Five most important questions before you travel

By Myrna Burgoyne

Where to go, where to stay and how to get there – when it comes to planning a trip for work or pleasure, the choices can be endless. But one decision is easy: getting travel insurance to ensure that unexpected weather, travel disruptions or medical emergencies don’t derail your plans.

Yet getting the right travel insurance comes with a few choices, too. According to CAA North and East Ontario there are five key questions you need to consider to ensure your travel insurance helps you expect the unexpected.

Does my travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

CAA Travel Insurance offers a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Rider1 that puts your mind at ease. The rider can be applied to all emergency medical and vacation package plans, and includes coverage up to a maximum of $200,000 per insured, per trip for eligible hospital and medical-related expenses for illness or injury due to a pre-existing condition that was not stable seven days or more before your departure date.

What if I have to cancel my trip last minute?

CAA offers ‘cancel for any other reason’ coverage, which covers most of what life throws at you, whether it’s a personal reason, job or even a relationship turning sour.  CAA Travel Insurance allows you to cancel your trip up to three hours before departure when you purchased your policy within 72 hours of booking your trip or before cancelation penalties come into effect. You could get a refund of up to 50% when you book through a third party or up to 75% for pre-paid non-refundable charges when you book with CAA Travel agency.

Is credit card travel insurance enough?

It’s a good idea to check any coverage caps or reimbursement limits, as these can vary widely through group or credit card plans. CAA Travel offers a detailed checklist review for any gaps in your credit card travel insurance. Be sure that items like trip interruption or cancellation are covered. Remember, the best surprise is no surprise.

What if my plans include some exciting adventures like parasailing?

If your travels include high-risk activities like skydiving, parasailing, hot air ballooning or helicopter tours, it’s important to know that these types of activities are not typically included in standard coverage. However, adrenaline lovers can get their adventures covered with a CAA Travel Insurance rider that can be added to their Emergency Medical or Vacation Packages plans.

What happens if there’s a natural disaster?

It’s important to stay safe, so before you book a trip, check for any government-issued travel advisories such as “avoid all travel” or “avoid non-essential travel” which could impact the extent of your coverage.

For example, if a natural disaster occurs after you’ve purchased your insurance and booked your trip, coverage may be included. CAA Travel Insurance offers trip cancellation benefits, which reimburses travellers for non-refundable expenses if they need to cancel their trip before departure due to covered reasons. However, when a trip advisory is issued, your coverage may vary due to surrounding conditions. Carefully read and understand the CAA Travel Insurance terms and conditions related to natural disasters.

CAA Travel Insurance expects the unexpected (so you don’t have to)

Once you’ve got your answers it’s time to get an online quote for CAA Travel Insurance. It takes just a few minutes to ensure you’re protected while travelling.

CAA Travel Insurance has been covering Canadians for over a century, and their team of experts will help you find the right insurance for your personal needs. And remember, CAA Members save up to 20% discount2 on their travel insurance.

This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not reflect the views of the editorial staff.


CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.

1. All pre-existing medical conditions must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Please check our full policy guide online for all the details.

2. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-705-1803. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online. 

®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.

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