Travel Insurance for Canada from India

What is Travel Insurance for Canada?

Canada is a favourite among Indians thanks to the world-class education and job opportunities it offers. However, all of this comes with its share of uncertainties. Given the vast geographical diversity and contrasting climates, you are constantly at risk of getting ill or injured, especially during winter skiing or leisurely hiking.

Whether you are walking around Niagara Falls or kayaking at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you can stay protected against any mishap if you have travel insurance for Canada from India.

Your travel insurance for Canada will provide benefits like passport & baggage cover, cashless hospitalisation, flight delay cover, and a lot more at a very affordable rate. You can compare different plans before choosing travel insurance for Canada.

Canada: Fast Facts

It is strongly recommended that you buy travel insurance once the flight and hotels have been booked. Indians also need a valid visa for Canada before their journey, so plan timely.

Key Benefits: Canada Travel Insurance from India

• Financial Backup: Your travel insurance for Canada trip offers considerable support in case of major emergency expenses like healthcare, personal liability, theft of belongings, etc.
• 24X7 Assistance: Get help in Canada through dedicated customer service navigating through local healthcare, authorities, language barriers and more.
• Healthcare Expenses: The travel insurance Canada from India will provide medical coverage for emergency hospitalisation due to an injury or illness, including dental emergencies, surgeries, medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains.
• Flight and Baggage Security: Travel insurance India to Canada offers protection from unexpected travel emergencies like baggage loss, flight cancellation, theft of belongings, etc.

Whether you lose your personal belongings or get hospitalised, an international travel insurance Canada plan will help you get the right kind of assistance during an emergency.

Inclusions under Travel Insurance for Canada

• Medical Expenses: Travel medical insurance for Canada covers hospitalisation expenses, evacuation and repatriation expenses in case of an emergency.
• Personal Liability: If you somehow become liable to a third party while travelling abroad, then your India to Canada travel insurance will help you shoulder the costs.
• Flight Cancellations: In case your flight is cancelled due to covered reasons, this policy will compensate you for additional expenses.
• Flight Delay: You will be compensated for the inconvenience of your delayed flight if it is over a certain time limit.
• Home Burglary Insurance: In case of a burglary at your residence back in India while you're on your trip, travel insurance for trip to Canada will compensate you for the losses as per your policy term.
• Passport Loss: Your tourist insurance Canada will compensate you for the costs incurred in procuring a new or duplicate passport.
• Baggage Loss: If your airline misplaces or damaged your luggage, then your policy will provide a fixed sum to reimburse you for those damages.

Exclusions under Travel Insurance for Canada

• Medical Tourism: If travelling specifically for a medical treatment, then it won't be covered
• Mental Disorders: Medical expenses related to nervous or mental disorders are not covered
• Pre-existing Diseases: Unless purchasing a PED add-on, most insurers don't cover medical expenses due to pre-existing conditions.
• War or Terrorism: Losses due to civil war, rebellion, military actions, chemical or biological weapons, and acts of terrorism are not covered.
• Losses due to Negligence: If you incur a loss due to your own negligence, it won't be covered by the insurer. For example, if you left your passport unattended and it was stolen then you won't be covered for it.
• Illegal Acts: If a claim arises because you committed a breach of the law in the country you are visiting, the policy will not cover it.
• Suicide/Self-inflicted Injury/Drug Use: Travel insurance from India to Canada will not cover any claim in case of intentional injury or damage you cause to yourself. It will also not cover any claim if you suffer a loss because of inebriation.

Canada Visa Procedure for Indians

No matter what the purpose of your travel is, you must have a Canadian visa that permits you to visit Canada. Depending on your purpose of visiting Canada, you can apply for any of the following visas:

• Temporary Resident Visa/ Visitor Visa
• Super Visa
• Transit Visa
• Study Permit
• Work Permit

You can apply for a Canadian visa online. To apply for a Canadian visa online, follow the steps given below:

• Determine Visa Type: Visitor, Study Permit or Work Permit
• Apply Online: Create an account on the IRCC Portal and fill out the online form after you have selected the visa type according to your purpose of travel
• Provide Documents: Gather and upload all the required documents
• Pay Visa Fees: Pay the required visa fees and biometric fees required for a Canada visa online using a debit or credit card
• Book your Biometric Appointment: Give your biometric and photograph at the nearest Biometric Collection Service Point within 30 days

The processing time for a Canadian Visitor visa takes a few days to a few weeks. If you apply for a Visitor Visa from India, it will take approximately 18 days, starting the day the Canadian embassy receives your application. Similarly, it will take 105 days to process a Super visa, 9 weeks for a Study Permit and 16 weeks for a Work permit.

Documents Required for Canada Travel

Be it for tourism, higher studies or work, you need to meet certain requirements to visit Canada. From a Canadian super visa to a study permit, you need to provide many documents to travel here:

Canada Visa Requirements from India

The following are the documents required by Indians who are travelling to Canada:

• Valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
• Completed Canadian visa application
• Proof of vaccination, as required
• Identity proof
• International driving licence (if planning to drive)
• Proof of financial support/ stability. This may include:
• Recent photocopies of Income tax returns
• Original letter by your employer stating your designation, job description and salary
• A letter from an accountant mentioning the annual income (in case of self-employed applicants)
• Proof of income from other sources, including investment, pension statement, etc.
• Photocopy of return air ticket or travel itinerary
• Letter of Invitation from your business partner staying in Canada (In case of a Business visitor visa)
• Medical Examination at the medical office in New Delhi (if staying in Canada for more than 6 months)

If you wish to fly down to Canada to pursue higher education, you can do so with a valid study visa for Canada from India. Similarly, people planning to work in Canada should obtain a work permit from the Embassy or Consulates of Canada in India. Visitors can use ArriveCAN before their arrival in Canada to save time at the immigration border.

Travel Insurance Purchase

While travel insurance for visitors to Canada from India is not mandatory, it is strongly advised to avoid any extra expenses.

• Passport number of travellers
• ID proof, like PAN or other government-issued documents, for the proposal form
• KYC for travel insurance from India is required before purchase*

*You must also have your travel dates and destination for the proposal form.

Travel Insurance Claim

• FIR or police report for criminal cases
• Copy of your passport with immigration stamps
• ID Proof
• Completed claim forms
• Copy of your original policy
• Original bills and receipts

You may be asked to provide all of these or more documents, depending on your claim.

Canada Travel Insurance Add-ons

Getting ill due to weather changes or getting attacked by an animal during a trek can become a big roadblock for your trip, apart from causing financial distress. The only way to stay prepared for such financial emergencies is by having travel insurance for Canada.

Most travel-related emergencies, like loss or delay of check-in baggage, trip cancellation or curtailment, flight delay, are covered under Canada travel insurance. But what about situations that are usually not covered by travel insurance plans?

What if you have a heart condition but need to fly to Canada for a close friend's wedding? Your doctor may have given you clearance to travel, but we all know how much it can weigh on your family's mind. In such cases, you can opt for an additional layer of security by buying an add-on that covers your pre-existing disease(s). It will ensure that you're protected in case of any life-threatening situation because of your PED.

For instance, if going to pursue higher studies in Canada, then your student travel insurance can also include add-ons for compassionate visits, cancer and mammography screening, study interruption and more.

How to Plan Your Itinerary for Canada

From the Canadian Rockies to the culinary capital of Montreal, you need to carefully plan your Canadian itinerary. Here's how to go about it:

1. Decide on your trip duration and dates
2. Book your round-trip flights for Canada
3. Now, list the cities you want to explore and assign fixed days to each
4. Reserve hotels/hostels for each city
5. Plan your activities and book event tickets
6. Make your railway/domestic flights or rental car bookings for a smooth transit

Travel Guide for Indians Visiting Canada

Ideally, the best time to visit Canada is from mid-September to October, which lies in the fall season. During this time, the tourist crowd has reduced quite a bit, and the hot summer weather gets replaced by pleasant fall weather. The country is buzzing with apple, pumpkin and wine festivals around this time of the year.

Know Canada Airports

Canada has several domestic and international airports, providing excellent connectivity. The most popular international airports in Canada include the Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, and Ottawa-Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Incidents, including the loss or delay in check-in baggage arrival, hijack distress cover, trip delay, missed connection flight, etc., can be covered by a travel insurance Canada from India plan.

Currency in Canada

The currency used in Canada is the Canadian Dollar. Here is the latest exchange rate to get an estimate: 61.25 INR = 1 CAD = 0.72 USD

Indian Embassy in Canada

In case of an emergency during your trip, you can contact the Indian Embassy situated in Canada. You can also contact your insurer, who can help you reach out to the Indian Embassy for you.

• Multilingual Tourist Helpline - 1800111363 & shortcode 1363
• Emergency Contact Number: (Only for death cases) - 613-899 4622

First Timer's Guide to Canada

Canada is among the most developed nations in the world. What's more, Canadian hospitality is world-famous and is a great place for tourists. However, some precautionary measures will go a long way:

• Know Canadian Laws & Emergency Services: Ensure personal safety and memorise contacts for fire, police and medical emergencies. In Canada, you can dial 911 for an emergency.
• Weather Preparedness: Avoid driving in Canada during winter, as the temperature is very low and roads are slippery due to snowfall.
• Follow Health Guidelines: Carry your prescriptions and other important medicines when leaving India for Canada.
• Mobile Connectivity: Don't visit any remote places alone or without learning about their essentials. Consider buying a local SIM incase your international roaming package is too high.
• Transportation & Stay: Don't overstay your visa duration, as it will have serious consequences. You can also buy regional rail passes and city travel cards for a cheap commute in Canada.

Most Visited Places in Canada

Canada is a country of gorgeous views and rich culture. Right from glaciers and lakes to museums and the country has a lot to offer to all kinds of tourists. Here are some of the top places to visit in Canada:

• Niagara Falls: The cascading waterfalls are perfect for summer trips. Embrace the majestic view of the beautiful Niagara Falls by riding on the Maid of the Mist boat.
• Banff National Park: For a perfect trekking experience, head to this place spread across 6641 square kilometres. The park is close to the Canadian Rockies and has some of the most stunning peaks, glaciers, rivers and forests.
• Okanagan Valley: Wine lovers can head to British Columbia's best wine-producing region. You can go wine tasting, attend festivals or simply go market hopping for some fresh farmer's produce.
• Quebec City: Among the oldest walled cities in the world, Quebec City is a must-visit for anyone who's looking for a French touch in North America. It is also very picturesque and any traveller's favourite backdrop.
• Pyramid Lake: The only habitat for the Cui-ui fish, Pyramid Lake is the largest natural lake in Nevada. It is famous for its unique rock formations, especially the Stone Mother.
• The Forks: A historic site, the Forks continues to be an important meeting place for more than 6,000 years. It consists of several attractions, including a historic port, an interpretive park, a skateboard park and many outdoor and indoor attractions year-round, attracting more than 4 million visitors each year.

Don't forget to buy travel insurance for Canada. It may come in handy in case you face any eventuality during your stay here.

Things to Do in Canada

Canada is very diverse when it comes to geographical terrains and has encompassed people with several cultures within itself. It offers numerous activities for tourists and locals to engage in. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Canada:

• You can also visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum to witness the variety of dinosaurs and fossils.
• If you like water sports, you can go kayaking or canoeing in the pristine lakes at Banff National Park in Alberta.
• Wildlife enthusiasts can engage in a Polar Bear Safari at Churchill or go for a Whale Watching tour in Vancouver.
• Thrill-seekers can go Bungee Jumping at The Rock near Ottawa or sit on the world's largest indoor triple-looping roller coaster at the amusement park in West Edmonton Mall.
• You can also go edge-walking at a height of 1168 feet at Toronto's CN Tower.
• You can go skiing on the coastal mountain range at Whistler.
• Catch the northern lights in any of the northern provinces of British Columbia

Engaging in different adventure activities anywhere can put you at a lot of risk. To stay protected from such eventualities, you should buy travel insurance for Canada from India. It is one of the wisest decisions that you can make for your trip, as a Canada travel insurance plan will help provide you with the necessary financial assistance when needed.