If you’re a public servant or a federal employee in Canada, you’re entitled to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) that covers your health care expenses. However, the plan does not cover travel-related expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. That’s where the PSHCP travel insurance comes into play.
What is PSHCP Travel Insurance?
PSHCP travel insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect you from potential financial losses during your trips outside Canada. The insurance covers a wide range of travel-related risks, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost baggage or personal items, and accidental death and dismemberment.
PSHCP travel insurance is optional, meaning you’re not required to purchase it. However, it’s highly recommended to avoid financial risks that may arise during your travels.
What Does PSHCP Travel Insurance Cover?
PSHCP travel insurance covers various risks that may arise during your travels, including:
- Medical emergencies
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Lost baggage or personal items
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Trip interruption due to a natural disaster or political unrest
The insurance also provides access to a 24/7 emergency assistance service that can help you in case of an emergency during your travels.
How to Purchase PSHCP Travel Insurance?
You can purchase PSHCP travel insurance through the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, which provides the insurance coverage. To purchase the insurance, you must be a PSHCP member and have a valid PSHCP coverage. You can purchase the insurance online or by calling Sun Life’s customer service.
How Much Does PSHCP Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of PSHCP travel insurance varies depending on several factors, including:
- Your age
- Your trip destination
- The duration of your trip
- The coverage amount you choose
You can use Sun Life’s online quoting tool to get an estimate of how much the insurance will cost for your trip.
When Should You Purchase PSHCP Travel Insurance?
You should purchase PSHCP travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. The insurance should cover the entire duration of your trip, including the departure and return dates. If you purchase the insurance after you’ve already left Canada, you may not be covered for certain risks.
It’s important to note that PSHCP travel insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you have any pre-existing conditions, you must declare them and purchase additional coverage if necessary.
Conclusion
PSHCP travel insurance is an essential protection for public servants and federal employees who travel outside Canada. The insurance covers a wide range of travel-related risks and provides access to a 24/7 emergency assistance service. To purchase the insurance, you must be a PSHCP member and have a valid PSHCP coverage. It’s recommended to purchase the insurance as soon as you book your trip and ensure that it covers the entire duration of your trip.