Frequently Asked Questions
We are pleased to provide you answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance. If you have additional enquiries, please contact us at: infocanada@allianz-assistance.ca
Doesn't my credit card, homeowner's, or regular medical insurance policy provide coverage for me while I am travelling?
Can I cancel my trip for any reason and get all my money back?
Are there events or medical conditions that are not covered?
Who provides the insurance for these programs?
Who can I call if I have questions about travel protection?
Will this travel insurance cover me anywhere in the world? Are there certain countries where the benefits are limited?
Will my family members be automatically covered under this insurance if I purchase it for myself?
If I am currently residing or travelling abroad, am I still eligible to purchase coverage?
Can I purchase travel insurance on the date of departure?
Will I have to pay out of pocket for any medical expenses?
Am I required to contact anyone prior to seeking medical treatment on a trip?
Why are travel insurance products not available to residents of Quebec?
Doesn't my credit card, homeowner's, or regular medical insurance policy provide coverage for me while I am travelling?
Always review the details of your coverage before leaving home:
- Many credit cards and homeowner's insurance policies do not cover everything you require, such as coverage for specific types of emergencies or Trip Cancellation/Interruption.
- Both credit cards and homeowner's policies may provide limited coverage. Depending on the type of card you have or coverage you have selected, benefits may vary
- Many health insurance plans do not provide payment directly to foreign hospitals, may have a deductible, and/or will not cover the cost of emergency medical transportation.
The assistance hotline is there to help you in times of trouble — to direct you to the right hospital and to ensure you are getting the proper medical care. Not all insurances provide such extensive services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of where you are.
Can I cancel my trip for any reason and get all my money back?
Not all reasons for trip cancellation are covered. Trip Cancellation coverage will refund prepaid, nonrefundable trip 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. Please read your policy terms and conditions to find out exactly what is covered.
Are there events or medical conditions that are not covered?
Every insurance plan contains restrictions and exclusions. For more information, review the terms and conditions of the products that interest you in our Travel Insurance section. You may also contact Allianz Global Assistance to receive more detailed information.
Who provides the insurance for these programs?
Travel Insurance is provided by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company – Canadian Branch (Allianz), and administered and distributed in Canada, outside the Province of Quebec, by Allianz Global Assistance. Allianz Global Assistance is the registered business name for AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd. and AZGA Service Canada Inc. Allianz and Allianz Global Assistance are both members of the Allianz Group, one of the world's largest providers of insurance and financial services. Certain restrictions, limitations and exclusions may apply. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions section in your policy for complete details of coverage.
Who can I call if I have questions about travel protection?
Please call Allianz Global Assistance toll free at 1-866-520-8823 for assistance with questions related to your travel insurance purchase.
Will this travel insurance cover me anywhere in the world? Are there certain countries where the benefits are limited?
Allianz Global Assistance coverage is expansive, however, we do not cover expenses related to travel in any countries for which the Canadian government has issued a Travel Warning in writing.
Will my family members be automatically covered under this insurance if I purchase it for myself?
Each family member over 16 years of age will be required to purchase a policy. Children age 16 and under travelling with a parent receive free coverage.
If I am currently residing or travelling abroad, am I still eligible to purchase coverage?
"If you have already departed on a trip from your home province or territory of residence, you will not be eligible to purchase coverage for that trip. The start date of your travel insurance is defined as the date of departure from your home province or territory of residence, therefore this travel insurance cannot be purchased for a trip that has already commenced.
If, however, you wish to purchase coverage for a future trip that will be departing from your home province or territory of residence, you may do this from anywhere at anytime prior to your departure from your home province or territory of residence."
Can I purchase travel insurance on the date of departure?
Insurance that includes benefits for Trip Cancellation must be purchased within 7 days of booking your trip for the trip cancellation benefits to be in effect. Emergency Medical Coverage can be purchased up until the date of departure, so long as the trip has not commenced.
Will I have to pay out of pocket for any medical expenses?
Whenever possible, Allianz Global Assistance will arrange billing 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.
Am I required to contact anyone prior to seeking medical treatment on a trip?
As per your policy;
"You must contact Allianz Global Assistance before seeking care. If you do not notify Allianz Global Assistance or if you choose to receive treatment from a service provider other than that suggested by Allianz Global Assistance, you will be responsible for 30% of your medical expenses under this insurance."
Allianz Global Assistance asks members 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.
Why are travel insurance products not available to residents of Quebec?
Allianz Global Assistance works with a number of distributors who offer Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company travel insurance products in the Province of Quebec. We are, however, currently unable to offer these products directly to residents of Quebec through the Allianz Global Assistance website.