Worry-Free Travel Health Insurance? (in French only)

Author

Luc Rochefort

Organization

Union des consommateurs

Published

2006

Summary

When travelling abroad, the provincial health insurance authorities, insurance companies and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada all strongly recommend that consumers contract complementary health insurance. In the event of a major health problem in a foreign country, the consumer must not count on provincial health insurance plans to pay medical bills in their entirety. When purchasing travel health insurance, it is the consumer’s responsibility to inform the insurer of all facts liable to risk assessments and his of her insurability. Hence the importance of the role played by travel agents, at the time of sale of travel insurance, regarding the gathering and provision of information. This study sought to identify the problems related to the sale of travel insurance by certain vendors - specifically travel agencies and credit card companies - particularly in regards of information on conditions for insurability and exclusions. The study highlights the risks to which consumers are exposed as well as the recourses that may be at their disposal. Via field research at travel agencies in three provinces, this report canvassed the problems related to the sale of complementary health insurance. In addition, this study includes an analysis of the information provided to consumers by credit card companies regarding the travel insurance they sell.

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French only

OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database