is caa travel agency good

Mar 27, 2023

4 min. read

We know travel looks a little different these days, that’s why our travel professionals are here to help you navigate the “new normal.” From trip planning to refunds, cancellations and insurance claims, you can count on our  CAA Travel Consultants  to be there for you every step of the way.

1. Discover great CAA Member-exclusive savings and deals. 1

CAA’s long-standing relationships with award-winning travel partners means we’ve been able to secure many Member-exclusive savings, perks and benefits. As a CAA Member, you'll get all kinds of value-added benefits when booking travel with CAA.

2. Work with experienced travel agents.

All CAA Travel Consultants are industry professionals who have taken comprehensive travel specialist courses. But they don’t stop there; on-going learning helps our consultants stay up-to-date on industry trends and informed about current cross border and cross province travel requirements. They are also well-travelled and can provide in-depth knowledge about destination hot spots, best travel times and booking periods. If you’re looking to purchase travel insurance, they can also help you with that too. Best of all, they take care of the nitty-gritty so you don’t have to.

3. Get the latest on travel health and safety protocols.

Your safety is our top priority. With varying and constantly-evolving health and safety protocols from around the world, feel at ease knowing that you are receiving the most up-to-date information from our travel partners, resorts and airlines whenever you book through CAA Travel.

4. Access destination insights from our travel professionals.

CAA has been helping Members book travel for over 60 years. CAA Travel Consultants provide personal insights into national and international destinations. Plus, they can inform you about any government advisories, passport details and travel insurance options. Why get bogged down with second-hand review sites when you can have first-hand information?

5. Get the support you need.

Our CAA Travel Consultants will always have your back. They’ll be your advocate should anything happen prior to or during your trip. From lost luggage and rebooking assistance due to cancelled flights to natural disasters, they’ll be ready to help you get back on track.

Travel worry-free knowing someone is always there to listen and assist.

Connect with us.

Visit your local  CAA Store  or call us at  1-855-660-2292  to speak with a CAA Travel Consultant.

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CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older.

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Five reasons to book your trip with a CAA Travel Consultant

We know travel looks a bit different these days, as new protocols and guidelines are put in place by travel suppliers and destination regions. Navigating these changes can certainly make planning a trip more complex; luckily, CAA Niagara’s Travel Consultants are ready to help as you voyage into the new world of travel and embark on your long-awaited vacation.

Work with trusted travel industry experts

CAA Niagara Travel Consultants have a lot of miles under their collective belt. They have travelled the globe, from cultured Europe to the relaxing Caribbean and beyond. With this wealth of travel experience, they know the ins and outs of planning the trip of your dreams. Each of our knowledgeable Travel Consultants specializes in a destination or travel supplier, from enchanting Disney vacations to river cruise itineraries that take you through Europe’s most renowned wine regions.

Get the latest on new travel protocols from our Trusted Travel Professionals

In November 2020, CAA Travel launched a new, three-level Travel SMART program , which all CAA Niagara Travel Consultants have completed, earning themselves the CAA Trusted Travel Professional accreditation. This program prepares our agents to counsel clients on what they may encounter when travelling post-COVID-19 and how to keep themselves and their travelling companions safe. The program modules are frequently updated to ensure our travel team remains knowledgeable as the travel industry continues to change and adapt.

Book an appointment at your convenience

CAA Travel Consultants have never been easier to connect with, thanks to the easy-to-use online scheduling system . Booking your next travel appointment online provides greater flexibility. Clients can safely meet with our experts in person at one of our Branches, or they can opt to meet by phone or video call from the comfort of home.

Access exclusive savings and support with CAA Vacations®

While CAA Travel offers services to non-Members, CAA Members can unlock exclusive savings and added amenities through the CAA Vacations® program. Whether you crave family-friendly fun, a pampering stay in luxurious accommodations, or a chance to experience cultures far removed from the every day, our Travel Consultants can help you get the most out of your trip.

Upon your departure, our Member Care team is available 24/7 to assist with a variety of emergency travel assistance services, including re-booking missed or cancelled flights, processing reservation changes, and providing referrals for lost or stolen travel document replacement.

Take advantage of group deals by embarking on an adventure with Journeys

Previously known as Tuxedo Tours, Journeys by CAA Niagara offers full-service itineraries in a variety of travel styles, including traditional group tours, adventure experiences, relaxation getaways, sports trips and family vacations, as well as special options for solo travellers. By booking a day tour or multi-day tour with Journeys, you can feel peace of mind knowing that every detail of your trip is taken care of, from accommodations and transportation to meals and excursions. Plus, travellers can take advantage of group tour pricing and deals, even if you don’t have a travel companion.

Connect with a CAA Travel Consultant. 

Don’t wait—start planning your next getaway now. Book an appointment with one of our experts online, visit your local CAA branch , or call us at 1-800-263-7272 .

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5 reasons to use a travel agent when booking your next trip

We’re a few weeks into the new year, which is the best time to start planning your next trip (or trips!) for 2023. Canadians across the country are back to travelling, with airports reporting some of the busiest travel dates since the start of the pandemic. But before you jump online to book your trip, here are five reasons you should use a travel agent to plan the perfect vacation.

1. Travel agents have the latest travel advice

Over the last few years, travellers have trusted the advice and guidance of travel agents to help plan their next trip. They have the latest information on travel advisories and can help you pick a safe, comfortable place to visit, and will keep you informed on changes, so you don’t face unwelcome surprises when it’s vacation time.

At CAA Travel, all consultants are CAA Travel SMART certified and have all the tools needed to plan holidays in the post-pandemic world.

2. They have your back when you need them

We’ve seen how staff shortages and increased demand has impacted travellers this past year. Over the holidays, many flights were cancelled or delayed, leaving Canadians scrambling at the airport. That’s where a travel agent steps in. If something happens before you leave or while you’re away, your travel agent is ready to jump into action and help you get things sorted out. They’ll even make calls to airlines, hotels, and travel operators on your behalf – and wait on hold so you don’t have to.

3. You’ll know you’re protected with the right travel insurance

In addition to preparing the perfect trip, travel agents will make sure you have the right coverage to protect you and your wallet. Emergency medical insurance covers you and your family if you get sick or injured while travelling, helping you avoid costly medical bills. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is growing increasingly popular among travellers, protecting Canadians from financial stress if their flights are cancelled or their trip is otherwise delayed and interrupted. While credit card benefits and group plans can provide some coverage, you might need top-up insurance for your journey. A travel agent can work with you to identify any gaps in coverage and make sure you have the right policy for your trip.

It can be overwhelming with the number coverage options available. But if you book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant, you can travel worry-free knowing you have comprehensive coverage with CAA Travel Insurance . And if you’re a CAA Member, you’ll also save up to 20%* on your policy.

4. They’ve seen the world and know all the best places

Whether it’s your first trip in a while or you’re a seasoned traveller, everyone can benefit from first-hand experiences. Travel agents regularly visit popular destinations and hidden gems around the world to bring you personal recommendations and insights to help you find the ideal destination.

They keep up to date with the latest travel trends and can draw from their previous trips to share insider knowledge on the best cruise lines, can’t-miss guided tours, or picture-perfect seasons to visit different parts of the world.

5. Travel agents save you time and money

We often think that shopping online helps find the lowest costs, but that isn’t always the case. Travel agents have resources most people can’t access to research, plan, and book travel arrangements, which helps them get the best travel options at the best price.

CAA Travel Consultants know the market’s best deals, the right time to book, and they’ll do the heavy lifting so all you need to do is focus on enjoying your vacation. And CAA Members get exclusive travel benefits with preferred cruise and guided tour partners .

Planning a trip is exciting, but it can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing respite, an adventurous expedition, or a historic holiday, a CAA Travel Consultant can help you book the trip of your dreams. Book an appointment with a local CAA Travel Consultant today, or learn more about planning a trip with CAA Travel to get started.

CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.

* Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-267-8713. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.

® CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.

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• Travel Insurance
• CAA Travel Insurance Review

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CAA Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Feb 28, 2024, 5:47am

The Canadian Automobile Association, or CAA, is well known for its roadside assistance, but you might not know that it also offers incredibly solid travel insurance—with loads of options for customizing your premium to fit your budget. CAA members also get a 10% discount on their premium. And with coverage for kids, grandkids and even pets, CAA travel insurance is a great choice for families, too.

• Pre-existing conditions rider
• Optional medical deductible
• CFAR and IFAR reimbursement at 75%
• Additional coverage for air excursions and sports
• Medical questionnaire required at age 60
• Limited coverage for adventurous travellers
• Discounts only available to CAA members

Table of Contents

About caa travel insurance, what travel insurance does caa travel insurance offer, caa travel insurance plans, summary: plan comparison, caa travel insurance cost, compare caa travel insurance with other insurers, optional add-ons for caa travel insurance, does caa travel insurance offer any discounts, does caa travel insurance offer annual multi-trip plans, does caa travel insurance have 24/7 travel assistance, does caa travel insurance have cancel for any reason (cfar), does caa travel insurance have interruption for any reason (ifar), does caa travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions, what’s not covered by caa travel insurance, how to file a claim with caa travel insurance.

If you’re one of the 5.8 million Canadians with a CAA membership, you’ve probably called for help when you’ve had a flat tire, been locked out of your car or run out of gas during a road trip. But CAA can offer much more than roadside assistance, including travel insurance for Canadian residents for trips both within Canada and internationally, as well as travel insurance for visitors to Canada.

The CAA is made up of nine regional clubs across Canada, including CAA South Central Ontario (that includes Manitoba), North East Ontario, Niagara, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Maritimes, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

This review is based on plans from CAA-South Central Ontario (CAA-SCO). If you live in another part of the province or elsewhere in Canada, your plan offerings may differ.

CAA South Central Ontario travel insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance, a CAA company.

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered in CAA Insurance plans:

• Emergency medical insurance: If you become ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the limits in your plan. These expenses can include doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work.
• Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel a trip for a reason listed in your policy, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
• Travel interruption insurance: Trip interruption insurance can pay for a last-minute flight home in an emergency and money that you lose by cutting a trip short, such as non-refundable activities and hotel stays. CAA offers a BounceBack benefit that kicks in if you have to go home to deal with an emergency, you’ll get $2,000 towards a round-trip ticket home and back again.
• Baggage insurance: Baggage travel insurance can compensate you up to your policy limits if your luggage is lost or stolen. It will reimburse the depreciated value of your suitcases and what you packed. If your bags are delayed, it can reimburse you for the cost of the necessities you buy to tide you over. It also extends to your personal belongings, if they are lost, damaged or stolen.
• Travel accident insurance. This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from an accident during your trip. Flight accident insurance covers injury while you’re on a commercial plane, during a connection or in an airport. Travel accident insurance covers death or dismemberment, including the loss of limbs or eyesight, sustained on your trip.

CAA offers three travel insurance plans: Emergency Medical + Trip, Medical and Trip.

Emergency Medical + Trip: This is the most comprehensive plan that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation and interruption, lost baggage and personal documents, non-medical emergency evacuation, medical repatriation, travel accident insurance and more.

Emergency medical treatment includes:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room.
• Physicians’ fees.
• Laboratory tests and X-rays.
• Private duty nursing.
• Ground ambulance service.
• Prescription drugs.
• Medical appliances including casts, splints, trusses, braces, crutches or the rental of a wheelchair.
• Treatment by a chiropodist, chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist or podiatrist.
• Emergency dental treatment due to a blow to the face.
• Emergency dental treatment due to illness, excluding roots canals or damage to dentures.
• Hospital allowance for long distance calls, TV rental when hospitalized for at least 48 hours.

Medical: If you’re only worried about medical emergencies while travelling (and not trip protection), this standalone plan offers all of the medical coverage options of the Emergency Medical + Trip plan and includes hospital accommodations, physician fees, lab tests, private nurses and ambulance services.

Trip: If you have medical coverage elsewhere, the Trip plan covers trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, baggage insurance, travel accident insurance and more.

With a CAA Travel Insurance plan you can purchase family coverage for three or more members, including your spouse, children and grandchildren. CAA even extends coverage to your pets in the event you are hospitalized or repatriated, as well as $300 for emergency veterinary care.

We highlighted key benefits of CAA Travel Insurance to help you identify which plan is the best fit for you.

Here’s a comparison of the Medical + Trip, Medical only and Trip only plans and how much coverage you’ll get.

The price of a CAA Travel Insurance plan depends on factors such as the cost of your trip, your age and the amount of coverage you choose.

Here are some price examples of CAA Travel Insurance plans for healthy travellers based in Ontario through the CAA-South Central Ontario Club. CAA members get 10% off these rates.

If you’re purchasing the Medical only plan, you can also add an optional deductible, or the amount you will pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in, to lower the cost of your premium. Deductible options include: $300, $500, $1,000, $3,000, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 (USD).

World Nomads

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000, $3,000

Related: World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

Manulife Financial

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: Manulife Financial CoverMe Travel Insurance Review

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,500

Related: Blue Cross Travel Insurance Review

CAA Travel Insurance offers the following riders, or add-ons, for the more adventurous or sporty travellers:

• Adventurous Air Activities. Up to $5 million covering extra vacation fun while participating in activities that include hot-air balloon rides, parasailing and helicopter excursions.
• Sports & Speed. If you’re participating in a professional sporting event or motorized speed contest, this provides coverage for any accident or illness while you’re competing, training or practicing while you’re away.

Here’s how these add-ons could affect your premium:

If you’re renting a car while on vacation, the optional Rental Vehicle Damage Insurance add-on will pay up to $80,000 for rentals up to 80 days.

CAA members in the CAA-SCO Club receive 10% off their premium for any travel insurance plan. (Other clubs may offer different discounts. For example, CAA Maritime members receive a 15% discount.)

Here’s an example for the Medical + Trip plan:

Yes. If you travel a few times a year (or more!) it may be cost effective to buy multi-trip insurance , also known as annual trip insurance. CAA Travel Insurance has two plan options: The Multi-Trip Plan that offers medical coverage only for four, eight, 15 or 30 days, and the Annual Vacation Package Plan that offers medical and trip protection coverage for eight, 15 or 30-day periods. If you stay longer than the number of days in your plan, you can purchase a top-up.

CAA Assistance is available 24/7, 365 days of the year and can help you when you’re faced with an emergency. Support includes:

• Directing you to an appropriate physician or hospital at your trip destination.
• Providing multilingual interpreters to communicate with physicians and hospitals.
• Monitoring your care and ensuring only appropriate and medically necessary treatment is given.
• Communicating on your behalf to your family and physician.
• Paying hospitals, physicians and medical providers whenever possible.
• Arranging necessary transportation, such as an air ambulance, whenever necessary.

When you call CAA Assistance, you’ll need to provide your name, policy number, your location and the nature of your emergency. If you don’t contact CAA Assistance before receiving medical treatment, you may be limited to reimbursement of 80% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $25,000.

If you’re not dealing with an emergency (say you’re holed up in your hotel room with a migraine) but you’d still like some medical advice, CAA Travel Insurance offers a Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance and House Call Service, which provides 24/7 and unlimited number of virtual visits to medical professionals via virtual healthcare.

According to CAA, 80% of cancellation claims are because a traveller, or one of their immediate family members, gets sick or injured.

Trip cancellation insurance covers things like:

• You are a family member, or your travel companion or their family members, is sick, injured, quarantined or dies.
• A blizzard, hurricane or volcano, for example, hits your home or you’re burgled within seven days before your departure.
• You lose your job.
• You’re called for jury duty.
• The business meeting, conference or event you were travelling to is cancelled.
• There’s a new travel advisory.
• The travel supplier you bought from goes out of business.
• Your passport is not issued in time.

CAA also offers Cancel For Any Reason insurance, which offers the following reimbursement if you cancel for a reason up to three hours before departure other than those listed:

• 75% CFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through CAA Travel.
• 50% CFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through another provider.

While trip cancellation covers any issues that happen before you leave, trip interruption covers issues once you’ve already left home.

Trip interruption insurance covers issues, such as:

• A missed connection due to bad weather, road delays or a road accident.
• A medical emergency back home.

CAA also offers Interruption For Any Reason insurance up to $2,500, that covers you for any reason outside of your policy to the following limits:

• 75% IFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through CAA Travel.
• 50% IFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through another provider.

For travellers under age 60, CAA Travel Insurance will not pay any claims due to any sickness, injury or medical condition that is not stable in the three months before your departure date (and for travellers age 70 to 84, your condition must be stable for six months), unless you purchase the Pre-Existing Medical Condition rider that reduces the waiting period to seven days and covers to a maximum of $200,000.

Here’s how this add-on could affect your premium cost:

For travellers under age 60, CAA Travel will also not cover any lung condition if in the three months prior to departure you received treatment with Prednisone.

For travellers age 60 to 84, CAA Travel will also not cover any lung condition if in the three months prior to departure you received treatment with prednisone, or any heart conditions if you had heart bypass or valve surgery more than eight years prior to the departure date; if you were taking three or more medications for your heart; you were diagnosed or treated for a heart condition, diabetes and high blood pressure; or you were prescribed or are taking medication for heart failure.

There are a number of scenarios not covered by travel insurance and it’s critical to know what not to do before you make a claim only to be told you’re on the hook for all associated costs. The following are some of the most common issues not covered by travel insurance:

• A claim against an unstable pre-existing medical condition. CAA defines a condition as unstable if you have sought medical treatment for that condition, if new or existing symptoms appear or there has been a change in medication or the dose you take.
• Ongoing medical treatment or services. Your coverage treats the emergency then gets you back to Canada for further treatment. The emergency medical coverage does include medical follow-up in Canada.
• Non-emergency, experimental or elective treatment, including cosmetic surgery, chronic care or rehabilitation.
• Pregnancy (other than unexpected complications) or a child born on a trip.
• Injury or illness as a result of alcohol or drug abuse.
• High risk activities, such as being in the air (balloon, kite balloon, paraglider, parasail, parachute, kite, wingsuit, etc.), unless you’ve purchased the Adventurous Air Activities rider.
• Travelling against medical advice or not following medical advice in regards to treatment.
• Travelling to get medical treatment, included diagnosis, palliative care or alternative therapy.
• Suicide or attempted suicide, or any self-inflicted injuries.
• Travelling after the Canadian government issues a “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” advisory.
• Any professional sports, unless you purchase the Sport & Speed rider.
• Air ambulance services, unless approved in advance.
• Damage to or loss of contact lenses or prosthetic teeth or limbs.

Due to high call volumes, CAA recommends you file your claim online or by email. You can file a claim online 24/7 by logging into your account via CAA’s partner Global Excel Management. You can also visit the CAA website and download your appropriate claim form. Depending on the kind of claim, you will also need to provide supporting documentation. For example, for a claim on your baggage insurance for a theft, you’ll need to submit a report from the police. After the claim is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation with your case number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does caa travel insurance pay for medical costs upfront.

Yes, in most cases CAA will pay hospitals, physicians and other medical providers directly. However, the insurer notes that some providers require direct payment. In that case you will be reimbursed for “reasonable and customary costs.”

Does CAA Travel Insurance cover COVID-19?

It depends. You are eligible for the $5 million emergency medical coverage if you’re fully vaccinated and $2.5 million if partially vaccinated for any COVID-19-related illnesses that occur while travelling.

Does CAA Travel Insurance offer coverage extensions?

Your coverage is automatically extended for five days due a travel delay due to inclement weather or mechanical failure, or a sudden and unforeseen illness. If you are hospitalized, your coverage is extended for the period of hospitalization, plus five days after discharge. You can also request an extension if you want to stay longer provided you apply before the expiry date of your policy and you haven’t made any claims.

Does CAA Travel require a medical questionnaire?

Yes. Travellers age 60 and over must complete a medical questionnaire that asks questions such as: Have you visited the emergency room more than once in the last 12 months, have you been a smoker in the last five years, have you had surgery in the last 12 months and have you received treatment or medication for cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer, neurological conditions or respiratory conditions. If it’s discovered that you do not answer the questions truthfully, you’ll be responsible for the first $5,000 of any claim.

Does CAA Travel Insurance have any age restrictions?

Yes. Medical + Trip coverage is available to travellers age 84 and under. Trip Only coverage is available at any age.

Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » CAA

Is CAA the best travel insurance in Canada in 2024?

verified information

Information verified by   Alexandre Desoutter

Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Traveling without travel insurance can lead to significant expenses. Did you know that a night at a hospital in the United States can cost over $14,000 CAD? Certain countries may even deny access if you cannot prepay for medical treatment.

So, travel insurance is essential when you're away from home. It ensures you have access to necessary healthcare and covers the costs when needed. Apart from medical emergencies, it offers assistance for flight delays and cancelations, lost luggage, and more.

If you're considering travel insurance, it's worth looking at CAA travel insurance. We've created this guide on coverage, pricing, and everything you need to know about CAA travel insurance. You can also compare it with other players using our free tool and get quick travel insurance quotes.

Our 2024 review of CAA travel insurance

CAA, or the Canadian Automobile Association is a trusted travel brand. It offers a wide range of insurance plans to fit any budget or travel plan.

Here are some CAA travel insurance pros and cons:

Why CAA could be right for you

• Membership with CAA gives a 10% discount on travel insurance packages.
• Easy to apply for coverage or file a claim online.
• Extensive coverage for emergency medical intervention.
• Enjoy 24/7 customer service
• CAA offers travel insurance plans specifically curated for the needs of seniors and snowbirds.

Why CAA may not be right for you

• Special discounts are only available to CAA members.
• CAA travel insurance requires you to answer a medical questionnaire.
• Like most insurers, CAA medical travel insurance does not - for the most part - cover pre-existing medical conditions (such as cancer for instance).

Should you be interested in CAA's plans, know that you can get a travel insurance quote with CAA directly on the insurer's website! But, before choosing CAA travel insurance, compare options and quotes. A little shopping around can help you to save money and find a coverage that really fits your needs:

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

What does CAA travel insurance cover?

CAA offers excellent coverage that cuts across medical, dental, and economic benefits. Medical emergencies, travel interruptions and loss, theft or damage of personal belonging are well covered by CAA travel insurance plans. Here are the main travel insurance plans by CAA:

Good to know

The Multi-Trip Annual Vacation plan offers more all year round. Aside the medical coverage of $5 million, it offers maximum trip protection coverage of $10,000 per year, baggage protection and delay benefits reach up to $3,000 and $1,500 per policy year.

For more information on CAA international travel insurance, download the PDF below:

CAA offers extensive coverage to visitors to Canada. This covers medical intervention, compensation for travel interruption and baggage protection:

Does <strong>CAA </strong>travel insurance cover Covid-19?

CAA COVID-19 policy has been updated to cover COVID-19 related emergencies and interruptions. COVID-19 updates are regularly passed to clients to ensure safe travel.

How much does a travel insurance with  CAA  cost?

The rates of CAA travel insurance depend on multiple factors:

• Your desired coverage and otpions.
• Your deductible.
• Your waiting period. 
• The lenght of your trip.
• Your destination(s) (do you want to go to the USA, where medical expensises are high, or do you want to travel within the bordes of Canada?).

Whether you buy CAA travel insurance from Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Winnipeg or anywhere else, your location doesn't influence the price of coverage. Your destination, however, will).

CAA travel insurance doesn't provide tables on its pricing. Rates are also ver dependable on your profile and needs. Therefore it will be important to get an  individual quote customized for your unique needs.

This is only indicative but, on average, travel insurance in Canada costs $25,35 per trip for a single traveller.

Before settling on CAA's travel insurance policy, we advise you shop around! You can quickly and anonymously compare prices from leading travel insurance companies using our free comparison tool below:

How does CAA travel insurance work?

How to get a caa travel insurance quote.

With a call to the following CAA travel insurance phone number 1-800-437-8541, you can purchase or request a travel plan quote from CAA.

You can also purchase a travel package directly on the website.

How to file a travel insurance claim with CAA?

CAA Insurance allows you to file your claim directly on their online CAA travel insurance portal. You can also initiate a claim by calling:

• 1-888-493-0161(from Canada and the USA)
• 1-519-988-7044 (Worldwide)

How to cancel your CAA travel insurance?

CAA travel insurance cancellation policy is similar to most travel insurers:

• You can cancel your CAA policy anytime within a few days following the purchase (10 business days on average) and get a refund as long as your trip has not started, and you have not made a claim. To proceed with the cancellation, you can connect on you CAA's members portal or call the following number: 1-800-437-8541
• If you cancel after that period, your payment may not be refunded.

How can I contact  CAA  travel insurance?

You can contact CAA travel insurance using different means of communication:

• CAA's phone number: 1-800-437-8541
• You can also log onto CAA's webstite and use their contact form.

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications.

• The Top Attractions In Rostov...

The Top Attractions in Rostov-on-Don

Contributor / Journalist

Rostov-On-Don city is a port and the administrative center of Southern Federal District of Russia. It lies to the southeast of the East European Plain, on the Don River. The city stands on the banks of the Don River, about 46 kilometres east of the Azov Sea and 1,070 kilometres south of Moscow. The climate is temperate continental. Rostov-on-Don has a specific unique outlook because of its rich historical and cultural heritage.

There are more than 1,000 objects of cultural heritage in the city, among them 482 architectural monuments, 70 archaeological monuments, eight large memorial complexes and 106 monuments. It is a major transport hub of the southern part of European Russia and a large educational and scientific center of Russia. So take a look at the city’s major points of interest. Our tips will make your trip to Rostov-On-Don unforgettable and full of interesting activities. https://www.instagram.com/p/BXex-Lzh8uV/?taken-at=213270263 Pushkin Street Take a look at this landscaped boulevard, lined with thousands of trees, flowers, restaurants, food kiosks, benches, memorials and statues. Pushkin Street leads into both the City Park and October Revolution Park. The biggest street of the city is always crowded and you can find a lot of activities there as a tourist. Undoubtedly the first place to go upon arrival, especially if you’re hungry. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYVR7KrHPyl/?tagged=%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD Don River Lookout Right after a visit to Pushkin Street, move to Don River lookout (aka, the Embankment) where you’ll enjoy a stroll along the riverside. The Embankment is lined with several restaurants, statues, fountains and a few souvenir shops; it also has an outstanding picturesque view. Yet it is considered to be the centre of Rostov’s nightlife. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYQtspxHtsu/?taken-at=1092801284125416 Rostov Zoo If you’re in travelling with children, then this zoo is well worth a visit. One of the largest zoos in Russia, it is home to a huge variety of animals, including giraffes, camels, polar bears, falcons, reptiles, fish and tigers. Located right in the city centre. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYQDpiIAGEU/?taken-at=879146942 Maxim Gorky Academic Drama Theatre. This theatre is a famous venue for dramatic plays, comedies and concerts in the Rostov area. It is located on the eastern end of Bolshaya Sadovaya Street (Teatralnaya Square 1), directly across the street from the monument known as ‘Stella’. Maxim Gorky Theatre operates even in summer when all other venues are closed. https://www.instagram.com/p/BNCnw_DA4Lo/?tagged=%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BA Central Market This massive outdoor and indoor market, which consists of many tiny shops and kiosks, can be both exciting and intimidating for tourists. Market shopping is one of the most memorable experiences that Russia has to offer for an adventurous tourist who just arrived here. You can buy anything here. The market is located in the downtown area, on Stanislavskovo Street, just four blocks south of the central intersection of Bolshaya Sadovaya Street. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYXMs9Xjcsk/?tagged=%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD Bridges Over the Don River & Embankment This city network of bridges and overpasses was constructed between 2007 and 2010, and it consists of a steel and a concrete composite structures across the River Don. Almost all the bridges were designed by the St ­Petersburg engineering firm TransMost and constructed by the Moscow contractor MostoTrest.

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Watch CBS News

Sand Dollars

The sound of a three-mile-long pipe pumping 100 dump trucks worth of sand onto the coastline filled the air for two and a half months in the town of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina in early 2024.

It was part of a beach nourishment project , meant to replenish and widen beaches lost to erosion or storms. Paid for with federal tax dollars and completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project in Wrightsville Beach cost around $15 million and is re-done approximately every four years.

Watch: Should the U.S. spend millions to fix storm-ravaged beaches?

"I do believe that beach re-nourishment is a necessity," said Jeff DeGroote, a lifelong Wrightsville Beach resident who owns a surf shop/coffee house a block away from the water.

His livelihood depends on the beach, so it also depends on keeping the beach maintained through nourishment projects.

"There is a disadvantage with...what we're doing here. The main disadvantage is cost, right? But the advantages outweigh the disadvantages," DeGroote said.

But some experts believe the taxpayer money used for beach nourishment projects could be better spent elsewhere.

Costs and benefits

Data from the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University shows more than 2,500 beach nourishment projects have cost more than $10 billion over the last century, or nearly $16 billion adjusted for inflation using 2022 dollars.

Unsurprisingly, the number and cost of projects tends to increase in years where there are major storms.

In 2013, there were 75 projects, more than any other year since 1923, the first year available in WCU's data. That's the same year hurricanes Humberto and Ingrid, along with 11 other tropical storms, hit the Atlantic coast. Winter storm Nemo also hit the east coast that year.

The year with the largest cost was 2014, the year following the storms. That year totaled about $925 million, adjusted for inflation in 2022 dollars.

More than three quarters of all the projects included in WCU's database and analyzed by CBS News were repeat projects.

For example, since 1939 there have been 27 beach nourishment projects on Wrightsville Beach alone, costing about $107 million in 2022 dollars, according to WCU's data as of June 2024.

That averages out to about one project every three years. Most of these projects, both on Wrightsville Beach and nationwide, are federally funded.

But, is it worth it?

Joe Vietri, the director of the National Planning Center for Coastal and Storm Risk Management at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said yes.

The return on the investment could be substantial, he said. That's because these projects are about coastal risk management.

"That's the goal here, to provide a buffer between the ocean and the community," Vietri said, referencing research by the USACE after Hurricane Sandy showing how beaches reduced damages and provided a buffer between the ocean and communities.

Highlighting the importance of a coastal defense system, he added, "Where you had a stable, well-maintained beach, berm, and dune system, the damages were extremely less than where you did not. And I mean dramatically so."

Watch: What is beach nourishment?

Ultimately, Congress must approve all federally funded beach renourishment projects. Which, some experts say, can save money in the long run.

"When a storm hits, a hurricane hits, the federal government pays a lot of money to come in and fix things," said Bob Keistler, a civil works project manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Wilmington District.

To address this issue more efficiently, Keistler emphasized the importance of proactive measures.

"This is kind of like an insurance policy, a proactive way that we're out in front of storms at a much less cost today, provide protection so when the hurricane comes, there's much less damage," Keistler said.

Wrightsville Beach: Before vs. Now

Andy Coburn, the associate director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University, doesn't dispute the science behind nourishment. But he has concerns about these projects from a public policy perspective.

"Who pays? Who benefits? How much? What else can we do? Is there something unique that we haven't thought of that we can implement?" Coburn said.

Sea level rise and climate change

Coburn said part of the cost-benefit analysis no one tends to think about is what happens if the beach starts to wash away due to other factors outside of storms like natural erosion and sea level rise from climate change.

"Over time, it always washes away, right? So how do we consider that? Is that a benefit? Is that a cost? How do we analyze that? Should we be doing that? These are the questions that we want to ask that aren't being asked right now," he said.

Watch: Is beach nourishment a good use of tax dollars?

While some studies have found that beach nourishment could be a viable mitigation strategy for climate change, some scientists have developed research showing that it may not be the best long-term solution.

Vietri doesn't deny that. As sea levels rise due to climate change and more projects are necessary, the return on investment may not be as high.

"I see a future where possibly a lot of the areas that we're currently working in now...won't be possible because of rising sea levels," he said. "Right now, the economics [are] in favor of what we're doing. That won't always be the case."

Over the past several decades, the increase in the total number of beach nourishment projects has caused a rising price tag. Adjusted for inflation in 2022 dollars, average yearly spending on beach nourishment projects in the 1950s totaled just under $30 million.

By the 2010s spending had risen to an average of about $616 million, 20 times the amount from the 1950s. So far this decade, spending has averaged about $490 million per year.

"There's absolutely agreement among coastal scientists that global warming and sea level rise will absolutely make nourishment more expensive," Coburn said.

He said he would not be surprised if totals doubled between 2024 and 2050.

"Over time, when that sand starts going away and communities and the government have to help find new sand, that's going to increase the cost even more," Coburn said.

Other solutions

Coburn proposed a solution that would require beachfront property owners, who he believes benefit the most from beach nourishment projects, to cover a larger portion of the costs.

But he also mentioned a process called "strategic retreat," where people move out of high-risk areas.

"Strategic retreat will remove properties that are vulnerable to coastal processes before they get damaged," Coburn said. "In theory, it's very easy. In practice, how do you do that? We don't really know, because no one's doing it."

Vietri, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said there are other solutions to homes and buildings themselves that could help mitigate risks outside of beach nourishment, like elevating houses.

But there are examples of strategic retreat being an option. Vietri gave an example on Long Island.

"They sit in the middle of a wetland...So rather than go spend tens of millions of dollars protecting, you know, maybe a hundred or so houses, it just made more sense there to just look at possibly buying them out."

But, Vietri said, that's a tough sell.

"It's sort of a program that you have to work with the state, local officials, and the community, as well as the people who own those homes. But in this case, they were just getting so wet so often, it just became apparent, look, we got to do something. Make us an offer, and we'll move on. So, we're doing more and more of that these days," Vietri said.

Reporting: Stephen Stock, Aparna Zalani | Data Analysis: Taylor Johnston, Grace Manthey | Photography and video editing: Jose Sanchez, Aaron Munoz | Visual Design and Web Development: Grace Manthey, Taylor Johnston, Aaron Munoz | Editing and project leadership: Nicole Vap, Aparna Zalani

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Landmark EU nature restoration plan gets the green light despite months of protests by farmers

FILE - A water meter stands in a dry wetland in Donana natural park, southwest Spain, on Oct. 19, 2022. European Union countries on Monday, June 17, 2024, gave final approval to a major and long-awaited plan to better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc. After surviving a razor-thin vote by lawmakers last summer, the so-called Nature Restoration Plan faced opposition from several member states for months amid relentless farmers’ protests that contributed to leave the bill in a deadlock. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

FILE - A man walks on a path during a protest against large-scale government logging in the Bialowieza Forest, Poland, Aug. 13, 2017. European Union countries on Monday, June 17, 2024, gave final approval to a major and long-awaited plan to better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc. After surviving a razor-thin vote by lawmakers last summer, the so-called Nature Restoration Plan faced opposition from several member states for months amid relentless farmers’ protests that contributed to leave the bill in a deadlock. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, file)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries on Monday gave final approval to a major and long-awaited plan to better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc, a divisive issue after months of protests by farmers who argued that EU environmental and climate laws were driving them toward bankruptcy.

After surviving a razor-thin vote by lawmakers last summer, the so-called Nature Restoration Plan faced opposition from several member states, leaving the bill deadlocked for months.

The law, which aims at restoring ecosystems, species and habitats in the EU, was finally adopted at a meeting of environment ministers in Luxembourg after rallying the required support from a qualified majority representing 15 of the 27 member states and 65% of the EU population. Austria’s vote in favor of the plan helped to break the stalemate.

“This is the final step before this law can enter into force,” said the Belgian presidency of the EU Council.

The Nature Restoration plan is part of the EU’s European Green Deal that seeks to establish the world’s most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets and make the bloc the global point of reference on all climate issues.

Under the plan, member states will have to meet restoration targets for specific habitats and species, to cover at least 20% of the region’s land and sea areas by 2030.

“The result of hard work has paid off,” said Belgian Environment Minister Alain Maron. “There can be no pause in protecting our environment. The EU Council makes the choice to restore nature in the EU, protecting its biodiversity and our living environment.”

Austria’s environment minister, Leonore Gewessler, voted for the plan after months of domestic political debate. The move by Gewessler, a member of the Green party, infuriated the senior partner in the coalition government — Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative Austrian People’s Party — ahead of a national election set for Sept. 29.

“My conscience tells me unmistakably (that) when the healthy and happy life of future generations is at stake, courageous decisions are needed,” Gewessler wrote on social network X.

Ahead of the vote, the chancellery said Nehammer informed the Belgian EU presidency that a vote in favor of the plan by Gewessler would be unlawful, the Austria Press Agency reported. Nehammer’s office said after the decision that Austria will file a suit at the European Court of Justice to nullify the vote.

An EU official said Gewessler’s vote was legally binding and that the Council’s legal service had confirmed this point. The person was not authorized to speak publicly in line with EU practices.

In the buildup to the EU elections that saw a shift to the right earlier this month, European farmers complained about the many environmental laws governing the way they work, arguing that the rules were harming their livelihoods and strangling them with red tape.

Under the new law, EU countries will be required to restore at least 30% of habitats such as forests, rivers, grasslands, wetlands, lakes and coral beds deemed in poor condition by 2030. This percentage is set to increase to 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050. The law also introduces specific requirements for measures to reverse the decline of pollinators.

The EU’s main agricultural group, COPA-COGECA, said the plan lacks clear and consistent funding and that the law cannot be implemented on the ground.

Environmental organizations and a coalition of big companies insisted last year that the legislation was crucial to tackle both climate change and nature loss. But the plan lost some of its progressive edge during negotiations because of fierce opposition from the EU Parliament’s main political group, EPP, which along with other conservatives and the far right has insisted the plans would undermine food security, fuel inflation and hurt farmers.

As a result, the nature restoration plan was weakened. For instance, until 2030 member states can only prioritize sites designated under the Natura 2000 network, which covers Europe’s most valuable species and habitats. There is no obligation to implement the law in other natural areas.

EU countries must restore at least 30% of drained peatlands by 2030, but the target for rewetting is set at national level, meaning that individual farmers and private landowners will not have responsibility for meeting it.

The law also provides for an emergency brake, as requested by Parliament. Targets for agricultural ecosystems can be suspended under exceptional circumstances if they severely reduce the land needed to produce sufficient food for EU consumption.

Environmental lobby group Greenpeace said a failure by EU governments to approve the law would have been embarrassing ahead of the next U.N. biodiversity meeting in Colombia in October.

“Despite the weakening of the law, this deal offers a ray of hope for Europe’s nature, future generations and the livelihoods of rural communities,” said Greenpeace biodiversity campaigner Špela Bandelj Ruiz. “Healthy ecosystems offer protection against extreme weather, water shortages and pollution.”

Geir Moulson in Berlin and Raf Casert contributed to this report.

Local News | Good news for travel procrastinators: Passport…

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Local News | Good news for travel procrastinators: Passport agency to open in Orlando

Currently miami has the only such agency in florida, and central floridians must drive there for quick service.

The city is one of six in the U.S. to receive new passport agencies, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, announced in a news conference Tuesday.

The result? Fewer 235-mile trips from Orlando to Miami, currently the site of the only passport agency in the state.

There are about 25 “passport counters” within 25 miles of downtown Orlando, ]usually in government buildings like post offices, but they can’t do what an agency can. As Frost explained, passport counters receive your information and dispatch it to the Miami agency for processing. It can take six to eight weeks to receive your passport, and if you want it faster, you may have to pay a private “passport expediter” to handle it for you.

But agencies like Miami’s have the authority to deal with emergencies, like a life-and-death situation with a family member when you need a same-day passport. Even lesser emergencies, like you forgot your trip is actually next month, are enough to get an agency to expedite. And if there’s a problem with your ID documents or background check, they often can tell you right away.

For the privilege, “people have to drive hours and hours,” he said. “A lot of people have to spend their own money to get a hotel to stay overnight because it’s so far from their home.”

Soon, that will be no more.

It may take up to a year for the U.S. General Services Administration to determine where the office should go. In the meantime, Frost said he wants recommendations from city leaders.

Frost said receiving approval for a passport office is difficult because of the amount of federal money required,though he didn’t know an exact amount at Tuesday’s conference.

“We’re really happy we got this,” he said, “but this is something that a lot of times can take years, if not decades to try to win in your area, but we had a good case for it.”

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