March Break is just around the corner, and for many Ontario families, that means one thing: travel plans are in full swing. Whether you‘re escaping the cold for a sunny beach, heading south for a theme park adventure, or planning a ski trip closer to home, the excitement of a getaway can sometimes overshadow one very important detail — insurance.

Before you zip up that suitcase, here‘s what you need to know to make sure your trip is protected from takeoff to touchdown.

Travel Medical Insurance: A Must-Have for Canadians

Many travelers are surprised to learn that provincial health coverage provides very limited protection outside of Canada — and even outside of Ontario. If you‘re travelling internationally during March Break, emergency medical care can be extremely expensive.

A simple hospital visit in the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars. More serious medical emergencies can easily reach tens or even hundreds of thousands. Travel medical insurance helps cover:

  • Emergency hospital stays
  • Doctor visits
  • Ambulance services
  • Prescription medication
  • Emergency medical evacuation

Without it, those costs come out of pocket. Travel insurance is one of the most affordable ways to protect your family from a financial setback while you‘re simply trying to enjoy a well-earned break.

Trip Cancellation & Interruption Coverage

March Break trips are often booked months in advance. Flights, hotels, excursions — it adds up quickly. But what happens if someone gets sick before departure? Or if severe weather delays your return?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can reimburse prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip is disrupted due to covered reasons such as:

  • Illness or injury
  • Severe weather
  • Travel advisories
  • Unexpected family emergencies

This coverage can provide peace of mind, especially when travel costs are higher during peak March Break season.

Don‘t Overlook Your Home Insurance

Here‘s something many families forget: when you travel, your home insurance policy still has conditions.

If you‘re away from home for several days during March Break, most insurers require that someone checks your property regularly (often every 48–72 hours, depending on the policy). This helps prevent issues like frozen pipes or water damage from going unnoticed.

Before leaving:

  • Arrange for someone to check your home
  • Turn off the main water supply if appropriate
  • Adjust your thermostat to a safe temperature
  • Secure valuables and ensure alarms are active

A quick call to your broker can clarify your policy requirements and prevent complications in the event of a claim.

Rental Cars & Coverage Confusion

Planning to rent a car during your trip? Before automatically purchasing coverage at the rental counter, check your auto insurance policy. Some Ontario auto policies extend coverage to rental vehicles. In other cases, your credit card may offer limited protection.

That said, coverage varies widely. A short conversation with your broker can help you understand:

  • Liability coverage limits
  • Collision and damage protection
  • Whether additional coverage is recommended

It‘s better to know before you‘re standing at the counter after a long flight.

Travelling Within Canada? You Still Need to Review Coverage

Even if you‘re staying within Canada for March Break, travel insurance can still be valuable. Provincial coverage may not pay for everything, and trip cancellation coverage can still protect your prepaid expenses.

Plus, winter travel always carries some unpredictability — weather delays, road conditions, and last-minute changes are common this time of year.

✨Travel With Confidence This March Break

March Break should be about making memories — not worrying about “what if.” The right insurance coverage ensures that if something unexpected happens, you‘re protected financially and supported when you need it most.

Before you travel, let us review your coverage. We can help you:

  • Confirm your home insurance requirements
  • Review rental car coverage
  • Arrange travel medical and trip protection insurance
  • Answer any questions specific to your destination

A quick check now can save you stress later.

Planning a March Break getaway? Contact SurNet today to make sure your insurance travels with you. Let‘s make this trip memorable for all the right reasons. 🌎