Most Canadians Misunderstand Travel Advisories, Insurance Risks: Survey

Many Canadians are travelling abroad without fully understanding how federal travel advisories can affect their insurance coverage or what assistance Canadian embassies are able to provide in an emergency, according to a new survey commissioned by Global Affairs Canada.

The survey, conducted by market research firm Strategic Counsel on behalf of the department, found that awareness of consular services exists but knowledge of what those services actually include remains limited. The findings were first reported by CTV News, based on The Canadian Press reporting.

The online survey of 1,850 Canadians was conducted in January and submitted to Global Affairs Canada in March. 

One of the report's most significant findings relates to travel insurance. Just 28% of respondents were aware that changes to the Government of Canada's travel advisory risk level for a destination can affect the validity of their travel insurance, potentially leading insurers to deny all or part of a claim. More than half (56%) were unaware of this, while 16% said they were unsure.

The report also found confusion about the role Canadian embassies and consulates can play when Canadians encounter problems overseas.

Only one-third of respondents knew the federal government can provide financial assistance in exceptional emergencies, such as loans to help pay for an evacuation. 

Many respondents also misunderstood other consular services. While 39% correctly recognized that the government does not pay for burials or the transportation of human remains back to Canada, 42% were unsure. 

"The data suggests that Canadians often either overestimate the mandate (e.g., assuming intervention in foreign legal systems beyond what is possible), or underestimate support (e.g., not realizing assistance channels or financial mechanisms exist)," the report states.

"In crisis situations, inaccurate assumptions (whether inflated or diminished), may lead to frustration, delayed contact, or inappropriate reliance on unavailable forms of assistance."

The survey also suggests many Canadians are not routinely consulting government travel information before departing.

Global Affairs Canada recommends travellers register with its Registration of Canadians Abroad service before leaving Canada. The free service allows the department to send travellers safety updates and emergency information by email or text if conditions change in their destination.

The report also found confusion over who is eligible for consular assistance. Thirty-eight percent of respondents believed permanent residents are entitled to the same services as Canadian citizens, a perception that may reflect recent government efforts to assist permanent residents and family members during international evacuation operations.

The findings come as Global Affairs Canada continues to manage increasing demand for consular services. According to The Canadian Press, briefing materials prepared for Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand in May 2025 warned that growing global instability was significantly increasing consular workloads, while departmental officials have said they plan to modernize service delivery by shifting less complex cases to an online portal.

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