Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to protect you against sudden and unforeseen expenses or losses incurred while travelling. Depending on the coverage purchased, you may be reimbursed for costs associated with trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss or damage, and medical emergencies.

Can I still be covered if I have a pre-existing condition?

Absolutely. Northbridge offers various policies that cover insured for their pre-existing conditions if they are accurately declared in the medical declaration.

What is a deductible, and how does it work?

A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your policy has a $500 deductible, and you incur $2,000 in medical expenses, you would pay $500, and the insurer would cover the remaining $1,500. Higher deductibles typically lower your premium.

What does "benefit" mean in travel insurance?

A benefit is the coverage provided under your policy for a specific event or service. For example, benefits might include emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation reimbursement, or lost luggage compensation. Each benefit has its own terms and limits outlined in the policy.

What is a "condition" in a travel insurance policy?

A condition refers to specific requirements you must meet to be eligible for coverage. For instance, policies may require that you disclose all pre-existing medical conditions, purchase the insurance before your departure date, or follow specific procedures in the event of a claim.

What does "exclusion" mean in travel insurance?

An exclusion refers to specific situations, conditions, or events that your travel insurance policy doesn’t cover. Common exclusions include injuries from risky activities, pre-existing medical conditions not declared, or travelling against government advisories. Be sure to read your policy to understand these limitations.

Sales

Purchase

When is the best time to purchase travel insurance?

It’s recommended to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This ensures you’re covered for any unforeseen events that may occur before your departure, such as trip cancellations.

Why would I need travel insurance if my credit card already offers coverage?

While some credit cards include travel insurance, their coverage is often limited in scope, duration, or maximum benefit amounts. For example, they may not cover pre-existing conditions, extended trips, or emergency medical evacuations. A standalone travel insurance policy provides broader and more customized protection for your needs.

How do I get a quote for my travel insurance?

Simply provide your trip details, including dates and destination, to receive an instant quote.

Can I add family members or travel companions to my policy?

Yes, you can easily add additional travellers to your policy during the purchase process, up to 10 people in total.

What factors determine the cost of my insurance?

Coverage type, trip duration, age, and medical history can influence your premium. Our policies take all these factors into account at the time of purchase.

Coverage

What’s the difference between a single-trip plan and an annual travel insurance plan?

  • Single-trip insurance covers you for one specific trip with a defined start and end date. It is ideal for occasional travellers or travellers who take longer trips.
  • Annual Travel Insurance provides coverage for multiple trips within 12 months. Each trip is limited to a maximum duration. This option is better for frequent travellers.

Can I customize my coverage based on my travel needs?

Yes, our flexible plans allow you to customize your coverage based on your specific travel needs, including trip duration, deductible preferences, and personalized pricing tailored to your health history.

What's an unstable injury or medical condition?

An unstable injury or medical condition refers to any health issue that has had a change in a specified period of time before your departure date. This typically means there have been no changes in medication, no new symptoms, no new treatments, and no recommendations for further tests or surgeries during the specified period. Refer to your policy wording for the precise definition and stability period.

How do I confirm that I’m covered while travelling to Canada?

For those visiting Canada, our “Visitors to Canada” plan will provide coverage. Review your policy to ensure it includes the necessary medical and emergency coverage for the duration of your stay.

Can I purchase the Visitors to Canada plan once I arrive in Canada?

Yes, you can purchase a Visitors to Canada insurance policy after arriving in Canada. However, a waiting period may apply before coverage begins, depending on how soon you purchase the policy after arrival. It’s recommended to buy the policy as soon as possible to minimize these waiting periods.

Is my provincial health insurance enough for worldwide medical coverage?

No, provincial health plans provide limited or no coverage outside your home province or country. While they may cover most services within Canada, they don’t typically cover costs like emergency medical transportation, hospital stays, or specialized treatments abroad. Travel insurance fills these gaps to ensure comprehensive protection.

Policy Changes and Cancellation

What happens if I make a mistake on my purchase?

If you realize there is an error after purchasing, contact us immediately, and we can assist with updating your policy details.

Can I extend my insurance if I decide to stay longer than planned?

Yes, if your policy allows it, you can request an extension before your current coverage ends. Reach out to us with the details of your extended stay to check your eligibility. Keep in mind that extensions are subject to specific conditions, such as no ongoing claims or health changes since your policy began.

Can I cancel my travel insurance if I change my mind?

Yes, you have a 10-Day Right to Examine your policy. Take the time to review your policy and any completed medical questionnaires (if applicable) before your departure date. If you have any questions or concerns about your coverage, please contact us before you travel. You can cancel your policy within 10 days of purchase for a full refund, provided your trip hasn’t started and no claims have been made.

Can my refund be issued to a different credit card?

Refunds are generally issued back to the original payment method for security purposes. If the card is no longer active or unavailable, please contact our support team to explore other options.

Claims

Emergency Medical Situations

I have a medical emergency, what should I do?

In case of a medical emergency:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention
  2. Contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team as soon as possible
  3. Keep all documentation and receipts
  4. Use our mobile app or website to start your claim when safe to do so

What if I can't contact you before seeking treatment?

Your health and safety come first. Seek immediate medical attention. While we prefer to be notified before treatment, we understand this isn't always possible in emergencies. Submit your claim as soon as you're able, with a brief explanation of why prior contact wasn't possible.

Which documents should I keep from the hospital?

Keep all medical reports, receipts, prescriptions, and treatment details, including diagnosis.

Can my family member back home start the claim for me?

Yes, authorized family members can initiate claims through their linked accounts.

Starting Your Claim

Where can I find my policy number?

Your policy number can be found:

  • In your policy confirmation email
  • On your insurance certificate
  • Wallet card

If you still can't locate it, our support team can help you retrieve it using your personal information.

What if I lost all my policy documents?

Contact our support team with your personal details for immediate assistance.

Can I start a claim without my policy number?

Yes, you can submit a claim as a guest.

How do I know if my policy is still active?

Check your policy status instantly through our online portal.

Documentation & Requirements

Why do I need to submit the original receipts?

Original receipts help us:

  • Verify the authenticity of expenses
  • Ensure accurate reimbursement
  • Prevent duplicate claims
  • Comply with insurance regulations

Our digital platform allows you to upload high-quality scans or photos of original receipts for faster processing.

What documents do I need to submit when making a claim?

According to your claim type and reason for the claim, the documents list changes. You can get more details here

What is the deadline for submitting a claim?

Claims must be submitted within a specific time frame after the incident. Please check your policy for exact deadlines.

Payment

When will my claim be paid?

We process payments through our payment partner, Transcard, and payment delivery times may vary depending on the preferred method of payment selected.

Method of PaymentTime to receive payment after it is processed
Digital Payment CardImmediate
EFT3 Business Days
eTransferUp to 30 mins (depending on the recipient’s bank or credit union)
Cheque6-8 Weeks

Can I choose my preferred payment method?

Yes, after claim approval, our partner Transcard will contact you to confirm your preferred payment method.

What if my payment is delayed?

Track status in real-time and receive automated updates about any delays.

Are payments made in my local currency?

No, we process payments in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

Can I claim travel insurance expenses on my income tax return?

Travel insurance expenses may be tax-deductible if:

  • The trip was for business purposes
  • The Insurance was required for business travel
  • You're self-employed and travelling for work

Consult your tax professional for specific guidance based on your situation and jurisdiction.

Who is Transcard, and what is their role in the payment process?

Transcard is Orion's trusted payment partner responsible for processing approved claim payments. Once your claim is approved, Transcard ensures timely disbursement while following strict industry-leading security standards to protect your personal and financial information. The payment email will come from @smart-disburse.com. If you’re unsure, contact us before clicking any links. Also, ensure the URL begins with https://smart-disburse.com before entering any details.

Understanding Claim Decisions

Why do travel insurance claims get rejected?

Common reasons for claim rejection include:

  • Incidents not covered by policy terms
  • Missing or insufficient documentation
  • Pre-existing conditions are not declared
  • Late claim submission
  • Non-compliance with policy requirements

How is AI used to support the claims process?

We use advanced AI technology to streamline and enhance the claims processing experience. When you submit a claim, our AI system evaluates the documents and data you provide, cross-references it with your policy details, and provides a recommendation as part of the claim outcome. This ensures accuracy and fairness by verifying eligibility based on your policy allowance. Final decisions are reviewed and confirmed by our team to ensure your claim is handled appropriately.

How do I know if my situation is covered?

You can check your policy for more details.

What happens if my claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, you can request a review or appeal the decision by submitting additional documentation supporting your case.