Travel insurance typically refers to three types of coverage that you can buy individually or all together in what is often called comprehensive insurance.

• Trip Cancellation: covers cancellation of your trip before you start on your journey
• Trip Interruption: covers delays and interruptions once you have started on your journey (e.g. flight/weather delays; missed connections; and sometimes may cover things like lost baggage, car rentals, etc.)
• Medical Coverage: covers any issues regarding your health and sometimes the health of your travel partner/medical issues with family members.
• Cancel For Any Reason Coverage: as the name implies, allows you to cancel for more reasons than traditional cancellation coverage (e.g. your dog is sick, you are called to work, travel restrictions are in place, and you can’t travel or don’t feel comfortable travelling)

Every plan has different requirements, but in order to maximize coverage and be eligible for cancellation insurance, you typically need to purchase insurance between 72 hours – 21 days after you pay for any portion of your tour.

It is mandatory that all wild women obtain travel medical insurance with a minimum medical coverage of $200,000 USD (or $500,000 USD for all small ship expeditions) while travelling with WWE. Note that emergency and health care coverage vary between provinces, so we recommend checking if you are travelling.

This insurance must cover personal injury and emergency medical expenses, including, but not limited to, helicopter evacuation, air ambulance, and repatriation. Clients must provide proof of Insurance on their Travel Details Form during the trip preparation process, or they will be declined participation on their adventure.

It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client during travel.

WWE shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. Personal belongings lost or stolen while unattended by the client in public lounges or other public areas, whether onboard a vessel, train, bus, or another mode of transportation, publicly owned or operated by WWE or elsewhere, are not reimbursable.

Losses due to ordinary wear and tear and other acts of God are not reimbursable. WWE cannot accept responsibility for and in no event shall be liable for loss or damage of valuables or other articles left in or on facilities used by WWE such as hotels, homestays, vessels, expedition vehicles, or any other mode of transportation

This is a great question!
We completely understand the hesitation, but that’s why we have created this resource site – to diminish any hesitation you may have!

So, WHY buy?  There are various reasons we (and all tour companies have a minimum expectation on insurance). First and foremost, for your protection.  Insurance covers you for anything unforeseen or unexpected.  Now, this includes Medical Emergency in destination (medical insurance), or before departure (cancellation insurance) this will also cover you for… an unexpected pandemic?!

Insurance companies specializing in travel will also cover you upfront for any medical emergencies in destination (where possible) reducing the worry on the traveller, should anything happen while you’re on your adventure! Insurance will also protect your investment – should anything happen before your departure, that is unforeseen and unexpected, your purchase is completely covered.

For exact details on coverage reasons, please refer to the exact policy that you will be purchasing.  

Yes!
Outside of your province/state of residence, you need to ensure that you have proper coverage.  I.e., Travelling from Ontario to British Columbia, your OHIP (Ontario Health) coverage will no longer cover you, which is where insurance coverage will step in. The same thing goes for interstate travel, from New York to California, it is suggested you ensure you have proper coverage for departing your home state.

Trip cancellation coverage covers you for anything unforeseen and unexpected that comes up PRIOR to departure.  From the moment you purchase your insurance – to the moment you leave for the airport, you’re covered under Trip Cancellation.  Every insurance policy is different, so it is crucial to read through the coverage that you’re purchasing.  However, most Trip Cancellation packages will cover you for anything that comes up that IS NOT pre-existing.  I.e., You fall and break your leg 2 weeks before departure, covered.  You lose your job a month before departure, covered. Etc.  (please contact your specific insurance company for absolute specifics as every package is different).

Trip Cancellation packages often include Interruption Insurance as well.  This picks up from the second you leave to go to the airport until the second you get back home.  For example, you’re on your way to the airport, and there’s an accident on the highway that has stopped you from arriving on time for your flight, covered.  (as long as you’ve left yourself the suggested amount of time – 3 hours international flight etc.).

Dependent on a few things, but yes.  Every company is different in terms of age requirements; however, should you be over 60 years old, you should expect to fill out a medical questionnaire prior to purchasing a policy.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must disclose this to the insurance condition before purchasing.  Without disclosing this information, your insurance could be void, and any claims denied.  If you do have a medical condition, disclosing this can help the insurance company give you a top-up on coverage to ensure this is properly protected (this can cost more, but will properly insure your coverage).

If there is a travel advisory against travel at the time you are purchasing your insurance – you WILL NOT be covered for cancellation for anything to do with that advisory.

Likewise, if there is an advisory for a specific region and you decide to travel there with that knowledge, you will not be covered in destination, with or without a purchased policy.

While this is a very personal question, we will always suggest purchasing the most comprehensive coverage. All-Inclusive Insurance will cover you for Medical, Cancellation, Interruption, Trip Accident, Baggage etc. The inclusive packages will also always have the most amount of medical coverage included.

Essentially, yes.  However, is anything ever that easy?!

There are a few steps to take prior to the insurance company giving you your money back.  First, you must go to your tour company (us!) and your airline to see where you sit in the cancellation policy.  If there is anything refundable from your trip that is due directly from the suppliers (us/airline), we are expected to pay that out, then the remainder will be paid out by the insurance company, should it be for the reason that is insurable.  

As long as you are prior to your original departure and have not made any claims, then yes.

Yes, however, you MUST disclose this to the insurance company and purchase a MUPS policy (Medically Underwritten Plan Service) which will properly ensure that you are covered for anything pre-existing.

You should first contact your insurance company to open a claim; they will give you a claim number and any/all documentation that you will need to fill out to submit your claim either electronically or written/by mail.

Cancel for Any Reason. Manulife offers this for our Canadian clients only.

Canadian Clients: CFAR must be added within 72 hours of the original deposit.

CFAR is included in MOST All-Inclusive/Premium Protection Packages

With CFAR, it doesn’t matter why you cancel your trip – stubbed your toe? Cancel it! This allows the client to cancel their trip for any reason, should they not feel comfortable enough to travel.  You can expect to come across the following rules regarding CFAR, dependant on the coverage; this will cover you for – 50-75% of your non-refundable portion, which will be paid out without question.  Dependant on the policy must be cancelled up to 14 days before departure. Your original coverage must include cancellation protection in the full amount of your trip.  I.e.) trip cost was $5000; your insurable coverage must be $5000. Of course, there are some rules to this coverage; please refer to your specific insurer for additional details.

You can book insurance with Redpoint/Manulife 18 months before departure; for trips beyond this, unfortunately, you must wait to purchase your insurance until it is available and within the date range.

Unfortunately, this does mean that you would not meet the requirements for CFAR if booked outside of the date range.  You would, however, have all of the other coverages (Cancellation, Interruption, Medical, Baggage etc.). Of course, your insurance would not cover anything that occurs between booking your trip and purchasing your insurance package.  

While many things can affect the cost, the general rule of thumb is that an all-inclusive package will cost approximately 10% of the cost of your trip.  (Age above 60, pre-existing conditions etc., can increase this cost.)

Nothing, you will be booked as normal! It is suggested you do not purchase additional items (flights etc.) until insurance is available to be booked; we also suggest you add on your insurance the moment it is available to book!

Likely only that you will have to fill out a medical questionnaire, depending on the outcome, the price could be higher than persons booking under 60.  

Let’s start with Canada!

Wild Women has secured an incredible working relationship with Manulife. We have tirelessly compared competitor packages, coverage and pricing so that you don’t have to do the research!

Manulife offers several options and we strongly recommend that you protect your entire investment. Selecting Manulife's All-Inclusive Insurance will cover you for all of your trip needs: Medical, Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage, Travel and Flight Accident - you name it!

A huge benefit of this package is the Cancel for ANY Reason (CFAR) coverage, which is a giant stress-reliever. Please note: this package must be added on within 72 hours of your initial deposit; otherwise, your package will not include the Cancel for any Reason benefit (but will include everything else).

Due to the current unpredictable environment, Manulife now offers COVID-19 coverage which can be purchased in addition to your All-Inclusive Insurance package. Please check your travel destination, as proof of Covid-19 coverage may be an entry requirement.

You can conveniently purchase this coverage through Megan, our flight specialist at Travel Edge.

email:  wildwomen@traveledge.com 

Remember the timeline for Cancel for Any Reason - if you’re on a tight  timeline, make sure you have secured this coverage above all else!

Now for our US wild women!
We have partnered with RedPoint Travel Insurance as they offer the most extensive coverage for US travellers.

If you have any questions regarding the coverage, please contact Redpoint's Travel Services Team at 415-481-0610 or email travelservices@redpointtravelprotection.com

A team member will collect the information below (and once approved), provide you with a quote via email and will assist you with purchasing the plan.

You will need the following info:

• Resident country/state
• Destination
• Trip dates
• Date of initial deposit
• Date of birth
• Trip cost

You do not have to have the trip booked to request a quote, but the company will need to know the information above.