Is BCAA travel insurance good? Updated Review 2024

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Nishadh Mohammed updated on 31 July 2024

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Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

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BCAA Travel Insurance offers comprehensive and flexible travel insurance suitable for various travel needs, including individual and family plans.

Whether you're heading on a quick trip within Canada or to the USA or a long vacation to Europe or Asia, BCAA travel insurance has you covered with affordable options starting at $20 per trip. It offers extensive emergency medical and COVID coverage up to $10,000,000, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, free coverage for your kids, and more.

So what does BCAA travel insurance cover? Does it offer coverage for seniors? What are its pros and cons? What does it cost? How to get a BCAA travel insurance quote? Who is it best for? Find out all this in our comprehensive review.

BCAA Travel Insurance: Key Takeaways

  • BCAA Travel Insurance plans start at just $20
  • Up to $10,000,000 Emergency Medical and COVID-19 Coverage
  • Comprehensive Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip Plan options
  • Your kids are automatically covered for free
  • BCAA members save 10% on premiums, and an additional 10%* as a loyalty discount
  • Automatic payouts for flight and baggage delays
  • One of BC's most trusted travel insurance brands
  • You can get BCAA travel insurance quotes online

Our BCAA Travel Insurance Review

BCAA Travel Insurance is offered by BCAA which has been serving Canadians for over 80 years. BCAA provides a range of flexible travel insurance plans tailored to various travel needs of both Canadians travelling abroad and visitors to Canada. It provides affordable coverage starting at just $20 per trip.

BCAA travel insurance policy offers up to $10,000,000 in Emergency Medical and COVID-19 Coverage which is much higher than several other providers like Blue Cross travel insurance and CAA which offer up to $5 million. It offers both single-trip and annual multi-trip plans, and automatic and free travel insurance coverage for your children when both parents are insured.

If you're a BCAA member, you enjoy an instant 10% discount on premiums, with an additional 10% loyalty discount available. BCAA travel plans also include automatic payouts for flight and baggage delays, making it a convenient choice for travellers. You get access to 24/7 virtual care and worldwide medical assistance.

For visitors to Canada, the Travel Emergency Medical Insurance plan provides up to $300,000 for emergency treatments, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, and dental services. The coverage for visitors is higher than most providers like CAA travel insurance which has a limit of $150,000.

The Trip Protection Coverage plan offers reimbursement for trip cancellations, interruptions, airline delays, and baggage loss or delay, with automatic payouts for delays, including COVID-19 quarantine expenses.

What also makes CAA stand apart is the optional pre-existing condition coverage of up to $300,000 making sure those who are otherwise rejected by other insurers get coverage. There is also no age limit for BCAA travel insurance ensuring there's comprehensive coverage for seniors.

Expert advice

BCAA Travel Insurance is ideal for families, seniors, and frequent travellers seeking comprehensive travel coverage and reliable customer service. It's particularly beneficial for BCAA members who can take advantage of the discounts and loyalty rewards. It's also a great choice for those with pre-existing conditions, and those travelling with children who get free travel insurance.

Pros of BCAA Travel Insurance Canada

  • BCAA offers budget-friendly travel insurance plans
  • Up to 10,000,000 Emergency Medical + COVID-19 coverage
  • Conveniently spread your payment across months in case of a tight budget
  • BCAA travel insurance is also available to seniors - No age limit
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • BCAA travel insurance reviews are positive for customer service and easy claims handling
  • Get BCAA travel insurance quotes online
  • BCAA members get a 10% discount and could qualify for an additional 10% loyalty discount
  • You can insure trips as long as 365 days
  • Pet Boarding coverage is available

Cons of BCAA Travel Insurance Canada

  • Medical questionnaires and exams if you are above 60
  • No coverage for adventure and extreme sports activities
  • Only BCAA members get special discounts on travel insurance plans

Before choosing BCAA travel insurance, compare other options and quotes. A little shopping around can help you to save money and find coverage that fits your needs. Use our free tool below to compare travel insurance quotes from Canada's best providers.

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

Get a quote

What does BCAA travel insurance cover?

BCAA travel insurance offers three types of plans to meet all your travel needs. Here are the key details:

1. Travel Emergency Medical Insurance

  • Coverage Limit: Up to $10,000,000 per person, per trip.
  • Included Services: Hospital, physician, ambulance services, and more.
  • Additional Benefits:
    • 24/7 Virtual Care: Access medical help anywhere in the world.
    • Worldwide Medical Assistance: Direct payment to medical providers whenever possible.
    • Pre-existing Condition Coverage: Optional coverage up to $300,000 for unstable conditions.

2. Visitors to Canada Travel Emergency Medical Insurance

  • Coverage Limit: Up to $300,000 for emergency medical treatment.
  • Included Services:
    • Emergency Medical Services: Coverage for hospitalization and emergency treatments.
    • Prescription Drugs: Cost covered during hospital stay and a 30-day supply post-discharge.
    • Dental Services: Coverage for emergency dental expenses.
    • 24/7 Virtual Care: Medical help anywhere in the world.

3. Trip Protection Coverage

  • Coverage: Trip cancellation, trip interruption, airline delays, baggage loss or delay.
  • Included Services:
    • Trip Cancellation & Interruption: Recover pre-paid travel fees if the trip is cancelled or interrupted.
    • Baggage Insurance: Coverage for loss, damage, or theft of personal items.
    • Travel Accident Coverage: Covers death, dismemberment, or loss of sight due to an accident.
    • Travel Delay +AutoPay: Automatic payouts for flight and baggage delays, including COVID-19 quarantine expenses.

Good to know

BCAA offers both single and multi-trip options for you to choose from.

  • Single Trip Plan: Ideal for travellers taking one or two trips a year; provides comprehensive protection for a single trip.
  • Annual Multi-Trip Plan: Perfect for frequent travellers; offers year-long protection for multiple trips, based on the length of the longest trip.

Additional Benefits

  • Pre-existing Condition Coverage: Optional coverage up to $300,000.
  • Kids Go Free: Kids are covered at no extra cost when both parents are insured.
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Available anytime, anywhere.
  • Travel Delay Coverage: For flight delays over 4 hours or baggage delays over 6 hours.
  • Worldwide Virtual Care: 24/7 access to medical help.

For more information on BCAA travel insurance policy, download the PDF below:

Here's a quick table on the BCAA Travel Insurance coverage

CoverageTravel Emergency Medical InsuranceVisitors to Canada CoverageTrip Protection Coverage
Emergency Medical
up to $10 millionup to $300,000
Baggage
Cancellation
Interruption
Covid-19
up to $10 millionup to $300,000
Comparison of BCAA travel insurance

Good to know

Before you explore travel insurance plans, you must also check the coverage offered on your credit card. Most Canadian credit cards from top providers offer insurance benefits. You can use our free tool to check the credit card travel insurance benefits on your card.

Does BCAA cover COVID-19-related travelling issues?

BCAA offers up to $10,000,000 for COVID-19-related medical costs outside of Canada for vaccinated policyholders. Vaccinated Visitors to Canada are also covered. The amount depends on the purchased travel insurance plan.

Key aspects of the BCAA travel insurance COVID coverage are:

  • Emergency Medical Coverage: Up to $10,000,000, including COVID-19.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Covers non-refundable travel costs due to COVID-19.
  • Travel Delay + AutoPay: Automatic payouts for delays due to COVID-19 quarantine.
  • Quarantine Expenses: Coverage for mandatory quarantine costs.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Optional coverage for COVID-19-related complications.

BCAA travel insurance pre-existing conditions coverage

BCAA offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, provided the conditions are stable before travel. Up to $300,000 in optional coverage is available for unstable pre-existing conditions.

BCAA travel insurance for seniors

BCAA provides comprehensive travel insurance tailored for seniors, including emergency medical coverage up to $10 million, 24/7 emergency assistance, and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions which seniors are more likely to have.

Good to know

You can explore the best travel insurance for seniors in our comprehensive guide.

BCAA travel insurance pregnancy coverage

BCAA covers emergency medical expenses related to pregnancy up to 31 weeks, provided the pregnancy is not considered high-risk. This includes unexpected complications and necessary medical treatments while travelling.

How much is BCAA Travel Insurance?

BCAA travel insurance plans start from as little as $20. Here are sample BCAA travel insurance quotes we obtained on July 31, 2024:

Traveller ProfileCoverageDestinationPremium (Single-trip)Premium (Multi-trip)
40-year-old
  • Emergency Medical + COVID-19
Worldwide (including USA)$92.92$181.06
54-year-old couple
  • Emergency-Medical + COVID-19
  • Baggage add-on
  • Pet Coverage add-on
  • Pre-existing Condition add-on
Worldwide (including USA)$267.63$515.60
BCAA Travel Insurance Cost

BCAA Travel Insurance Cost depends on several variables like:

  • Your age.
  • Your desired coverage and options.
  • Your deductible.
  • Your waiting period.
  • Your destination(s).
  • The length of your trip.

Therefore, we advise you to get a customized BCAA travel insurance quote for accurate rates.

Before settling on BCAA, check out other travel insurance plans, coverages and prices using our free comparison tool below. Compare free travel insurance quotes online and get instant results with our free HelloSafe tool.

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

Get a quote

How to get a BCAA travel insurance quote?

You can get a BCAA travel insurance quote easily online, via phone, or in person. Here's how:

  1. Online: Visit the BCAA travel page, click "Get a Quote," enter your trip details, and review your quote.
  2. Phone: Call BCAA at 1-888-268-2222, provide your trip details, and receive a quote from a representative.
  3. In-Person: Visit one of the BCAA travel insurance offices, discuss your travel plans with a representative, and get a quote on the spot.
BCAA travel insurance quote screenshot
How to get a BCAA quote?

How to claim BCAA travel insurance?

There are several convenient options for making a BCAA travel insurance claim. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth claims process.

Online Claims

  • Submit a Claim Online:
    • Visit the Global Excel Management (GEM) website.
    • Create or log in to your account to start your claim.
  • Check Claim Status:
    • If you've already started a claim, you can check the status online here.

Email Claims

  • Submit a Claim via Email:
  • Other Claim Inquiries:
    • To check your claim status or provide more information, email BCAA Claims Assistance at [email protected].

Phone Claims

  • From Canada & US:
    • Call 1.833.560.0522.
  • From Mexico:
    • Call 800.083.0811.
  • Outside North America & Mexico (Global Toll-Free):*
    • Dial 800.464.71111.
    • To use this service, first dial the international access code for Canada, then enter the 11-digit toll-free number. Note: Service may not be available in all countries.
  • Worldwide (Collect):
    • Call 519.325.1567.
    • To make a collect call, contact the operator in the country you're in and request to make a collect call. If you have difficulty reaching BCAA, call directly at 1.519.325.1567, and BCAA will reimburse the call.

Good to know

BCAA travel insurance Google reviews and other feedback from customers are largely positive. BCAA has a strong reputation for customer service and reliability. Many users report satisfaction with the prompt and efficient handling of claims​.

How can I contact BCAA travel insurance?

You can contact BCAA by phone, filling up an online form, or walking into one of the BCAA travel insurance offices.

  • Phone: Call their expert advisors at 1-888-268-2222. Available Monday to Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
  • In-Person: Visit one of 29 locations across BC. Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged. Limited appointments are available for booking online.
  • Online Form: For non-urgent enquiries, fill out the Contact Us form on the BCAA website, and a representative will get back to you.

Detailed Coverage of BCAA Travel Insurance Plans

Based on the provided document, here are the coverage details under each BCAA travel insurance plan, structured into separate tables:

1. Travel Emergency Medical Insurance

CoverageDetails
Maximum Limit
$10,000,000
Hospital Services
Hospitalization services (semi-private room)
Physician Services
Covered
Ambulance Services
Covered (licensed ground, air, or sea ambulance)
X-ray Examinations
Covered
Prescription Drugs
Covered (max 30-day supply)
Lost or Stolen Prescription Drugs
Up to $200
Essential Medical Appliances
Covered (wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc.)
Private Duty Nursing
Covered (by a registered nurse)
Follow-up Visit
One visit within 14 days
Fracture Treatment
Up to $1,000
Hospital Allowance
Up to $75 per day
Other Professional Medical Services
Up to $600 per practitioner
Dental Services
Up to $600 for non-accidental emergencies
Unexpected Birth of a Child
Up to $20,000
Emergency Air Transportation
Pre-approved and arranged by BCAA
Airfare to Return Home for Treatment
Pre-approved by BCAA
Medical Attendant
Pre-approved by BCAA
Airline Seat Upgrade
Pre-approved by BCAA
Return of Excess Baggage
Up to $800
Return of Travelling Companion
One-way economy airfare
Return of Children/Grandchildren
One-way economy airfare plus the cost of a chaperone if necessary
Repatriation
Up to $5,000
Return to Your Destination
One-way economy airfare
Family Transportation
Round-trip economy airfare for one family member
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Up to $500 per day, max $5,000
Child Care
Up to $500 per day, max $5,000
Remote Evacuation
Up to $8,000
Return of Vehicle
Actual reasonable charges for return
Vision Care and Hearing Aids
Up to $1,000
Domestic Services in Canada
Up to $250
Medical Follow-Up in Canada
Up to $1,000 for a semi-private room
COVID-19 Coverage
Up to $10,000,000 for vaccinated travellers
BCAA Travel Emergency Medical Insurance

2. Trip Protection Package

CoverageDetails
Trip Cancellation
Up to the sum insured as indicated on the policy
Trip Interruption
Up to $25,000
Baggage Coverage
Up to $1,500 per insured, $3,000 per family
Travel Accident Coverage
Up to $100,000 (Common Carrier Accident), $25,000 (24/7 Travel Accident)
Travel Delay & COVID-19 Quarantine
Up to specified limit per benefit
BCAA Trip Protection Coverage

3. Visitors to Canada Travel Emergency Medical Insurance

CoverageDetails
Maximum Limit
$300,000
Emergency Medical Services
Covered
Prescription Drugs
Covered during hospital stay and 30-day supply post-discharge
Dental Services
Covered for emergency dental expenses
24/7 Virtual Care
Available
BCAA Visitors to Canada Travel Insurance Coverage
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Nishadh Mohammed
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Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.