Bringing Loved Ones to Canada? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

By: Reynaldo Noche

When my wife and I first moved to Canada, one of our biggest dreams was to bring our family over—not just for a vacation, but to spend time with us and help out. Like many Filipino families, we invited our parents to visit so they could bond with their grandchildren and lend a hand while we worked. Over the years, we’ve also welcomed titas, cousins, and even close family friends who wanted to experience Canada and reconnect.

Each visit was special. We planned road trips to Banff, cooked big meals at home, and shared stories late into the night. But there was one thing we learned early on: travel insurance is a must.

At first, it felt like just another item on the to-do list. But then something happened that changed how I saw it forever.

There was a Filipino worker I know who brought his mother to Canada just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many of us, he wanted her close—to spend time together and help care for the kids. But when the pandemic hit, flights were canceled, and she got stuck here longer than expected.

Tragically, she caught the virus. Despite the best efforts of doctors, she passed away after weeks in the hospital. The emotional toll was devastating—but so was the financial one. Because she didn’t have travel insurance, the family was left with over $50,000 in hospital bills.

That story has stayed with me. It’s a painful reminder that while we can’t predict the future, we can prepare for it.

Even if your loved ones are healthy and only staying for a short time, things can happen. A simple trip to the emergency room can cost over $1,000. And if they need to stay overnight in a hospital? That could be $3,000 or more—per night.

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind. It means that if something unexpected happens, your parents, relatives, or friends are protected. You won’t have to worry about huge bills or scrambling for help.

Most travel insurance plans for visitors to Canada include coverage for:

• Emergency hospital stays

• Doctor visits and tests

• Prescription medications

• Ambulance services

• Emergency dental care

• Repatriation (sending them home if needed)

Some plans even go further, covering things like trip cancellations, lost luggage, or short trips to the U.S.

And the best part? Travel insurance is surprisingly affordable—often costing less than a few dollars a day. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and financial protection.

Here’s what we learned along the way:

• Buy the insurance before your loved ones arrive—some plans require it

• Compare plans online

• Read the fine print—check for exclusions and deductibles

• Keep a copy of the policy with you and your guests, just in case

Bringing your parents, relatives, or friends to Canada is a beautiful experience. It’s a chance to reconnect, share your life here, and create lasting memories. But don’t let a medical emergency turn into a financial crisis.

Travel insurance might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. It protects your loved ones, your finances, and your peace of mind—so you can focus on what really matters: family, friendship, and togetherness.

Need Help Getting Covered?

We understand how important it is to protect the people you love. That’s why we offer trusted travel insurance plans from Manulife and RIMI, tailored for visitors to Canada—including parents, relatives, and friends.

If you’d like to learn more or get a quote, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you find the right coverage with care and confidence.

Contact Us:

Reynaldo Noche

Email: reynaldonoche@gmail.com

Phone: (587)777-1640

Or leave us message below.