Oct 28, 2021
6 min. read
Ready to travel again? With the right coverage, you can enjoy a healthy, happy trip
“The last 18 months have shown how quickly things can change—and how you never know when you may need insurance,” says Novella Troia, a CAA Travel Consultant working at the St. Anne’s store in Winnipeg. Covid-19 has irrevocably changed when, where and how we travel. But you can still explore the world. It’s best to have travel insurance in place as soon as you book a trip. Here, Troia shares the important steps to take before brushing off your suitcase.
Step 1: Plan Your Trip
Check if Global Affairs Canada has issued a travel advisory for your destination.
While you may have travel insurance through a work plan or credit card, consider the type of coverage you may need: medical, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage—or a combination.
If you’re over 60, you may need to complete a medical questionnaire when getting a quote. Get a quote online at caamanitoba.com/travelinsurance or visit a CAA Store.
Visit or call your primary care physician to discuss health risks associated with your travel plans. Get prescriptions filled to last beyond the duration of your trip.
Step 2: Prepare for the Trip
Check visa and entry requirements for your destination country.
Verify Covid vaccination requirements. Most countries require visitors be fully vaccinated—but variations exist among accepted vaccines. If you’re fully vaccinated, CAA Travel Insurance offers up to $5 million in coverage should you need medical treatment due to Covid-19 exposure.
Gather information before you purchase CAA Travel Insurance.
Destination; departure/return dates; non-refundable cost of trip per person
Date of birth of the traveller(s)
Medical history, including any changes to pre-existing conditions
CAA Membership number: Members save 10%
Deductible choice: Adding one might reduce your overall premium
Consider CAA’s Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance. If you have to cancel or interrupt your trip for any reason, you may be reimbursed up to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable travel arrangements.
Denied boarding/entry coverage is a benefit of CAA Cancellation and Interruption plans. It covers you in the event you are refused entry in certain instances.
Step 3: Pre-departure & En Route
Ensure your personal documents are updated. Your passport must be valid and shouldn’t be expiring within six months of your return date.
Print or save tickets, boarding passes, visas and other government documents—and your travel insurance information (policy number, wallet card).
Check again for any Global Affairs Canada travel advisories for your travel destination. If an advisory has been issued for your destination, contact CAA Assistance immediately.
Emergency numbers differ from country to country; it’s typically a three-digit number (eg. 9-9-9 in the U.K.). Memorize the number before arriving.
Share your travel plans with family or a friend: trip itinerary (tour operator, carrier and flight numbers); travel insurance policy; and passport info and photo.
Step 4: At Your Destination
If you require urgent assistance, call the local emergency number.
If you or your travel companion(s) need medical help, contact CAA Assistance before you seek out medical assistance.
To reach CAA Assistance, call the number on your wallet card and provide policy number. You’ll be advised what steps to take next.