Find out more about travel insurance

If you're planning a vacation, you've probably already thought about the costs. But have you thought about what might happen if something goes wrong? If your luggage is lost or delayed? Or worse still, what if something happens to you or a family member while you're on vacation? A little insurance can help protect you against such events. Many people think they're covered abroad with their health insurance, but that's not the case. If you're one of these people, don't worry, just keep reading!

What is travel insurance?

While travel is one of our favorite pastimes, it's not without its share of questions and sometimes even concerns.

Contrary to what some might think, travel insurance is necessary for any type of trip, from a weekend of shopping in the U.S. to a round-the-world sailboat trip.

In short, it's useful if you're traveling anywhere in the world.

What's more, obtaining travel insurance should be planned at the very beginning of your travel arrangements, as it needs to be tailored to the type of trip you'll be undertaking.

What's the best way to compare travel insurance?

The best way to shop around for travel insurance is to compare the options offered by several companies to find the best value for money.

Using a platform like soNomad simplifies this process by offering competitive rates and comprehensive coverage, all with a fast, transparent purchasing process.

Who is soNomad?

soNomad is a specialized travel insurance company offering the best rates in Canada, with coverage included for COVID-19 at no additional cost. soNomad offers its exclusive products such as: emergency medical travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation and interruption insurance, visitors to Canada insurance and much more.

Their mission is to simplify the purchase of travel insurance with a transparent and cost-effective approach, enabling customers to save up to 25%.

Unlike traditional brokers who charge high commissions, soNomad applies a minimal fee per transaction, making their products more affordable.

Their advanced technology allows you to take out insurance in just a few clicks.

What type of person needs travel insurance?

Whether it's for a business trip, to visit family, or even to have fun with friends, anyone traveling abroad for more than a few days should take out travel insurance, especially if they're going to a region with health risks such as malaria or yellow fever. People with pre-existing health problems may also want to consider purchasing coverage before traveling abroad, as their medical care may not be available abroad. In addition, travel insurance is a good idea for anyone with high-value items - such as jewelry - or an expensive camera.

Why get travel insurance?

As mentioned earlier, travel insurance gives you peace of mind in the event of a situation beyond your control. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical care abroad.

Comprehensive, complementary protection

To the one you already have...

The first step in obtaining travel insurance is to check whether you already have coverage with your credit card or group insurance. Without realizing it, many people already have some benefits with their credit card.

A travel insurance policy will then serve to enhance this coverage, which often falls somewhat short of what you need to travel safely.

What the government has to offer...

In Quebec and Canada, we are fortunate to enjoy a free healthcare system. As Quebecers traveling in Canada, most health services are covered.

However, the Régime d'assurance-maladie du Québec (RAMQ) often reimburses only part of the cost of healthcare provided outside the country.

That said, students, unpaid interns or government employees abroad are generally entitled to full RAMQ coverage while abroad.

Travel insurance for the whole family

For many, taking a trip also means spending quality time with the family. Like any good insurance policy, insurers offer flexible travel insurance policies with the possibility of several endorsements.

Find out more about the options available to ensure you have the coverage that best suits your needs!

How much does travel insurance cost?

The price of travel insurance can vary greatly depending on your needs, but basic offers start at relatively low sums.

Generally speaking, it is estimated that the cost of travel insurance corresponds to between 4% and 8% of the total price of your trip.

So a longer trip could cost you a few hundred dollars more.

However, we don't recommend skimping on the quality of your travel insurance: compared to the cost of potential hospitalization abroad or emergency repatriation, the price of your travel insurance doesn't represent much.

What's the difference between travel insurance and credit card protection?

Basically, all travel insurance has the same purpose: to protect you when you go abroad.

However, not all protection is created equal. Here are a few things to consider before setting off on your journey.

If your credit card offers insurance coverage, make sure you know the details. For example, you can

• Is your coverage valid only for the cardholder or for all those accompanying you?
• In the event of flight cancellation, do you have to have paid for your airfare and hotel accommodation with the credit card in question?
• What is the maximum amount of coverage in the event of hospitalization, repatriation or loss of luggage?
• How long is the stay covered by my credit card?

Unless you have a credit card like Visa Odyssey Gold that offers you the advantage of Desjardins travel insurance, chances are your credit card offers too little protection.

Even with a travel-oriented credit card, you may need additional coverage. If so, ask about popular endorsements such as pre-existing condition protection, extreme sports protection or drug coverage.