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Travel insurance tips: what to know before you go

As a PGA of Canada member, you know that travel is part of the game—whether it’s for tournaments, teaching, training, or cross-border escapes. But with all that movement comes a need for the right protection. That’s where travel insurance plays a vital role.

This article highlights practical tips and reminders to help you travel smarter this season.

1. Avoid common travel insurance pitfalls

Many travellers assume they’re covered—until they discover the fine print. Some common mistakes include:

  • Relying solely on credit card coverage, which often comes with strict conditions
  • Overlooking exclusions, like pre-existing conditions or destinations with advisories
  • Assuming provincial health coverage will handle everything (it won’t)

Many credit cards include both medical and trip cancellation and interruption insurance, provided the trip was booked using the credit card. This type of insurance may be sufficient for you, but don’t assume it is.

While some credit cards offer travel insurance perks, the coverage is often limited. Always be sure to check the details. You might not be covered if:

  • Your trip exceeds a set number of days
  • You didn’t book the trip entirely on the card
  • You’re over a certain age or have a pre-existing condition

All insurance plans include limitations and exclusions. Reviewing that section of the plan information before travel is important to ensure you’re covered. For example:

  • high-risk activities, such as skydiving, may be excluded
  • some destinations may be excluded based on travel advisories
  • medical costs related to substance use may be excluded
     

2. Choose coverage that matches your lifestyle

Travel insurance can be purchased for single-trips, annual/multi-trips or included in group health plans, like the Entente Plus Group Insurance Program which is offered as part of your exclusive PGA of Canada members perks. 

If you travel regularly—even for short trips or cross-border errands—multi-trip coverage can be more efficient and cost-effective than insuring each trip separately.

There are two main types of travel insurance for Canadians:

  1. Travel medical insurance – Covers emergency medical and hospital expenses while travelling.
  2. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance – Covers costs if you need to cancel or cut your trip short; some plans also cover lost or delayed baggage.

Many plans, like the Entente Plus program, include both types of coverage. It’s a good idea to review your coverage to make sure you’re protected in both areas.

When it comes to medical coverage within Canada, provinces and territories have agreements to cover certain emergency medical services. However, it’s important to review your own province or territory’s health plan, as some require advance notice for longer trips.

Keep in mind that provincial and territorial coverage doesn’t include all medical expenses. Having additional medical coverage can help fill those gaps—even when travelling within Canada.
 

3.      What to do if you need to use your insurance while travelling

It’s important to know what to do if something unexpected happens mid-trip:

  • Call your insurer’s emergency number right away—even before seeking care.
  • Keep detailed documentation (receipts, doctor reports, proof of travel).
  • Know your coordination options if you have more than one insurance provider. Tell the first company you call about your additional insurance, and they should coordinate with the other companies.

Always carry a copy of your insurance information while travelling, and leave another with someone you trust at home.

If you enroll in the Entente Plus Group Insurance Program, you will receive a digital card with the information you need, which can be added to your digital wallet. The program offers a straightforward claims process and 24/7 support, so if things go sideways, you’re not left figuring it out alone.
 

4.     Learn about your PGA of Canada member perk

The Entente Plus Group Insurance Program, now available to PGA of Canada members through a partnership with RTOERO (soon to be Entente Education Canada), includes built-in travel coverage for unlimited trips up to 93 days, with generous emergency and cancellation benefits. It’s designed to keep up with the way you travel. Here are a few highlights:

  • Travel coverage is automatically included in the extended health plan
  • You get $10 million in emergency medical coverage per trip
  • There’s $6,000 in trip cancellation/interruption protection
  • And optional standalone travel insurance (MEDOC®) is available if you’re not on the full plan

Learn more about the plan, what’s included, and how to apply at pga.ententeinsurance.ca. 

Questions? Contact pga@ententeinsurance.ca or call 1-888-PGA-5450.