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It is easy to spend hours comparing resorts and only a few seconds on travel insurance. Yet for Canadians heading south in winter, insurance is one of the most important parts of the trip. A broken ankle in Mexico or a hospital stay in Florida can cost thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. Here is what you need to know before you buy.

This article is general information, not insurance or medical advice. Always read the full policy wording and ask your insurer about your own situation.

Your provincial health plan is not enough

Provincial and territorial health plans cover very little, and sometimes nothing, of the cost of medical care outside Canada. Where coverage exists, it is usually limited to what the same treatment would cost at home, which is a small fraction of hospital bills in the United States or private clinics in Mexico and the Caribbean. The Government of Canada strongly recommends buying private travel health insurance before any trip abroad.

Each province also has rules on how long you can be outside the province and keep your coverage. Snowbirds planning long stays should check those limits with their provincial health plan before leaving.

The main types of coverage

• Emergency medical: hospital stays, doctors, ambulances, prescriptions and, crucially, medical evacuation back to Canada. This is the one you should never skip.
• Trip cancellation and interruption: reimburses non-refundable costs if you must cancel or come home early for a covered reason (illness, death in the family and so on).
• Baggage and personal effects: lost, stolen or delayed luggage.
• Flight delay and missed connection: hotels and meals if you get stuck.
• Multi-trip annual plans: cover every trip during the year, up to a maximum number of days per trip. They often make sense if you travel two or more times a year.

Check what you already have

Many Canadians already have some travel insurance without knowing it:

• Premium credit cards often include emergency medical coverage for trips of a limited length, and trip cancellation if you paid with the card. Age limits and trip-length limits apply.
• Workplace group benefits frequently include out-of-country emergency medical coverage.
• Tour operator packages may offer optional insurance at booking.

Call the insurer behind your card or plan and ask exactly how many days you are covered, what the maximum amount is and whether pre-existing conditions are covered.

Pre-existing conditions: the biggest trap

Most claims that get refused are linked to pre-existing medical conditions. Many policies require a condition to be stable for a certain period (often 90 or 180 days) before departure: no new medication, no change in dosage, no new symptoms or tests. If you are older or have a chronic condition, answer the medical questionnaire carefully and truthfully. A wrong answer can void the policy when you need it most.

Exclusions to know about

• Injuries linked to excessive alcohol or drug use
• Extreme sports or activities not declared
• Travel to a region where the Government of Canada advises avoiding all travel or non-essential travel
• Riding a scooter or motorcycle without the proper licence or a helmet

Practical tips before you leave

• Buy insurance as soon as you book, so cancellation coverage starts right away.
• Save your insurer’s 24/7 emergency number in your phone and keep a printed copy.
• In a medical emergency, call the insurer before or as soon as possible after going to a clinic. Many policies require pre-approval.
• Keep every receipt and medical report for your claim.
• Register your trip with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

Bottom line

A week in Cancún or Punta Cana is not the time to save a few dollars on insurance. Emergency medical coverage, including evacuation, is essential; cancellation coverage protects the money you spent on the trip. Check your existing coverage, fill in the gaps, then enjoy the beach with peace of mind.

Still choosing where to go? Read our list of the best winter sun destinations for Canadians, or compare trips on Expedia.