Canada: Best Travel Insurance Plans in 2025
- The most competitive offer on the market
- Fast and efficient submission process
- Emergency bounce back to Canada
- Reduced stability option
- The most competitive offer on the market
- Fast and efficient submission process
- Emergency bounce back to Canada
- Reduced stability option
soNomad travel insurance offers emergency medical coverage up to $5,000,000, including COVID-19 at no extra cost, and repatriation assistance, all with no deductible. It stands out for its competitive rates and excellent value for money, surpassing competitors like Allianz and Manulife, which are often more expensive for similar coverage. The cancel-for-any-reason program, subscribed within 7 days of booking, provides additional security. Ideal for all travellers, including those with pre-existing medical conditions.
- Allianz Global Assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Insurer available in 44 countries
- 10-day free trial period
- Allianz Global Assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Insurer available in 44 countries
- 10-day free trial period
Allianz travel insurance offers emergency medical coverage up to $5,000,000, including COVID-19 protection at no extra cost, and baggage insurance up to $1,000. Although its rates are higher, Allianz stands out for the quality and breadth of its coverage. Compared to soNomad and TuGo, Allianz offers a very comprehensive package but at a higher cost, making it an ideal choice for those seeking maximum and uncompromising coverage.
- 50% discount for trips to Canada
- 10-day review period at no cost
- Option to subscribe to family coverage
- 50% discount for trips to Canada
- 10-day review period at no cost
- Option to subscribe to family coverage
Manulife travel insurance offers a "Manulife Emergency Medical policy" providing medical and hospital coverage up to $10,000,000. It also includes a repatriation assistance, ensuring peace of mind during trips. The policy also offers a 50 % discount for users travelling to Canada, as well as a 10-day free trial period. The option to subscribe a family coverage is another robust asset, which makes this policy a reliable and flexible choice.
- What is travel insurance?
- The price of travel insurance
- What travel insurance covers
- What are the conditions to meet?
- Why take out travel insurance?
- Choosing the right travel insurance
- Do my current insurers offer travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance is a policy that covers financial losses from unexpected events during your trip, like medical emergencies or cancellations.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $ CA 30 and $ CA 80, depending on your age and coverage level.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency medical care, trip cancellation, and lost baggage, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your provincial health plan and credit cards offer very limited coverage abroad, making dedicated travel insurance essential for most trips.
5. Tips: Always compare policies, read the exclusions carefully, and declare all pre-existing medical conditions to ensure your coverage is valid.
6. Other useful info: Your provincial health plan covers very little outside Canada; even a US hospital visit can cost thousands without proper insurance.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best one for you.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that protects you against unexpected costs such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage while travelling.
It usually includes high coverage limits, emergency assistance, and flexible options to fit different types of travellers.
Travel insurance is essential because provincial health plans and credit cards often do not cover expensive medical care or cancellations outside Canada.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out travel insurance is especially recommended:
- You are travelling to a country with expensive healthcare services.
- Your provincial health insurance offers little coverage outside Canada.
- You plan to participate in sports or high-risk recreational activities.
- Your trip includes prepaid bookings that are non-refundable.
- Your health condition requires special attention or medication.
- You are travelling to remote areas with limited emergency assistance.
- Your itinerary relies on connecting flights and tight schedules.
- You travel during periods of political or health uncertainty.
The price of travel insurance
On average, travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| One week in Mexico | $ CA 2,000 | $ CA 60 – 120 |
| Two weeks in Europe | $ CA 3,500 | $ CA 105 – 210 |
| One month in Southeast Asia | $ CA 4,000 | $ CA 120 – 240 |
| Long weekend in the U.S. | $ CA 800 | $ CA 24 – 48 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the stay, the higher the price.
- destination: countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Japan, have higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers often pay higher prices.
- level of coverage: premium plans with high limits and low deductibles cost more than basic ones.
- selected options: coverage for expensive devices, risky sports, or “cancel for any reason” increases the final cost.
What travel insurance covers
Travel insurance protects you from unexpected problems during your trip. Here's what it usually covers, and what it may not.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 📆 Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you cancel before departure. |
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| 🕒 Trip interruption | Pays extra costs if your trip is unexpectedly shortened. |
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| 🧳 Baggage insurance | Reimburses for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal belongings during transport. |
|
| 🚑 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical or hospital care abroad. |
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| ✈️ Medical evacuation & repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays to return you home if medically necessary or in case of death. |
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| ⚖️ Civil liability abroad | Covers damages you accidentally cause to others or their property while abroad. |
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| 🛠️ Assistance services | Access to 24/7 help for legal, medical, translation, or emergency support. |
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| ⛑️ Accident insurance | Usually optional. Pays a lump sum for death or serious injury due to an accident abroad. |
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- Choose at least $ CA 3,000 coverage with a maximum deductible of $ CA 100.
- Exclusions often include epidemics, pre existing conditions, and voluntary cancellation.
- Coverage should equal your total trip value, with a deductible under $ CA 100.
- Exclusions might include civil unrest, pre travel illness, or government advisories.
- Select at least $ CA 1,500 coverage, deductible under $ CA 50.
- Exclusions often apply for unattended baggage, high value items, or baggage delayed under 24 hours.
- Minimum $ CA 5M coverage, with no deductible if possible.
- Exclusions include risky sports, alcohol related incidents, and unstable pre existing conditions.
- Choose a limit of at least $ CA 300,000 and deductible below $ CA 100.
- Exclusions may include self harm, war zones, and unauthorized evacuation transport.
- Minimum $ CA 1M coverage, deductible not above $ CA 500.
- Exclusions can be incidents involving motor vehicles, intentional harm, or contract disputes.
- Make sure assistance is unlimited and includes a hotline.
- Exclusions could include remote areas, labor strikes, or non urgent requests.
- $ CA 50,000 minimum is advised with a reasonable deductible.
- Common exclusions: extreme sports, participation in dangerous activities, and certain medical histories.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
What are the conditions to meet?
- Trip duration: your trip must not exceed the maximum duration set by the policy, usually between 30 and 90 consecutive days.
- Policy purchase: insurance must be purchased before departure. Buying it after leaving Canada can result in denial of claims.
- Accurate declaration: all personal and health details must be correct. False statements may void your coverage.
- Insured activities: activities like winter sports or diving need to be mentioned in your contract to be covered.
- Medical eligibility: you must be medically fit when departing. Pre-existing conditions often need to be stable for 60 to 180 days.
- Departure from Canada: coverage applies only if your journey starts in Canada. Returning temporarily may suspend the guarantee.
- Destination safety: your coverage is only valid if you travel to a destination not under an official travel advisory.
Always read your policy's general terms to check for other specific requirements from your insurer.
Watch out!
In a medical emergency, your first call after seeking help should be to your insurer. Most policies require immediate notification—often within 24 hours—of hospitalization. Failing to contact the 24/7 assistance line as soon as possible can lead to a significant reduction in your benefits, or even a denied claim. Keep their number handy.
Why take out travel insurance?
Travelling always involves risks, and healthcare abroad can result in very high expenses that may not be covered by Canadian provincial health plans.
Here are some examples of medical costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost ($ CA) | What travel insurance covers |
|---|---|---|
| Sprained ankle while hiking |
| Up to 100%, usually $ CA 5 million total for medical care |
| Cut from a scooter accident |
| Up to 100%, including emergency care and minor surgery |
| Food poisoning with hospital stay |
| Up to 100%, including hospitalisation and medication |
| Tooth infection requiring treatment |
| Often limited, up to $ CA 500 for urgent dental care |
| Respiratory infection with consultation |
| Up to 100% of outpatient consultation and treatment costs |
- Europe: 400 to 800
- North America: 1,000 to 2,500
- Asia: 150 to 500
- Europe: 600 to 1,200
- North America: 2,000 to 4,000
- Asia: 300 to 700
- Europe: 1,000 to 3,000
- North America: 3,000 to 6,000
- Asia: 500 to 1,500
- Europe: 200 to 500
- North America: 400 to 1,200
- Asia: 100 to 300
- Europe: 100 to 300
- North America: 200 to 500
- Asia: 50 to 200
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
💡 Travel insurance can also include baggage protection, trip cancellation, civil liability, or 24-hour emergency assistance. These guarantees are useful on any trip and protect against a wide range of incidents.
Choosing the right travel insurance
Travel insurance plans in Canada offer different levels of coverage and reimbursement. Knowing which criteria to compare helps you find the right policy and avoid unexpected expenses during your trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Sets the maximum the insurer will pay | Choose at least $ CA 5 million for medical expenses abroad, especially for the United States. |
| 📉 Deductibles | Amount you pay out-of-pocket before reimbursement | Prefer deductibles under $ CA 100 to reduce your expenses in an emergency. |
| 📄 Application conditions | Ensures your policy is valid for your situation | Review departure, residence, health stability, and purchase rules before buying. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Affects price and available coverage | Heymondo keeps rates stable for those over 62. Always compare plans as offers vary between insurers. |
| 🧳 Traveller profile | Determines what coverage is needed | Students and workers may need extra medical or liability protection. Adapt coverage to your profile. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Limits the number of days you are insured | Multitrip policies have per-trip limits. Check how returning to Canada can reset coverage. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage changes depending on destination | Confirm your exact destinations are covered, including layovers and countries transited. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Riskier activities may not be included | Add sports or adventure cover if participating in risky activities while travelling. |
| 🏦 Existing coverage | Prevents paying twice for the same benefits | Check what your provincial plan or group insurance covers before buying new travel insurance. |
| 💻 Online comparison & purchase | Simplifies the selection of the best plan for your needs | Use HelloSafe to filter travel insurance by age, destination, and guarantee level. |
Good to know
Planning an adventure? Standard policies often exclude high-risk sports. Some insurers, like Chapka, offer specialized plans that guarantee coverage for activities like trekking or scuba diving, ensuring you’re protected while exploring the world.
Do my current insurers offer travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your public health plan or credit card protection offers enough travel insurance when you travel, but these coverages are rarely sufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada provincial plan) | Never | Only some emergency medical fees within Canada, never abroad. No baggage, cancellation, or medical evacuation. Coverage capped. | Travel insurance covers up to $ CA 10 million for emergencies, hospitalisation, and includes worldwide medical repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (group or individual) | Limited coverage | Medical care in Canada, sometimes some travel support. Capped amounts. Excludes baggage loss, delays, or trip cancellation abroad. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $ CA 5–10 million, adds lost luggage, trip cancellation and 24/7 assistance worldwide. |
| Classic credit card (e.g. TD Classic, RBC Avion, Scotiabank Value) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical coverage often limited to first 15–21 days. Capped at $ CA 100,000–500,000. Trip cancellation rarely covered. | Travel insurance gives up to $ CA 10 million for longer trips, covers all ages, pre-existing conditions, and trip interruption. |
| Premium credit card (e.g. Amex Platinum, Visa Infinite, World Elite MC) | Limited coverage | Medical and travel incident coverage but time-limited, often up to 21 days. Capped below $ CA 2 million. Many activity exclusions. | Travel insurance offers $ CA 5–10 million limits, covers adventure sports, extended trips and offers more guarantees. |
Expert advice
Some important coverages such as trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death is almost never covered by bank cards and health insurances. Always check the exclusions of your existing policies. In any case, buying travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer.
FAQ
Is travel insurance mandatory?
In most cases, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian travellers. However, some countries require proof of insurance for entry, such as Cuba or Schengen Area countries in Europe. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. For example, a trip to the United States without insurance can result in emergency medical bills that exceed $ CA 100,000.
When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?
It is best to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Early purchase ensures that you are protected against unexpected cancellations and covered for emergencies that arise before departure. This approach guarantees you get the maximum benefit from your policy, including trip cancellation or interruption coverage.
How do I purchase travel insurance?
1/ Compare different policies and prices using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions to ensure they match your needs and health status.
3/ Purchase your chosen policy online.
4/ Receive the official insurance certificate directly by email, usually within minutes.
Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after booking your trip, but you should do so before your departure. Some benefits, such as trip cancellation protection, only apply if coverage was in place at the time you made your first booking or paid for the trip.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible by phone or through their website. You will need to fill out a claim form and provide relevant supporting documents such as medical reports or receipts. Be sure to notify the insurer immediately in case of emergencies to avoid reduced benefits.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Travel insurance can cover pre-existing medical conditions if they are stable for a defined period before departure, usually 90 to 180 days. The stability period means no new symptoms, treatments, or medication changes during this time. Always declare all medical conditions upfront and carefully review your policy’s specific requirements.
What happens if I need emergency medical evacuation?
If you face a serious medical emergency abroad, your travel insurance can coordinate and pay for a medical evacuation to the nearest suitable hospital or back to Canada. Coverage for medical evacuation commonly reaches limits of $ CA 300,000 to $ CA 1 million. You must contact your insurer’s assistance provider immediately for support and instructions.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
In most cases, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian travellers. However, some countries require proof of insurance for entry, such as Cuba or Schengen Area countries in Europe. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. For example, a trip to the United States without insurance can result in emergency medical bills that exceed $ CA 100,000.
When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?
It is best to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Early purchase ensures that you are protected against unexpected cancellations and covered for emergencies that arise before departure. This approach guarantees you get the maximum benefit from your policy, including trip cancellation or interruption coverage.
How do I purchase travel insurance?
1/ Compare different policies and prices using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions to ensure they match your needs and health status.
3/ Purchase your chosen policy online.
4/ Receive the official insurance certificate directly by email, usually within minutes.
Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after booking your trip, but you should do so before your departure. Some benefits, such as trip cancellation protection, only apply if coverage was in place at the time you made your first booking or paid for the trip.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible by phone or through their website. You will need to fill out a claim form and provide relevant supporting documents such as medical reports or receipts. Be sure to notify the insurer immediately in case of emergencies to avoid reduced benefits.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Travel insurance can cover pre-existing medical conditions if they are stable for a defined period before departure, usually 90 to 180 days. The stability period means no new symptoms, treatments, or medication changes during this time. Always declare all medical conditions upfront and carefully review your policy’s specific requirements.
What happens if I need emergency medical evacuation?
If you face a serious medical emergency abroad, your travel insurance can coordinate and pay for a medical evacuation to the nearest suitable hospital or back to Canada. Coverage for medical evacuation commonly reaches limits of $ CA 300,000 to $ CA 1 million. You must contact your insurer’s assistance provider immediately for support and instructions.
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