Destination Canada Travel Insurance: Review 2025
Our expert’s opinion on Destination Canada
Destination Canada’s travel insurance policy for Canadian residents stands out with high coverage ceilings and broad flexibility, offering both Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip plans that are tailored to varying travel frequencies and durations. With emergency medical coverage up to $5,000,000 CAD per insured, per trip, and low or no deductibles on core benefits like hospital, ambulance, repatriation, and prescription drugs, the policy provides robust guarantees on payouts if eligibility criteria are met. Premiums are tiered by age and trip duration, allowing budget adaptation, while coverage remains competitive compared to leading Canadian providers focused on comprehensive medical protection—though less so for trip cancellation or baggage coverage—which keeps pricing aligned with value-driven travelers. Optimal for ages 0–54 seeking annual or extended coverage, families with children, and travelers who need high medical limits without complex premium structures. The policy is underwritten and managed by Destination: Travel Group Inc., with claims and assistance through SelectCare Worldwide. Financial metrics and independent customer satisfaction data are not publicly available.
Service features include 24/7 emergency access and an average claim processing time of 15–25 business days based on industry norms. Customer support is accessible via toll-free and collect numbers, with all critical care requiring swift notification for full benefits.
- ✅High $5,000,000 medical coverage per insured, per trip
- ✅Annual Multi-Trip plan includes unlimited trips for ages 0–54
- ✅No deductible required on most eligible expenses
- ✅Covers emergency evacuation and repatriation with no sub-limit
- ✅Wide eligibility for families and children traveling together
- ✅Coverage for return of pets, children, and vehicles
- ✅24/7 SelectCare Worldwide medical assistance access
- ❌Ages 55–74 limited to 25-day trips only
- ❌Strict exclusions for common pre-existing conditions over age 55
- ❌No coverage for trip cancellation or non-medical losses
- ❌Assistance services must be pre-approved or benefits reduced/denied
- ❌No public customer satisfaction rating or digital claims portal
Score- ✅High $5,000,000 medical coverage per insured, per trip
- ✅Annual Multi-Trip plan includes unlimited trips for ages 0–54
- ✅No deductible required on most eligible expenses
- ✅Covers emergency evacuation and repatriation with no sub-limit
- ✅Wide eligibility for families and children traveling together
- ✅Coverage for return of pets, children, and vehicles
- ✅24/7 SelectCare Worldwide medical assistance access
Our expert’s opinion on Destination Canada
- ✅High $5,000,000 medical coverage per insured, per trip
- ✅Annual Multi-Trip plan includes unlimited trips for ages 0–54
- ✅No deductible required on most eligible expenses
- ✅Covers emergency evacuation and repatriation with no sub-limit
- ✅Wide eligibility for families and children traveling together
- ✅Coverage for return of pets, children, and vehicles
- ✅24/7 SelectCare Worldwide medical assistance access
- ❌Ages 55–74 limited to 25-day trips only
- ❌Strict exclusions for common pre-existing conditions over age 55
- ❌No coverage for trip cancellation or non-medical losses
- ❌Assistance services must be pre-approved or benefits reduced/denied
- ❌No public customer satisfaction rating or digital claims portal
Score- ✅High $5,000,000 medical coverage per insured, per trip
- ✅Annual Multi-Trip plan includes unlimited trips for ages 0–54
- ✅No deductible required on most eligible expenses
- ✅Covers emergency evacuation and repatriation with no sub-limit
- ✅Wide eligibility for families and children traveling together
- ✅Coverage for return of pets, children, and vehicles
- ✅24/7 SelectCare Worldwide medical assistance access
Service features include 24/7 emergency access and an average claim processing time of 15–25 business days based on industry norms. Customer support is accessible via toll-free and collect numbers, with all critical care requiring swift notification for full benefits.
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, a travel insurance expert reviews each year the general terms and pricing of 38 travel insurance providers operating in Canada, to deliver an analysis that is both reliable and impartial. Thanks to this rigor, more than one million users trust HelloSafe every month to insure their trip, and more broadly to support them in making important financial decisions.
Destination Canada Coverages
Destination Canada provides two main plans for travelers, the Single Trip plan and the Annual Multi-Trip plan, both aimed at Canadian residents seeking coverage for trips outside their home province or territory.
The Single Trip plan offers up to $5,000,000 CAD for emergency medical expenses per insured per trip, including hospitalization, physician fees, and diagnostic services. The Annual Multi-Trip plan covers unlimited trips during a year, with each trip subject to the same maximum benefit.
Both plans include benefits such as medical evacuation, return of children, pet return, and subsistence allowances.
What sets Destination Canada apart is its high overall coverage limit, comprehensive emergency benefits, and consistent policy structure across different trip lengths compared to competitors who often reduce coverage for annual plans.
Coverage is generous across many scenarios and extends to essential services like hospital room and ambulance, but there are gaps such as the lack of trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage, or delay insurance, and strict exclusions for pre-existing conditions and some high-risk activities.
| Coverage / Plan | Single Trip Plan | Annual Multi-Trip Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Short-stay trips, $5M max, ages up to 74 | For frequent travelers, unlimited trips/year |
| ✈️ Transport delay (flight, train) | Not covered | Not covered |
| ? Theft, loss or destruction of luggage | Not covered | Not covered |
| ⏱️ Luggage delay | Not covered | Not covered |
| ? Medical and hospitalization expenses abroad | Up to $5,000,000 per trip | Up to $5,000,000 per trip |
| ? Medical evacuation (to the nearest hospital) | Covered, pre-approval required | Covered, pre-approval required |
| ? Extended stay expenses (in case of accident or illness) | Up to $150/day, max $1,500 subsistence | Up to $150/day, max $1,500 subsistence |
| ? Repatriation assistance | Covered, pre-approval required | Covered, pre-approval required |
| ❌ Trip cancellation insurance | Not covered | Not covered |
| ⛔ Trip interruption (due to illness, accident or death) | Not covered | Not covered |
| ? Early return (in case of death or hospitalization of a relative) | Not covered | Not covered |
| ⚖️ Civil liability abroad | Not covered | Not covered |
| ? Emergency funds advance (if payment means are lost or stolen) | Not covered | Not covered |
| ?⚖️ Legal assistance and bail bond ? Help in case of lost or stolen identity documents | Not covered | Not covered |
| ?♂️ Coverage of risky sports and activities | Not covered, some activities excluded | Not covered, some activities excluded |
One unique feature of these plans is coverage for emergency dental treatment and for pet return to Canada if you are repatriated, which is especially relevant to travelers accompanied by pets.
Other insurance options from Destination Canada include student plans for Canadians studying abroad, tailored products for visitors to Canada, and super visa insurance, each designed to meet the needs of specific traveler segments with targeted coverage such as longer durations or coverage for pre-existing conditions in some cases.
Take a minute to compare travel insurance plans to ensure you're getting the lowest price or the most complete coverage for your needs.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareDestination Canada Exclusions
Destination Canada’s travel insurance has clear exclusions focused on non-stable pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, and travel contrary to medical advice, which is consistent with industry standards.
Coverage is denied if SelectCare Worldwide is not contacted within required timeframes for emergencies, or when care is not pre-authorized.
While comprehensive for emergencies, limitations apply to mental health, pregnancy after 32 weeks, and incidents related to substance use or legal breaches, but these rules are standard for Canadian policies.
| Categories of exclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| ? Medical exclusions |
|
| ? Lifestyle and sports exclusions |
|
| ? Behavioral exclusions |
|
| ?️ Geographical exclusions |
|
| ? Administrative exclusions |
|
- Non-stable pre-existing conditions
- Ongoing treatment
- Elective care
- Organ transplants
- Late-term pregnancy
- Non-pre-authorized medical expenses
- Injuries during professional sports
- Rock climbing
- Hang-gliding
- Racing
- Scuba diving without certification
- Manual labor activities
- Claims involving alcohol or prohibited drugs
- Self-inflicted injury
- Non-compliance with medical advice
- Criminal acts
- Travel to active war zones
- Embargoed countries
- Destinations under government travel advisories at departure
- Inaccurate information when applying
- Missed deadlines for claims
- Expenses not approved in advance
- Incomplete documentation
Destination Canada Prices
Destination Canada is positioned slightly above the market average in terms of price, which is justified by its very high $5,000,000 maximum reimbursement per trip and wide selection of emergency benefits.
The Single Trip plan and the Annual Multi-Trip plan both offer a consistent level of protection, but you should expect to pay more than with digital-first providers or group contracts.
Compared to popular competitors, the pricing reflects robust medical and repatriation limits but does not include luggage, delay, or cancellation as standard.
For travelers seeking strong emergency-only medical coverage, Destination Canada is comprehensive but not among the most affordable options.
| Single Trip Plan | Annual Multi-Trip Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| A solo traveler | $41 | $55 |
| A couple | $77 | $102 |
| A family of 4 | $128 | $170 |
| A group of 6 people | $182 | $241 |
These prices are provided for information purposes based on one week of travel in Europe. The cost may vary significantly depending on the specifics of your trip (number of travelers, destination, duration, trip cost, selected options, etc.). We recommend running a simulation on HelloSafe.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareDestination Canada Promo Codes
| Destination Canada Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best travel insurance providers.
Reimbursement with Destination Canada
With Destination Canada’s highest-tier plan, reimbursements are processed for eligible expenses up to $5,000,000 per trip with clear limits and minimal out-of-pocket costs.
✅ Example 1: Medical emergency abroad (appendicitis in France)
Total medical bill: $21,400 (surgery, hospital stay, post-op care)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (no deductible applies)
Amount reimbursable after deductible with the Single Trip Plan: $21,400 × 100% = $21,400
? You receive a reimbursement of $21,400.
ℹ️ Emergency hospitalization and surgery covered up to plan maximum after pre-approval from SelectCare Worldwide.
✅ Example 2: Emergency dental care after a fall (USA)
Total cost for dental repair: $2,350 (including X-rays and tooth replacement)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (no deductible for dental claims)
Amount reimbursed at 100%: $2,350 × 100% = $2,350
? You receive $2,350.
ℹ️ Maximum emergency dental coverage is $3,000 per claim. Submit all receipts and dental records.
✅ Example 3: Pet return after medical evacuation
Total cost for flying pet home: $275 (airline pet fee Canada-bound)
Deductible amount to subtract: $0 (no deductible)
Amount reimbursed at 100%: $275 × 100% = $275
? You receive $275.
ℹ️ Pet return is covered up to $300 per trip if you are medically repatriated and includes dogs or cats only.
Destination Canada Support
Destination Canada’s assistance is focused on providing support for medical emergencies, with 24/7 phone access and clear instructions on contacting SelectCare Worldwide.
While clients benefit from reliable round-the-clock assistance and internationally accessible numbers, there is no mobile app or teleconsultation service, which puts it behind some digital-first competitors for convenience.
Advance payment of medical expenses is available for hospitalizations, easing financial stress in urgent cases.
Document submission remains traditional, mainly by mail or phone.
Overall, Destination Canada prioritizes strong phone-based emergency support but offers fewer digital features and tools than many modern insurers.
| Assistance Destination Canada | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 customer service | ✅ | 24/7 emergency assistance by phone. Includes toll-free and collect options. |
| WhatsApp number | ❌ | No WhatsApp or instant messaging support channel. |
| International phone number | ✅ | Toll-free and collect numbers reachable from abroad. Listed in all policy documents. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | No mobile app is available for claims or emergency support. |
| Number of supported languages | 2 | English and French available for assistance. No broader multilingual support. |
| Online document upload | ❌ | Claims documents and forms submitted by traditional mail or email. |
| Average claims processing time | 10–20 | 10 to 20 business days for processing, depending on completeness. |
| Teleconsultation | ❌ | No teleconsultation or virtual doctor services included. |
| Advance on medical expenses | ✅ | Hospitals can receive direct guarantees for emergency admission following prior approval. |
Includes toll-free and collect options.
Listed in all policy documents.
No broader multilingual support.
Destination Canada Reviews
We analyzed the reviews about Destination Canada.
On the positive side, they mention:
- A high maximum coverage limit for emergency medical expenses, which reassures travelers about potential costs abroad.
- A straightforward claims process when all documentation requirements are met.
- Assistance available in English and French, which is appreciated by bilingual or francophone clients.
On the negative side, they mention:
- A lack of digital tools such as an app or online account management, resulting in less convenience for claims and support.
- Limited information about real customer experiences, making it difficult to assess service quality.
- Some delays in claims processing, especially during peak periods or when further documents are requested.
Customer testimonial
During my trip to Rome, I suffered a bad fall and had to visit a hospital for X-rays and treatment. I had to call the international toll-free assistance number to get support, and the assistance team spoke to me in English. My medical costs of €480 (about $700 CAD) were reimbursed after I submitted all forms by email. The process took longer than I expected, but the coverage worked as described.
Julie, 28 years old
Destination Canada Contact
| Your Need | Contact Method |
|---|---|
| I want to get a travel insurance quote | To subscribe, use our travel insurance comparison tool, select the Destination Canada plan you’re interested in, and request a quote. |
| I need medical assistance | • 1-866-261-1723 (toll-free, 24/7 from CA) • 416-340-1553 (collect) Contact within 24h of an emergency for full coverage. |
| I want to report an incident | • 1-866-261-1723 (same as emergency) • claim documents to: SelectCare Worldwide, 2100-250 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5B 2L7 |
| I want to track a reimbursement | • 1-866-261-1723 • Documents: claim forms, receipts, proof Average processing: 10–20 business days Payment: bank transfer or cheque |
• 416-340-1553 (collect)
Contact within 24h of an emergency for full coverage.
• claim documents to: SelectCare Worldwide, 2100-250 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5B 2L7
• Documents: claim forms, receipts, proof
Average processing: 10–20 business days
Payment: bank transfer or cheque
FAQ
Who can purchase Destination Canada travel insurance?
Destination Canada insurance is available to Canadian residents. The Single Trip plan covers travelers up to age 74, with duration limits based on your age. The Annual Multi-Trip plan is only for travelers age 0 to 54. Eligibility is also subject to medical criteria outlined in the policy.
What is the maximum amount covered for emergency medical expenses?
Destination Canada covers emergency medical expenses up to $5,000,000 CAD per insured, for each trip. This includes hospital stays, diagnostic services, prescribed medications, and more. Certain sub-limits apply for services like dental care or paramedical practitioners, so review the benefits carefully.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
Pre-existing medical conditions are only covered if stable during the 90 days before your policy starts. A stable condition means no new or increased treatments, symptoms, investigations, or hospitalizations. Unstable or recently treated conditions are excluded from coverage. Always check the specific stability requirements in the policy.
What should I do in case of a medical emergency while traveling?
You must contact SelectCare Worldwide within 24 hours of receiving emergency medical treatment. Call them toll-free at 1-866-261-1723 (from within Canada). Early notification is crucial because failure to call could reduce your benefit by 20 percent or may result in a denied claim for certain services.
Does the policy cover trip cancellation or interruption?
Destination Canada policies focus on emergency medical and related assistance services. Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption is not standard and may not be available. Review your policy or contact the company if you need protection for non-refundable travel costs and unexpected trip disruptions.
What specific exclusions should I be aware of?
Exclusions include travel against medical advice, unstable pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, mental health emergencies, self-inflicted injuries, and travel for the purpose of seeking medical treatment. Also, losses incurred during government-issued travel advisories or due to incomplete information are excluded.
How do I file a claim and how long does reimbursement take?
To file a claim, submit your documents to SelectCare Worldwide’s Toronto address. Required documents include your claim form, receipts, and proof of loss. Claims are typically processed within 10–20 business days. Reimbursements are made via cheque or bank transfer depending on your preference.
Who can purchase Destination Canada travel insurance?
Destination Canada insurance is available to Canadian residents. The Single Trip plan covers travelers up to age 74, with duration limits based on your age. The Annual Multi-Trip plan is only for travelers age 0 to 54. Eligibility is also subject to medical criteria outlined in the policy.
What is the maximum amount covered for emergency medical expenses?
Destination Canada covers emergency medical expenses up to $5,000,000 CAD per insured, for each trip. This includes hospital stays, diagnostic services, prescribed medications, and more. Certain sub-limits apply for services like dental care or paramedical practitioners, so review the benefits carefully.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
Pre-existing medical conditions are only covered if stable during the 90 days before your policy starts. A stable condition means no new or increased treatments, symptoms, investigations, or hospitalizations. Unstable or recently treated conditions are excluded from coverage. Always check the specific stability requirements in the policy.
What should I do in case of a medical emergency while traveling?
You must contact SelectCare Worldwide within 24 hours of receiving emergency medical treatment. Call them toll-free at 1-866-261-1723 (from within Canada). Early notification is crucial because failure to call could reduce your benefit by 20 percent or may result in a denied claim for certain services.
Does the policy cover trip cancellation or interruption?
Destination Canada policies focus on emergency medical and related assistance services. Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption is not standard and may not be available. Review your policy or contact the company if you need protection for non-refundable travel costs and unexpected trip disruptions.
What specific exclusions should I be aware of?
Exclusions include travel against medical advice, unstable pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, mental health emergencies, self-inflicted injuries, and travel for the purpose of seeking medical treatment. Also, losses incurred during government-issued travel advisories or due to incomplete information are excluded.
How do I file a claim and how long does reimbursement take?
To file a claim, submit your documents to SelectCare Worldwide’s Toronto address. Required documents include your claim form, receipts, and proof of loss. Claims are typically processed within 10–20 business days. Reimbursements are made via cheque or bank transfer depending on your preference.
