Is GMS travel insurance the best in 2023?
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Visiting another country or province without travel insurance can be a costly mistake. Indeed, did you know that an overnight stay in a hospital in the United States can exceed $14,000 CAD? Some countries might even refuse to help you if you are unable to prepay for treatment.
It is not fun to think about, but travel insurance is a necessity when you are away from home. It guarantees your ability to get and pay for health care, if and when you need it. Beyond medical emergencies, travel insurance can also help with flight issues and lost luggage, amongst other things.
That being said, what to think about GMS travel insurance in Canana? What coverage is GMS providing? For what price? What are its pros and cons? Read our review on GMS's medical travel insurance, get a quote, and see how the competitors fare.
Our 2023 review of GMS travel insurance
Group Medical Services (GMS) is a non-profit health and travel insurance provider, covering a vast range of medical costs that government and other private benefit plans do not.
GMS was founded in 1949 in Saskatchewan and now offers services across Canada.
See below GMS's travel insurance pros and cons:
Why GMS could be right for you:
A trust health insurance brand
Discounts on Trip Cancellation Coverage and Companions when bundles with Emergency Medical Coverage
Easy to use website for online applications and inquiries
Include up to 6 dependant children under 16 for free
Why GMS may not be right for you:
Medical expenses related to a positice Covid-19 diagnosis are limited to $500,000, less than some competitors.
TravelStar Trip Cancellation Plans suspended at the time of review
Student plans suspended at the time of review
Before choosing GMS travel insurance, compare options and quotes. A little shopping around can help you to save money and find a coverage that really fits your needs:
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!
What does GMS travel insurance cover?
GMS travel insurance covers medical emergencies and general medical issues like addiction and substance abuse. They also offer baggage protection and travel interruption benefits. Here are the main plans with GMS travel insurance:
TravelStar Emergency Medical Coverage
The TravelStar Emergency Medical Coverage falls under two plans (the Single Trip and the Annual Multi-Trip plans). It offers coverage reaching up to $5 million for medical emergencies particularly outside your province. An additional $500,000 covers COVID-19 related issues. In the case of a critical medical emergency, there is an added $20,000 to cater for remote evacuation.
TravelStar Single Trip Plan
Asides emergency medical coverage reaching up to $5 million, the TravelStar Single Trip plan offers free coverage for dependents or kids under the age of 16. Coverage can be easily extended after subscription has expired. Baggage protection coverage reaches up to $1,500 per person
TravelStar Multi-Trip Annual Plan
The TravelStar Multi-Trip Annual plan offers coverage reaching up to $5 million for trips taken throughout a policy year. GMS travel insurance also pays reasonable and customary expenses which are in excess. Coverage for personal effect against loss, theft or damage has a max of $1,500. Children under 16 are freely insured.
For more information on GMS travel insurance, download the PDF below:
Visitors to Canada can purchase GMS travel insurance.
| Plan name | TravelStar Single Trip Plan | TravelStar Multi-Trip Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | up to $5 million | up to $5 million |
| Baggage | up to $1,500 | up to $1,500 |
| Cancellation | ||
| Interruption | ||
| Covid-19 | up to $500,000 | up to $500,000 |
Good to know
Most credit cards offer some king of travel coverage. It rarely is as covering as a travel plan purchased with a private insurance company.
How much does a travel insurance with GMS cost?
The cost of travel insurance coverage with GMS depends on several variables:
- Your age.
- Your desired coverage and otpions.
- Your deductible.
- Your waiting period.
- Your destination(s).
- The lenght of your trip.
Therefore, we advise you to get a customized quote for an accurate rates for GMS travel insurance.
Before settling on GMS travel insurance, check out other travel insurance plans, coverages and prices using our free comparison tool below:
Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!
How to purchase a travel insurance plan with GMS?
You can purchase a GMS health and travel insurance online, through their website, or by contacting the following phone number: 1-800-667-3699.
How to file a travel insurance claim with GMS?
GMS travel insurance allows you to file your claims on their website. Their call channel 1-800-459-6604 is also available for filing claim or requesting assistance.
Claims from Saskatchewan residents can be mailed to:
Group Medical Services
2055 Albert Street PO Box 1949
Regina, SK S4P 0E3 CANADA
Claims from other resdents of Canada can be sent to:
(Claims insured within Canada)
Group Medical Services
2055 Albert Street PO Box 1949
Regina, SK CANADA S4P 0EC
(Claims incurred outside Canada):
Allianz Global Assistance
PO Box 277
Waterloo, ON CANADA N2J 4A4
Does GMS cover Covid-19-related travelling issues?
GMS travel insurance now offers coverage for COVID-19-related emergencies. Timely updates are made available online concerning hotspots, and potential travel interruption.
How can I contact GMS travel insurance?
GMS Travel Insurance can be contacted via their website or the toll-free number: 1-800-667-3699
