Over the past two years, we have put together blog posts about travel insurance and how it can help you navigate new and evolving circumstances. Travel has changed again this year, and travellers have concerns. Luckily, travel insurance is a dynamic type of coverage that anticipates problems and ensures that you are adequately protected.



People had local and international travel at the top of their summer bucket lists this year now that there are fewer restrictions related to vaccination status, quarantine requirements, and Covid outbreaks. Unfortunately, other issues took their place and complicated travel plans for thousands of people. Having the right insurance policy doesn’t guarantee a perfect travel experience, but it does help alleviate some of the stress and financial burden when things don’t go as planned. 

Passport delays

Many excited Canadian travellers have been on pins and needles this summer waiting to see if their valid passports will be received before their departure dates. Due to an extraordinary demand for passports, processing times are delayed. Line-ups outside Service Canada Centres have been hours long, with some people lining up in the wee hours of the morning to get an in-person appointment. For those that mailed in their documents and are still waiting for valid passports, the risk of not having them in time for their vacation is very real. Travel insurance can’t make your passport get here any sooner, but it can offer some financial protection if you have to cancel your trip. “Cancel for Any Reason” is available as an add-on to some trip interruption and trip cancellation policies.

Lost luggage

Lost luggage has been a recurring theme for Canadian travellers this summer. Some have been lucky enough to be reunited with their bags after a short delay, but others have accepted their luggage is never coming back to them. When this happens, airline passengers can file a claim for compensation related to expenses incurred due to lost luggage, with a maximum amount payable of approximately $2300 per passenger. There is a backlog of claims, and reimbursement can take months or more. Many insurance companies offer Baggage Insurance as an add-on to a travel policy. This coverage typically includes payment for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and payment for necessities if baggage is delayed. 

Last minute cancellations

Life happens, and sometimes it happens at really inopportune times, like right before a vacation. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance are wise investments for anyone travelling now. This type of insurance offers coverage for a wide range of events like

• Unexpected illness or death,
• Covid or Covid-related medical conditions,
• Pregnancy,
• Job loss,
• Cancelled or delayed flights, and
• Natural disasters.

If there is one thing we are certain about, it is that nothing is certain! Just because we make travel plans, it doesn’t mean that things will go smoothly. Travel insurance is an affordable product that can be customized to your needs with innovative and practical add-ons. If you are planning a trip soon, get in touch with us for a travel insurance quote.