Is RBC Travel Insurance Good? (Updated 2024 Review)

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Nishadh Mohammed updated on 30 July 2024

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Travel insurance, though not mandatory for all destinations, is very important. It protects you against various risks during a trip, such as cancellations, lost luggage, theft, and illness. RBC Travel Insurance offers coverage to ensure you travel without worries and are covered for all travel-related issues.

So, how good is RBC Travel Insurance? What does it cover? Is there RBC travel insurance for seniors? What does it cost? What does RBC Avion Visa cover for travel insurance? Find answers to all this in our comprehensive review.

RBC Travel Insurance: 5 Key Points

  • Emergency Medical Coverage: Up to $5,000,000, Unlimited Coverage available
  • Travel Insurance plans: Single-trip, multi-trip, non-medical, medical plan
  • RBC Credit Card Travel Insurance also available through
    • RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
    • RBC Avion Visa Infinite
    • RBC Rewards Visa Preferred
    • RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum
  • Additional Coverage: Baggage protection, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and dental emergencies.
  • Exclusions: Does not cover extreme sports or incidents related to alcohol/drugs.

Our RBC Travel Insurance Review 2024

RBC travel insurance, both through its credit cards and stand-alone travel insurance plans, offers a comprehensive range of coverages tailored to the needs of Canadian travellers. It provides emergency medical care up to $5 million, which is competitive compared to offerings from major companies like Blue Cross Travel Insurance.

It offers a range of plans to suit every need. The Deluxe Package offers comprehensive coverage, including medical, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance. For those focusing on health, the TravelCare® Medical Plan provides extensive emergency medical coverage. And if you're travelling within Canada, the Travel Within Canada Package ensures you’re protected.

In addition to medical coverage, RBC includes baggage protection with a limit of up to $2,000, and trip cancellation and interruption coverage up to $10,000. This offers a notable advantage compared to some competitors like Desjardins travel insurance, which caps at $2,500.

Furthermore, RBC offers specific coverage for emergency dental care, travel accidents up to $50,000, and medical expenses related to COVID-19, ensuring comprehensive protection for various emergencies.

RBC stands out with its easy online application, allowing insured individuals to choose and manage their coverage with just a few clicks. RBC’s travel assistance is available 24/7, providing continuous support to travellers worldwide. Additionally, RBC offers extra benefits like assistance for replacing identity documents and access to medical specialists via telemedicine. These services are particularly useful for international travellers who may encounter medical or administrative difficulties.

Expert advice

Health and safety-conscious travellers will find the emergency dental coverage and medical expense protection related to COVID-19 particularly advantageous. RBC stands out with its high medical expense limits and numerous additional benefits, such as document replacement assistance. It is, therefore, recommended for those seeking comprehensive coverage and maximum peace of mind during their travels abroad.

Pros of RBC Travel Insurance Canada

  • Extensive emergency medical care up to $5 million
  • Baggage protection up to $2,000
  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage up to $10,000
  • Coverage for emergency dental care included
  • COVID-19 medical expense coverage
  • Easy online application
  • 24/7 travel assistance no matter where you are
  • Access to medical specialists via telemedicine
  • Assistance for replacing identity documents
  • Get RBC travel insurance quotes online

Cons of RBC Travel Insurance Canada

  • The variety of coverage options may make selecting an appropriate plan complex for some insured individuals
  • Despite high limits, certain secondary benefits like veterinary care may not be included
  • Excludes coverage for extreme sports
  • Premiums can be high, especially for travellers without specific discounts

In summary, RBC travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage, 24/7 assistance, and practical services like telemedicine and document replacement. It is particularly suited for families, retirees, and frequent travellers seeking robust protection and additional services for their international trips. However, we recommend that you compare the best travel insurance policies using our free tool below. You get instant quotes online.

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

Get a quote

How to get an RBC travel insurance quote?

  • Visit the RBC website and fill out the online form for a quick travel insurance quote.
  • Call the RBC Travel Insurance Phone Number at 1-800-565-3129 to speak directly with an agent for a personalized quote.
  • Visit an RBC branch to discuss your travel needs and get a quote in person.

What does RBC travel insurance cover?

RBC travel insurance offers several very interesting coverages to ensure your trip from start to finish, detailed for you below.

Good to know

It is possible to take out insurance only for your medical expenses, or only for trip cancellation. If you want to combine both, there are attractive packages available for that as well.

RBC Travel Insurance Plans - Medical and Non-medical coverage

RBC offers travel insurance packages that provide extensive coverage for a wide range of unexpected travel and emergency medical situations. Here are the four types of plans available:

  1. Deluxe Plan: Ideal for travellers aged 0-74 seeking comprehensive coverage for trips outside Canada, including extensive medical benefits and trip interruption insurance.
  2. TravelCare® Plan: Designed for seniors aged 75+ who need emergency medical coverage and additional benefits for trips outside Canada.
  3. Travel Within Canada Plan: Suitable for travellers of all ages planning trips within Canada, offering comprehensive medical and travel interruption coverage.
  4. Non-Medical Plan: Best for travellers of all ages who need coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss but do not require medical coverage.

Here is a table highlighting the key coverages for travel insurance plans from RBC.

Coverage OptionsDeluxeTravelCare®Travel Within CanadaNon-Medical
Ages Eligible
0-7475+All agesAll ages
Medical Questions
NoYes (based on age for a single trip)NoNo
Stable Pre-existing Conditions Covered
Depends
For Destinations
Outside CanadaOutside CanadaWithin CanadaOutside Canada
Maximum Single Trip Length (# of Days)
183 (60 for age 60+)60365365
Multi-Trip Coverage Available
Trip Cancellation - Before Departure
Trip Interruption - After Departure
Medical and Other Benefits
UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
24-Hour Multilingual Emergency Medical Assistance
N/A
Baggage & Personal Effects Insurance
$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000
Flight Accident Insurance
$100,000$100,000$100,000$100,000
Travel Accident Insurance
$50,000$50,000$50,000$50,000
RBC travel insurance plans

Travel Medical Insurance

RBC offers travel medical insurance plans that bridge the gap left by your provincial health insurance. It offers three kinds of travel health insurance.

Coverage OptionsClassic Medical PlanTravelCare® Medical Plan4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan
Ages Eligible
0-6465+0-74
Medical Questions
NoYesNo
Stable Pre-existing Conditions Covered
Depends
For Destinations
Outside home province/territoryOutside home province/territoryOutside home province/territory
Emergency Medical Insurance
Eligible Emergency Medical Expenses
UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
24-Hour Multilingual Emergency Medical Assistance
Other Expenses Covered (Out of Pocket Expenses)
$1,750$1,750$1,750
Single & Multi-Trip Options
Maximum Single Trip Length (# of Days)
183183N/A
Multi-Trip Coverage Available
Multi-Trip Plan - Trip Duration Options (Consecutive Days)
9, 16, 30 or 609, 16, 30 or 60 4
Travel Medical Insurance Plans from RBC

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

RBC Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance provides coverage for a variety of unforeseen events that might disrupt your travel plans. Here's a detailed look at the coverage offered:

CoverageDetails
Trip Cancellation
Up to the maximum covered amount before departure
Trip Interruption
Economy class transportation, unused pre-paid travel arrangements
Transportation Delay
Up to $350 for accommodations, meals, and other expenses
Emergency Assistance
24/7 access to emergency assistance services
Repatriation of Remains
Up to $5,000 for transportation and preparation in case of death during the trip
RBC Travel Insurance Canada - Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

RBC travel insurance for visitors to Canada

Are you a visitor and in Canada for less than a year? RBC travel insurance offers you essential coverage during your stay. There are three different plans available to you. Here's a table on the RBC travel insurance for visitors to Canada coverage options.

PlanAge EligibilityCoverageDeductible (per claim)Additional Benefits
Visitors Plan I
1 month to 84 yearsEmergency medical/dental expenses up to $25,000$5024/7 travel assistance
Visitors Plan II
1 month to 84 yearsEmergency medical/dental expenses up to $50,000$5024/7 travel assistance
Visitors Plan III
1 month to 69 yearsEmergency medical/dental expenses up to $150,000$5024/7 travel assistance
Travel Insurance RBC Canada for visitors

RBC Travel Insurance Phone Number - Emergencies

  • For direct purchases from RBC Royal Bank, call Toll-Free: 1-800-387-2487 (Canada and U.S.) or Collect: (905) 816-2561 (from anywhere).
  • For travel insurance through your RBC Credit Card, call Toll-Free: 1-800-533-2778 (Canada and U.S.) or Collect: (905) 816-2581 (from anywhere).
  • In a medical emergency, if you cannot call before receiving treatment, have someone call Allianz Global Assistance as soon as possible on your behalf.

RBC Credit Card Travel Insurance: What is the coverage offered by RBC credit cards?

RBC offers travel insurance coverage through its credit cards, primarily focusing on comprehensive benefits for various travel-related risks. Here are the details of the travel insurance coverage provided by RBC credit cards in Canada:

RBC travel insurance credit card coverage: Key points

  • Emergency Medical Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 for the cardholder and their family.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Coverage for non-refundable and non-transferable trip expenses.
  • Baggage Insurance: Protection against loss, theft, or delay of baggage.
  • Rental Car Insurance: Collision/loss damage waiver for rental vehicles.
  • Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage for accidents during travel.
  • 24/7 Travel Assistance: Access to emergency travel assistance services.

What does RBC Avion Visa cover for travel insurance?

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

  • Emergency Medical Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 coverage for emergency medical expenses.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Coverage for non-refundable travel expenses up to $2,500 per person.
  • Flight Delay Insurance: Up to $500 per person for expenses incurred due to flight delays of more than 4 hours.
  • Baggage Insurance: Coverage for lost or delayed baggage up to $1,000 per person.

Avion Visa Infinite

  • Emergency Medical Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 coverage for emergency medical expenses.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Up to $5,000 per person for cancellations and interruptions.
  • Flight and Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $500 for flight delays over 4 hours and up to $500 for baggage delays over 6 hours.
  • Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage up to $500,000 for accidents occurring during travel.

Rewards Visa Preferred

  • Trip Interruption Insurance: Up to $5,000 per person for financial protection due to trip interruptions.
  • Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage up to $500,000 in case of accidents during travel.
  • Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance: Up to the full value of the rental car for collision or loss damage.

RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum

  • Emergency Medical Insurance: Up to $500,000 emergency medical coverage for international trips.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Up to $2,500 per person for trip-related financial losses.
  • Flight and Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $500 for flight delays over 4 hours and up to $500 for baggage delays over 6 hours.

Which RBC credit card has travel insurance?

RBC offers several credit cards that include travel insurance benefits (like Avion RBC travel insurance). These include RBC Avion Visa Infinite, Avion Visa Platinum, Visa Infinite Avion Privilege, and more. You can use our free tool HelloCard to check all the benefits included in your credit card insurance. It gives you instant results.

What is RBC WestJet Mastercard travel insurance coverage?

The RBC WestJet Mastercard travel insurance provides $500,000 accident coverage when you're travelling. It also includes a hotel/motel burglary coverage of $2,500 per incident.

It also includes emergency purchase insurance to cover you during unexpected incidents by up to $500. Flight Delay Insurance of $250 per day per covered person is also included.

There is also emergency medical insurance coverage for the first 15 consecutive days of your trip if you are under 65. For those above the age of 65, the coverage is for 3 days. RBC travel insurance reviews are positive for the coverage offered on the credit cards.

How much does RBC travel insurance cost?

The price of RBC travel insurance depends on the package you choose. Opting for an all-inclusive package will be more expensive than purchasing cancellation and interruption insurance alone. Additionally, single-trip insurance and multi-trip insurance will have different costs.

Here is an example price table for RBC travel insurance:

ProfileNon-refundable expensesRecommended PackagePrice
2-week trip to an exotic destination in summer for 2 travellers
$400Deluxe Package$222
1-month trip to Europe in the fall for 2 young retirees
$300Deluxe Package$684
2-week cruise in Greece in May for a 67-year-old traveller with no medical history
$200Deluxe Package$179
How much is RBC travel insurance?

Expert advice

Therefore it is important to get an individual RBC travel insurance quote customized for your unique needs.

Is there RBC travel insurance for seniors?

Yes, RBC offers travel insurance plans designed such that they cater to the specific needs of senior travellers, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. These packages include provisions for pre-existing conditions and offer various benefits through RBC credit cards tailored for older travellers.

  • Emergency Medical Coverage
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Coverage is available for stable pre-existing conditions, ensuring that seniors with ongoing health issues can still be protected.
  • Direct Payment: Immediate payment for emergency medical bills to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
  • 24/7 Assistance: Access to worldwide emergency medical assistance at any time.
  • Credit Card Benefits: RBC credit cards offer up to $1,000,000 in emergency medical insurance for trips up to 15 days for travellers aged 65 and older, covering hospital stays, doctor fees, and ambulance services.

RBC travel insurance pre-existing conditions coverage

Pre-existing condition coverage is particularly helpful for seniors as it allows for medical conditions that have been stable for a certain period to be covered under the insurance plan. This means that if a senior has a chronic condition that hasn't changed or requires treatment for a specified duration, they can still receive coverage for related medical expenses during their travels.

Important Considerations

  • Medical Questionnaire: Higher-tier plans might require a detailed medical questionnaire to assess the risk and determine eligibility.
  • Doctor’s Clearance: Some plans may require a doctor’s note certifying the stability of your condition.
  • Age Restrictions: Coverage details and exclusions can vary based on age, with stricter conditions for much older travellers.

Does RBC travel insurance cover COVID-19 issues?

RBC travel insurance COVID coverage is available under its travel coverage plans. It provides emergency medical coverage for medical expenses related to COVID-19, as long as there are no travel-ban advisories issued by the Canadian government on the day you depart on your trip.

Regarding trip cancellation or interruption benefits related to COVID-19, RBC Insurance will not pay unless certain conditions are met. These conditions include:

  • If you get sick with COVID-19, preventing you from travelling as planned.
  • If your spouse and/or children become sick with COVID-19, preventing you from travelling as planned.

In these situations, RBC Insurance may provide coverage for trip cancellation or interruption expenses. However, it's important to carefully review the specific terms and conditions of your policy, as they may contain additional requirements or limitations for coverage related to COVID-19.

Good to know

They may require you to answer some health-related questions for individuals aged 65 and above to make sure you get the most appropriate coverage. We recommend you speak to the RBC travel insurance customer service to get the latest update on policy coverage.

How to file an RBC travel insurance claim?

Claims can be filed directly on their website. You will have to fill up a claim form, like the one attached below, to initiate the process. You will have to provide supporting documents like proofs from your physician in case of medical claims.

In case of travel interruptions or delays, you must provide documents of your reservations and flight details and cancellations if any.

You can also file your claim by calling the following phone numbers:

  • For medical or travel emergencies
    • 1-800-387-2487 (Toll-free from Canada and USA)
    • 905-816-2561 (Collect from anywhere)
  • For RBC trip cancellation, call the following phone number:
    • 1-800-263-8944

How do I contact RBC travel insurance?

For any queries, you can reach the RBC's customer care at the following phone numbers:

  • RBC travel insurance contact: 1-800-387-2487 (Canada and USA)
  • +1-905-816-2561 (Worldwide)

How to cancel RBC travel insurance?

In case you want to cancel your policy, you can contact the RBC travel insurance phone number 1-800-565-3129 and follow the instructions.

If you cancel the insurance within 10 days of purchase of the policy and have not initiated any claim and haven't left for your trip, you are eligible for a full refund. If more than 10 days have passed, contact RBC customer care for further details.

You can also refer to the "insurance premium" section of your insurance document to find details on cancellations and charges.

Now that you know everything you need to decide if RBC is the right fit for you, you can use our comparator to compare other insurances and also get quotes to make the best decision.

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

Get a quote
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Nishadh Mohammed
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Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.

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1 comments
Geoff
on

When does the actual 15 day coverage period commence? I ask because I will be in Europe for 15 days with a one day stopover in Ontario. If commences when I leave BC (home province) then I would need to purchase extra. If when I leave country I don’t need to purchase more.

Hello Geoff,

RBC's travel insurance coverage period typically begins when you depart from your home province. In your case, leaving British Columbia for a stopover in Ontario would initiate the coverage. Since your total trip duration, including the stopover, exceeds 15 days, you would need to purchase additional coverage to ensure you're protected for the entire journey.