- The best domestic travel insurance plans
- What Is Domestic Travel Insurance?
- The price of domestic travel insurance
- What does domestic travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of domestic travel insurance
- Why take out domestic travel insurance?
- How to choose the right domestic travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover domestic travel insurance?
- FAQ
domestic travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Domestic travel insurance covers unexpected costs like medical emergencies when travelling outside your home province or territory.
2. Price: A one-week domestic policy in Canada typically costs between $25 and $100 CAD, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical care and trip cancellation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial health plans (e.g., OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards provide only partial coverage outside your province.
5. Tips: Verify your policy covers specific activities and ambulance services, especially for travel in remote Canadian regions.
6. Other useful info: Your provincial health plan may not cover ambulance fees or prescription drugs in another Canadian province.
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 domestic travel insurance.
The best domestic travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best domestic travel insurance plans available in Canada. These options stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified policy conditions.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $5M CAD | $0 CAD | • Covers trips of any duration throughout Canada. • Includes emergency repatriation. • Flexible cancellation options. • 24/7 bilingual support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $2M CAD | $0 CAD | • Multilingual assistance 24/7. • Sports and adventure activity coverage. • Paperless enrolment. • Direct billing for medical claims. |
| Tourist Card | $1M CAD | $50 CAD | • Flexible policy duration. • Accessible WhatsApp support. • Coverage for lost bags. • COVID-19 medical inclusion. |
| World Travel | $5M CAD | $100 CAD | • Family discounts available. • Telemedicine services. • Covers medical emergencies everywhere in Canada. • Cash advance for emergencies. |
| Globe Partner | $3M CAD | $100 CAD | • Supports long stays. • Specialized coverage for seniors. • Canadian-based claims service. • Covers winter sports and outdoor activities. |
| Globe Traveller | $1M CAD | $100 CAD | • Premium stability regardless of age. • Direct reimbursement for medical fees. • Assistance in English and French. • Covers family members. |
• Includes emergency repatriation.
• Flexible cancellation options.
• 24/7 bilingual support.
• Sports and adventure activity coverage.
• Paperless enrolment.
• Direct billing for medical claims.
• Accessible WhatsApp support.
• Coverage for lost bags.
• COVID-19 medical inclusion.
• Telemedicine services.
• Covers medical emergencies everywhere in Canada.
• Cash advance for emergencies.
• Specialized coverage for seniors.
• Canadian-based claims service.
• Covers winter sports and outdoor activities.
• Direct reimbursement for medical fees.
• Assistance in English and French.
• Covers family members.
The best domestic travel insurance depends on your needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the best plan for you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat Is Domestic Travel Insurance?
Domestic travel insurance is coverage designed to protect Canadian residents when traveling within Canada. It covers unexpected events during domestic trips, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage issues, and travel delays.
This insurance is specific because provincial health plans usually provide full coverage only in your home province, so there can be gaps when visiting other provinces or territories.
It is also known as interprovincial travel insurance or Canada-wide travel insurance.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out domestic travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Canada:
- When traveling outside your home province or territory in Canada.
- To cover medical costs not paid by your provincial health plan.
- For emergency medical evacuation, which can be extremely expensive.
- If you pre-paid for non-refundable flights, hotels, or tours.
- When visiting remote regions with limited access to medical care.
- If you plan on doing adventure sports like skiing or hiking.
- To protect your luggage and personal belongings during your trip.
The price of domestic travel insurance
On average, domestic travel insurance in Canada costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend getaway to Montreal (3 days) | $600 | $15 to $30 |
| Week-long ski trip in British Columbia | $2,000 | $40 to $75 |
| Two-week road trip across Ontario | $3,000 | $65 to $120 |
| Month-long visit to the Maritimes | $5,000 | $110 to $200 |
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 domestic travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer you travel, the higher the insurance cost.
- destination: travelling to remote or northern regions can increase the premium.
- traveller’s age: older travellers often pay more for coverage.
- level of coverage: comprehensive plans with high limits and extra options are more expensive.
- health status and existing conditions: chronic or pre-existing conditions can affect the price.
- number of travellers: adding more insured persons, such as a family, increases the premium.
What does domestic travel insurance cover?
Domestic travel insurance in Canada is designed to protect you during trips across provinces or territories. It covers risks not handled by your provincial health insurance and helps manage unexpected travel issues.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Protection for prepaid trip costs if cancellation is due to a covered event before departure. | A minimum of $2,500 is best, with deductibles below $50 recommended. Cancellations for change of mind, work reasons, or pre-existing issues are not covered. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensation for extra expenses if your trip is delayed beyond a stated period. | Look for at least $300 per day and deductibles under $50. Delays under 6 hours, known events, and missing documents are commonly excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or delay | Covers loss, theft or late arrival of your baggage during the trip. | At least $1,000 coverage is needed, with a deductible not over $50. Excludes items left unattended, normal wear or fragile valuables. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical care | Key guarantee. Pays for medical treatment if you are sick or injured away from home. | Choose a minimum of $1M coverage and deductibles under $100. Routine care, chronic illness, and non-emergency treatment are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for medically necessary transport to your home province or hospital. | Coverage should be unlimited and organised by your insurer. Refusals by traveller or non-emergency returns are mostly not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Covers urgent dental treatment for accidental injury or sudden pain during the trip. | Recommend at least $1,000 and no more than $50 deductible. Preventive, cosmetic and planned procedures are excluded. |
| 🧳 Personal liability | Pays damages if you harm someone or damage property unintentionally while travelling. | Minimum $500,000 coverage, with deductible under $100 is important. Family disputes, intentional harm, or use of vehicles is generally excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund for unused travel and accommodation if the trip is cut short by a covered event. | We suggest at least $2,500 and low deductibles. Voluntary early return or minor inconveniences are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Provides coverage for lawyer fees or bail if you face legal issues while travelling. | Look for at least $5,000 for legal fees and $10,000 for bail. Excludes criminal offences, intoxication, or unreported incidents. |
| 🧍♂️ Accidental death or injury | Lump sum compensation for death or permanent disability from an accident while travelling. | $50,000 is reasonable, and plans should have zero deductible. High-risk sports, intoxication, and suicide are generally not covered. |
Cancellations for change of mind, work reasons, or pre-existing issues are not covered.
Delays under 6 hours, known events, and missing documents are commonly excluded.
Excludes items left unattended, normal wear or fragile valuables.
Routine care, chronic illness, and non-emergency treatment are excluded.
Refusals by traveller or non-emergency returns are mostly not covered.
Preventive, cosmetic and planned procedures are excluded.
Family disputes, intentional harm, or use of vehicles is generally excluded.
Voluntary early return or minor inconveniences are not covered.
Excludes criminal offences, intoxication, or unreported incidents.
High-risk sports, intoxication, and suicide are generally 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 domestic travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of domestic travel insurance
To benefit from your domestic travel insurance coverage in Canada, certain conditions usually apply. These requirements help ensure you are properly protected at every stage of your journey.
- Residency requirement: you must be a legal resident of Canada when you take out the policy.
- Advance purchase: insurance must be bought before your trip starts, usually before leaving your home province.
- Trip duration limit: your trip must not exceed the maximum period covered by the contract, often 30 or 60 days.
- Geographical restrictions: coverage is valid only within Canada, and some plans exclude remote or high-risk regions.
- Eligible purpose: coverage typically applies to leisure or business trips, not to planned medical treatment or moving house.
- Declaration of pre-existing conditions: you must declare relevant medical conditions to avoid claim denial.
- Incident reporting: you must inform the insurer as soon as possible after an incident, such as a medical emergency or loss.
- Document submission: you need to provide receipts or official documents when making a claim, like booking confirmations or medical reports.
Watch out!
A common misunderstanding for Canadians is assuming their provincial health card offers full coverage across Canada. In reality, it only covers a fraction of costs out-of-province. Critical services like ambulance rides, prescriptions, or emergency dental work can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses without specific domestic insurance.
Why take out domestic travel insurance?
When travelling within Canada, medical emergencies or accidents can happen unexpectedly, and even a simple incident can lead to significant expenses. Without proper coverage, these costs are paid directly by the traveller and may impact your finances for years.
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% within policy limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually covered in full for emergencies |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, depending on your policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, depending on insurer and limits |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Usually 100% minus any deductible |
- Western Canada: $450 – $650
- Eastern Canada: $380 – $580
- Western Canada: $5,000 – $15,000
- Eastern Canada: $4,000 – $12,000
- Western Canada: $15,000 – $25,000
- Eastern Canada: $12,000 – $20,000
- Western Canada: $320 – $480
- Eastern Canada: $280 – $420
- Western Canada: $280 – $420
- Eastern Canada: $250 – $380
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, a domestic travel insurance policy can include trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, liability protection, emergency repatriation and services such as telemedicine consultations or emergency funds.
Good to know
Don't assume your provincial health plan has you covered across Canada. An out-of-province medical emergency can cost thousands. From ambulance fees to hospital stays, domestic travel insurance protects your finances. Chapka's assistance ensures you're covered from coast to coast.
How to choose the right domestic travel insurance
Coverage and reimbursement limits can vary considerably between domestic travel insurance plans, depending on conditions, traveler needs, and providers. Comparing criteria like limits, deductibles, geographic scope, and activity coverage helps travelers select the right protection for their journeys within Canada.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | Determines the maximum the insurer will pay in case of a claim | Opt for at least $1,000,000 total coverage, especially if traveling to provinces with higher healthcare costs. |
| 💲 Deductible | Out-of-pocket cost you must pay before coverage kicks in | Prefer policies with low or no deductible for emergency medical claims to avoid high expenses upfront. |
| 📝 Policy conditions | Defines when and how coverage applies | Read the fine print and make sure cancellation and delay coverage applies from the date of policy purchase. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Restrictions or price increases may apply for seniors or minors | Confirm that the policy covers children and adults equally, and check if age thresholds trigger higher premiums. |
| 👪 Traveller profile | Needs change if you travel alone, as a couple, or as a family | For families, seek policies covering all members under one contract to simplify claims and administration. |
| 📅 Trip duration | Coverage might be limited to certain trip lengths | Select a plan that matches your exact trip dates and consider annual coverage for frequent travel. |
| 🏞️ Geographic area | Some plans exclude specific provinces or territories | Always check that your itinerary, including remote or Indigenous communities, is fully covered by the policy. |
| 🏠 Existing coverage | Bank card or provincial plans might leave gaps when traveling outside your province | Review your home insurance and credit card benefits to avoid overlaps or gaps in reimbursement. |
| 🏂 Planned activities | Risky activities like skiing or hiking may be excluded without added coverage | Declare all activities in advance, and choose an insurer that offers options for adventure and winter sports. |
Do my current insurance policies cover domestic travel insurance?
It is normal to wonder if your existing coverage, like credit card insurance or your public health plan, could provide domestic travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Domestic travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP) | Almost Never | Emergency care in other provinces, hospital: up to $400/day. No coverage for baggage, trip cancellation, or extensive medical evacuation. | Travel insurance can cover up to $5,000,000 for medical, plus trip cancellation, baggage and 24/7 assistance outside your province. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Manulife) | Limited Coverage | Extended medical: up to $300,000, some ambulance fees. No baggage, trip cancellation, or comprehensive repatriation included. | Travel insurance adds coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage and emergencies up to $5,000,000 for domestic travellers. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, CIBC Classic Visa) | Never | Rarely any travel coverage, sometimes basic accident insurance: up to $10,000. No medical, repatriation, baggage, or trip cancellation cover. | Travel insurance guarantees high medical limits, delay and baggage protection, and trip cancellation up to $25,000 per trip. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Visa Infinite, Amex Gold) | Limited Coverage | Emergency medical: up to $1,000,000, trip interruption: up to $2,500, limited baggage. No comprehensive cancellation, remote evacuation, or sports coverage. | Travel insurance goes further with $5,000,000 or more in cover plus protection for winter sports, remote access and longer trips. |
No coverage for baggage, trip cancellation, or extensive medical evacuation.
No baggage, trip cancellation, or comprehensive repatriation included.
No medical, repatriation, baggage, or trip cancellation cover.
No comprehensive cancellation, remote evacuation, or sports coverage.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude trip interruption due to a relative's illness or death. Scrutinize your contract's conditions to prevent unexpected costs while travelling. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is generally not mandatory when travelling within Canada. However, there may be exceptions if travelling to remote provinces, territories, or for certain organized group activities where proof of insurance is required. Even when it's not required, it is strongly recommended as provincial health plans have limits outside your home province. For a family road trip from Quebec to British Columbia, coverage for an emergency hospital stay can be crucial.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
The best time to purchase domestic travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip and before your scheduled departure. Buying early ensures that you are protected if unforeseen events force you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Waiting until the last minute could leave you exposed, especially if you need to make a claim for trip cancellation or related incidents.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
First, compare different plans and prices using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions specific to domestic coverage to ensure it fits your needs. Then, purchase your chosen policy online through the insurer’s website. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate, usually by email, which you should keep for your records.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase domestic travel insurance after booking your trip, as long as you do so before departure. While you can sometimes buy coverage up to the day of travel, it's best to purchase as early as possible. This maximizes your protection, especially for cancellation or interruptions that occur before the trip begins.
How do I make a claim on my domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their specific procedures. You will typically need to provide your insurance certificate, details of your incident, and supporting documents like medical receipts or police reports. Claims can often be filed online or through a mobile app, making the process faster and more convenient.
Does domestic travel insurance cover high-risk activities like skiing or hiking?
Many domestic travel insurance policies include coverage for recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, but it is important to check the policy details. Some plans may exclude high-risk or extreme sports, or offer lower coverage limits for these activities. Always confirm what activities are included before purchasing your policy.
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is generally not mandatory when travelling within Canada. However, there may be exceptions if travelling to remote provinces, territories, or for certain organized group activities where proof of insurance is required. Even when it's not required, it is strongly recommended as provincial health plans have limits outside your home province. For a family road trip from Quebec to British Columbia, coverage for an emergency hospital stay can be crucial.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
The best time to purchase domestic travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip and before your scheduled departure. Buying early ensures that you are protected if unforeseen events force you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Waiting until the last minute could leave you exposed, especially if you need to make a claim for trip cancellation or related incidents.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
First, compare different plans and prices using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions specific to domestic coverage to ensure it fits your needs. Then, purchase your chosen policy online through the insurer’s website. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate, usually by email, which you should keep for your records.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase domestic travel insurance after booking your trip, as long as you do so before departure. While you can sometimes buy coverage up to the day of travel, it's best to purchase as early as possible. This maximizes your protection, especially for cancellation or interruptions that occur before the trip begins.
How do I make a claim on my domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their specific procedures. You will typically need to provide your insurance certificate, details of your incident, and supporting documents like medical receipts or police reports. Claims can often be filed online or through a mobile app, making the process faster and more convenient.
Does domestic travel insurance cover high-risk activities like skiing or hiking?
Many domestic travel insurance policies include coverage for recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, but it is important to check the policy details. Some plans may exclude high-risk or extreme sports, or offer lower coverage limits for these activities. Always confirm what activities are included before purchasing your policy.
