August 10, 2026 Team Contributor
A new survey commissioned by Global Affairs Canada suggests many Canadians may be travelling abroad without fully understanding how federal travel advisories can affect their insurance coverage. The research found that just 28% of respondents were aware that changes to the Government of Canada’s travel risk levels can impact the validity of travel insurance, while 56% said they were unaware and 16% were unsure.
Survey Reveals Major Knowledge Gap Among Travellers
The survey, conducted by Strategic Counsel among 1,850 Canadians in January, also showed that many travellers do not routinely seek out government travel information before departure.
Why Travel Advisories Matter
According to the Government of Canada, many travel insurance policies may not provide coverage when travellers visit destinations that are under an “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” or “Avoid All Travel” advisory. Advisories can be upgraded, downgraded or removed as conditions change, making it important to review both government notices and insurance policy details before booking a trip.
Key Takeaways for Travellers
- Insurance providers may partially or fully deny claims in destinations subject to higher-risk advisories.
- Provincial health plans often cover only a limited portion of medical costs outside Canada.
- The Government of Canada does not pay travellers’ medical bills abroad.
Uncertainty About Consular Assistance
The survey also highlighted confusion about what Canadian embassies and consulates can do during emergencies. Many respondents were unsure about emergency financial assistance, evacuation loans and other consular services available to Canadians overseas.
For travellers, the message is straightforward: check official travel advisories, understand your insurance policy’s exclusions and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before leaving the country.
Having travel insurance is only one part of a smooth journey. Missing documentation or failing to meet destination requirements can create problems that insurance may not resolve. That’s why travellers should stay informed about changes such as Canada’s new Free Flow Transit process, which streamlines airport connections while still requiring passengers to carry the appropriate travel documents.
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