10-day policy review
THIA describes a minimum 10-day opportunity to review your purchase without obligation. Check the insurer’s refund conditions, including departure and claims restrictions.
CLIENT EDUCATION • TRAVEL INSURANCETravel with confidence.
Travel with confidence.
Know your rights. Know your responsibilities.
A practical overview of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada's (THIA) Bill of Rights and Responsibilities—plus an easy after-sales travel reminder from InsuranceVilla.
Watch and learn
THIA Bill of Rights and Responsibilities Overview
This short THIA educational video introduces what travellers should expect of their travel insurance provider—and what the traveller must do to help make coverage and claims work as intended.
Video: Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA). If the embedded video is unavailable, watch it directly on YouTube.
A simple travel insurance framework
THIA's four golden rules
Start here before choosing a policy, completing medical screening, or leaving Canada.
♥Know your health
Understand your medical history, medications and relevant changes in health. Answer screening questions accurately.
✈Know your trip
Confirm destinations, dates, duration and any activities that may affect eligibility or coverage.
▤Know your policy
Review benefits, exclusions, stability periods, deductibles and the assistance process.
✓Know your rights
Understand the information, assistance, claim handling and review process you can expect.
Your protections
10 travel insurance rights
THIA outlines the following consumer rights in its published Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.
Clear policy information
Receive policy documents and confirmation showing the applicable terms and conditions.
Ask for clarification
Ask the insurer or advisor to explain unfamiliar terms, limits, exclusions and benefits.
Review medical screening
Obtain a copy of your medical questionnaire answers and correct or update them as permitted before coverage starts.
Worldwide emergency assistance
Access the assistance services provided under your policy, including 24-hour support.
Fair and timely claims handling
Expect a transparent claims process and timely communication.
Escalate or appeal
Seek review of a decision and submit additional information through the insurer’s appeal process.
Privacy and confidentiality
Expect your personal and health information to be handled appropriately.
Know who insures you
Identify the underwriting insurer and how to file a complaint.
English or French
Communicate about your travel insurance in either official language.
Your part of the agreement
4 key traveller responsibilities
Meeting these obligations helps avoid preventable problems at the point of application, emergency assistance or claim.
Provide accurate information
Answer all application and medical screening questions completely and truthfully; report relevant changes when your policy requires it.
Understand the policy
Review eligibility, benefits, limits, exclusions, stability periods and instructions for emergency assistance.
Carry proof of coverage
Keep your policy number and 24-hour emergency assistance contact information accessible.
Notify the insurer and document your claim
Contact the assistance provider promptly when a claim may arise and supply documents, including receipts and medical records.
Remember: The exact wording of your insurance contract, not this educational summary, determines your insurance coverage, eligibility and claims requirements.
InsuranceVilla after-sales care
Before you travel: a personal reminder
Thank you for entrusting your travel insurance needs to me. It is always a pleasure to assist you.
Before you leave, please stay organized and keep secure copies of the following:
In a medical emergency
Seek immediate emergency medical assistance when needed. Contact the 24-hour emergency assistance number shown on your travel insurance policy as soon as possible. If you cannot get through, continue trying using the alternative contact methods shown in your policy until you reach a representative and receive clear instructions. When possible, contact the assistance centre before receiving treatment or being admitted to a hospital. Do not delay urgent treatment if doing so would endanger your health; have a companion call on your behalf if you cannot.
If you are hospitalized or need to submit a claim
- Keep all medical reports, invoices, receipts, prescriptions, and discharge documents.
- Write down the dates, names, telephone numbers, and instructions from everyone you speak with.
- Keep copies of all emails and claim correspondence.
- Contact me and keep me informed so I can help guide you through the process. The insurer and its assistance/claims provider remain responsible for coverage and claims decisions.
Protect your personal information. Keep original documents secure and store backup copies separately or in a password-protected digital folder. Avoid travelling with an unnecessary copy of your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Wishing you safe travels and peace of mind throughout your journey.
Your InsuranceVilla Advisor
InsuranceVilla.life
Tick the checkboxes as you prepare. This checklist is for your use on this page; selections are not sent to InsuranceVilla.
Reliable resources
Learn more from THIA
Read the complete consumer resource before departure or if you need to understand your rights in more detail.
Important educational disclaimer: This InsuranceVilla page summarizes THIA consumer education materials and provides general travel-preparation guidance. It is not the insurance policy, a guarantee of payment, medical advice or a statement that InsuranceVilla or every insurer is a THIA member. THIA’s published 10-day review principle is subject to the applicable insurer's policy and refund conditions. Insurance products differ in eligibility, exclusions, pre-existing condition provisions, medical stability clauses, emergency-assistance obligations and claim procedures. Always consult your own policy documents and your insurer. For immediate danger or severe illness, contact local emergency services.