winter travel insurance

Travel Insurance for Winter Vacations

Many Canadians will hit the slopes and trails this winter to enjoy snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. But winter sports can carry higher risks of personal injury, so take sensible precautions to stay safe, and make sure you have the right winter travel insurance to protect you and your loved ones.

Why do you need travel insurance?

Even if you have extended health insurance through your employer or a family member, most Canadians are not covered when they travel outside their home province. This means that if you are injured and need medical treatment, you have to pay for those expenses out of pocket – an unappealing proposition. Luckily, travel insurance is an inexpensive way to protect yourself. Basic travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment and associated expenses, but there are a few things to look for when you are buying a policy:

  • What are the policy limits and deductibles?
  • What type of additional expenses are covered?
  • Is evacuation and repatriation coverage included, and to what amount?
  • Are delays and interruptions covered for you and your fellow travellers?
  • Will it include cancellation insurance for non-refundable bookings?

Coverage for winter activities

Many basic travel insurance plans do not cover some of the more common winter activities like skiing or snowmobiling. If you are planning certain sports or activities during your trip, you need to make sure these are covered, or purchase additional insurance. Failing to confirm these details in advance could lead to your insurer denying coverage in the event of an injury. Another consideration if you are travelling with your own equipment, is whether your policy will cover damage or theft. Additional coverage can protect your valuables, and give you better peace of mind.

Winter travel insurance outside of Canada

If your vacation plans are taking you outside of Canada, make sure that your winter travel insurance policy covers your destination countries, and planned activities in those locations. If you are travelling to the United States, even relatively minor injuries can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance, so make sure you are covered. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before your trip. If you are planning a trip and have questions about buying the right travel insurance coverage, or need to find out if your current policy covers your vacation plans, contact our team today.

If you have been injured or your travel insurance claim is denied

It is the worst case scenario if you have been injured on vacation, especially if your policy is not covering all of your expenses. Our team of lawyers specializes in injuries and accidents that happened away from home.

If you have been injured in an accident while travelling or at a resort outside of your home Province, or need advice about dealing with your insurer, Derfel Injury Law has the knowledge and experience you need. Call us at 416-847-3580 to schedule a visit or contact us here.