Without travel insurance, you might have to pay for medical expenses out of pocket. While a minor injury may be easy to cover, any major accidents, particularly in countries like America, can lead to massive medical bills.
And if you don’t have the funds available, you might have to remortgage your home. Instead, for a small fee, you can purchase travel insurance, that will cover your bills when an unexpected incident occurs.
How Does Travel Insurance Work?
Like many other travel insurance policies, travel insurance provides a payout if you ever need to file a claim. Although a claim usually needs to be approved first, you often don’t have to pay for any medical treatment directly if you’re in an accident.
Depending on the claim, you may have to contact your insurance provider first or you may need to submit proof and receipts later.
For instance, if your luggage was lost and you need to purchase clothing and other essentials, you could file a claim to get reimbursement. Or, if you develop an infection that requires medical attention and medicine, your travel insurance claim could cover the cost of these expenses. This is why travel insurance is so handy.
Best Travel Insurance In Canada
| Best For Consumer Who: | Unique Features | |
| SoNomad | – Want a quick and simple way to get an insurance quote. – Have a pre-existing medical condition. – Need COVID-19-related coverage without paying extra. | – Free COVID-19 coverage – Snowbirds can save up to 25% on coverage |
| Allianz | – Need a high medical limit. – Want comprehensive medical coverage. | – Global reach of travel partners |
| Blue Cross | – Need COVID-19-related coverage without paying extra. – Want to work with an insurer with a long track record. | – COVID-19 coverage at no extra cost |
| RBC Travel Insurance | – Are current RBC clients. – Have a pre-existing condition. Want to be able to customize their package. | – Multiple plan variations – Package upgrades available |
| TuGo | – Want a full suite of plans to choose from. – Want the flexibility to cancel for any reason (as a plan upgrade). – Want a high amount in medical coverage. | – Unique rider add-ons, including Cancel For Any Reason &- Adventurous sports riders |
| Manulife | – Have a pre-existing medical condition. – Want a high amount in medical coverage. – Want several plans to choose from. | – Pre-existing medical condition coverage – COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan |
| TD Travel Insurance | – Only need basic coverage. – Want a plan that covers the whole family. | – Couple and family coverage plans available |
| CAA-Quebec Travel | – Are current CAA members & live in Quebec. – Want multiple options to customize their coverage & premiums. – Want the option to add a pre-existing condition rider. | – Discounts for CAA members – Additional riders for air excursions & sports |
| BCAA | – Are current BCAA members & live in BC or Yukon. – Want to be able to customize their coverage. – Want the option to add a pre-existing condition rider. | – Customizable plans – Pre-existing medical condition add-on available |
| Destination Travel Insurance | – Only need medical coverage. | – Expatriate Plan covers medical care for Canadians under 70 years of age living abroad |
SoNomad
SoNomad provides travel insurance plans to Canadians travelling and those visiting Canada. The company’s goal is to streamline and simplify the process of finding a policy that’s affordable and provides just the right type and amount of coverage. Travellers can save up to 25% thanks to SoNomad’s low-cost approach to travel insurance.
SoNomad Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Emergency medical insurance.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Snowbird insurance for travellers of all ages heading south for the winter.
- Visitors to Canada insurance covers emergency medical costs for non-Canadians.
- Multi-trip travel insurance covers several trips made within one year.
Allianz Global Alliance
Allianz Global Alliance is a travel insurance and assistance provider that has been providing Canadians with travel protection for over 30 years. The company is partnered with some of the most well-known brands in the travel industry to provide Canadians with the best products and services available. They offer coverage for single trips, multiple trips within a year, and coverage for non-Canadians.
Allianz Global Alliance Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Emergency medical insurance.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Medical and trip cancellation plan bundles.
- Annual medical plans to cover emergency medical services for an unlimited number of trips in a 12-month period.
- Visiting Canada coverage for non-Canadian immigrants, international students, temporary workers, or super visa applicants.
Blue Cross
Blue Cross has been in the insurance industry for over 80 years providing Canadians with a full suite of insurance products, including travel insurance. Travellers can purchase single-trip or annual plans depending on their frequency of travel. Visitors to Canada can also purchase a plan to cover them for emergency medical care while in Canada for travel, study, or work.
Blue Cross Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Single-trip travel insurance including emergency medical care and trip cancellation/interruption.
- Visitors to Canada insurance for non-Canadians that covers emergency medical and dental care.
- Multi-trip annual insurance covers emergency medical care and trip cancellation and interruption for an unlimited number of trips in one year.
- COVID-19 coverage at no extra cost.
RBC Travel Insurance
In addition to being one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, RBC also offers Canadians a full suite of travel insurance products. Plans can be as basic or comprehensive as required based on travel needs. RBC Travel Insurance covers all the classic options, including travel medical, and trip cancellation and interruption. There is also the option to add riders to your policy for full customization.
RBC Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Travel medical insurance plans, including the Classic Medical Plan, TravelCare Medical Plan for those aged 64 and up, and 4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan for quick trips.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Comprehensive travel coverage combines medical and trip cancellation/interruption.
- Non-medical travel plans.
- Visitors to Canada insurance for non-Canadians that covers emergency medical and dental care.
TuGo
TuGo is a Canadian travel insurance provider providing coverage to Canadians for almost 60 years. The company specializes in insurance products and services that ensure comprehensive emergency travel medical assistance. You can select from a host of travel insurance plans and multiple additional options to upgrade your policy.
TuGo Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Emergency medical insurance.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
- All-inclusive holiday package includes medical emergencies, missed flights, and lost or damaged baggage.
- Optional coverages include sports and activities, baggage insurance, rental car protection, and ‘cancel’ for any reason.
Destination: Travel Group
The Destination: Travel Group is headquartered in Toronto and offers travel insurance coverage across Canada. The company specializes in travel insurance for various purposes, including leisure, work and study, and visits to Canada by non-Canadians. Travel coverage includes emergency medical care only, and does not extend to trip cancellation or interruption.
The Destination: Travel Group Insurance Plans Available
- The Leisure Plan covers emergency medical care.
- Snowbird Plan covers emergency medical care, specifically for Snowbirds between the ages of 55 and 89.
- Expatriate Plan covers essential medical care for Canadians under 70 years old who are working or living abroad.
- International Student Insurance covers medical care for international students studying in Canada or Canadian Students studying abroad.
- Visitors To Canada insurance covers emergency medical care for non-Canadians in Canada.
Manulife
Manulife has been in the insurance industry for more than a century providing Canadians with comprehensive coverage for a variety of purposes, including travel. The company’s travel insurance products cover leisurely travellers, snowbirds, students studying abroad, and visitors to Canada. You can choose between single-trip and multi-trip plans.
Manulife Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Emergency medical plans, including COVID-19-related medical expenses.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- All-inclusive plans include emergency medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Multi-trip plans to cover several trips within 12 months.
- Visitors to Canada and international student insurance plans.
TD Travel Insurance
TD Travel Insurance provides insurance for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, trip interruptions and more. Depending on your needs, TD offers a range of travel insurance products that are sure to meet your needs. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a student traveller, or a snowbird you can find the coverage you need with TD.
TD Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Single-trip medical insurance
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Multi-trip medical insurance
- Multi-trip all-inclusive plan includes emergency medical services and trip cancellation/interruption for multiple trips within one year
CAA-Quebec Travel
CAA-Quebec Travel works with Orion Travel Insurance to provide its products. Their services are only available to Quebec residents. Quebecers can gain access to their exclusive travel insurance products, which include travel insurance with or without medical coverage, emergency medical care insurance, trip cancellation, or interruption insurance. To get a quote simply fill out their online application form.
CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance Plans Available
- Single-trip insurance plans, including the emergency medical care plan, trip cancellation/interruption plan, or the more comprehensive Package Plan.
- Annual travel insurance plans cover multiple trips per year.
- Visitors to Canada insurance includes emergency medical and dental coverage.
- Add-ons to customize your plan, such as coverage for rental car damage, pre-existing medical conditions, air adventures, and professional sports.
- 10% discounts for CAA members.
BCAA
BCCA is a member of the CAA and the AAA and provides its services to residents in British Columbia and Yukon. They offer travel medical insurance for single trips as well as multi-trips for those travelling more than once a year. They also have a trip protection package which includes insurance for trip cancellations or delays, baggage loss, and more.
BCAA Travel Insurance Plans
- Emergency medical insurance
- Trip protection insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption, airline delays, and baggage loss/damage/delay
- Visitors to Canada emergency medical insurance
- Single-trip and multi-trip plans available
- BCAA Members save 10%
Best Travel Insurance Brokers
Travel insurance brokers work to connect consumers with insurance providers and do much of the comparison shopping on behalf of people who need a policy. The benefit of working with a broker is that they work on your behalf and not the insurance company. They will also do the leg work needed to find you a company to suit your needs.
| Types of travel insurance they offer | |
| Insurdinary | – Multi trips – Single trips – Snowbird – Lost luggage – Trip interruption or cancellation – Rental car damage or theft |
| Rates.ca | – Single trips – Multi trips – Snowbird – COVID-19 travel insurance |
| Insurance Hotline | – Single trips – Multi trips trip cancellation – All inclusive travel insurance – Travel insurance for students – Travel insurance for visitors – Snowbird travel insurance – Super visa insurance |
Insurdinary
If you find comparing travel insurance products difficult and confusing, you should consider using Insurdinary. They are an online comparison platform that allows you to compare multiple travel quotes from different insurance providers with a single application. Their goal is to help simplify the insurance buying process and help you get the lowest rate possible. Whether you’re looking for a single-trip policy or a multi-trip policy, you’ll find various plans with basic to comprehensive coverage.
Rates.ca
Rates.ca is an online platform that compares rates and insurance policies from multiple different insurers. Simply fill out their online application form to get a list of quotes from top-notch brands like Blue Cross, GMS, Tugo, Allianz Global Assistance and more. Whether you need snowbird travel insurance, emergency travel medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance, Rates.ca has it all.
Insurance Hotline
Insurance Hotline is an online insurance brokerage that has been in business for 26 years. They offer travel insurance, snowbird travel insurance, and trip cancellation insurance. Simply fill out their online application form to compare travel insurance rates and coverages from over 30 providers. It is an easy and fast way to get the travel coverage you need for the rate you want.
Best Travel Insurance Credit Cards
Not all credit cards provide travel insurance coverage, but many do. Generally speaking, travel rewards credit cards with higher annual fees tend to come with additional perks, including travel insurance.
If your credit card features travel insurance, make sure you check out exactly what type of coverage is provided before purchasing a standalone travel insurance product. Your card may offer just enough for what you need, in which case you wouldn’t have to buy a separate policy.
Credit card travel insurance policies generally include the following types of coverage:
- Emergency medical
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Baggage delay/loss/damage
- Travel accident
- Rental car damage/theft
- Hotel/motel burglary
Coverage amounts will vary from one card to the next.
It should be noted that coverage for most of the above is usually only available if you purchase your trip (such as your flight, accommodations, or rental car) using your credit card. It’s also important to note that credit card travel insurance coverage is often more restrictive and coverage amounts may also be lower than a standalone plan.
Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance
| Annual Fee | Travel Benefits | |
| Neo Mastercard (with Travel perks) | $7.99/monthly | Emergency travel medical, trip cancellation, car rental protection, flight delay, and more. |
| National Bank Platinum Mastercard® | $70 | Out-of-province medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, baggage delay/loss/theft, and car rental insurance. |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | $139 | Trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel medical, flight/trip delay, common carrier travel accident, delayed/lost baggage, hotel/motel burglary and auto rental insurance. |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | $120 | Emergency medical coverage, trip interruption/cancellation coverage, flight and baggage delay, hotel burglary, lost/stolen luggage, travel accident, rental car theft/ damage. |
| Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card | $150 | Trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, travel accident, delay/lost baggage, rental car collision/damage, and hotel burglary insurance. |
Travel Insurance For Visitors To Canada
Most travel insurance providers offer plans that cover emergency medical care to non-Canadians who are in Canada on a leisurely trip, for work or study, or who are in the process of immigrating to Canada. These plans are especially useful for those who have permanently moved to Canada but have not yet qualified for a provincial healthcare plan.
It’s not a requirement for visitors to Canada to buy a travel insurance plan, but it is highly recommended. Canada’s healthcare system only covers Canadians.
Non-Canadian visitors who find themselves needing medical care may find themselves paying for these services out-of-pocket. As such, all visitors are well-advised to buy travel insurance before arriving in Canada.
It’s also important to note that super visa insurance is required when Canadians are sponsoring a parent or grandparent for a visit to Canada.
Travel Insurance For Canadians Travelling Within The Country
If you’re travelling domestically within Canada but outside your home province, you may still want to buy a travel insurance policy. The Canada Health Act ensures that all Canadians are entitled to medical care services covered by provincial or territorial healthcare plans. But that doesn’t mean that all types of care and services are covered, such as ambulance services or prescription medication.
So, even if you’re still in Canada but are outside your home province, it’s strongly recommended that you buy a travel insurance plan that covers you. Many insurance companies offer plans specifically for domestic travel within Canada.
Do I Need Travel Insurance When Travelling To USA?
Yes, you should have travel coverage when travelling to the USA, particularly for medical care. Since you’ll be outside of Canada, you won’t be covered under your provincial healthcare plan, no matter what country you’re travelling to.
Medical care in the USA can be extremely expensive. Even a one-day stay in a hospital can cost thousands of dollars. Longer hospital stays and surgeries or other complex procedures can run you into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. One travel insurance plan can save you from a financial catastrophe.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
The exact policy that you take out will determine precisely what is covered and what’s not. That said, the average travel insurance policy will usually include the following:
- Trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance
- Hotel burglary
- Delayed/lost baggage
- Emergency medical
- Travel accident
- Car rental insurance
Trip Cancellation Or Trip Interruption Insurance
One of the biggest concerns among travellers is the potential for their trip to be cancelled.
With trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, you may be covered if you need to cancel your trip for a qualifying reason such as job loss or a health issue. Depending on your provider, the qualifying reason may have certain restrictions.
Medical Issues
Another common reason why travellers take out a travel insurance policy is to ensure they are covered for the cost of medical care while abroad. This could be for something as simple as medication or something more major like hospitalization, emergency surgery, or treatment.
Delayed/Lost Baggage
It happens from time to time. Travellers end up at their destination only to discover that their luggage is nowhere to be found. Fortunately, the baggage coverage portion of a travel insurance policy can cover you for your personal belongings if your baggage is ever delayed, lost or stolen. Even if your luggage turns up eventually, you can still be covered for the time that you had to go without your belongings.
Here are 14 insurance terms you need to know.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Covid-19?
Some travel insurance plans include coverage for medical care related to a COVID-19 illness, such as those offered by SoNomad. However, other insurers sell standalone COVID-19 coverage plans in addition to traditional policies. Check with your insurance provider to see if the plan you’re buying includes COVID-19-related coverage, or if you need to buy a separate plan.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Seniors?
Travel insurance plans do provide coverage for seniors, as long as a medical questionnaire is completed to the satisfaction of the insurer. Unfortunately, once a person reaches a certain age, insurance rates will increase due to the heightened risk of health issues.
For these reasons, insurance companies usually inquire about the age of an applicant before issuing an insurance policy, as age plays a role in the cost of a plan. Specific travel insurance plans have age restrictions. If you’re over this age limit, you’ll need to buy a plan specifically for your age range.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Many insurance companies provide insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions, but others do not. Common ailments such as diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure, among others, are typically classified as pre-existing medical conditions.
Generally speaking, a pre-existing condition must be stable before the policy purchase date. That means there must be no change in your condition or medication required within a specified “stability period” before the policy’s effective date.
Keep in mind that even if a pre-existing condition is permitted, it will likely increase the price of your policy by a significant amount. You may also need to add a specific waiver or rider to your policy. Depending on the severity of your condition, you could be denied coverage altogether.
It’s important to do some homework to find a policy that provides adequate coverage for your situation.
When Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
Many people have some form of travel insurance coverage through their employer, while others may also have travel insurance with their credit card issuer. In these cases, buying an outside travel insurance policy may not be necessary if the type of travelling you’re doing would be adequately covered under what you already have available to you.
But there may be circumstances where buying additional coverage or a completely new policy may be necessary, such as in the following situations:
- Your employer does not offer travel insurance
- Your credit card does not offer travel insurance
- You have an underlying medical condition that could increase the odds of requiring medical attention while travelling abroad
- You’re a thrill-seeker who loves adventure (which could boost the odds of a physical accident)
- You travel with expensive belongings or luggage
Things To Consider When Buying Travel Insurance
Besides cost, there are a few factors that you should consider when purchasing a travel insurance policy, including the following:
Service Model – If you ever need to file a claim, how will it be handled? And who will be handling them? If your claim is much more than what your insurance company typically deals with, they may transfer it over to an adjuster who has more authority to handle the claim.
Length Of Your Trip – The longer you plan to travel, the more you may have to pay for coverage. In some cases, travel insurance policies may have a cap on how long the insurer will cover you while you’re away. But, some providers can offer coverage for months for a single trip, depending on your exact circumstances.
Deductibles. If you have to file a claim, you may need to pay a deductible first before the coverage kicks in. Find out what your deductible will be before taking out a policy.
Travel Insurance Limitations – There can be many limitations to a travel insurance policy. So be sure to check the:
- Geographical Limitation – Some companies may have restrictions on the destinations of travellers before agreeing to approve a policy.
- Coverage Exclusion – Not only should you find out what is covered, but you should also find out what is not covered too.
How To Make A Travel Insurance Claim
If something happens while you’re on your trip that requires the financial assistance of your travel insurance policy, you’ll need to make a claim. To make things easier for you, it’s suggested that you keep a copy of your policy and the contact information of your insurer so that you don’t end up scrambling to find a phone number or policy number.
You must get in touch with the insurance provider as soon as possible following any incident, as a delay could limit the maximum benefit that your policy would payout to you. After speaking with an agent, you can start the claims process.
Depending on what you are filing a claim for, you may be asked for different types of information. For instance, if you have to pay for a doctor’s visit and medication, the insurer may ask to see the physician’s diagnosis and treatment protocol as well as the bill.
Once you’ve filed a claim, it will be assessed by the insurer, and you should receive compensation within a week or two if approved.
Final Thoughts
In some cases, you may not need travel insurance, as you may be already covered by your credit card or work insurance, without having to take out additional coverage. But in many other cases, it makes sense to take out a policy, You never know what could happen when you travel abroad and being stuck with a fat bill after an incident can cost you big time. Consider your specific situation and the potential risks that may be involved to help you decide if a policy is needed, and if so, what type of policy is best for you.
