Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Insurance

1. Why do I need Travel Insurance?

   You should be aware that your provincial coverage may not pay for all health care costs you may incur while outside of the province, and the difference can be substantial. For example, B.C. pays $75 (CAD) a day for emergency in-patient hospital care, while the average cost in the U.S. often exceeds $1000 (US) a day, and can be as high as $10,000 (US) a day in intensive care. For this reason, you are strongly advised to purchase additional health insurance from a private insurer before you leave the province, whether you are going to another part of Canada or outside the country. You are advised to purchase additional coverage even if you plan to be away for only a day.

2. How do I get free travel coverage for my kids?

   When you purchase Travel Medical insurance for one or two parents, each dependent child 21 years of age or younger who is subsequently added to your travel policy will receive free emergency medical coverage for up to $10,000,000.

3. Who should I contact if I have an Emergency (illness or accident) while I am traveling?

   If the Covered person needs health care while out of the province, he/she must call Medi-Assist immediately. Within Canada and the USA: 1 888 699–9333. From all other countries: 1 604 419-4487 collect. Please have your travel certificate number and your Care Card number ready.

4. How do I get the discount on travel coverage if I already have Extended Health or Dental coverage from Pacific Blue Cross?

   If you have a Pacific Blue Cross Extended Health Care and/or Dental plan you are eligible to receive a discount of 10% or more off your Travel Insurance premium. Simply enter your extended health or dental policy number and any applicable discounts will be automatically applied to your purchase.

5. Is your plan first payer?

   If you have an Extended Health Plan with Pacific Blue Cross, your Travel Plan will be first payer. This protects the lifetime limit on your Extended Health Plan.

6. What if I have coverage under my spouse’s plan?

   If you have additional coverage through a benefits plan outside Pacific Blue Cross, we will coordinate cost-sharing of claims with that plan and provider. This will impact your plan as outlined in your spouse’s policy. However, there will be no impact to your existing Pacific Blue Cross extended health coverage.

7. What if I want to stay longer than my original trip length?

   You may be able to extend your existing Travel Plan. Extensions must be purchased before your existing Plan expires.

   Please contact Pacific Blue Cross – we'll review your Travel Plan to see if it is eligible for an extension.

   Phone: 604 419-2200

   Toll Free (within North America): 1 877 PAC-BLUE (1 877 722-2583)

   E-mail: inhealth@pac.bluecross.ca

8. Do I need Travel Insurance when travelling in Canada?

   Our Government health plan covers a limited amount of expenses that are incurred outside the province. A Travel Plan will pick up costs not covered by our Government health plan. More information on the limitations of your BC Health Plan (MSP) coverage and why you should have travel insurance for trips within Canada is available on the BC Ministry of Health website.

9. Why should I purchase an Annual plan instead of a Single Trip Plan?

   With one purchase our Annual plans cover all of your travels for an entire year in the most cost-effective way. So, whether you are visiting family in another province, heading out on an international adventure or just hopping across the border to shop for the day, you can travel with confidence. Choose an Annual plan that will cover your average trip  outside of BC or Canada, and you’ll be covered for all the other ones in between.

10. I'm buying an Annual plan. How many days should I include in my coverage?

    This should be the average length of time that you typically travel at any given time. Don't worry, you can always add extra days or top-up your coverage if you end up planning a trip that is longer than your selected coverage.

11. What is trip cancellation (Trip Protection)?

    This benefit will provide reimbursement for non-refundable, pre-paid travel costs if your trip is cancelled before departure due to a covered risk.

12. What does Trip Protection Insurance provide cover for?

    Trip Protection Insurance helps you recover non-refundable, prepaid expenses should an unexpected situation such as these arise:

    • An event that leads the Government of Canada to issue a general recommendation not to travel to the region (plan must be purchased prior to the Government’s recommendation)
    • Illness that requires a doctor’s attention prior to or hospitalization during your trip
    • Adverse weather conditions resulting in cancellations or delays
    • Unexpected death in the family
    • New pregnancy that would mean the Covered person would be travelling during the 33^rd week or later of their pregnancy
    • Jury duty (except for Law enforcement officers)
    • Loss of employment (must be employed permanently for at least 1 consecutive year)
13. What if I have Trip Protection Insurance and I decide not to travel?

    Trip Protection Insurance provides coverage when an unexpected situation impacts your travel plans. Deciding not to travel because you no longer want to go or you don’t think it will be safe (unless the Government of Canada has issued a general recommendation not to travel to the region) are not covered reasons. Check your policy’s details for a full explanation of what is covered.

14. I have a chronic illness. Am I still covered?

    Coverage depends on the illness, its seriousness, and its stability. Some illnesses are easily covered, while others may require a three or six-month stability period, depending on your age. For individuals aged 61 and over, a medical questionnaire may be required, depending on the coverage being sought. The stability clause is always in effect as per the contract rules. If authorized, you can travel worry-free, with your chronic illness covered as well.

15. Do I need to complete a medical questionnaire?

    For individuals over 61 years of age requiring medical travel coverage, whether it's a single, annual, or package plan, completing the medical questionnaire is a requirement. You are not required to consult with a physician unless you are unsure about your answers.

    If you have any pre-existing conditions prior to departure that you want to ensure are covered, you may inquire about the pre-existing condition rider for additional assistance.

    This can be addressed by calling the Pacific Blue Cross Travel Call Center, contacting a broker, or applying online through the Pacific Blue Cross website. The medical questionnaire helps assess your eligibility for coverage. It’s important to note that the stability clause is always in effect, and the premium will be determined based on age, health condition, and trip length.

16. Can I buy travel insurance if I have an existing medical condition?

    Yes - Regardless of any existing conditions, we always advise members to still purchase coverage, as it will protect against all other accidents not related to that condition.

    Travel insurance policies are designed to provide protection against unexpected emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption.

    Depending on your age and the condition pre-existing medical conditions are covered if they are stable for a certain time period (as specified in your policy) before your policy's effective date.

    It is important you review and understand any clauses or definitions in your chosen policy. Each travel insurance policy will uniquely define a pre-existing condition and there are many variations in wording. For example, policies may not cover conditions arising prior to the trip departure date:

    • that are unstable
    • where symptoms of an illness appeared
    • that have been diagnosed or treated
    • where medications have been changed

    Travel policies will also specify a time frame, based on your age that relates to the evaluation of your pre-existing conditions. This time frame could be as short as 3 months but could be 1 year, 5 years or longer.

    Some policies may provide coverage for your pre-existing conditions if you complete a more detailed medical questionnaire.

    When purchasing our travel policy, we will evaluate pre-existing conditions for people 60 years and younger based on their health within the previous 3 months prior to the day their coverage begins. For people age 61 and over, we evaluate based on their health within 6 months prior.

17. Will travel insurance cover me if I am pregnant?

    Travel insurance policies often have limitations of coverage associated with pregnancy similar to the limitations within the travel industry at large. For this reason it is important you understand these limitations prior to commencing your travel.

18. Why are you asking for my Care Card Number?

    In order for you to qualify to purchase travel insurance, you must have a valid Care Card number. Although, you are not required to provide it at time of purchase, we may request it later in order to process your claim.

19. Can I pay by cheque?

    When applying online, you must pay by using a major credit card.

    However, you can mail in an application and enclose a cheque payable to Pacific Blue Cross for the premium. You can also come into our office and apply. Pacific Blue Cross must receive your application and cheque before you depart from BC.

20. How do I make a claim?
    • Out-of-Country and Out-of-Province Coverage and Claims — Click here to obtain claim forms and instructions for claiming emergency medical expenses.
    • Trip Cancellation / Baggage Claim Form - Use this form to claim for Trip Cancellations or Lost Baggages.
    • Visitors to Canada Travel Plan Claim Form - Use this form if you are claiming against a Visitors to Canada Travel Plan contract
21. How do I appeal a claim decision?

    If you wish to appeal a decision about a recent claim, contact our Call Centre. Often an issue can be resolved by simply providing you with more information about your claim or what is covered by your plan.
    
    If one of our customer service representatives is unable to resolve the matter with you, they can escalate your request to a Benefit Review Committee for further review. They will explain how to file your appeal and help you to provide all relevant information regarding your claim.

22. How do I apply for a refund?

    A request for a refund of premium can be made prior to the Effective date of the policy, A request for a refund of premium can be made prior to the Effective date of the policy, if the insured returns to his/her province or territory of residence prior to the expiry date of the policy, or when a Visitors to Canada or policyholder becomes covered under a provincial or territorial hospital/medical plan. Please fill-in and return the Request for Travel Premium Refund Form to inhealth@pac.bluecross.ca. No refund can be given if you are covered under Trip Cancellation, Emergency Return Benefit and / or an Annual insurance plan. Administrative charges may apply.

23. Are there vaccinations that I should get prior to travel?

    When travelling internationally, you may be at risk for a number of diseases which are common in other parts of the world. You can learn more about Travel Vaccines on our Vaccination page. Always remember to perform a Travel Health Check before you go.

24. How does a Travel Advisory issued by the government affect travel coverage?

    Global Affairs collects and reports on health, safety and security across the world, and provides this information on their website for the benefit of travelling Canadians. 

    Each country is individually assessed and assigned one of four main risk levels. These may apply to the whole country, or a region within the country.

    The first two levels are considered travel advice:

    1. Exercise normal security precautions – no significant health or security risks are present, and the situation is similar to what you might expect in Canada.
    2. Exercise a high degree of caution - there might be some health or safety concerns in the country, and monitoring local media is recommended.  This level might be used if there has been some localized crime or violence that a traveller should be aware of so they can do their best to avoid the situation while they are exploring their destination.

    The next two levels are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are only issued when the safety and security of Canadians is compromised. When advisories are issued, Canadians can expect to be at risk if they choose to travel when an advisory has been called.

    3. Avoid non-essential travel – there are specific health, safety and/or security concerns that put you at risk. You are strongly advised not to go if your travel can be avoided, unless it is absolutely essential.
    4. Avoid all travel – there is extreme risk to personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region, and you should leave immediately if it is safe for you to do so. Access to healthcare is extremely limited or unavailable.

    When a country has been assessed an official advisory, the reason for the advisory will be listed as well.

    HOW ADVISORIES IMPACT MEDICAL PLANS:

    When this advisory is related to an infectious disease or specific illness, then your policy will not cover you against this infectious disease or specific illness because you have been advised of this risk prior to your travel.  You are still covered for illness or injury related expenses that are not associated with the advisory.

    There are two exceptions:

    • If the risk level is 3, and you are considered by us to be an essential traveler, then you would be covered for eligible medical expenses related to the reason for the advisory.
    • If you are fully vaccinated against the infectious disease or illness that is the cause for the advisory, then you would be covered for eligible medical expenses related to the reason for the advisory.

    If the official travel advisory is called while you are already at the destination, then you will be covered for eligible medical expenses related to the reason for the advisory, even if it is risk level 4.

    Travelling to a country in which the risk level is 4 is strongly discouraged as your coverage will be extremely limited:

    • If the reason for the advisory is related to infectious disease or illness, you will be travelling against the advice of Health Canada’s physicians and your medical claims would not be considered, even if you are fully vaccinated.
    • If the reason for the advisory is related to war, terrorism, insurrection, civil unrest, acts of hostility, military, or other similar events, your related injury claims will not be paid.

    Claims entirely unrelated to the reasons for a Risk Level 4 advisory may be considered, however are generally limited to accidental injury because travellers are advised that access to infrastructure and services such as healthcare are limited or unavailable.

    HOW ADVISORIES IMPACT TRIP PROTECTION PLANS

    When the Canadian government issues an official advisory of risk level 3 or 4  to your destination causing you to cancel or interrupt travel, it is considered an unexpected situation and is therefore eligible for Trip Protection benefits. However, your trip must have been purchased PRIOR TO the government issued advisory.

    Travel Insurance is intended to protect consumers from sudden and unforeseen events that arise and leave them with out of pocket expenses that they did not expect to incur.

    When a Level 3 or 4 advisory is issued by the Government of Canada, they are stating that Canadians can expect to experience health or safety concerns and so should not travel.

    For any Trip Cancellation benefits, this means that a trip purchased after a Level 3 or 4 advisory is issued cannot be cancelled for the reason of this advisory. This is an expected event.

    For any Interruption/Delay benefits, if you choose to depart on your trip after the Government of Canada has issued a Level 3 or 4 advisory, then all benefits on your plan are invalidated. You are not covered because it is expected that you could experience an issue causing a claim. 

    Government Advisory Level	TRAVEL MEDICAL PLAN Purchased as a stand-alone plan or part of a Package plan, Travel Medical provides coverage for: Emergency medical Hospitalization Ambulance fees Repatriation costs		TRIP PROTECTION PLAN (STANDALONE OR PACKAGE) Purchased as a stand-alone plan or part of a Package plan, Trip Protection provides coverage for: Trip cancellation, interruption, delay Baggage Air flight accident Accidental death & dismemberment
    LVL 1 & 2	NO IMPACT TO COVERAGE
    LVL 3 & 4 When travelling without vaccination, or vaccine unavailable	Advisory BEFORE DEPARTURE Travel Medical NOT COVERED	Advisory AFTER DEPARTURE Travel Medical COVERED	Advisory BEFORE TRIP PURCHASE Trip cancellation, interruption, delay NOT COVERED	Advisory AFTER TRIP PURCHASE* Trip cancellation, interruption, delay COVERED
    LVL 3 & 4 When travelling Fully Vaccinated	Advisory BEFORE DEPARTURE Travel Medical COVERED	Advisory AFTER DEPARTURE Travel Medical COVERED	Advisory BEFORE TRIP PURCHASE Trip cancellation, interruption, delay NOT COVERED	Advisory AFTER TRIP PURCHASE* Trip cancellation, interruption, delay COVERED
    PBC advisory exclusion only applies to an outbreak of infectious disease. Not all infectious diseases have available vaccines. Claims unrelated to the infectious disease are not impacted by advisories and will be paid according to contract terms. This chart is for illustrative purposes only and does not form part of your contract. Full details are found in the Travel Policy. *As of March 12, 2020, COVID 19 remains a known event and is not covered under our Trip Protection plans. See Trip Protection section for additional information

    About Regional Advisories

    When there are Regional Advisories — some geographic areas of your trip are assigned risk Level 1 and 2, but some parts are 3 or 4 — your benefits will be impacted if your claim occurs in the region assessed at risk level 3 or 4.  All of the same medical and trip protection rules will apply to your travel in that region, as they would  if your whole trip was in that area. It is vital that you understand the risk associated with your entire trip to know how your plan will respond.

    When risk levels remain Level 1 or 2, all of your benefits are in force and applied according to the contract. This would include contracting COVID19 during your travel, or being delayed because of quarantine.

    This information applies to all of our plans, single trip or annual, stand alone or packaged.

    We always recommend that you read your travel policy booklet and check the Government of Canada website prior to any travel, especially when world conditions are changing rapidly.

    For any pre-travel trip destination questions such as travel advisory, shots, visas or safety concerns, please contact Medi-Assist who have the most up to date information for your destination.

    As always, our customer service representatives are here to help.

25. How does the need for vaccinations for coverage work for children?

    Vaccine recommendations for specific diseases will vary.  Individuals should check the Health Canada guidelines to understand if they are an acceptable candidate for immunization. Local Travel Immunization clinics are helpful sources of information. 

    Children under the age of 18, travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians are covered when:

    • They have been fully vaccinated according to the recommendations for their age; or
    • There is no vaccine available for their age; or
    • For children age 12 and under, regardless of vaccination recommendation.

    Children of any age who are travelling alone or with parents or guardians who have not been fully vaccinated are only covered for COVID-19 or any other infectious disease if they have been fully vaccinated if there is a Government of Canada advisory in place at their destination related to that infectious disease.

26. Does the coverage apply to the status of official travel advisories including infection diseases at the time of travel insurance purchase or departure?

    If you are fully vaccinated, then the timing of the official advisory doesn’t apply.  You will be covered if it was before or after your purchase or departure.

    If you are not vaccinated, you will be covered for an infectious disease if the advisory was called before you depart.  If you choose to travel while the advisory is in place, you will not be covered for the infectious disease if you are not vaccinated, regardless of your reason.

27. Is COVID-19 covered under your plan?

    COVID-19 is treated similarly to other common medical conditions, such as a cough, cold, stomach flu, or other health issues. However, to ensure your safety and proper coverage, you must still meet the stability requirements if you have contracted COVID-19. For individuals aged 0-60, a 3-month stability period is required, while those aged 61 and older must have 6 months of stability.