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Travel and health insurance are critical to any trip to Canada, and it’s vital to have the right coverage to protect your well-being and finances. But navigating policy details, comparing quotes, and understanding coverage limits on your own can be overwhelming.

Working with a broker makes a major difference by offering expert knowledge, personalised coverage, time savings, advocacy, cost benefits, clear communication, and risk assessments. 

Key Takeaways  

  • An insurance broker can help you find the right coverage from the right insurance company.  
  • Your insurance broker can also help you understand your policy, tailor what you buy to your unique needs, handle comparisons, assist with claims, and find the best rate.  
  • We recently started working with ExpatInsure, a quality broker with access to policies from leading brands. Their expert team can work with you to establish your needs and find a policy that makes sense. 

Why pay more for less coverage?

With decades of expertise, Expat Insure helps you get the best insurance available in the market.

Get a free quote within 24 hours!

Wait, What’s an Insurance Broker?  

The insurance industry is famously a little confusing. There are always policy exclusions, and sometimes the language is unclear. Insurance brokers are industry professionals who can act as somewhat of a translator and advocate.  

An insurance broker is a licensed professional who helps you find and buy insurance coverage. They act as a middle person between you and insurance companies, searching for policies and comparing prices on your behalf. Their main responsibility is to represent your best interests so you can get the right coverage from the insurance company that best fits your needs. 

Here are 7 reasons to work with an insurance broker to find and buy your health and/or travel insurance for your time in Canada:  

Insurance Brokers Provide Expert Guidance and Market Knowledge 

Understanding Complex Terms 

Insurance policies often include technical language that can be confusing, even for experienced travelers. A broker can work with you to clarify these complex terms to help you understand what you’re buying.  

Interpreting the Fine Print 

Small policy details can make a huge difference in your coverage. Brokers work with you to break down the fine print, so you don’t overlook vital coverage limits or hidden exclusions (like only certain sports being covered).  

Licensed and Regulated 

Brokers must meet certain education and licensing requirements in many countries, which means they follow strict rules designed to protect you. They are bound by a professional code of ethics, and they stay accountable to regulatory bodies. This regulatory oversight adds an extra layer of trust for people who might worry about being scammed or misled. 

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Personalised Coverage 

Tailored Recommendations 

Brokers work with you to outline your health history, travel plans, and budget, and from there – they find coverage that meets your specific needs. Their personalised service combined with their industry knowledge spanning policy trends, types of coverage, and added extras puts brokers in a great position to find the right policy. 

Personalised coverage ensures that you’re not over-insured or under-insured. By focusing on your individual health and travel needs, brokers help you avoid wasting money on unnecessary coverage or leaving yourself open to unexpected costs for uncovered risks. 

Knowledge of Insurance Requirements 

While it will always be a good idea for you to confirm whether you are required to have a specific type of insurance, an experienced broker can help you to find and buy specific insurance required by the Canadian government in some situations (especially for temporary foreign workers).  

Time Savings 

Quick Comparisons of Multiple Policies 

If you try comparing insurance plans on your own, you might end up filling out the same forms again and again. Brokers do this work for you. They have access to multiple insurers and can quickly gather quotes, saving you hours of repetitive data entry – and all the associated headaches. 

Lowering Stress Levels 

You probably have a long list of things to do before you come to Canada: booking flights, finalizing itineraries, arranging accommodations, finding a job – the list goes on. While a free Moving2Canada account can help you keep track of what’s left on the list, an insurance broker can manage the insurance item on your to do list for you.  

In other words, a broker can provide efficiency and calm during a stressful process. In a single conversation, you can understand your options and pick the plan that feels right. That saved time is especially valuable if you’re juggling a work schedule or finalizing your travel documents. 

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Advocacy and Ongoing Support 

Professional Advocacy During Claims 

Filing a health or travel insurance claim can be stressful, especially if you need urgent medical help in a foreign country. A broker steps in to advocate for you if there’s a problem with the claim. They know who to call and what information to provide to settle issues quickly and fairly. 

Emergency Assistance 

Emergencies can happen day or night. Some brokers offer 24/7 support, giving you a direct line to help if something goes wrong in Canada. This extra security can bring you peace of mind, knowing that you won’t be left alone if you face a medical emergency, flight cancellation, or lost luggage. 

Long-Term Relationship 

Insurance needs can change, especially if you plan to stay in Canada beyond your initial policy period. A broker can maintain a long-term relationship with you, helping with renewals or adjustments to your policy over time. This ongoing relationship means you’ll always have someone who knows your background, your concerns, and your specific coverage preferences. 

Trust and Security 

When you work with a broker, you get a professional who is on your side. Their job is to secure the best coverage for you based on a range of offerings from multiple companies. This independence fosters a deeper level of trust that can be hard to find when you deal directly with a single insurer. 

Having an advocate in your corner can help to take the fear and confusion out of travel insurance. In stressful situations like making a claim or trying to find emergency medical treatment, knowing there’s a professional working on your behalf can make a world of difference. 

Cost and Value Benefits 

Comparative Shopping 

Many people think working with a broker will cost more, but that’s often not the case. Brokers can compare several insurance companies at once, which helps you find the best deal. They’re like personal shoppers, searching for a policy that offers both quality and affordability. 

Access to Special Discounts 

Some brokers have relationships with insurers that allow them to provide special rates or bundled deals. These discounts may not be available if you try to purchase a policy on your own through a website. By leveraging a broker’s connections, you might end up saving money and getting better coverage. 

Avoiding Over-Purchasing 

A broker focuses on your specific needs, keeping you from purchasing coverage that doesn’t apply to your situation. By trimming excess costs, you can invest your money in areas of coverage that genuinely matter, such as emergency medical benefits.  

Securing the right policy doesn’t have to break the bank. With a broker’s help, you’ll see different price points side by side, making it easier to balance cost with valuable coverage features. 

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Clear Communication and Unbiased Assistance 

Language Support 

For visitors whose first language is not English, travel insurance can be extra tricky. Many brokers speak multiple languages or have multilingual team members. This kind of language support can help you grasp important details of your policy more easily, ensuring you’re confident in your coverage choices. 

Unbiased Advice 

Brokers aren’t tied to a single insurance company. Their goal is to represent you, which means they can offer honest input on which policies are worth your time. If a plan from one insurer doesn’t meet your needs, a broker can recommend a competitor. 

Straightforward Explanations 

Because brokers can translate industry jargon into plain language, they may help you understand which benefits are included and which items aren’t covered. Clear communication leads to better decisions and fewer misunderstandings later. 

Good communication can bridge the gap between confusion and clarity. When you trust that your broker is giving unbiased guidance, it’s easier to feel at ease about your insurance choices.  

Risk Assessment and Specialised Coverage 

Identifying High-Risk Activities 

Whether you’re planning to hit the slopes in Banff or go white-water rafting in British Columbia, certain sports or activities come with extra risks. A broker can identify these risky pursuits and suggest policies that cover injuries related to them. Without this coverage, you could face large medical bills if an accident happens. 

Preparing for Worst-Case Scenarios 

Nobody wants to think about things going wrong on a trip. However, the reality is that accidents, illnesses, and travel disruptions can happen to anyone. Brokers know how to evaluate your itinerary and pinpoint potential issues. With the right policy, you’re prepared for challenges that could otherwise spoil your trip or harm your health. 

Considering Regional Differences 

Canada is huge, and conditions vary widely across provinces. If you’re heading to the remote north, you might need coverage for air ambulance services. If you’re exploring bigger cities, you might want extra personal property protection. A broker’s localised knowledge helps ensure your policy makes sense for your plans. 

Insurance From ExpatInsure  

Finding the best quality healthcare insurance for your move to Canada is one of the most important things you can do as an expat. Our partner, ExpatInsure, has decades of experience finding you the best insurance available in the market. 

Remember: When you team up with a broker, you’ll have a professional guiding you to the best options for your specific situation. That alone is worth the peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying Canada’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture. Safe travels! 

Get your customised quote 

About the author

Stephanie Ford profile picture

Stephanie Ford

She/Her
Finance, Law and Immigration Writer
Stephanie is a content creator who writes on legal and personal finance topics, specializing in immigration and legal topics. She earned a Bachelor of Laws and a Diploma in Financial Planning in Australia. Stephanie is now a permanent resident of Canada and a full-time writer at Moving2Canada.
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Citation "When To Use a Broker To Buy Travel or Health Insurance for Canada." Moving2Canada. . Copy for Citation
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