- The best children travel insurance plans
- What exactly is children travel insurance?
- The price of children travel insurance
- Children travel insurance coverage
- The conditions of children travel insurance
- Why take out travel insurance for children?
- How to choose the right children travel insurance
- Is children travel insurance covered by my current policies?
- FAQ
children travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Children travel insurance covers unexpected medical costs and travel mishaps for minors traveling outside their home province.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $40 and $100 for a child.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans like OHIP or RAMQ and credit cards offer very limited coverage for children abroad.
5. Tips: Prioritize policies with high medical limits ($1M+) and coverage for an escort to join a hospitalized child.
6. Other useful info: Some family plans cover children for free, but unaccompanied minors require their own specific policy.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best children's travel insurance.
The best children travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best children travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada in 2025. These policies are recognized for their high medical limits, low deductibles and streamlined conditions, offering optimal protection for children on domestic or international trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1,050,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Emergency pediatric care worldwide. • Family member escort if needed. • 24/7 assistance in multiple languages. • Fast claims for parents. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1,050,000 CAD | $75 CAD | • Covers children traveling with or without parents. • Basic dental emergency included. • Quick reimbursement. • Includes travel delay coverage. |
| Tourist Card | $1,000,000 CAD | $100 CAD | • Pediatric-specific coverage. • Emergency family escort benefits. • Trip cancellation for illness. • Suitable for school or group trips. |
| World Travel | $1,050,000 CAD | $0–$100 CAD | • High global coverage. • Covers hospitalization for common childhood ailments. • No age limit. • Multilingual assistance staff. |
| Globe Partner | $1,000,000 CAD | $150 CAD | • No premium increase for young children. • 24/7 global support. • Fast family reimbursement. • Covers lost or delayed baggage. |
| Globe Traveller | $1,000,000 CAD | $150 CAD | • Suitable for longer stays or camps. • Claims support for families. • Sophisticated medical network. • Assistance for minors traveling alone. |
• Family member escort if needed.
• 24/7 assistance in multiple languages.
• Fast claims for parents.
• Basic dental emergency included.
• Quick reimbursement.
• Includes travel delay coverage.
• Emergency family escort benefits.
• Trip cancellation for illness.
• Suitable for school or group trips.
• Covers hospitalization for common childhood ailments.
• No age limit.
• Multilingual assistance staff.
• 24/7 global support.
• Fast family reimbursement.
• Covers lost or delayed baggage.
• Claims support for families.
• Sophisticated medical network.
• Assistance for minors traveling alone.
The best children travel insurance for your family depends on your unique 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 children travel insurance?
Children travel insurance is a policy designed to protect minors under a certain age, usually under 18 or 21, against unexpected incidents during domestic or international trips. Its purpose is to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and pediatric care specific to children.
Coverage may include benefits like medical evacuation, a guardian’s travel in cases of hospitalization, and 24/7 assistance.
This type of insurance is sometimes offered as an option or add-on to a standard travel or family insurance policy.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out children travel insurance is especially important for residents of Canada:
- When your child travels outside of Canada, even to the USA.
- If your child is traveling alone or with a group.
- For trips to countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- When your child has any pre-existing medical condition, even minor ones.
- If the trip involves sports, camps, or adventure activities.
- When the trip is expensive or has non-refundable booking costs.
- To ensure 24/7 emergency assistance and support for your child.
The price of children travel insurance
On average, children travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Family vacation in Florida (1 week) | $1,200 | $25 to $60 |
| 2-week group trip to France | $2,500 | $40 to $120 |
| Summer camp in the UK (1 month) | $4,000 | $90 to $180 |
| Ski trip in Quebec (2 weeks) | $1,800 | $30 to $75 |
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 children travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer stays result in higher costs.
- destination: countries with higher healthcare costs, like the US, increase premiums.
- traveler's age and health: younger children and those with pre-existing conditions may affect the rate.
- level of coverage: plans with higher medical limits, low deductibles, or family member escort benefits cost more.
- selected options: baggage cover, sports coverage, or trip cancellation can increase the price.
Children travel insurance coverage
Children travel insurance is a policy designed to protect minors during domestic or international trips. It is often tailored to the specific risks and needs of children, ensuring peace of mind for families. Coverage is available as standalone or part of a family plan.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 📝 Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable cost if a child cannot travel for a covered reason. | Choose at least $2,000 per trip with a deductible under $50. Voluntary cancellations, known risks, or forgotten documents are always excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft, or damage to a child's baggage during travel. | At least $750 is recommended, deductible should not exceed $50. Unattended bags and valuables are commonly excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays hospital, doctor, and prescription costs for sudden illness or injury. | Not less than $1M, deductible ideally below $50. Routine checkups, pre-existing conditions, and non-urgent care are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation and repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays transport to hospital or back to Canada if medically necessary. | Minimum $250,000 with no deductible. Non-emergency transfers and trips against medical advice are excluded. |
| 🦷 Dental emergency | Pays for urgent dental treatment after an accident or severe pain abroad. | $500 or more and deductible under $50 are recommended. Ongoing and cosmetic care are not covered. |
| 🧳 Travel delay | Fixed amount for meals or accommodation if a child's travel is delayed. | Look for cover of $100 after 4 hours, deductible not advised. Delays under 4 hours and lack of supporting documents are excluded. |
| 🛡️ Personal liability | Covers costs if a child accidentally injures someone or damages property abroad. | Ensure at least $250,000, with deductible under $100. Intentional acts and damage to family property are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Reimburses unused costs if a child must return early for a covered emergency. | At least $1,000 in cover with a low deductible. Voluntary returns and minor reasons are always excluded. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family member escort | Covers travel costs for a parent to join a hospitalized child. | Minimum $5,000 for escort benefit, deductible under $100. Non-medical visits and non-family escorts are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Accidental death or injury | Lump sum for accidental death or permanent disability of a child during a trip. | At least $10,000, no deductible advised. Extreme sports, suicide, or intoxication lead to exclusions. |
Voluntary cancellations, known risks, or forgotten documents are always excluded.
Unattended bags and valuables are commonly excluded.
Routine checkups, pre-existing conditions, and non-urgent care are excluded.
Non-emergency transfers and trips against medical advice are excluded.
Ongoing and cosmetic care are not covered.
Delays under 4 hours and lack of supporting documents are excluded.
Intentional acts and damage to family property are not covered.
Voluntary returns and minor reasons are always excluded.
Non-medical visits and non-family escorts are excluded.
Extreme sports, suicide, or intoxication lead to exclusions.
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 children travel insurance best suited to your family and trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of children travel insurance
To activate your children travel insurance and ensure valid protection, several common conditions must be respected.
- Timing of purchase: you must purchase the policy before your child leaves Canada for the trip.
- Residency confirmation: the insured child must be a legal resident of Canada at the time of application.
- Trip duration compliance: coverage applies only within the contracted duration, for example, a 14-day policy for a 2-week trip.
- No ongoing travel: insurance is not valid if your child is already abroad when buying the policy.
- Age restriction: the insured child must fit the age limits set by the insurer, usually under 18 or 21.
- Adult accompaniment: some policies require adult accompaniment, others specifically cover unaccompanied minors but only under set conditions.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries with an official Canadian government travel advisory is often excluded from coverage.
- Incident notification: you must inform the insurer as soon as possible in case of sickness, injury, or other incidents.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming a child's stable pre-existing condition, like asthma, is automatically covered. Insurers require conditions to be stable for a set period before your trip. Always declare all medical history to avoid having your claim denied while abroad—a crucial step for any parent.
Why take out travel insurance for children?
Medical emergencies during family travel can lead to significant and unexpected costs abroad, especially for children.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $1,000,000, depending on plan |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to $2,000, subject to plan terms |
| Intestinal infection (consultation and treatment) |
| Up to policy maximum, often 100% |
| Broken arm (treatment and cast) |
| Up to $1,000,000, depending on policy |
| Repatriation for medical reasons to Canada |
| Usually 100% if medically necessary |
- Europe: $350
- North America: $1,000
- Asia: $250
- Europe: $350
- North America: $800
- Asia: $200
- Europe: $500
- North America: $1,500
- Asia: $400
- Europe: $1,000
- North America: $3,000
- Asia: $700
- Europe: $15,000
- North America: $40,000
- Asia: $12,000
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.
Comprehensive children travel insurance also covers important issues: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, parental escort, personal liability and 24/7 emergency support. These protections help provide real security during any family or group travel.
Good to know
Your provincial plan offers little coverage abroad. A simple fall could lead to thousands in medical bills that you'd have to pay out-of-pocket. A policy from an insurer like Chapka ensures your child is protected, giving your family financial security and peace of mind.
How to choose the right children travel insurance
Not all children travel insurance policies offer the same protection: reimbursement limits, exclusions and special benefits can vary significantly.
It is important to compare policies to find the coverage that will truly protect children during their trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Children may need high coverage to pay for emergencies in countries with expensive healthcare. | Choose at least $100,000, but over $500,000 for US or UK trips, to protect against high hospital bills. |
| 📉 Deductible | The deductible is the amount paid out of pocket before insurance coverage starts. | Select low or zero deductible plans to avoid unexpected expenses if your child needs emergency care abroad. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Insurers may exclude unaccompanied minors or non-family child travellers. | Confirm the policy covers unaccompanied children and all planned situations, as not all offer this option. |
| 👦 Traveller’s age | Some insurers have lower or upper age limits and price differences for children of different ages. | Check eligible ages and declare each child's correct date of birth to ensure coverage is valid. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Benefits differ for solo minors, family trips, or group tours, impacting available guarantees. | Pick a policy suited to your trip type: family, solo minor or group for the most adapted guarantees. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Longer trips need policies with sufficient validity and maximum coverage period for children. | For camps, exchanges, or long vacations, verify that coverage matches your entire period abroad. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage levels, price, and required guarantees may change by region or destination. | Make sure the destination is specifically listed and that higher coverage is provided for countries like the US. |
| 🏫 Planned activities | Risk sports, camps, or volunteering may be excluded unless declared in advance. | Declare all planned activities so the child is protected even during sports, camps or adventure travel. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Fast online sign-up allows parents to insure their children at short notice or from abroad. | Use online policy comparison and application for flexibility if your child is preparing for last minute travel. |
Is children travel insurance covered by my current policies?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances like credit card coverage or the public health system can offer you a children 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 | Children travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | Hospital or urgent care in Canada, up to $400/day abroad in rare cases. No repatriation, no family escort, no baggage or cancellation coverage. | Travel insurance offers up to $1,000,000 or more for medical expenses, repatriation, and family member escort abroad. |
| Private health insurance (Sun Life, Manulife) | Almost Never | Emergency care with travel add-on, up to $5,000,000 for medical costs. No trip cancellation, baggage, unaccompanied minor or family escort included by default. | Travel insurance includes specific child benefits and up to $1,000,000 or more, plus trip and baggage protection. |
| Classic credit card (CIBC Classic Visa, RBC Classic Mastercard) | Never | Emergency medical, $50,000–$500,000 for short trips, only if travel paid by card. No coverage for unaccompanied children, family escort, or trip interruption. | Travel insurance covers children alone or with family, with up to $1,000,000 and guarantees classic cards exclude. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Avion Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical expenses, sometimes baggage or trip delay, up to $5,000,000 for cardholder and family. No primary cover for unaccompanied minors, exclusions for pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance is tailored for children and specific risks, securing $1,000,000+, even for unaccompanied or sick children. |
No repatriation, no family escort, no baggage or cancellation coverage.
No trip cancellation, baggage, unaccompanied minor or family escort included by default.
No coverage for unaccompanied children, family escort, or trip interruption.
No primary cover for unaccompanied minors, exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Expert advice
Bank card and provincial health plans often exclude trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death. Read your policy's fine print carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is children travel insurance mandatory?
Children travel insurance is mandatory for entry to some destinations, including Cuba, Russia, and many group programs or organized camps abroad. Even when not strictly required, it is strongly recommended, as unexpected illness or injury can result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. For example, a fall while sightseeing or a sudden fever overseas could lead to costly medical bills without adequate coverage.
When is it recommended to purchase children travel insurance?
The best time to purchase children travel insurance is as soon as travel plans are confirmed and before any non-refundable reservations are made. Early purchase maximizes coverage for trip cancellations as well as medical emergencies that occur before or during the trip. This ensures your child is protected right from the start and for the full travel duration.
How do I purchase children travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to see top options tailored to children's needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Review the policy for coverage of pediatric care, pre-existing conditions, and family member escort benefits.
3/ Purchase online: Select the plan, fill out the application, and complete payment securely.
4/ Receive the certificate: The insurer will send your insurance certificate by email, which you should bring on your trip.
Can I purchase children travel insurance after my trip is booked?
Yes, you can buy children travel insurance after booking flights or hotels, but it is best to arrange it before finalizing your reservations. Purchasing early ensures you are protected against cancellations or health incidents that arise between booking and departure. Some benefits, like trip cancellation, only apply to events occurring after the policy’s effective date.
Does children travel insurance cover unaccompanied minors?
Not all policies automatically cover children traveling alone. If your child is participating in a camp, study abroad, or group program without you, confirm the insurer allows for “unaccompanied minor” coverage. Some companies offer specific plans for solo child travelers or require an additional premium for this option.
How do I make a claim on children travel insurance?
If your child needs medical attention or another insured service, contact the insurer’s 24/7 emergency number right away. Keep all medical receipts, police reports, or travel documents as proof. Claims are usually submitted online or via email, and the process involves filling out a simple claim form and attaching necessary evidence for reimbursement.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by children travel insurance?
Coverage of pre-existing medical conditions varies. Many basic children travel insurance plans exclude treatment related to pre-existing conditions, while some offer add-ons or waivers for stable conditions. Always declare any known health issues when purchasing, and ask your insurer for specific terms—this avoids unexpected denials or gaps in coverage.
Is children travel insurance mandatory?
Children travel insurance is mandatory for entry to some destinations, including Cuba, Russia, and many group programs or organized camps abroad. Even when not strictly required, it is strongly recommended, as unexpected illness or injury can result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. For example, a fall while sightseeing or a sudden fever overseas could lead to costly medical bills without adequate coverage.
When is it recommended to purchase children travel insurance?
The best time to purchase children travel insurance is as soon as travel plans are confirmed and before any non-refundable reservations are made. Early purchase maximizes coverage for trip cancellations as well as medical emergencies that occur before or during the trip. This ensures your child is protected right from the start and for the full travel duration.
How do I purchase children travel insurance?
1/ Compare: Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to see top options tailored to children's needs.
2/ Check guarantees and exclusions: Review the policy for coverage of pediatric care, pre-existing conditions, and family member escort benefits.
3/ Purchase online: Select the plan, fill out the application, and complete payment securely.
4/ Receive the certificate: The insurer will send your insurance certificate by email, which you should bring on your trip.
Can I purchase children travel insurance after my trip is booked?
Yes, you can buy children travel insurance after booking flights or hotels, but it is best to arrange it before finalizing your reservations. Purchasing early ensures you are protected against cancellations or health incidents that arise between booking and departure. Some benefits, like trip cancellation, only apply to events occurring after the policy’s effective date.
Does children travel insurance cover unaccompanied minors?
Not all policies automatically cover children traveling alone. If your child is participating in a camp, study abroad, or group program without you, confirm the insurer allows for “unaccompanied minor” coverage. Some companies offer specific plans for solo child travelers or require an additional premium for this option.
How do I make a claim on children travel insurance?
If your child needs medical attention or another insured service, contact the insurer’s 24/7 emergency number right away. Keep all medical receipts, police reports, or travel documents as proof. Claims are usually submitted online or via email, and the process involves filling out a simple claim form and attaching necessary evidence for reimbursement.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by children travel insurance?
Coverage of pre-existing medical conditions varies. Many basic children travel insurance plans exclude treatment related to pre-existing conditions, while some offer add-ons or waivers for stable conditions. Always declare any known health issues when purchasing, and ask your insurer for specific terms—this avoids unexpected denials or gaps in coverage.
