Travel Insurance FAQs

A medical emergency is disease, illness or injury that could not be predicted and needs immediate medical attention.

Yes. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. When applying for coverage for a child under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must declare on the dependant’s behalf that the child also meets eligibility requirements — regardless of whether a premium is charged for the child or not.

We cover emergency medical expenses for pre-existing conditions that have been stable for a minimum of 180 days before travelling. Even if your doctor gives you the “all clear” to travel, your condition needs to meet our specific requirements. The specifics can be found in our policy wording.

Our TravelStar insurance is designed for unpredictable medical emergencies when you’re away. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or develop one before you travel, we need to know that it won’t cause you any troubles while you’re away from home. We consider a medical condition to be stable if your condition or treatment hasn't change for a period of time before you travel. Click here to read the specifics.

When purchasing TravelStar to top-up an existing GMS plan (for example a Multi-Trip Annual plan or a GMS health insurance plan that includes travel coverage), stability is measured according to the stability period of the existing plan.

When purchasing TravelStar to top-up a plan with another carrier (for example a SunLife group plan or a RSA credit card plan), the stability period is 180 days prior to the effective date of the GMS TravelStar plan.

It could. You’re required to let us know of any changes to your health or medications before you travel so we can make sure you have the coverage you need. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to give us a call.

There’s no age limit when it comes to purchasing Single-Trip coverage. For Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical, the limit is 79 years old or younger at the time of application.

We know travelling as a family can be expensive. We allow adults purchasing a Single-Trip Emergency Medical plan to include up to six dependent children under the age of 16 to their plan for free.

You must have valid provincial health coverage to be covered under a TravelStar Emergency Medical plan. It’s your responsibility to contact your provincial health care provider to make arrangements to maintain your provincial coverage when your trip extends beyond your provincial limit.

Not to worry, there’s still time. TravelStar plans purchased online or over-the-phone are approved at the time of application. Give us a call or buy now online and you’ll be covered as soon you’re finished the application.

For most work travel, coverage is provided for emergency medical conditions that aren’t related to the work you’re travelling for. Work-related injuries are not covered under our Emergency Medical plans, as these claims are the jurisdiction of the employer’s insurance plan (typically a Worker’s Compensation Board).

Any eligible claims could be limited to 70% of the expenses incurred, up to a maximum of $50,000.

We’ll cover you during the medical emergency, which may include a post-treatment follow-up visit. But, ongoing and continuing medical care is not covered.

We know even the best-laid plans get interrupted. We’re in the insurance business after-all. If you’re hospitalized while you’re away, we’ll manage your case until your medical emergency has ended. Once discharged from hospital, your coverage will automatically be extended for 72 hours to allow you and any travelling companions to return home.

The same 72-hour coverage extension applies if your transportation home is cancelled or delayed, or you have a vehicle breakdown that causes you to miss your transportation home.

We understand that even when you’re away, unexpected things can happen and you might need to come home. When this happens, we offer a coverage continuation benefit that will continue your TravelStar Coverage after you return to your destination without the need to re-apply for coverage, provided this is before your original return date. You must let us know if you had any medical treatment and/or medical consultation during your return trip home.

There is no additional cost for this benefit and no need to re-apply. Coverage continuation doesn’t cover the costs associated with your transportation home or back to your trip destination and doesn’t provide a refund for any unused days of coverage.

Yes, provided you haven’t incurred a claim or required medical treatment or medical consultation during your trip. Your request must be received at least two days before the expiry of your policy.

Trip Cancellations plans are available to anyone provided:

  • they’re a Canadian resident;
  • the plan is purchased before leaving on a trip;
  • the destination isn’t under a travel advisory to avoid non-essential or all travel;
  • the plan is purchased prior to cancellation penalties being imposed; and
  • medical questions have been answered if your trip is valued over $12,000

For full or partially-refundable trips, contact your travel supplier as soon as you can. Once your trip has been cancelled, here’s what you’ll need to submit a claim with us:

  • Trip Cancellation Insurance Claim Form;
  • confirmation of cancellation;
  • original itinerary and statement of payment;
  • the refund policy of the travel supplier; and
  • documentation of any refunds received

Reimbursement will not be provided for trips booked through the redemption of any reward points or if you accept a credit from the travel supplier for future travel.

 Yes, in some provinces.

Benefits for baggage loss, damage & delay are payable up to $500 per item/set, to a maximum of $1,500 per person.