for a missed connection.

COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan: This plan helps protect you from unexpected emergency medical expenses and includes additional benefits for COVID-19-related expenses. Specifically, this plan pays up to $5 million for non-COVID-19-related claims and up to $5 million for COVID-19-related expenses if you are fully vaccinated, and up to $1 million if you are not. There are also interruption benefits if you need to self-isolate or quarantine.

We’ve highlighted the key benefits of Scotia Travel Insurance for the three core single trip plans to help you identify which coverage is the best fit for you.

The price of a Scotia Travel Insurance plan depends on factors such as the cost of your trip, your age, your answers to a medical questionnaire, if required, and the amount of coverage you choose.

You can reduce your premium cost by choosing a $500, $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 deductible, or the amount you pay out before coverage kicks in, for the emergency medical insurance.

Here’s how each deductible option impacts your premium:

Scotia Travel Insurance offers the following coverage options:

• Companion, defined as two travellers travelling together
• Family coverage, defined as up to four adults under the age of 60 (parents and/or grandparents) and their dependent children travelling together

Here are some examples of the cost for Scotia Travel Insurance single trip plans for healthy travellers based in Ontario assuming a $0 deductible:

When you start the quote process, you are asked if you are new to Scotiabank or an existing Scotiabank customer. Depending on your answer, you will continue your quote on the Scotiabank web interface or the Scotia Insurance (BNS Insurance Agency) interface. However, using the above sample quote of the solo traveller visiting the UK, the premium costs are the same, as are the insurance policies.

CIBC Travel Insurance

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $2,000

Related: CIBC Travel Insurance Review

BMO Travel Insurance

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $750

Related: BMO Travel Insurance Review

RBC Insurance

Emergency medical: Unlimited Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: RBC Insurance Travel Insurance

Scotia does not offer additional add-ons, endorsements or upgrades for its travel insurance.

Yes, Scotia offers the Travel Companion Savings discount. When a travel companion also purchases any Scotia Travel Emergency Medical Plan, the premium is reduced by 5% for each traveller.

Yes. You can buy multi-trip annual insurance if you travel more than once a year for multiple individual trips. Scotia offers a Multi-Trip Emergency Medical plan for four, 10, 18, 30 or 60 days, or a Multi-Trip All Inclusive Plan for four, 10, 18 or 30 days.

Worldwide emergency travel assistance is available 24/7 by calling the Active Care Management Assistance Centre, Scotia’s appointed claims and assistance provider.

You can also get immediate access to the Assistance Centre via the TravelAid mobile app that includes features such as:

• Medical facility search by GPS
• International 911 lookup
• Travel tips
• Starting your claim process
• A direct link for immediate 24/7 medical assistance

When you have a travel emergency, depending on your coverage, the following support may be available:

• Verifying and explaining coverage
• Referral to a physician, hospital or other health-care provider
• Monitoring your medical emergency and keeping your family informed
• Arranging for return transportation home when medically necessary
• Arranging of direct billing of covered expenses (where possible)
• Assistance with lost, stolen or delayed baggage
• Assistance in obtaining emergency cash
• Translation and interpreter services in a medical emergency
• Emergency message services
• Help to replace lost or stolen airline tickets
• Assistance with obtaining prescription drugs
• Assistance in obtaining legal help or bail bond

The Assistance Centre also provides the following pre-trip services:

• Passport and travel visa information
• Health hazards advisory
• Weather information
• Currency exchange information
• Consulate and embassy locations

You must contact the Assistance Centre before receiving medical treatment or you may have to pay 20% of the eligible medical expenses. If you are unable to call, you must get someone to call on your behalf. For other insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation or interruption, you must call within 48 hours.

The insurer notes that if you choose to pay eligible expenses directly to a medical provider before prior approval, the reimbursement amount will be based on the “reasonable and customary” charges that the insurer would have paid directly to the provider. You will be responsible for any difference.

Scotia Travel Insurance also offers StandbyMD, a medical concierge service that provides telephone access to a physician who can assess your symptoms and provide treatment options, as well as house-call visits in 86 countries and 4,000 cities. In addition, when you travel to the US, StandbyMD offers the following services:

• Same-day coordination and delivery of lost or forgotten prescription maintenance medication, eye glasses, contact lenses and medical supplies
• Referral to medical specialists, chiropractors, dentists, walk-in clinics, urgent care centres or more than 50,000 hospitals for evaluation and treatment
• Physician co-ordination to an emergency room and, whenever possible in select cities, will “fast track” you through the emergency room

In general, a pre-existing condition is defined as any sickness, injury or medical condition that existed before the start of your coverage, whether or not diagnosed by a physician, that you showed signs or symptoms of or received medical attention for.

With a Scotia Travel Insurance policy, any pre-existing conditions must be stable for three or six months, depending on your age and health status, before the start of your policy to be eligible for coverage.

According to Scotia, a medical condition is considered stable when all of the following are true:

• There has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or changes to the existing treatment, including a stoppage in treatment.
• There has not been any change in medication, or any recommendation or starting of a new prescription drug.
• The medical condition has not become worse.
• There has not been any new, more frequent or more severe symptoms.
• There has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist.
• There have not been any tests, investigation or treatment recommended, but not yet complete, nor any outstanding test results.
• There is no planned or pending treatment.

Travellers aged 59 and under are not required to complete a health questionnaire and are automatically assigned a Rate Category A.

Travellers aged 60 or over are required to complete a health questionnaire to determine your eligibility and rate category, either B or C.

Your rate category determines the period of the stability requirement for coverage of any pre-existing medical condition(s).

For policyholders assigned a Rate Category A, Scotia will not pay any expenses related to:

• Any pre-existing condition that is not stable in the three months before your coverage begins
• Any heart condition that has not been stable in the three months before your coverage begins or you’ve taken any form of nitroglycerin for angina pain
• Any lung condition that has not been stable in the three months before your coverage begins or you’ve required treatment with oxygen or prednisone

For policyholders assigned a Rate Category B or C, Scotia will not pay any expenses related to:

• Any pre-existing condition that is not stable in the six months before your coverage begins
• Any heart condition that has not been stable in the six months before your coverage begins or you’ve taken any form of nitroglycerin for angina pain
• Any lung condition that has not been stable in the six months before your coverage begins or you’ve required treatment with oxygen or prednisone

Scotia Travel Insurance also offers an Individual Medical Underwriting Plan for travellers of any age who would like their pre-existing medical conditions covered with no stability requirements. When you call and speak to an insurance representative, you will need to answer questions regarding your medical condition(s). The cost will vary according to your health needs and circumstances. If you do not answer all questions truthfully and accurately, in the event of a claim, you may not be eligible for coverage.

In addition to pre-existing condition exclusions, there are a number of scenarios not covered by travel insurance and it’s critical to know what not to do before you make a claim. The following are general exclusions to coverages provided by Scotia Travel Insurance:

• Covered expenses that exceed the “reasonable and customary” charges where the medical emergency happens
• Diagnostic tests, including MRIs, CAT scans, ultrasounds, biopsies, or any surgery (with exceptions) that are not approved in advance
• Any non-emergency, investigative or elective surgery, such as cosmetic surgery, chronic care or rehabilitation
• Continued treatment once your medical emergency has ended
• An emergency resulting from mountain climbing requiring specialized equipment, rock climbing, parachuting, skydiving, hang-gliding or any other air-supported sporting device, participating in a motorized speed contest, your professional participation in a sport, snorkeling or scuba-diving when that sport, snorkelling or scuba-diving is your principal paid occupation
• Self-inflicted injuries, unless the injuries are related to a mental health illness
• Committing or attempting to commit a criminal act
• Non-compliance with recommended or prescribed therapy or treatment
• Any loss, injury or death related to intoxication, the misuse, abuse, overdose or chemical dependence on medication, drugs, alcohol or other intoxicant
• Any loss resulting from a minor mental or emotional disorder
• Your routine prenatal care, pregnancy, childbirth or complications from either in the nine weeks before or after your expected due date, or a child born on the trip
• For insured children under the age of two, any medical condition related to a birth defect
• Any emergency that occurs or recurs after you’ve been advised to return home and you chose not to
• Death or injury sustained while piloting an aircraft, learning to pilot an aircraft or acting as a member of the crew
• Any act of terrorism or medical condition sustained in a country, region or city with a Government of Canada Level 3 (avoid all non-essential travel) or Level 4 (avoid all travel) is in effect before your coverage began
• Any act of war, noting that limited coverage exists with respect to an act of terrorism

There may be additional exclusions specifically for medical, trip cancellation/interruption/delay and baggage coverage.

To be eligible for Scotia Travel Insurance you must be:

• A resident of Canada and covered under a government health insurance plan
• At least 30 days old

In addition, the following makes you ineligible for Scotia Travel Insurance:

• Your physician has advised you not to travel at this time.
• You have a terminal illness or metastatic cancer.
• You require kidney dialysis.
• You have used or been prescribed home oxygen in the last 12 months.
• You have had a bone marrow, stem cell or organ transplant (with an exception for corneal transplants).

You can file a claim 24/7 by visiting the TravelAid mobile app, online at the Active Care Management claims portal (the insurer’s assistance and claims service provider), by email or by phone.

Claims must be reported within 30 days of the occurrence and you must submit your proof of claim within 90 days of the claim or the service provided. Your reimbursement will be paid out within 60 days, after your proof of claim and all documentation has been received. Completed claims forms and required documents can be submitted online, by email or by mail.

If you are making an emergency medical claim, documentation may include (but is not limited to):

• Original itemized receipts for all bills and invoices
• Proof of payment by you and any other benefits plan
• Medical records, including complete diagnosis by the attending physician or documentation by the hospital that must support that the treatment was medically necessary
• Proof of the accident if you are submitting a dental claim
• Proof of travel
• Your historical medical records, if required

For a trip cancellation/trip interruption/trip delay claim, you may be asked to provide:

• A medical certificate completed by the attending physician and stating why travel was not possible as booked, if the claim was for medical reasons
• A report from the police or other responsible authority documenting the reason for the delay if your claims is due to a misconnection
• Complete original unused transportation tickets and vouchers
• Original passenger receipts for the new tickets you had to purchase
• Original receipts for the travel arrangements you had paid in advance, and for the extra hotel, meal, telephone and taxi expenses you may have had
• The entire medical file of any person whose health or medical condition is the reason for your claim
• Any other invoice or receipt supporting your claim

If you are making a baggage insurance and personal effects claim, you may need to provide:

• In the event of theft, burglary, robbery, malicious mischief, disappearance or loss of an item covered under this insurance, you must obtain written documented evidence from the police, or if the police are unavailable, the hotel manager, tour guide or transportation authorities as proof of loss, damage or delay
• Damaged items for appraisal as the insurer covers the actual cash value of your property when it is damaged
• Proof that you owned the items and receipts for their replacement

If you are making an accident insurance claim, you may need to provide:

• A police, autopsy or coroner’s report
• Medical records
• A death certificate

Scotia Travel Insurance FAQs

Does scotia travel insurance pay for medical costs upfront.

According to the company, “The Assistance Centre has existing relations with certain medical providers all over the world to ensure medical emergency situations are handled as smoothly as possible. Our Assistance Centre will communicate with your medical provider, arrange direct billing where possible and coordinate payment of the emergency service received.”

Does Scotia Travel Insurance offer coverage extensions?

Yes. Your coverage is automatically extended for up to 72 hours if your return home is delayed due to a transportation issue. If you or your travelling companion are hospitalized, your coverage is extended for the period of hospitalization, plus up to five days after discharge. If you or your travelling companion are too sick to travel on your return date but do not require hospitalization, your coverage is automatically extended for up to five days.

If you want to stay longer on your trip, you can extend your coverage if you apply before the expiry date of your policy as long as there has been no event that has resulted or may result in a claim, and there has been no change to your health.

Does Scotia Travel Insurance require a medical questionnaire?

Yes. Travellers aged 60 or over are required to complete a health questionnaire to determine your eligibility and rate category.

Does Scotia Travel Insurance have any age restrictions?

Yes. You must be a minimum of 30 days old and no maximum age.

When does my coverage with Scotia Travel Insurance begin?

In general, if you purchase cancellation coverage, it begins the day you buy your policy and ends the day when you make a claim or leave on your trip. Your medical and interruption coverage, if purchased, begins when you leave home. Your delay coverage begins once an insured risk prevents you from returning home as scheduled.

Does Scotia Travel Insurance offer a free look period?

Yes. You have 10 days after purchase to review and return the certificate for a full refund, as long as you have not left on your trip and a claim has not been incurred.

Can I get a refund with Scotia Travel Insurance?

Refunds and cancellations are not available for any all inclusive plans, the Trip Cancellation/Interruption plan or the Multi-trip Emergency Medical plan.

If you’ve purchased an Emergency Medical plan, you can cancel your insurance prior to leaving on your trip. If you return home early, you can cancel your remaining coverage (less a $25 fee) provided:

• There has been no claim reported or initiated.
• You have not been provided with any assistance services.
• You have mailed your written request with proof of your return home.

Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

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If you have a general question or inquiry about your travel insurance policy, contact the Scotia Insurance call centre at 1-877-421-0157, which is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm (ET).

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How do I make a claim because my trip had to be cancelled or was interrupted because of COVID-19?

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What expenses are eligible for trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance?

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Before you embark on a vacation, business trip, or day's adventure across the border, be sure you are prepared with the proper documentation.

Once you have chosen your destination, the next question is "what should I pack?"

While travelling, your baggage contains everything you need. Naturally, if your bag is missing, stolen or damaged, it can cause you serious distress.

Frequently asked questions

Can coverage be extended during my time abroad.

If you already have coverage, simply call Customer Service. You may be able to extend your coverage, as long as:

a. your period of coverage does not extend beyond 365 days;

b. you remain eligible for insurance under this plan;

c. we have received the extension requests prior to the expiry date of your existing certificate issued by us; and

d. there has been no change between single or family coverage.

For certificate extensions, no losses or expenses or benefits will be paid for any illness or injury which first appeared, whether diagnosed or not, or for which treatment may or may not have been received, prior to the effective date of the extension of coverage under this certificate.  If you have a medical condition or pending claim, approval of the extension is subject to the approval.

Hospital and medical bills can easily run into thousands of dollars. Would I need to pay up front if I had an accident while travelling?

As outlined under your plan, it is essential that you contact our Assistance Centre prior to receiving medical treatment. The Assistance Centre has existing relationships with certain medical providers all over the world to help ensure emergency situations are handled as smoothly as possible. Our Assistance Centre will communicate with your medical provider, arrange direct billing where possible and coordinate payment for the emergency service received.

What is the maximum number of coverage days under this certificate?

Under this certificate, the maximum number of coverage days is 365 days. Upon expiry of a certificate that has been in effect for 365 days (366 days in a leap year), you may purchase another student certificate for the following term if you are eligible for coverage.

Why do I have to call the Assistance Centre prior to receiving any medical treatment?

The Assistance Centre will explain coverage, monitor care, pre-approve treatment and confirm enrolment to the service provider and explain the coverage to healthcare providers to help ensure that medical services are provided in accordance with the benefits of your certificate.

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I'm a financial planner, and I'd recommend annual travel insurance to anyone who loves to travel abroad

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• Frequent and spontaneous travelers will likely benefit from annual travel insurance policies.
• Your credit card may come with some travel protections, but it may not be enough.
• When choosing a policy, look at what it covers, not just what's cheapest.

Summer is just a few months away — and if you're planning a vacation this year, the last thing you want is an unexpected event to derail your plans (and cost you hundreds).

Flights get delayed or canceled constantly. Luggage disappears into the ether. Medical emergencies occur in remote destinations. Yet many jetsetters simply cross their fingers and hope for the best rather than prepare for the worst.

That's why, as a financial planner, I believe it's crucial to consider protecting your trips with the right insurance coverage. One option often overlooked, particularly by frequent travelers, is annual travel insurance .

Annual travel insurance covers all your trips within 365 days. Unlike stand-alone travel insurance, which only covers you for a specific trip, an annual policy covers any trips you take within the year.

That's why I tell clients who travel frequently that an annual policy is a good choice for their needs. By opting for an annual plan, you don't have to go through the hassle of booking multiple policies and potentially save money compared to purchasing individual trip coverage. Here's how it works.

What to look for in a policy

While specifics may vary depending on the insurer and plan tier, most include the following key benefits:

• Trip cancellations or interruptions: You may be able to get reimbursed for expenses (even nonrefundable ones!) related to an illness, injury, or natural disaster that forced you to cancel or cut your trip short.
• Emergency medical and dental care: If you fall ill or get injured while traveling, your insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment.
• Emergency evacuation: In a serious medical emergency or security situation, your policy will arrange and pay for transportation to a hospital or back to your home country.
• Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage: If your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged during your trip, you can get financial coverage for essential items while you wait for your stuff to be recovered or replaced.
• Trip delays and missed connections: When your travel plans are disrupted due to issues like mechanical problems or severe weather, you may get reimbursement for additional expenses incurred, like meals, lodging, and transportation.

It's important to note that annual travel insurance plans have limitations. Certain high-risk activities, pre-existing medical conditions, and travel to specific regions may be restricted or require additional coverage.

Some travelers may assume that their credit card's built-in travel protections are enough. While many travel rewards credit cards offer perks like rental car insurance, trip cancellation, and baggage reimbursement, the coverage limits are often much lower than a dedicated annual travel insurance plan.

Credit card coverage for emergency medical care is also particularly limited — capped at a few thousand dollars — which may not be enough in the face of a major international medical emergency.

How much travel justifies an annual plan?

For the occasional traveler who takes one or two trips a year, single-trip policies will probably work for you. But if you fall into any of these buckets, you may want to consider an annual policy:

• Regular international travelers (three or more trips abroad yearly)
• Road warriors frequently away for work
• Adventurers engaging in high-risk activities like heli-skiing, scuba diving, or mountain climbing
• Cruisers and tour group travelers
• Students or retirees taking extended trips throughout the year
• Those visiting developing countries with limited medical care

Annual plans cover all of your trips within a 365-day period after purchasing. They're basically a bundle of multiple policies into one package deal. This means you only have to buy one policy to manage, locking in your coverage for the year.

How to decide if an annual policy makes sense for you

Start by reviewing your travel plans this year — and your risk tolerance. Calculate how much buying individual travel insurance policies would cost you over the next year and compare it to the price of an annual plan.

Don't just focus on the premium — carefully evaluate coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles to ensure you have enough protection for your needs.

An annual policy gives you the flexibility to take spontaneous trips without the hassle of obtaining last-minute insurance. More importantly, it provides peace of mind, knowing that you're covered for a wide range of travel disruptions and emergencies.

As the busy summer travel season ramps up, definitely explore protecting your trips with insurance, especially if you're jetting off internationally. Spending hours on the phone trying to rebook canceled flights or worrying about affording an overseas medical emergency is no way to vacation.

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Resolving complaints.

We are dedicated to ensuring that every effort is made to resolve your concerns about insurance products and services offered by Scotia Insurance. 

A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction about your insurance product or the services provided in connection with your insurance product that persists after being considered and examined at the operational level capable of making a decision on the matter. It does not include a pure request for information. 

Please follow the Scotia Home & Auto Insurance Complaint Procedures through link: https://home-auto.scotiainsurance.com/complaints-procedures

A record of your complaint will be maintained and updated through the complaint examination and resolution process and will be retained for the period required by law. For Quebec customers, your complaint will be registered and you will receive a notice of the registration of your complaint.

Scotia Insurance is a registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license by BNS Insurance Agency Inc. (“BNSIA”). Scotia Home & Auto Insurance is arranged for by BNSIA. 

Home and auto policies are underwritten by Belair Insurance Company Inc., and services are provided by belairdirect Agency Inc. except in the province of Quebec where the services are provided by Belair Insurance Company Inc. (collectively “belairdirect”). We offer car insurance and home insurance in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island and home insurance only in British Columbia.

®belairdirect is a registered trademark of Belair Insurance Company used under licence. 

• SINGLE TRIP EMERGENCY MEDICAL 1 of 5
• SINGLE TRIP ALL INCLUSIVE 2 of 5
• SINGLE TRIP CANADIAN TRAVEL EMERGENCY MEDICAL 3 of 5
• TRIP CANCELLATION / INTERRUPTION 4 of 5
• COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRAVEL PLAN 5 of 5
• MULTI TRIP EMERGENCY MEDICAL 1 of 2
• MULTI TRIP ALL INCLUSIVE 2 of 2
• EMERGENCY MEDICAL TOP-UP 1 of 1
• EMERGENCY MEDICAL PLAN 1 of 1
• CANADIAN STUDYING IN CANADA OUTSIDE THE HOME PROVINCE 1 of 3
• INTERNATIONAL STUDENT STUDYING IN CANADA 2 of 3
• CANADIAN STUDYING OUTSIDE CANADA 3 of 3

Single Trip COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan Insurance for Canadians

Plan overview.

Emergency Medical benefits up to $5,000,000 for non COVID-19 related claims or up to $1,000,000 for COVID-19 related expenses for:

• Emergency treatment
• Paramedical services
• Ambulance transportation
• Emergency dental treatment
• Emergency medical evacuation home
• Repatriation of bodily remains
• Bringing someone to your bedside
• Return home of children in the care of the insured
• Return home of travel companion
• Additional expenses for meals and hotel
• Return home of vehicle
• Hospital allowance
• Return of excess baggage
• Phone call expenses
• Terrorism coverage

Note: You are eligible for $5 Million CAD coverage if you have received the full course of immunization for Coronavirus (COVID-19) that is authorized by Health Canada. It must be taken according to manufacturer’s recommendation before your effective date. You must also wait the applicable period of time for it to become fully effective based on the manufacturer's recommendation, or as dictated by the applicable health authority, before your departure date.

Interruption benefits include :

• up to $200 per insured person per day for your additional and unplanned commercial hotel and meal expenses to a maximum of $2,800 if you are unexpectedly required to self-isolate or quarantine. Family coverage maximum is $400 per insured family per day to a maximum of $5,600.

Important information about cruise travel: If you have not received the vaccine, this policy does not provide any coverage for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and related complications on a cruise or at any destination included in your cruise itinerary.

Exception: For children 11 years old or younger who are not eligible to receive the vaccine, Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage will be provided when travelling with at least one parent or guardian on the same cruise booking who has received the vaccine.

We will not pay any expenses related to the cost of and any expenses for a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test that is mandated by any body with appropriate authority (such as a government or a transportation service) for entry into or exit from a country/jurisdiction or to use its services.

Eligibility

To be eligible for insurance under this policy, an applicant must be a resident of Canada and covered under a Canadian, provincial or territorial government health insurance plan.

Applicants age 60 or over need to complete the Medical Questionnaire to determine their eligibility and rate category.

Emergency Medical coverage can be purchased for trips up to the number of days allowed by the insured's government health insurance plan. 

Application & Medical Questionnaire

• Can be completed up to 180 days prior to the effective date.
• Single-Trip plans must be purchased for the entire duration of the trip.

Eligibility and Rate Category

At the time of application, if the applicant is:

Under Age 60:

you automatically qualify for Rate Category A. You must confirm your eligibility to purchase this plan and you do not need to complete any medical questions to determine your rate category.

Over Age 60:

you need to complete the medical questionnaire to determine your eligibility and rate category.

Individual Medical Underwriting Plan for any age,

if you would like your pre- existing medical conditions to be covered with no stability requirements, you can apply for emergency medical coverage under Manulife’s Individual Medical Underwriting Plan. Simply call 1-877-884-8283.

You will need to be able to answer questions related to your medical condition(s) and will need to know your travel dates and your agent’s selling code in order to receive a quote.

Your cost will vary according to your specific health needs and circumstances.

When you pay the quoted premium for the Individual Medical Underwriting Plan, your pre-existing medical conditions will be covered during your trip with no stability requirement.

TRAVEL TIP: Be sure to review your policy and all documents when you purchase the Manulife Individual Medical Underwriting Plan to ensure that all your medical conditions have been disclosed and that you have answered all questions truthfully and accurately. If you omit or inaccurately disclose any medical condition, you may not be covered for any condition in the event of a claim.

Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusions

Rate category determines the duration of the stability period required for coverage of a pre-existing medical condition..

Manulife Financial Travel Insurance will not cover any expenses relating to a…

Pre-existing medical condition:

Heart condition:, lung condition:, pre-existing medical condition, medical condition.

“Medical Condition’ means any disease, sickness or injury (including symptoms of undiagnosed conditions).

A medical condition is considered stable when all of the following statements are true:

• there has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing treatment (including a stoppage in treatment), and
• there has not been any change in medication, or any recommendation or starting of a new prescription drug, and
• the medical condition has not become worse, and
• there has not been any new, more frequent or more severe symptoms, and
• there has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist, and
• there have not been any tests, investigation or treatment recommended, but not yet complete, nor any outstanding test results, and
• there is no planned or pending treatment.

All of the above conditions must be met for a medical condition to be considered stable.

Coverage Start & End Dates

Effective dates and expiry dates, coverage starts on the later of:.

• the departure date; or
• the effective date as shown on the confirmation.

Coverage ends on the earliest of the following:

• the expiry date as shown on the confirmation
• the date the policyholder returns home

Refunds & Extensions

A full refund must be requested before the effective date of coverage.

If you return home early, you can apply for a partial refund of premium (minimum $25.00) for the unused coverage providing there has been or will be no claim reported or initiated against the policy, no assistance service has been provided and that you as the policyholder have mailed a written refund request within 5 days of your return, along with proof of the date you actually returned home. Proof of early return (for example, customs or immigration stamp, gas receipts) is required.

All travellers insured under the same policy must return together to be eligible for a refund.

Extensions: If you are already on your trip and need to apply for an extension of your coverage, before the expiry date of your existing coverage, simply call the agent or broker from whom you purchased your coverage. You may be able to extend your coverage, as long as:

• the total length of your trip outside of Canada, including the extension, does not exceed the maximum allowed by your government health insurance plan;
• you pay the additional premium; and
• there has been no event that has resulted or may result in a claim against the policy and there has been no change in your health status.
• Premium rates are in $CDN per person.
• 2 X the premium rate for one parent/grandparent travelling with dependent children/grandchildren;
• 2 X the premium rate for two parents/grandparents travelling with dependent children/grandchildren;
• 2 X the premium rate for three generations of parents and grandparents with dependent children/grandchildren.
• Rates are subject to change without notice.
• The rate category;
• The age at the time of application; and
• The trip length.
•  The date of departure; and
•  The date of return.
• Coverage will not take effect if the applicant's method of payment is not honoured when presented for payment.

Important Information

• Contact the Assistance Centre before receiving treatment while on a trip. Manulife Financial Travel Insurance has a 20% co-insurance provision that may limit the benefits if you do not call or contact the Assistance Centre. In addition, specific covered eligible benefits may be limited or not covered if the Assistance Centre has not been contacted.
• If you are submitting a paper application, make sure it is signed and dated prior to the effective date. If coverage is not arranged prior to the effective date, coverage begins on the day following Manulife's or the advisor/agent’s receipt of the executed confirmation form and payment. In the event we are unable to process payment, coverage will not be in effect.
• Read the policy with particular attention to "pre-existing medical condition" and other exclusions that apply to the coverage.
• The Wallet Card and Manulife Financial Travel Insurance policy should be kept with you at all times when travelling. The Wallet Card includes telephone numbers in case of an emergency or if an extension is required. The Wallet Card is found in the policy.