- The best annual travel insurance plans
- What exactly is annual travel insurance?
- The price of annual travel insurance
- What is covered by annual travel insurance
- The Conditions of annual Travel Insurance
- Why take out annual travel insurance?
- How to choose the right annual travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover annual travel insurance?
- FAQ
annual travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Annual insurance covers unlimited trips within one year, making it ideal for frequent Canadian travellers.
2. Price: An annual plan for a Canadian traveller can range from approximately $250 to $500 CAD, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation but often excludes unstable pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (e.g., OHIP) and credit cards provide limited coverage with low maximums and trip duration caps.
5. Tips: Verify the maximum trip duration and the stability period required for any pre-existing medical conditions before buying.
6. Other useful info: Snowbirds must confirm the policy's trip duration limit covers their entire stay outside of Canada.
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 here everything you need to know to choose the best annual travel insurance.
The best annual travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best annual multi trip travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, providing reliable protection for frequent travellers throughout the year.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 5.0M CAD | 0 CAD | • Flexible trip length options. • Fast and easy claims online. • Includes coverage for leisure and business travel. • 24/7 emergency assistance. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 2,000,000 CAD | 0 CAD | • Direct billing to hospitals. • Mobile app for submitting claims. • Year-round unlimited trips. • Sports and activities covered. |
| Tourist Card | 5,000,000 CAD | 100 CAD | • Telemedicine included. • Dedicated COVID-19 benefits. • Covers adventure sports. • Efficient claims handling. |
| World Travel | 1,000,000 CAD | 250 CAD | • Worldwide protection. • Flexible trip duration limit. • Online claims. • Family plans available. |
| Globe Partner | 2,000,000 CAD | 0 CAD | • Multilingual assistance 24/7. • Compliant with travel rules for Canada and EU. • Senior-friendly coverage. • Covers both leisure and business trips. |
| Globe Traveller | 2,000,000 CAD | 0 CAD | • Extended trip limit per journey. • Coverage remains stable after age 60. • Digital self-service for all documents. • Pre-existing condition option. |
• Fast and easy claims online.
• Includes coverage for leisure and business travel.
• 24/7 emergency assistance.
• Mobile app for submitting claims.
• Year-round unlimited trips.
• Sports and activities covered.
• Dedicated COVID-19 benefits.
• Covers adventure sports.
• Efficient claims handling.
• Flexible trip duration limit.
• Online claims.
• Family plans available.
• Compliant with travel rules for Canada and EU.
• Senior-friendly coverage.
• Covers both leisure and business trips.
• Coverage remains stable after age 60.
• Digital self-service for all documents.
• Pre-existing condition option.
The best annual travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you best and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat exactly is annual travel insurance?
Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers an unlimited number of trips from Canada within a 12-month period, with each trip usually limited to a set number of days.
It provides protection for risks such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss and travel delays on every journey.
Annual travel insurance is also called multi-trip travel insurance and is different from single-trip insurance, which only covers one journey.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out annual travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Canada:
- if you travel more than twice a year, for any reason
- for frequent, short cross-border trips to the United States
- when you travel regularly for work, often on short notice
- if you are a "snowbird" who also takes other trips
- to cover spontaneous or last-minute getaways without buying new policies
- when it is more cost-effective than multiple single-trip insurance policies
- to supplement limited travel insurance provided by your credit card benefits
The price of annual travel insurance
On average, annual multi trip travel insurance costs between $180 and $900 per year in Canada, depending on your travel profile.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3 trips per year to France to visit family | $6,000 | $200 to $350 |
| A business traveler taking 8 trips to the US (3-7 days each) | $12,000 | $180 to $280 |
| A family with 2 vacations to Mexico (2 weeks each) | $9,500 | $320 to $480 |
| Round-the-world trips (4 trips, 30 days each, various regions) | $14,000 | $600 to $900 |
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 annual travel insurance depends on several factors:
- traveler’s age: older travelers usually pay higher premiums.
- trip duration limits: plans that allow longer individual trips during the year tend to cost more.
- destination: trips to countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Japan, increase the price.
- level of coverage: higher maximum limits, lower deductibles, and options such as adventure sports or cancellation increase the premium.
- pre-existing conditions: coverage that includes pre-existing health conditions may be more expensive.
What is covered by annual travel insurance
Annual multi trip travel insurance is designed to protect you during all your trips outside Canada in a one-year period.
It automatically starts with each new departure, up to a set number of days per trip.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason. | Choose at least $2,500 coverage and avoid deductibles above $50. Trip cancellation for personal reasons or visa issues is excluded. |
| ⏰ Missed departure | Compensates for extra costs if you miss a flight or connection due to covered events. | Minimum $200 cover, zero deductible. Delays without proof and missed flights for personal mistakes are excluded. |
| 💼 Baggage loss or theft | Pays out if your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. | At least $1,500 cover, deductible below $50. Unattended baggage, high-value items, and fragile goods are commonly excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays a fixed sum if flights or trains are delayed for several hours. | Look for $100+ after four hours delay with no deductible. Shorter delays and lack of supporting documents are not covered. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency medical care while abroad. | Minimum $1M coverage, best if no deductible or up to $100 max. Routine care and pre-existing illnesses are generally excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation/repatriation | Key guarantee. Arranges and pays for evacuation or return to Canada in an emergency. | This should be unlimited, always organized by the insurer. Refusal of evacuation or voluntary travel against advice can risk coverage. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental work due to accident or sudden pain abroad. | $300 minimum and deductible under $50 advised. Cosmetic procedures and planned dental treatment are excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage delay | Compensates for essential purchases if your bags arrive late at your destination. | Cover of $150 minimum after 24 hours, rare deductible. Return trip or lack of proof often voids this benefit. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays lawyer's fees and bail costs needed abroad following an incident. | At least $3,000 for legal fees and $7,500 for bail. Legal expenses due to criminal acts or alcohol are usually excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds the unused portion of your travel expenses if you’re forced to return early. | Start at $1,000, low deductible. Voluntary returns or minor causes for interruption are not covered. |
Trip cancellation for personal reasons or visa issues is excluded.
Delays without proof and missed flights for personal mistakes are excluded.
Unattended baggage, high-value items, and fragile goods are commonly excluded.
Shorter delays and lack of supporting documents are not covered.
Routine care and pre-existing illnesses are generally excluded.
Refusal of evacuation or voluntary travel against advice can risk coverage.
Cosmetic procedures and planned dental treatment are excluded.
Return trip or lack of proof often voids this benefit.
Legal expenses due to criminal acts or alcohol are usually excluded.
Voluntary returns or minor causes for interruption are not covered.
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 annual travel insurance policy best suited to your needs, compare plans on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of annual Travel Insurance
Annual multi trip travel insurance is activated and remains valid only if you meet several key conditions. Here are the most common ones:
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of Canada to purchase and maintain coverage.
- Trip duration limit: each trip must not exceed the maximum duration per trip stated in the policy, usually 30, 60, or 90 days.
- Return to Canada between trips: you must return to Canada after each trip, even briefly, for coverage to reset for your next journey.
- Policy period: the insurance is valid only during the 12-month period of coverage.
- Travel start: coverage begins on the policy’s start date and after you depart from Canada.
- Non-coverage of ongoing trips: you cannot purchase or start a policy when already abroad.
- Eligible travel destinations: travel to countries or regions subject to government travel advisories may not be covered.
- Medical stability: any pre-existing medical condition must meet the stability period required by the policy for coverage to apply.
Watch out!
A critical misunderstanding with annual multi-trip plans involves pre-existing conditions. Your condition must be medically stable for a set period (e.g., 90 days) before each trip, not just when you purchase the policy. A change in medication or symptoms before a trip can void your coverage.
Why take out annual travel insurance?
When travelling abroad, even minor medical issues can result in high bills, especially without insurance. The financial risk can far exceed the cost of your trip.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $5,000,000 per trip (depending on the plan) |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100% if medically required and urgent |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $5,000,000 depending on policy |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100% within policy limits |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Usually 100%, subject to deductible |
- Europe: $800 CAD
- North America: $1,200 CAD
- Asia: $400 CAD
- Europe: $75,000 CAD
- North America: $50,000 CAD
- Asia: $100,000 CAD
- Europe: $12,000 CAD
- North America: $25,000 CAD
- Asia: $6,000 CAD
- Europe: $600 CAD
- North America: $900 CAD
- Asia: $300 CAD
- Europe: $400 CAD
- North America: $650 CAD
- Asia: $200 CAD
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.
In addition to medical expenses, annual multi trip travel insurance covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability abroad, repatriation assistance and services like emergency advance payments or teleconsultation.
Good to know
For frequent travellers, an annual plan is more cost-effective and convenient than single-trip policies. Avoid massive out-of-pocket expenses for unexpected emergencies. A single policy from an insurer like Chapka provides year-round peace of mind for all your getaways, planned or spontaneous.
How to choose the right annual travel insurance
Not all annual multi trip travel insurance policies offer the same coverage amount, price, or conditions. It is important to compare guarantees, limits, and exclusions to make sure your insurance meets your real needs before each trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Lower limits may not cover expensive medical emergencies abroad. | Always select a policy with at least $1,000,000 coverage per trip, especially for the USA. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is the amount you pay yourself before insurance covers the rest. | Choose a plan with a low or zero deductible for healthcare to avoid high out-of-pocket costs. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Coverage may depend on stability periods or policy start dates. | Read the conditions and choose flexible terms for pre-existing medical conditions if needed. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some insurers limit coverage or charge more as you age. | If you're over 65, look for policies with no upper age limit and pre-existing coverage options. |
| 📆 Trip duration for each trip | Each trip is limited, often to 30, 60, or 90 days under annual multi trip insurance. | Make sure your chosen limit matches or exceeds your longest planned trip each year. |
| 🌍 Coverage territory | Not all plans include every destination or offer the same protection worldwide. | Confirm the plan offers worldwide coverage including the USA if you plan to travel there. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Work, credit cards, or home insurance can include some travel benefits. | List your current benefits so you can combine policies or top up for extra protection. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure or winter sports are sometimes excluded | Declare any sports or activities to access specific options if you need more comprehensive protection. |
| 🔍 Ability to compare | Choosing the wrong policy may mean less coverage or higher cost. | Use a comparison website for side-by-side review of prices, guarantees and customer reviews. |
Do my current insurance policies cover annual travel insurance?
It is common to wonder if your current insurances like credit card coverage or public health insurance could provide you with annual travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Annual travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | Hospital and some doctor fees abroad: up to $400/day hospital, $50 physician visit. No coverage for medical evacuation, trip cancellation, or baggage loss. | Travel insurance covers up to $5,000,000 for medical, evacuation, baggage, trip cancellation, plus non-resident benefits. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Great-West Life) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical abroad: up to $50,000–$1,000,000. No or limited coverage for evacuation, trip interruption, travel delay, or lost baggage. | Travel insurance provides up to $5,000,000 for medical, plus cancellation, evacuation, interruption, and lost luggage. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Rewards Visa, TD Rewards Visa) | Never | Emergency medical abroad: usually up to $100,000–$1,000,000, short trip only. No extended annual coverage, evacuation, or cancellation/ delay support. | Travel insurance covers trips up to 365 days/year with evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage, not just short trips. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Avion Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite) | Limited Coverage | Medical: up to $2,000,000 per trip, trip length limit 15–31 days, some baggage. No annual multi trip, adventure sports, long trip or family member repatriation guarantees. | Travel insurance ensures up to $5,000,000 coverage, trip interruption, evacuation, and full annual multi trip protection. |
No coverage for medical evacuation, trip cancellation, or baggage loss.
No or limited coverage for evacuation, trip interruption, travel delay, or lost baggage.
No extended annual coverage, evacuation, or cancellation/ delay support.
No annual multi trip, adventure sports, long trip or family member repatriation guarantees.
Expert advice
Your bank card or provincial health plan often excludes trip interruptions for a relative’s illness or death. Read the fine print to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadians. However, some countries require proof of travel insurance for entry or specific types of visas. Even where it’s not required, it is strongly recommended—for example, if you visit the United States, unexpected medical costs can be extremely high without coverage.
When is it recommended to purchase annual multi trip travel insurance?
Annual multi trip travel insurance is best purchased before your first trip of the year. Buying in advance ensures you are protected as soon as you depart. Most travelers obtain it when booking flights or finalizing travel plans so that all trips within the year are automatically covered.
How do I purchase annual multi trip travel insurance?
To purchase annual multi trip coverage, first compare different policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, check the guarantees and exclusions, specifically those that apply to annual multi trip conditions. After finding the right policy, buy it online and you will receive your insurance certificate by email within minutes.
Can I purchase annual multi trip travel insurance after booking my trips?
Yes, you can buy annual multi trip insurance after booking. However, it is best to purchase before your first departure to ensure coverage for cancellations or events occurring prior to your trip. Waiting may limit some benefits, especially for trip cancellation protection.
How do I make a claim on annual multi trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow their procedure. Typically, you will complete a claim form, provide proof of expenses or losses, and submit supporting documents. Claims can often be filed online, and insurers offer 24/7 emergency assistance if needed.
Does annual multi trip insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many annual multi trip policies include some pre-existing medical condition coverage, but with limitations. Coverage depends on your medical stability before departure and the policy’s requirements. Always disclose your conditions honestly to ensure you are eligible and avoid surprises during claims.
Are there age restrictions on annual multi trip travel insurance?
Most insurers set age limits for annual multi trip coverage—commonly 65 or 70 years old. There are some policies tailored for seniors, but these may come with higher premiums or specific conditions. It’s important to confirm age eligibility when comparing your options.
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadians. However, some countries require proof of travel insurance for entry or specific types of visas. Even where it’s not required, it is strongly recommended—for example, if you visit the United States, unexpected medical costs can be extremely high without coverage.
When is it recommended to purchase annual multi trip travel insurance?
Annual multi trip travel insurance is best purchased before your first trip of the year. Buying in advance ensures you are protected as soon as you depart. Most travelers obtain it when booking flights or finalizing travel plans so that all trips within the year are automatically covered.
How do I purchase annual multi trip travel insurance?
To purchase annual multi trip coverage, first compare different policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, check the guarantees and exclusions, specifically those that apply to annual multi trip conditions. After finding the right policy, buy it online and you will receive your insurance certificate by email within minutes.
Can I purchase annual multi trip travel insurance after booking my trips?
Yes, you can buy annual multi trip insurance after booking. However, it is best to purchase before your first departure to ensure coverage for cancellations or events occurring prior to your trip. Waiting may limit some benefits, especially for trip cancellation protection.
How do I make a claim on annual multi trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow their procedure. Typically, you will complete a claim form, provide proof of expenses or losses, and submit supporting documents. Claims can often be filed online, and insurers offer 24/7 emergency assistance if needed.
Does annual multi trip insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many annual multi trip policies include some pre-existing medical condition coverage, but with limitations. Coverage depends on your medical stability before departure and the policy’s requirements. Always disclose your conditions honestly to ensure you are eligible and avoid surprises during claims.
Are there age restrictions on annual multi trip travel insurance?
Most insurers set age limits for annual multi trip coverage—commonly 65 or 70 years old. There are some policies tailored for seniors, but these may come with higher premiums or specific conditions. It’s important to confirm age eligibility when comparing your options.
