Travel Insurance to Canada

Canada is a popular destination with British travellers and most visits are hassle-free.

But there are no health links with the UK so you're on your own if ill health or accident strikes.

Hospitals and medical services are of a good standard, but the cost of treatment could send you to an early grave, which is why the Foreign & Commonwealth Office strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

Remember, the British High Commission and Consulates-General can't help with medical expenses, or repatriation costs.

Health risks

Health-wise, there are a few potential health risks to be aware of. Summers can be hot and humid, so there's an increased risk of heat and sunstroke.

Rabies is a problem in most of Canada and can be spread by racoons and bats, so seek out urgent medical advice if you get bitten by a wild animal.

Diseases transmitted by insects aren't usually a problem. The exception is the West Nile Virus, a mosquito born illness which is expected to make further inroads this summer.

Personal protective measures are important when out in rural fields and forests, and anywhere near standing water.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water, and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov/travel.

Additional advice can be found on the information for travellers' page on Health Canada's website at: HC-SC.gc.ca.

For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at DH.gov.uk.

UK Insurance companies

Direct Line, Essential Travel, Norwich Union, Endsleigh Insurance...there's no shortage of UK insurance providers who can cover you for your stay in Canada.

If you remember to pack your toothbrush but forget to buy travel insurance, you can buy when you land.

There Without Travel Insurance?

Blue Cross Visitors to Canada Travel Insurance

You must contact Blue Cross either prior to or within five days of your arrival to activate coverage.

On the Website

• Just identify the province or territory in Canada where you'll be spending most of your time during your visit.
• Then press the GO button.
• You'll then leave the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans Association web site and be redirected to the appropriate Member Plan's web site for further details.

But it's best to buy before you go.

Visit BlueCross.ca/travelinsurance for more information.

Travel Underwriters

Travel Underwriters travel insurance provides Visitors to Canada Travel Medical Insurance, offering Single Trip coverage for trips anywhere in Canada.

The package covers -

Injuries and sicknesses requiring emergency hospital confinement or emergency medical treatment for visitors to Canada, sustained while in Canada on a single trip.

Benefits include medical transport, emergency dental accident expense benefit and subsistence allowance benefit.

For more information visit TravelUnderwriters.com, or call 1-800-663-5389.