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Sunny Yadav updated on 1 September 2023
Summary
Travelling is an exhilarating experience, filled with new adventures and discoveries. However, unforeseen events can disrupt even the most meticulously planned trips.
To safeguard against these uncertainties, travel insurance becomes essential for any traveller, including residents of British Columbia.But how do you choose the best travel insurance BC policy that's right for you?
In this guide, we look at the best travel insurance BC plans, what they cover, how much they cost, and more. You can use the HelloSafe comparator to compare plans from various providers and also get free quotes in seconds, so you can pick a policy that truly suits your individual needs.
Best BC Travel Insurance Plans
- SoNomad travel insurance: "Versatile coverage options"
- Allianz travel insurance: "Global assurance for your journey"
- TuGo travel insurance: "Adventure and all-inclusive choices"
- Desjardins travel insurance: "Reputable brand coverage"
- Manulife travel insurance: "Comprehensive protection for all travels"
- Sun Life travel insurance: "Flexible options for all types of travel"
- Blue Cross travel insurance: "Established provider with various plans"
- Medoc travel insurance: "Focus on emergency medical benefits"
- BCAA travel insurance: "Tailored coverage for BC explorers"
Top BC travel insurance plans in 2024
In general, the best travel insurance option depends on your specific needs, such as the type of trip, the level of coverage required and any pre-existing medical conditions. We compared plans from different companies and considered factors like reputation, coverage scope and pricing to help you choose the best option for your travel needs. Here are our top 9 picks for travel insurance for BC residents:
SoNomad travel insurance: Versatile coverage options
SoNomad travel insurance in Canada covers a wide range of expenses, including emergency medical expenses trip cancellation or interruption expenses, baggage loss or damage, personal liability coverage, trip delay insurance, emergency medical transportation, COVID-19-related expenses, such as medical treatment, quarantine and transportation.
SoNomad travel insurance is ideal for Canadian residents who are travelling outside of Canada or Canadian residents who are travelling within Canada, but who do not have a provincial health insurance plan. It’s also a good option for people who are travelling to countries with high medical costs.
Pros:
- Competitive prices
- Easy to purchase and claim
- Covers a wide range of expenses
- Includes COVID-19-related expenses
Cons:
- Some plans have high deductibles
- There may be exclusions for certain pre-existing conditions
- The policy may not cover all types of travel, such as adventure travel or cruises
If you would like to explore further and get a SoNomad travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.
Get a travel insurance quote from SoNomad
Allianz travel insurance: Global assurance for your journey
Allianz travel insurance is a leading provider in Canada. With a strong international presence, Allianz can help travellers overcome language barriers and get quality medical care wherever they are.
Allianz Travel Insurance Canada offers a variety of coverage plans to fit any travel itinerary. The coverage per travel package is comprehensive and includes medical interventions, car rental protection and travel interruptions.
Pros:
- Variety of plans to choose from, depending on your budget and travel needs
- Free coverage for dependent children under 17 years old
- Extensive coverage for long trips
- Easy access to customer service for assistance
Cons:
- Lower coverage limits than some competitors
- Adventure and extreme sports activities not included
If you would like to explore further and get an Allianz travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.
Get a travel insurance quote from Allianz
TuGo travel insurance: Adventure and all-inclusive choices
TuGo is a Canadian travel insurance provider that offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. It offers emergency medical coverage of up to $10 million, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, adventure sports and more. TuGo travel insurance also offers the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade, which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a full refund.
TuGo is a good option for snowbirds or frequent young travellers who also seek adventure activities. However, its all-inclusive plans are only available for those aged 59 years and under, making it not the best choice for older adults.
Pros:
- TuGo travel insurance covers a wide range of expenses including rental car damage
- Offers emergency medical coverage, including doctor's visits, hospital stays and ambulance rides
- Has multi-trip plans for frequent travellers
- Can be purchased easily — online or through their customer service representatives
Cons:
- Premiums can be higher than some other providers
- May not cover pre-existing medical conditions, depending on the severity of the condition
- Some customers reported delays or difficulties in processing claims
- The all-inclusive TuGo travel insurance plan has an age limit of 59
- People above 59 may need to purchase a different plan or provide a medical questionnaire
If you would like to explore further and get a TuGo travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.
Get a travel insurance quote from TuGo
Desjardins travel insurance: Reputable brand coverage
Desjardins is Canada's largest cooperative financial institution, with over 7.5 million members, mostly in Quebec and Ontario. It was founded in 1900 in Lévis, Quebec. Desjardins travel health insurance is therefore provided by a reputable company with a trusted history.
Its coverage includes a range of travel-related risks, such as emergencies like accidents, health, evacuations, trip cancellations, delays and more.
Pros:
- Well-established and reputable company with a long history of providing financial services
- Desjardins members can get 3 days of complimentary coverage
- Free insurance on some credit cards
- Easy-to-use website and 24/7 customer service
Cons:
- Penalty for not contacting assistance service
- Some advantages only for Desjardins members
- No online chatbox
Before you decide if Desjardins is the right pick for you, compare coverages, and the pros and cons of Canada's best travel insurance plans right here. You can use our HelloSafe comparator below and compare plans from the best providers and also get free quotes in no time.
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!Get a quote
Manulife travel insurance: Comprehensive protection for all travels
Manulife travel insurance in Canada covers a wide range of expenses, including emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption expenses, baggage loss or damage, personal liability coverage, trip delay insurance and emergency medical transportation.
Manulife travel insurance is ideal for anyone who is travelling outside of Canada, whether for business or pleasure. It is also a good option for people who are travelling within Canada, but who do not have a provincial health insurance plan.
Pros:
- Wide range of coverage
- Competitive prices
- Easy to purchase and claim
Cons:
- Some plans have high deductibles
- There may be exclusions for certain pre-existing conditions
- The policy may not cover all types of travel, such as adventure travel or cruises
If you would like to explore further and get a Manulife travel insurance BC quote that is personalized to meet your unique needs, you can do so below and get results in a few moments.
Get a travel insurance quote from Manulife
Sun Life travel insurance: Flexible options for all types of travel
Sun Life is a well-regarded insurance company hailing from Canada, recognized for its assortment of insurance offerings, which encompass travel insurance as well. Its coverage encompasses emergency medical costs, trip cancellations, interruptions, loss of baggage and insurance against accidents during travel.
Families, individuals and groups of travellers alike will find appeal in its manifold coverage choices and a purchase process that is refreshingly unambiguous. Elderly individuals seeking travel insurance might find it relatively pricey due to the escalations in premiums that come with advancing age.
Pros:
- An extensive array of coverage alternatives
- Provides robust coverage for exigent medical expenditures
- Simple and easy travel insurance process, catering to individuals, families and even groups embarking on journeys
Cons:
- More exclusions and constraints compared to competing providers
- Might not extend coverage to pre-existing medical conditions, or the coverage for such conditions could be confined
- The claims process could prove cumbersome, potentially demanding substantial documentation from travellers
Blue Cross travel insurance: Established provider with various plans
Blue Cross travel insurance provides a range of coverage options including emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss and more. They offer various plans tailored to different types of travellers, such as individual, family, or senior travellers.
It offers courage for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, accidental death and dismemberment and travel assistance services. However, pre-existing medical conditions in some cases, risky activities and certain trip cancellation reasons are not covered.
Pros:
- A well-known and established insurance provider with a strong reputation
- Caters to various types of travellers and offers comprehensive coverage options
- Offers flexibility in plans
Cons:
- Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Certain exclusions in cancellation coverage
MEDOC travel insurance: Focus on emergency medical benefits
If your primary concern is medical coverage while travelling, MEDOC specializes in offering comprehensive emergency medical benefits. Medoc travel insurance focuses on emergency medical coverage for travellers. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation and certain non-medical benefits.
While it offers great coverage options, it doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions, some adventure sports and certain non-medical trip interruptions.
Pros:
- Strong emergency medical coverage
- Simple plans tailored to medical needs
Cons:
- Limited coverage for non-medical aspects
- Pre-existing condition limitations
BCAA travel insurance: Tailored coverage for BC explorers
BCAA is a well-regarded insurance provider in BC, offering a range of coverage options for different types of travellers.
It offers various plans including emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage protection, accidental death and dismemberment and more. Its exclusions include pre-existing conditions, certain risky activities and non-medical trip interruptions.
Pros:
- Established provider
- Multiple coverage options
- Some plans cover pre-existing conditions
Cons:
- Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions in some plans
- Exclusions for risky activities
How much does travel insurance BC cost?
The cost of travel insurance in BC will vary depending on the company you choose, the type of coverage you need and your age and health. However, here is a general overview of the cost of travel insurance (for a 27-year-old BC resident travelling to India) from some of the top companies in BC:
| Company | Starting price for a one-week trip |
|---|---|
| SoNomad | $60 |
| Allianz | $75 |
| TuGo | $60 |
| Desjardins | $80 |
| Manulife | $100 |
| Sunlife | $90 |
| Blue Cross | $120 |
| Medoc | $150 |
| BCAA | $100 |
Please note that these are just estimated prices for an all-inclusive package with a trip value of $1,000.00. The actual cost of travel insurance will vary depending on the factors mentioned above. It is important to get quotes from multiple companies before you buy a travel insurance policy. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing travel insurance quotes:
- The level of coverage
- The deductible
- The maximum benefit
- The waiting period
- The exclusions
We recommend that you compare pricing, coverage, and exclusions from various policies before you decide upon one. All you need to do is simply use the HelloSafe comparator below and get free quotes tailormade to your unique needs, in just a few seconds.
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!Get a quote
What does travel insurance BC cover?
The coverage level for each of these travel insurance providers will vary depending on the specific plan you choose. However, here is a general overview of the coverage that is typically included:
| Provider | Medical expenses | Trip cancellation and interruption | Baggage loss or damage | Travel delay | Emergency medical transportation | Lost passport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoNomad | $50,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $500 | $50,000 | $100 |
| Allianz | $1 million | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1 million | $500 |
| TuGo | $50,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $500 | $50,000 | $100 |
| Desjardins | $1 million | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1 million | $500 |
| Manulife | $1 million | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1 million | $500 |
| Sunlife | $1 million | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1 million | $500 |
| Blue Cross | $1 million | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1 million | $500 |
| Medoc | $1 million | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1 million | $500 |
| BCAA | $1 million | $10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $1 million | $500 |
These are just the maximum benefits for each coverage. The actual amount of coverage you receive will depend on the specific plan you choose.
What is travel trailer insurance BC plan?
Travel trailer insurance in BC is a type of insurance that covers your travel trailer against damage, theft and liability. It is similar to car insurance, but it is specifically designed for travel trailers.
Travel trailer insurance can be purchased through a variety of insurance companies, including ICBC, BCAA and Westland Insurance. The cost of insurance will vary depending on the make, model and value of your travel trailer, as well as your driving record and the level of coverage you choose.
The coverage that is typically included in travel trailer insurance includes:
- Physical damage: This coverage will pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your travel trailer if it is damaged in an accident, fire or other event.
- Theft: This coverage will pay for the cost of replacing your travel trailer if it is stolen.
- Liability: This coverage will pay for the cost of damages that you cause to other people or property while driving your travel trailer.
- Medical payments: This coverage will pay for the cost of medical expenses for people who are injured in an accident involving your travel trailer.
- Collision forgiveness: This coverage will waive your deductible if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault.
- Rental reimbursem*nt: This coverage will pay for the cost of renting a replacement travel trailer if yours is damaged or stolen.
Do you need medical travel insurance in BC?
Yes, you need to purchase medical travel insurance if you are a British Columbian travelling outside of the province, even if you are only going to another part of Canada. This is because the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover medical expenses outside of the province.
There are many different travel insurance providers available, so it is important to compare plans before you buy. Some things to consider when comparing plans include:
- The level of coverage: Make sure the plan covers all of your medical expenses, including emergency hospitalization, doctor's visits and prescription drugs.
- The deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts paying.
- The maximum benefit: The maximum benefit is the total amount of money the insurance company will pay for your medical expenses.
- The waiting period: Some plans have a waiting period, which is the amount of time you have to wait before the insurance company starts paying for your medical expenses.
- The exclusions: Make sure you understand the exclusions, which are the types of medical expenses that are not covered by the plan.
Is there BC government employee travel insurance?
British Columbia government employees are eligible for group out-of-country and travel assistance coverage through Canada Life. This coverage includes:
- Emergency medical and dental services
- Emergency transportation
- Travel delay reimbursem*nt
- Baggage loss or damage
- Trip cancellation or interruption
Employees can also purchase an optional emergency travel medical benefit, which provides additional coverage for medical expenses that occur during trips that begin and end in Canada. In addition to group coverage, BC government employees may also want to consider purchasing individual travel insurance. This can provide additional coverage for things like:
- Cancelling or postponing a trip due to a non-medical reason
- Lost or stolen passports or travel documents
- Trip interruption due to weather or other events
- Medical evacuation
If you'd like to explore policies that cover you beyond your government employee benefits or if you'd like to look for a policy with comprehensive coverage, you can do it right here. You can use the HelloSafe comparator below and get free personalised quotes from the best travel insurance providers.
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!Get a quote
5 tips to get cheap travel insurance BC plan
- Compare Quotes: Shop around and compare prices from different insurers. Use the HelloSafe comparator and get free quotes in seconds.
- Choose Basic Coverage: Opt for essential coverage that matches your trip needs.
- Travel Off-Peak: Plan your trip during less busy travel seasons for lower rates.
- Bundle with Existing Policies: Check if your existing insurance provider offers discounts for travel insurance.
- Increase Deductibles: Consider higher deductibles to lower premium costs.
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Sunny YadavCopywriter
Sunny has over six years of experience curating engaging content spanning across industries. Specifically in finance, his expertise is insurance reviews and lending and investment topics.
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