Top benefits of travel insurance for Canadians

Date:19 June 2026
Time Reading:1 min
Author:Shelden SmollanChief Experience Officer
Shawn Redford
Reviewed by:Shawn RedfordChief Business Development Officer
Family playing with beach ball on sunny beach in Canada.

Outside Canada, health care systems and costs can be very different. Without travel insurance, you are responsible for all expenses. Travel Insurance lets you focus on your trip, not the risks.

Here are some key benefits:

Emergency medical coverage: Helps protect you from the high cost of medical care outside Canada. Even a brief visit to an emergency room can cost far more than most travelers expect.

Trip cancellation protection: Helps you recover the cost of prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel for a covered reason outlined in the policy. Many people assume cancellations will not happen to them, but even the best-planned trips can change unexpectedly. Having this coverage in place can help reduce the financial impact when plans fall through.

Lost or delayed baggage: Can help pay for essential items if your luggage is delayed, lost or damaged.

Emergency evacuation services: If a medical emergency occurs in a remote or under-equipped location, evacuation coverage can help ensure you reach the nearest appropriate medical facility. Coverage is typically limited to medically necessary evacuations and does not necessarily mean transport back to Canada. 

24/7 travel assistance services: Canadian travel insurance plans often include 24/7 assistance to find medical care, replace documents or coordinate emergency services.

Coverage, limits, exclusions, and eligibility requirements, including pre-existing condition stability clauses, vary by policy and carrier. All coverages are subject to underwriting and eligibility criteria. Speak with a broker to understand what is and is not covered before you travel. 

Shelden Smollan
Chief Experience Officer

Shelden Smollan is the Chief Experience Officer at Experior Financial Group Inc., a role he has held since 2017. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the Canadian insurance industry, Shelden has dedicated his career to delivering exceptional client experiences, empowering advisors, and driving innovation.

His journey began in 1994, when he launched and managed a new insurance agency at London Drugs Insurance Services. He later served as Regional Sales Manager at Assumption Life for over a decade, simplifying processes and exceeding service expectations. As Vice President of Distribution at Insurance Supermarket Inc., he partnered with brokers nationwide to introduce innovative market solutions and streamline operations.

At Experior, Shelden’s mission is to ensure every client interaction reflects the company’s commitment to service excellence. He is a recognized industry leader with a strong focus on relationship management and providing insurance solutions for all clients, including those who are traditionally hard to insure.

More about Shelden Smollan