- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- What exactly is comprehensive travel insurance?
- What is the price of comprehensive travel insurance?
- What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
- Your Existing Policies and comprehensive Travel Insurance
- FAQ
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive insurance bundles medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage, offering protection before and during your trip.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $85 and $150 CAD.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and provincial health plans (e.g., OHIP, MSP) offer very limited or no comprehensive coverage.
5. Tips: Always verify medical limits, pre-existing condition clauses, and trip cancellation amounts before you purchase a policy.
6. Other useful info: Check how your policy is affected by Global Affairs Canada travel advisories for your destination.
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 comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
These options are among the best comprehensive travel insurance plans for Canada in 2025, known for their high medical coverage, low deductibles and simplified terms.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 5.0M $ | $0 | • Includes COVID-19 protection. • Rapid claims processing via mobile. • Telemedicine accessible worldwide. • Covers baggage and electronics. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M $ | $0 | • Mobile app access for urgent medical advice. • Unlimited 24/7 multilingual assistance. • Covers hotel and pet care. • No deductible. |
| Tourist Card | 0.5M $ | $100, $200 for USA/Canada | • Quick refund process. • Cancellation for many reasons included. • Recognised digital support. • Flexible trip extension. |
| World Travel | 0.7M $ USA/Canada, 0.3M $ others | $50 per claim | • Emergency quarantine expenses covered. • Psychological support included. • Passport loss included. • Political evacuation available. |
| Globe Partner | 0.3M $ | $0 | • Attractive pricing for under-40s. • All-digital enrolment. • Claim updates by email. • Comprehensive worldwide cover. |
| Globe Traveller | 0.5M $ | $0 | • Long trips covered up to 1 year. • Premiums steady after age 60. • Multilingual emergency support. • Covers missed connections. |
• Rapid claims processing via mobile.
• Telemedicine accessible worldwide.
• Covers baggage and electronics.
• Unlimited 24/7 multilingual assistance.
• Covers hotel and pet care.
• No deductible.
• Cancellation for many reasons included.
• Recognised digital support.
• Flexible trip extension.
• Psychological support included.
• Passport loss included.
• Political evacuation available.
• All-digital enrolment.
• Claim updates by email.
• Comprehensive worldwide cover.
• Premiums steady after age 60.
• Multilingual emergency support.
• Covers missed connections.
The best comprehensive travel insurance depends on your needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the right plan for you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat exactly is comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy that protects travelers against a wide range of issues before and during their trip. It usually covers medical expenses abroad, trip cancellation, trip interruption, loss or delay of baggage, and personal liability.
This insurance is meant to provide full protection through one contract, no matter the destination or length of travel.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Canada:
- when travelling outside Canada, where provincial health plans offer minimal coverage
- if visiting countries with high healthcare costs, like the United States
- for expensive or non-refundable trips, including flights, tours, and accommodation
- if you have any pre-existing medical condition, regardless of its stability
- when participating in adventure sports like skiing, scuba diving, or mountaineering
- if travelling with children, ensuring coverage for family-specific medical emergencies
- for cruises or complex trips with multiple destinations and transportation modes
What is the price of comprehensive travel insurance?
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days in Italy | 2,700 CA$ | 80 CA$ to 160 CA$ |
| 14 days in the United States | 5,000 CA$ | 150 CA$ to 300 CA$ |
| 21 days in Japan and Thailand | 8,000 CA$ | 240 CA$ to 480 CA$ |
| 30 days in Peru and Chile | 6,500 CA$ | 195 CA$ to 390 CA$ |
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 comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the higher the cost.
- destination: countries with high medical expenses, such as the United States or Japan, result in higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers generally pay more for coverage.
- level of coverage: a premium plan with high limits and low deductibles costs more than a basic option.
- selected options: adding protection for sports activities, valuable items, or “cancel for any reason” can increase the price.
What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to offer full coverage at every stage of your journey: before departure, during travel, and while abroad.
It protects your health, belongings, legal rights and finances against the most common travel-related risks.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | A key guarantee. Refund of prepaid trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of 1,500 CA$ and to avoid deductibles over 50 CA$. Pre-existing conditions, visa refusal and change of mind are usually excluded. |
| 🛫 Missed departure | Covers additional transport if you miss your flight due to events outside your control. | Look for at least 250 CA$ coverage and no deductible. Not covered if you are simply late or lack proof of the disruption. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during transport. | Aim for a minimum of 1,000 CA$ and a deductible no higher than 30 CA$. Unattended or unlocked luggage and certain valuables are commonly excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed payment for delays over a certain period (air or train) during travel. | At least 100 CA$ after 4 hours. There should not be a deductible. Delays under 4 hours or not officially documented are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | A key guarantee. Pays for emergency healthcare if you become ill or are injured abroad. | We recommend at least 1M CA$ of coverage and a deductible below 50 CA$. Ongoing care, check-ups, and non-urgent treatment are excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical evacuation | A key guarantee. Emergency transport to hospital or back to Canada for urgent care. | The limit should be unlimited or at least 1M CA$ executed by the insurer. Elective evacuation or refusal by the insurer are often excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment due to accident or sudden pain during your trip. | At least 200 CA$. Avoid deductibles over 30 CA$. Routine check-ups and cosmetic dental work are not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers damage or injury you unintentionally cause to a third party while travelling. | Minimum of 500,000 CA$. Avoid deductibles over 100 CA$. Damage to rented items or to family members is usually excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Compensation for essentials if your checked bag is delayed by the airline. | Look for 150 CA$ after a 24-hour delay. Deductibles are rare. Delays under 24 hours or without supporting documents are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers legal fees or bail abroad if you face legal difficulties while travelling. | Minimum 3,000 CA$ for legal costs and 7,500 CA$ for bail. Issues relating to alcohol, drugs, or deliberate acts are usually excluded. |
Pre-existing conditions, visa refusal and change of mind are usually excluded.
Not covered if you are simply late or lack proof of the disruption.
Unattended or unlocked luggage and certain valuables are commonly excluded.
Delays under 4 hours or not officially documented are not covered.
Ongoing care, check-ups, and non-urgent treatment are excluded.
Elective evacuation or refusal by the insurer are often excluded.
Routine check-ups and cosmetic dental work are not covered.
Damage to rented items or to family members is usually excluded.
Delays under 24 hours or without supporting documents are excluded.
Issues relating to alcohol, drugs, or deliberate acts are usually excluded.
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 comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To be fully valid, comprehensive travel insurance in Canada requires certain conditions to be met by the policyholder. Here are the main ones:
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident or citizen of Canada when buying the insurance.
- Timing of purchase: the policy must be purchased before departure from Canada and before any covered event occurs.
- No ongoing travel: you must not be already abroad at the time of taking out the insurance policy.
- Trip duration compliance: coverage is only valid for the trip length mentioned in your contract, not for extended stays.
- Reporting obligations: you must promptly notify the insurer of any incident or emergency that might require a claim.
- Supporting documentation: claims require appropriate documents, such as medical reports or police statements, depending on the situation.
- Destination restrictions: countries or regions under a Government of Canada “avoid all travel” advisory are often excluded from coverage.
- Eligibility factors: certain age, health, or visa conditions set by the insurer may apply and must be met.
Watch out!
A common pitfall for Canadians is assuming pre-existing medical conditions are automatically covered. Most comprehensive policies require your condition to be 'stable' for a set period before your trip. Always declare your full medical history to ensure your coverage is valid when you need it most.
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
When travelling, unexpected health issues or accidents can result in significant costs, especially outside Canada. Even basic medical care may be much more expensive than at home.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100%, depending on plan and limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100%, if medically necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, except any deductible |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, as per policy conditions |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, minus any deductible |
- Europe: $800
- North America: $2,500
- Asia: $400
- Europe: $12,000
- North America: $35,000
- Asia: $8,500
- Europe: $8,500
- North America: $25,000
- Asia: $4,200
- Europe: $600
- North America: $1,800
- Asia: $300
- Europe: $450
- North America: $1,200
- Asia: $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.
In addition to medical expenses, comprehensive travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, civil liability abroad, repatriation assistance and services like teleconsultation or emergency fund advances.
Good to know
Your provincial plan won't cover a $25,000 US hospital bill for an appendectomy. Comprehensive insurance is crucial to avoid crippling medical debt and protect your trip investment. A trusted provider like Chapka ensures you’re covered for emergencies, giving you complete peace of mind on your travels.
How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
Coverage levels, reimbursement amounts and policy conditions for comprehensive travel insurance can vary greatly from one provider to another. It is essential to identify the most useful guarantees for your travel in order to select the right plan for your needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | A low limit could result in high out-of-pocket costs for serious incidents. | Choose minimum $2M coverage for travel outside Canada for strong protection in case of emergencies. |
| 💲 Deductible | The amount you pay yourself for each claim can impact total travel costs. | Prefer low or zero deductible on medical, especially for long trips or destinations like the US. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Policy terms affect when and how guarantees apply during your trip. | Read all conditions carefully and confirm coverage start and end dates before your departure. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Price and eligibility can change depending on your age group. | Confirm age limits and check if senior travelers have specific coverage or premium adjustments. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Solo, couple, family or group needs may differ for coverage and assistance. | Families often get better rates with family plans and shared coverage for children and spouses. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Many providers have limits on trip length, especially for single trips. | For trips over 30 days, ensure extended-stay options are available within your comprehensive plan. |
| 🌎 Geographic area | Coverage eligibility and price depend on destination regions. | Select plans that explicitly include USA and Asia if visiting those high-cost healthcare countries. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Home or employer insurance, or bank card benefits may duplicate guarantees. | Compare your current coverage to avoid duplicate payments and ensure you are not left underinsured. |
| ⛷️ Planned activities | Risky or adventure activities are often excluded unless declared. | List all planned activities to secure coverage for sports or excursions like skiing, diving, or hiking. |
Your Existing Policies and comprehensive Travel Insurance
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or public health insurance, can offer you comprehensive travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, MSP) | Never | Basic emergency medical only, max $400 per day hospital, $50 doctor visit. No coverage for cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, repatriation, or personal liability abroad. | Travel insurance goes up to $5M for medical, includes cancellation, evacuation, and covers lost or stolen baggage. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life) | Almost Never | Extended health, some emergency medical abroad, often up to $1M. No cover for trip cancellation, delays, baggage loss, or trip interruption for non-medical reasons. | Travel insurance protects trip costs, baggage, medical up to $5M, with extras like interruption and evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (BMO Mastercard, RBC Visa Classic) | Almost Never | Limited emergency medical, typically up to $1M, short trip duration (15-31 days). No comprehensive protection for cancellation, delay, personal liability, or detailed medical needs. | Travel insurance offers $5M medical, covers long trips, personal liability, trip cancellation, and more. |
| Premium credit card (TD Aeroplan Infinite, CIBC Aventura) | Limited coverage | Medical up to $2M, trip cancel/interruption ($1,500–$2,500), some baggage, limited trip length. Higher medical limits, pre-existing condition cover, and all-risk cancellation are usually missing. | Travel insurance provides $5M medical, high baggage and cancellation limits, broader activity and health coverage. |
No coverage for cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, repatriation, or personal liability abroad.
No cover for trip cancellation, delays, baggage loss, or trip interruption for non-medical reasons.
No comprehensive protection for cancellation, delay, personal liability, or detailed medical needs.
Higher medical limits, pre-existing condition cover, and all-risk cancellation are usually missing.
Expert advice
Your bank card or provincial health plan may not cover trip interruption for a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory only for certain countries or visa types, such as Schengen countries or Cuba, which require proof of coverage for entry. While most destinations like the United States or Asia do not require it, having insurance is strongly recommended. For example, an accident resulting in hospitalization abroad can lead to out-of-pocket bills of thousands of dollars without adequate protection.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking your trip, ideally within 10–21 days of your first deposit. Early purchase maximizes eligibility for benefits like trip cancellation and “cancel for any reason” upgrades. This approach also ensures you are protected against pre-departure and last-minute travel issues.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare available plans—using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform is helpful. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions relevant to comprehensive policies, especially for pre-existing conditions and trip values. Complete the purchase online, then promptly receive your policy certificate by email. This certificate is your proof of coverage.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you may purchase comprehensive travel insurance after your initial booking, even if your trip is already arranged. However, some benefits such as trip cancellation or interruption may only apply if you buy your policy within a specific period after your first non-refundable payment, usually 10–21 days.
How do I make a claim with my comprehensive travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims centre either by phone or through their online platform. Prepare to provide detailed documentation, including receipts, boarding passes, and medical reports if applicable. Many Canadian insurers now offer apps for digital claims, which may speed up the process and reduce wait times.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many comprehensive travel insurance policies either exclude pre-existing medical conditions or require you to meet certain stability criteria. Some plans offer add-ons or require questionnaires to provide coverage, so it is important to disclose your health history upfront and review the policy’s definition of pre-existing conditions.
Does comprehensive travel insurance include coverage for adventure activities?
Coverage for adventure activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or hiking varies between insurers and policies. Some comprehensive travel insurance plans include these activities, while others exclude them or require extra premiums. Always check the full list of covered and excluded activities when choosing your policy.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory only for certain countries or visa types, such as Schengen countries or Cuba, which require proof of coverage for entry. While most destinations like the United States or Asia do not require it, having insurance is strongly recommended. For example, an accident resulting in hospitalization abroad can lead to out-of-pocket bills of thousands of dollars without adequate protection.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking your trip, ideally within 10–21 days of your first deposit. Early purchase maximizes eligibility for benefits like trip cancellation and “cancel for any reason” upgrades. This approach also ensures you are protected against pre-departure and last-minute travel issues.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare available plans—using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform is helpful. Carefully check all guarantees and exclusions relevant to comprehensive policies, especially for pre-existing conditions and trip values. Complete the purchase online, then promptly receive your policy certificate by email. This certificate is your proof of coverage.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you may purchase comprehensive travel insurance after your initial booking, even if your trip is already arranged. However, some benefits such as trip cancellation or interruption may only apply if you buy your policy within a specific period after your first non-refundable payment, usually 10–21 days.
How do I make a claim with my comprehensive travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims centre either by phone or through their online platform. Prepare to provide detailed documentation, including receipts, boarding passes, and medical reports if applicable. Many Canadian insurers now offer apps for digital claims, which may speed up the process and reduce wait times.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many comprehensive travel insurance policies either exclude pre-existing medical conditions or require you to meet certain stability criteria. Some plans offer add-ons or require questionnaires to provide coverage, so it is important to disclose your health history upfront and review the policy’s definition of pre-existing conditions.
Does comprehensive travel insurance include coverage for adventure activities?
Coverage for adventure activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or hiking varies between insurers and policies. Some comprehensive travel insurance plans include these activities, while others exclude them or require extra premiums. Always check the full list of covered and excluded activities when choosing your policy.
