What to do in a medical emergency while travelling

Travel mishaps can disrupt even the best-planned holidays. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, unexpected medical illnesses or injuries are among the most common incidents that can derail travel plans. CIBC Travel Insurance plans with medical benefits are designed to help you navigate these situations, ensuring you can get your trip back on track or return home safely.

If you find yourself needing medical attention during your travels, it's crucial to contact CIBC’s travel insurance administrator, Allianz Global Assistance (Allianz) before proceeding with treatment. Allianz’s dedicated team of medical professionals are available around the clock, 365 days a year to assist you.

Healthcare quality varies globally, even within the same city. Allianz collaborates with over 900,000 medical providers worldwide to ensure you receive optimal care. Allianz’s Emergency Assistance team will guide you to the most suitable healthcare provider based on your needs, whether it's a hospital, clinic or virtual consultation through Allianz’s telemedicine service.

In serious medical situations, head to the nearest hospital immediately. Have a friend or family member contact Allianz within 24 hours of admission and before any surgery.

For unexpected, eligible medical events requiring hospital admission, Allianz’s medical team will stay in direct contact with your treating physicians at your destination, monitor your care, provide updates to your family and arrange for your safe return to Canada once you are stable to travel.

When possible, direct billing may be arranged with medical providers on your behalf so that you can avoid any out-of-pocket expenses.

If you need to seek medical treatment while travelling, contact Allianz:

Toll-free in North America, call: 1-800-281-9109 Opens your phone app.

Outside North America, call collect or direct at 416-340-7124 Opens your phone app.

Before you leave, we recommend researching how to make collect calls to Canada from your destination. While there isn’t a single website with this information for each country, a quick web search for your destination should provide the instructions you need.

Once you connect with Allianz by phone, your case will be opened and assistance services will be provided based on your unique medical situation. After your case is opened, you will be provided with a unique link to the Claims Portal Opens a dialog.. Once there, you can continue your claim online and provide any additional details. Alternatively, you can choose to complete and submit paper claim forms which will be mailed to your home address. For more information on the claims process, check out how to file a claim.

If you purchased a CIBC Travel Insurance policy, we highly recommend that you review your policy before leaving to understand the full range of benefits available, along with what is and is not covered under the policy. When travelling, keep Allianz’s phone numbers and your policy number handy, both of which can be found on your Confirmation of Coverage (sent to you at time of purchase).

Should the unexpected arise on your trip, trust in the confidence that comes with having CIBC Travel Medical Insurance there to protect you.