- The best couples travel insurance plans
- Couples travel insurance explained
- The price of couples travel insurance
- What Is Covered by couples Travel Insurance
- The conditions of couples travel insurance
- The reasons to take out couples travel insurance
- How to choose the right couples travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover couples travel insurance?
- FAQ
couples travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Couples travel insurance is a single policy covering two people travelling together, often at a discounted rate.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $80 and $180 CAD for a couple.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards offer very limited coverage, especially for medical or cancellation costs.
5. Tips: Compare medical limits, declare all pre-existing conditions, and check if an annual plan is more cost-effective.
6. Other useful info: Some policies define "couple" broadly, including non-married partners, so always check the insurer's eligibility rules.
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 couples travel insurance.
The best couples travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best couples travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, ensuring thorough protection for couples on any journey.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $5,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • Worldwide coverage for couples. • Trip cancellation and curtailment included. • 24/7 multilingual support. • Digital claims via app. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $5,000,000 CAD | $0 CAD | • No medical deductible. • Covers repatriation for both partners. • Fast emergency assistance. • Personal liability included for both. |
| Tourist Card | $2,000,000 CAD | $0–$250 CAD | • Protection for luggage and trip cancellation. • Includes adventure activities. • Couples both covered under one policy. • Quick online claim process. |
| World Travel | $2,000,000 CAD | $0–$100 CAD | • Multilingual support. • Global emergency evacuation. • Covers medical and dental emergencies. • Passport loss assistance. |
| Globe Partner | $1,000,000 CAD | $0–$100 CAD | • Affordable premiums. • Valid for various trip types. • 24/7 assistance. • Direct payment to providers included. |
| Globe Traveller | $1,000,000 CAD | $0–$100 CAD | • Suits long trips as a couple. • Multiple destinations covered. • Assistance in several languages. • Electronic claims available. |
• Trip cancellation and curtailment included.
• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Digital claims via app.
• Covers repatriation for both partners.
• Fast emergency assistance.
• Personal liability included for both.
• Includes adventure activities.
• Couples both covered under one policy.
• Quick online claim process.
• Global emergency evacuation.
• Covers medical and dental emergencies.
• Passport loss assistance.
• Valid for various trip types.
• 24/7 assistance.
• Direct payment to providers included.
• Multiple destinations covered.
• Assistance in several languages.
• Electronic claims available.
The best couples travel insurance may vary depending on your specific 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 compareCouples travel insurance explained
Couples travel insurance is a policy designed to protect two people traveling together by providing comprehensive coverage under one contract.
It covers unexpected events such as emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and repatriation for both travelers.
This type of insurance is specific because it offers joint protection, often at a lower cost than separate plans, and streamlines claims for both people.
This insurance is often offered as an option or add-on to a standard travel insurance policy.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out couples travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Canada:
- To benefit from a discounted rate compared to two individual policies.
- For simplified management with a single policy for both travelers.
- If one partner must cancel, the other is also covered.
- When visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If either partner has a pre-existing medical condition to declare.
- To protect a significant non-refundable trip investment for both people.
- When you travel together frequently, an annual plan saves money.
- If you are unmarried but live together and travel as partners.
The price of couples travel insurance
On average, couples travel insurance costs between 3% and 7% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| One-week vacation in Mexico | $ 2,400 | $ 50 to 90 |
| Two-week tour in France and Italy | $ 4,500 | $ 90 to 170 |
| Three-week backpacking in Southeast Asia | $ 3,800 | $ 85 to 160 |
| One-month road trip across the USA | $ 6,000 | $ 120 to 220 |
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 couples travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips increase the total cost.
- destination: countries with higher healthcare expenses mean higher premiums.
- travellers’ ages and health: older age or pre-existing medical conditions can raise rates.
- coverage level: higher medical and cancellation limits, or low deductibles, increase the premium.
- selected options: baggage protection, adventure sports coverage, or annual multi-trip plans may affect the cost.
What Is Covered by couples Travel Insurance
Couples travel insurance is an option designed for two people who travel together. It provides one policy for both travelers, making protection simpler. This type of insurance is often more convenient and can offer savings compared to buying separate plans.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel before departure for a covered reason. | Choose a minimum limit of $2,000 per person and avoid deductibles above $50. Cancellations for known events or change of mind are not covered. |
| 🕒 Trip interruption | Pays for unused parts of your trip if you must return home early for an emergency. | Look for at least $2,000 per person with no deductible over $50. Voluntary returns and minor reasons are excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Reimburses loss, theft, or damage to luggage during travel. | Select plans with $1,500+ cover per person. Deductibles should not exceed $50. Unattended baggage and partial losses are excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays emergency medical and hospital costs if you are sick or injured abroad. | At least $1,000,000 per person, ideally $5,000,000. Max deductible $100. Pre-existing medical conditions and high-risk activities are excluded. |
| 🚑 Repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for your medical evacuation or return to Canada if needed. | Look for unlimited or $100,000+ per person, no deductible. Voluntary or non-medical returns are not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Covers urgent dental treatment for injury or severe pain during your trip. | Minimum cover should be $500 per person with a deductible below $50. Routine, planned, or cosmetic dental care is not covered. |
| 🧳 Travel delay | Fixed sum for extra costs due to travel delays outside your control. | Look for at least $100 after a 4-hour delay per person. Delays under 4 hours and reasons within your control are not covered. |
| 🛡️ Personal liability | Covers injury or property damage you accidentally cause to others while abroad. | Minimum $1,000,000 cover per incident, deductible under $100. Claims for family or group members and intentional acts are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Pays lawyer fees and bail costs if you face a legal issue on your trip. | At least $3,000 for legal fees and $7,500 for bail. Criminal or alcohol-related acts are excluded. |
| 💔 Accidental death or dismemberment | Lump sum for accidental death or serious injury during the trip. | Minimum $25,000 per person, no deductible. Suicide or hazardous sports are not covered. |
Cancellations for known events or change of mind are not covered.
Voluntary returns and minor reasons are excluded.
Unattended baggage and partial losses are excluded.
Pre-existing medical conditions and high-risk activities are excluded.
Voluntary or non-medical returns are not covered.
Routine, planned, or cosmetic dental care is not covered.
Delays under 4 hours and reasons within your control are not covered.
Claims for family or group members and intentional acts are not covered.
Criminal or alcohol-related acts are excluded.
Suicide or hazardous sports 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 couples travel insurance best suited to your needs and trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of couples travel insurance
To activate your couples travel insurance and ensure all included benefits are valid, certain conditions usually apply.
- Definition of couple: most policies require two adults listed as partners, spouses, or cohabiting at the same address.
- Application timing: you must purchase the policy before leaving Canada, ideally soon after booking your trip.
- Residency requirement: both people must be Canadian residents at the time of application and for the policy duration.
- Simultaneous travel: both travelers must depart and return together on the same journey for coverage to apply.
- Trip length limitation: coverage is valid only within a maximum trip duration, commonly 30 or 60 days depending on the contract.
- No current travel: it is not possible to take out or activate the policy when already abroad.
- Covered purpose: trips must be for leisure, tourism, or holidays only, not for business, emigration, or permanent relocation.
- Notification duty: in case of an emergency or claim, both must promptly inform the insurer and provide all required documents.
Watch out!
A critical misunderstanding is that a couples policy treats both partners' health as one. In reality, each person's pre-existing conditions are assessed separately. Failing to fully declare one partner's medical history can invalidate the entire policy, leaving both of you unprotected. Honesty for both is essential.
The reasons to take out couples travel insurance
Even a routine medical issue or travel mishap during a couples trip can result in large, unexpected bills abroad.
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 $5,000, usually full reimbursement |
| Intestinal infection (consultation and treatment) |
| Up to plan maximum, often 100% |
| Hospitalization (per day) |
| Up to $10,000,000, policy conditions |
| Repatriation for medical reasons to Canada |
| Usually 100%, if medically necessary |
- Europe: $350
- North America: $1,000
- Asia: $180
- Europe: $250
- North America: $800
- Asia: $120
- Europe: $300
- North America: $900
- Asia: $150
- Europe: $1,000
- North America: $4,000
- Asia: $500
- Europe: $10,000
- North America: $50,000
- Asia: $8,000
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.
Besides medical expenses, couples travel insurance often includes extra useful guarantees: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, 24/7 emergency assistance, repatriation, and personal liability protection. These features offer security and peace of mind for any shared journey.
Good to know
Protect your trip and your wallet. A couples policy is cheaper and simpler than two individual plans, ensuring both of you are covered for medical emergencies and cancellations. With a single policy from an insurer like Chapka, you can travel with total peace of mind.
How to choose the right couples travel insurance
Coverage, reimbursement levels, and policy conditions are not the same between all couples travel insurance plans.
It is important to compare key criteria so that both travelers are properly protected throughout their trip.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | High limits provide greater security in case of medical emergency. | Choose at least $1,000,000 medical coverage per person and check trip cancellation limits per traveler. |
| 📉 Deductible | The deductible determines what you pay before benefits start. | Look for plans with a $0 or low deductible, especially for medical expenses and cancellation. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Conditions influence eligibility and covered claims. | Read the small print about trip duration limits and requirements for unmarried couples or different surnames. |
| 👨❤️👨 Traveller profile | Couples may not always be covered if not married or living together. | Confirm both travelers meet the definition of "couple" in the policy to avoid claim rejection. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some policies limit trip length or total coverage days per year. | For longer trips or multiple journeys together, consider an annual multi-trip plan for couples. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage and prices differ by world region, especially for the US. | Check that all travel destinations, including layovers, are covered under the same policy. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Other insurance may offer partial or duplicate coverage for one partner. | Review both travelers’ current health or credit card insurance to avoid surprise gaps or overlap. |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal effects | Couples carry more valuables and shared items. | Ensure baggage and personal effects coverage applies per person, not just per policy or trip. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Fast access is essential for last-minute trips or policy changes. | Favour insurers with easy online sign-up, changes, and digital claims for simple management for two people. |
Do my current insurance policies cover couples travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances such as credit card coverage or the public health system can offer you a couples 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 | Couples travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | Emergency care in Canada, maximum $400/day abroad, very limited. No international emergency, no medical evacuation, no cancellation, no baggage or liability cover. | Travel insurance provides up to $10,000,000 CAD for medical, trip cancellation, baggage, repatriation and covers both partners for all common travel risks. |
| Private health insurance (Sun Life, Manulife) | Almost Never | Emergency medical if purchased as add-on, up to $1,000,000–$5,000,000. No automatic trip cancellation, no baggage, no trip delay, usually excludes both travelers’ liabilities. | Travel insurance for couples covers medical, trip interruption, baggage and liability, with full reimbursement up to $10,000,000 CAD for comprehensive protection. |
| Classic credit card (CIBC Classic Visa, RBC Classic Mastercard) | Never | Emergency medical for cardholder, maximum $50,000–$500,000 for short trips. Excludes partners, trip cancellation, repatriation, adventure sports, and higher claim amounts. | Travel insurance protects both travelers, includes cancellation, baggage and up to $10,000,000 CAD coverage, unlike classic cards that rarely offer partner cover. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Avion Visa Infinite, TD First Class Travel Visa) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical up to $2,000,000, limited trip interruption or baggage. Often excludes trip cancellation, higher limits, repatriation and age-based couple eligibility. | Travel insurance is available to all couples, covers trip cancellation, liability and has higher medical limits, often up to $10,000,000 CAD, not matched by cards. |
No international emergency, no medical evacuation, no cancellation, no baggage or liability cover.
No automatic trip cancellation, no baggage, no trip delay, usually excludes both travelers’ liabilities.
Excludes partners, trip cancellation, repatriation, adventure sports, and higher claim amounts.
Often excludes trip cancellation, higher limits, repatriation and age-based couple eligibility.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance plans exclude crucial coverage, like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For complete peace of mind, it's always safer to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is couples travel insurance mandatory?
In Canada, couples travel insurance is not mandatory by law. However, certain destinations—like Cuba, Thailand or Schengen countries—may require proof of adequate travel medical insurance on arrival. Even where it’s not required, it is strongly recommended; for instance, a fall resulting in hospitalization in the US without insurance can lead to medical bills over $20,000 CAD.
When is it recommended to purchase couples travel insurance?
It is best to purchase couples travel insurance immediately after booking your trip so you are protected if you need to cancel before departure, or if a medical issue arises unexpectedly. Buying early also ensures you can take advantage of coverage for trip cancellation, and you avoid potential waiting periods for certain guarantees.
How do I purchase couples travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best coverage for couples. Next, carefully review all guarantees and exclusions, paying extra attention to those applying specifically to couples’ situations. You can then purchase online directly from your chosen insurer, and you’ll immediately receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase couples travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase couples travel insurance after booking your trip, up to the day before departure. However, only insurance purchased soon after booking will include valuable trip cancellation coverage. Once your journey has started, new policies generally do not provide full medical or cancellation coverage.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of an incident. Provide your policy number, receipts, and supporting documents. Claims can usually be submitted online, and some insurers offer 24/7 phone support and mobile app features.
Can pre-existing medical conditions be covered for both partners?
Most insurers offer some coverage for pre-existing conditions, but strict terms and stability periods apply. It is important that both partners declare their medical history and check for additional premiums or exclusions. Comprehensive plans can offer better peace of mind for travelers with known health issues.
Does couples travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Basic couples travel insurance may exclude adventure or high-risk sports like scuba diving or skiing. Many insurers let you add adventure sports coverage for an additional cost, ensuring you are protected if you participate in such activities. Always review policy limits and exclusions related to sports before finalizing your coverage.
Is couples travel insurance mandatory?
In Canada, couples travel insurance is not mandatory by law. However, certain destinations—like Cuba, Thailand or Schengen countries—may require proof of adequate travel medical insurance on arrival. Even where it’s not required, it is strongly recommended; for instance, a fall resulting in hospitalization in the US without insurance can lead to medical bills over $20,000 CAD.
When is it recommended to purchase couples travel insurance?
It is best to purchase couples travel insurance immediately after booking your trip so you are protected if you need to cancel before departure, or if a medical issue arises unexpectedly. Buying early also ensures you can take advantage of coverage for trip cancellation, and you avoid potential waiting periods for certain guarantees.
How do I purchase couples travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best coverage for couples. Next, carefully review all guarantees and exclusions, paying extra attention to those applying specifically to couples’ situations. You can then purchase online directly from your chosen insurer, and you’ll immediately receive your certificate by email.
Can I purchase couples travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase couples travel insurance after booking your trip, up to the day before departure. However, only insurance purchased soon after booking will include valuable trip cancellation coverage. Once your journey has started, new policies generally do not provide full medical or cancellation coverage.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of an incident. Provide your policy number, receipts, and supporting documents. Claims can usually be submitted online, and some insurers offer 24/7 phone support and mobile app features.
Can pre-existing medical conditions be covered for both partners?
Most insurers offer some coverage for pre-existing conditions, but strict terms and stability periods apply. It is important that both partners declare their medical history and check for additional premiums or exclusions. Comprehensive plans can offer better peace of mind for travelers with known health issues.
Does couples travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Basic couples travel insurance may exclude adventure or high-risk sports like scuba diving or skiing. Many insurers let you add adventure sports coverage for an additional cost, ensuring you are protected if you participate in such activities. Always review policy limits and exclusions related to sports before finalizing your coverage.
