Travel insurance for Canadians: what you actually need

Many Canadians assume their provincial health card covers them abroad. In reality, it pays only a small part of emergency costs outside Canada — and medical bills in the United States can be enormous.

The three main types of plan

• Emergency medical (single trip): covers medical emergencies for one trip.
• Annual multi-trip: covers every trip in a year, up to a set number of days per trip — often cheaper if you travel several times.
• All-inclusive: adds trip cancellation and interruption, baggage and more.

Pre-existing conditions

If you have a medical condition, most plans require it to be stable for a period before you leave. Answer the medical questions carefully — mistakes are a common reason claims are denied. Read our guide to stability.

Credit card coverage

Some credit cards include travel insurance, but often with age limits, short trip lengths or low maximums. Check the details before relying on it.

Tips

• Buy trip cancellation coverage when you book — not just before you leave.
• Keep the insurer's assistance number with you and call before treatment if you can.
• Tell the insurer about any change in your health before departure.

Want help choosing? Request a quote and an advisor will compare plans for you.