Over 73% of Canadians don't understand travel insurance, but it's vital for short trips

Are you dreaming of a spontaneous weekend getaway? You're not the only one. 

More and more Canadians are opting for affordable short trips, such as a weekend road trip to a neighbouring province, that can help increase their happiness throughout the year.    

But before you pack your bags, here's something crucial you might be overlooking: travel insurance. Seventy-three per cent of Canadians revealed that they don't fully understand travel insurance, according to a recent CAA study conducted by DIG Insights. Surprisingly, while 61 per cent agree travel insurance is essential, they still skip it, especially for those seemingly low-risk weekend getaways.   

Travel experts warn that even quick getaways can pack surprises. Without the right coverage, you could be in for some costly headaches.    

Why do I need travel insurance?   

It’s easy to assume that short trips don’t carry much risk, but travel experts suggest otherwise. You might think a weekend getaway, a quick cross-border shopping trip, or a brief business event is no big deal. Even so, situations like a delayed flight, a medical emergency, or lost luggage can quickly complicate matters. 

Medical emergencies, especially in places like the U.S. with high healthcare costs, can become significant expenses. Flight disruptions, lost baggage, or last-minute travel changes can derail your plans and lead to unexpected costs. For instance, missing luggage or rebooking flights might force travellers to pay extra fees, turning a budget-friendly trip into an expensive ordeal.   

That’s where a reliable travel insurance policy can help, ensuring minor disruptions don’t ruin your trip.  

Budget-friendly solutions for short trips 

One of the biggest perks of travel insurance for brief trips is its affordability. Policies designed for quick getaways are often relatively inexpensive, offering financial protection at a fraction of your trip's overall cost.    

Many assume their provincial health coverage, like OHIP, will handle emergency medical expenses while travelling outside Ontario.    

However, once you leave Ontario, it doesn't cover services such as ambulance transportation, assistive devices or private healthcare fees. For more information about what OHIP does and doesn’t cover, click here.    

Emergency medical travel insurance bridges this gap, fully covering unexpected healthcare costs, especially in pricey destinations like the U.S.    

For frequent travellers, CAA multi-trip insurance¹ offers a practical and affordable solution. Instead of buying separate policies for each journey, one plan covers multiple trips per year, up to a set number of days per trip. These policies can help reduce costs and simplify planning, providing consistent protection for each outing. 

Whether heading off on a weekend getaway or planning several adventures throughout the year, travel insurance can help you avoid costly surprises while exploring new destinations.    

Planning your next trip?  

Not sure how travel insurance works or where to start? CAA Travel Insurance can help you find the right plan, answer your questions and provide comprehensive coverage for worry-free trips. 

*CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.  

1. Medical Multi-Trip Plans cover 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date.  

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