Frequently Asked Questions

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides travelers with peace of mind when the unexpected occurs while away from home, such as a medical emergency or other event that disrupts travel plans.

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Why do I need travel insurance?

Depending on the coverage you select, travel insurance provides you with:

  • Insurance protection for medical emergencies
  • 24-hour access to emergency medical referrals and assistance
  • Reimbursement for some of the unexpected travel expenses you might incur (eg: if your flight is delayed or baggage lost)
  • Protection for your trip cost, if you have to cancel or interrupt your travel
  • Medical assistance abroad

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What will the 24-hour hotline service do for me?

Allianz Global Assistance offers a 24-hour assistance hotline. Multilingual associates draw on a wealth of experience to provide you with immediate access to information and direction. We are here to help you through your travel emergencies. Call Allianz Global Assistance toll-free at 1-800-661-9060.

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Whom can I call if I have questions about travel insurance?

Please call Allianz Global Assistance toll-free at 1-800-661-9060.

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Can I cancel my trip for any reason and get all my money back?

Not all reasons are covered. Trip Cancellation coverage will refund prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits if you have to cancel for a covered reason. Covered reasons include: sudden and unforeseen medical emergencies, if your home is made uninhabitable by fire, flood, burglary, vandalism or natural disaster, hijacking or quarantine. For a complete list, please refer to the Certificate of Insurance or call Allianz Global Assistance toll-free at 1-800-661-9060.

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Will I have to pay out of pocket for any medical expenses?

Whenever possible, Allianz Global Assistance will arrange billing directly with the health providers our members visit. However, international borders can sometimes limit our ability to do so. It is always a good idea to bring an extra reserve of funds in case any unexpected emergencies occur where advance payment is required. If access to emergency funds is needed to cover these expenses, the Travel Assistance Service, provided by Allianz Global Assistance is there to help.

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Am I required to contact anyone prior to seeking medical treatment on a trip?

Allianz Global Assistance asks you to reach them prior to seeking treatment, as it allows Allianz Global Assistance to assess the situation, open a medical case to monitor care, and to help the patient locate a suitable provider in their area. In the case of a life-threatening emergency where a member is unable to reach Allianz Global Assistance, we always advise members to seek treatment immediately at the nearest health facility, and have a travelling companion or health facility employee contact Allianz Global Assistance on the patient's behalf as soon as possible. In these situations, the claim would be reviewed to determine whether or not contact prior to treatment would have been possible. Please call Allianz Global Assistance toll free at 1-800-661-9060.

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Is there a deductible on this plan?

No. There is no deductible on this plan.

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Definitions

Important note: All insurance coverage is subject to eligibility criteria and benefits are limited in certain situations. For full details, please refer to the Certificate of Insurance or call Allianz Global Assistance toll-free at 1-800-661-9060.

Emergency Medical/Dental Expense - Provides benefits for covered expenses incurred during your trip for the cost of care and supplies needed by a licensed doctor, hospital or dentist if you experience a medical or dental sudden and unforeseen emergency while travelling. This includes x-rays and lab tests; required private duty nursing if necessary; prescription drugs; medical appliances; ambulance services and many other important costs.

Emergency Transportation - Refers to the air and/or ground transportation services required as a result of an injury or illness while you are travelling. If necessary, Allianz Global Assistance can arrange to move you to a more appropriate facility or back home after you have been stabilized. Allianz Global Assistance will pay the expenses up to the maximum level of coverage shown in your policy.

Lost, Stolen or Delayed Baggage - If your checked baggage is delayed or misdirected by a Common Carrier, you can receive reimbursement for the purchase of essential items. If your bags never show up, you can be reimbursed for the lost items. Certain items are not covered and there are limits on the maximum levels of coverage you can receive. For additional information please refer to the Certificate of Insurance.

Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption - Trip Cancellation provides reimbursement of covered, nonrefundable trip payments or deposits if your trip is cancelled prior to departure for one of the covered reasons. Please refer to the Certificate of Insurance for a complete list.
Trip Interruption provides reimbursement for covered expenses resulting from a trip interruption, which occurs after departure. Covered expenses include transportation and lodging. If your ability to travel is affected by one of the events listed below, and you meet eligibility requirements (refer to the Certificate of Insurance for eligibility requirements) you will be reimbursed.

Events include:

  • Unforeseen accidents, injuries or death
  • Fire or flood in your home
  • Quarantine
  • Pregnancy and adoption
  • Government advisories
  • Job loss

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Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?

Pre existing medical conditions may be covered as long as they are stable for a specific time period. The time period varies depending on the age of the insured. Details are listed under the General Exclusions and Limitations section 9.4 (1 Pre existing conditions) of the Certificate of Insurance.

Are there limitations and exclusions?

The limitations and exclusions for travel insurance are detailed in section 9.4 (General) and section 9.3.3 (Emergency Medical) of the Certificate of Insurance.

Am I eligible?

You must be a resident of Canada to apply for BMO Travel Insurance. Depending on the type of coverage you choose, other conditions do apply. For example, you must be covered by a Canadian Government Health Insurance Plan to be eligible for Travel Medical coverage. For full details, refer to section 8 of the Certificate of Insurance.

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