While most Canadians are just waiting for the day they can freely travel abroad again, plenty of us still find there’s adventure to be had in our own Canadian backyard. And with winter in full swing, it’s important to know that if you’re heading out-of-province, you’ll want to know what you are and aren’t covered for by your provincial healthcare plan. That way, you can head to the mountains and down the slopes worry-free!
But don’t grab your parka just yet—it’s also important to understand why claims are sometimes denied, regardless of emergencies, injuries or sickness resulting from winter sports and activities.
Common reasons winter sports travel insurance claims are denied
1. Intoxication from or abuse of alcohol and drug consumption
Abuse of alcohol or intoxication can be a major cause for emergency medical travel insurance claims, but they aren’t covered—so go easy on the après-ski! The abuse or misuse of intoxicants—including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication, controlled drugs and illegal substances—taken before or during your trip is also a major factor for claim denials.
What about marijuana? It’s legal in Canada, but abusing or misusing it can result in claim denials too. Read more about cannabis and travel insurance.
2. Not having optional Sports & Activities Coverage
Keep in mind that TuGo’s Emergency Medical Insurance plans are comprehensive enough that you won’t need additional coverage to take part in typical recreational winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and even dog-sledding.
But if you’re looking to take your adventures to the extreme—backcountry skiing and snowboarding, downhill freestyle skiing and snowboarding in organized competitions, high-risk snowmobiling (racing competitions, endurance events, high-marking and/or snowmobiling in unguided backcountry terrain), ice climbing and others—you’ll need to add Sports & Activities Coverage to your travel insurance policy.
3. Engaging in winter sports & activities in areas closed off to public access
Even with Sports & Activities Coverage, participating in, training or practicing any of the activities listed above in areas closed off to public access or those that can only be accessed by crossing a fenced, gated or roped-off area clearly marked as ‘off limits’ according to recommendations of safety authorities in the region isn’t covered—so keep your eye out for signs!
As with any travel insurance product, be sure you read the policy to understand what you’ll be covered for, especially during the pandemic. Winter sports and activities vary widely, which means they also vary in risks and potential injuries involved. If you do find yourself having to make a claim—and we hope you won’t ever have to— read up on how to speed up the claims process.
Stay warm and safe on your adventures,
Justin
