- The Best group Travel Insurance Plans
- What is group travel insurance?
- The price of group travel insurance
- What Group Travel Insurance Covers
- The conditions of group travel insurance
- Why take out group travel insurance?
- How to choose the right group travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover group travel insurance?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
group travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Group travel insurance offers a single policy for multiple people, simplifying administration and often reducing individual costs.
2. Price: For a one-week trip to Europe, expect to pay between $60 and $110 CAD per person.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans (OHIP, RAMQ) and credit cards offer very limited coverage for travel medical emergencies abroad.
5. Tips: Ensure medical and evacuation limits are high, and verify coverage for all planned activities and destinations.
6. Other useful info: For school groups, check for specific benefits like chaperone replacement and enhanced liability coverage for minors.
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 group travel insurance.
The Best group Travel Insurance Plans
Here you will find a selection of the best options for group travel insurance in Canada. These plans are recognized for their high coverage limits, low deductibles, and clear simplified terms for group travellers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1,000,000 | $0 | • Very high medical limits. • No deductible on medical claims. • Quick online quote and purchase. • Worldwide 24/7 emergency support. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1,000,000 | $0 | • Telemedicine included. • 24/7 multilingual assistance. • Covers special activities. • Flexible terms for group leaders. |
| Tourist Card | $220,000 | $0 | • Fast claim handling. • Coverage for trip cancellation. • Emergency family assistance. • Friendly for youth and school groups. |
| World Travel | $1,000,000 | $75 | • Includes psychological support. • Covers lost passports. • Good for sports or adventure. • Option for long stay. |
| Globe Partner | $430,000 | $0 | • No upfront payment needed. • Supports pre-existing conditions. • Good for students or academics. |
| Globe Traveller | $750,000 | $0 | • Long maximum trip length. • Allows for flexible extensions. • Multi-currency claims supported. |
• No deductible on medical claims.
• Quick online quote and purchase.
• Worldwide 24/7 emergency support.
• 24/7 multilingual assistance.
• Covers special activities.
• Flexible terms for group leaders.
• Coverage for trip cancellation.
• Emergency family assistance.
• Friendly for youth and school groups.
• Covers lost passports.
• Good for sports or adventure.
• Option for long stay.
• Supports pre-existing conditions.
• Good for students or academics.
• Allows for flexible extensions.
• Multi-currency claims supported.
The best group travel insurance choice will depend on your individual situation. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that fits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is group travel insurance?
Group travel insurance is a policy that provides unified travel coverage for a group of people, usually ten or more, travelling together on the same itinerary.
It is designed to make managing travel protection easier and more cost-effective, offering consistent benefits such as emergency medical care, trip cancellation, baggage protection, and personal liability, all in a single contract for the group.
Unlike individual or family plans, group travel insurance features collective pricing, eligibility requirements, and administrative simplicity appropriate for organizations, schools, or teams.
This insurance is sometimes offered as an optional add-on to standard travel insurance products.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where purchasing group travel insurance is especially relevant for travellers from Canada:
- For school, college, or university trips with multiple students abroad.
- When a company sends multiple employees on a business trip.
- For sports teams or clubs travelling together for a competition.
- With volunteer or non-profit groups on a mission or project.
- For large family or friend groups travelling for a special event.
- To simplify insurance management for the designated group leader.
- To ensure all members have consistent and uniform travel protection.
The price of group travel insurance
On average, group travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4 days in Toronto with a school group | $900 | $25 to $50 |
| 7 days in Paris with a corporate team | $2,200 | $65 to $120 |
| 2 weeks volunteering in Thailand | $2,800 | $85 to $160 |
| 10-day Rockies tour with a youth club | $1,600 | $45 to $90 |
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 group travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips generally cost more per person.
- destination: countries with higher medical costs or increased risk lead to higher premiums.
- age and health of travelers: older travelers or those with pre-existing conditions may pay more.
- level of coverage: plans with higher medical limits, lower deductibles, or added options such as sports cover will increase the price.
- group size: larger groups may benefit from group discounts, reducing the per-person cost.
What Group Travel Insurance Covers
Group travel insurance is designed for people travelling together as part of an organized group. It offers a uniform set of protections for all members and is especially useful for school, corporate, or volunteer trips.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 📝 Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable costs if you cancel for a covered reason before leaving Canada. | A minimum of $2,000 per person with no deductible over $50 is best practice. Events already known, change of mind, and visa refusal are typically excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft, or damage of your luggage during the trip. | At least $1,000 cover is recommended. Do not accept a deductible above $50. Unattended baggage and high-value items left unsecured are excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care, hospitalization, and ambulance costs abroad. | No less than $1M per person, ideally $5M. Deductible should not exceed $100. Ongoing treatments, high-risk sports, and pre-existing conditions are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for return to Canada if medically necessary after injury or illness abroad. | Coverage should be unlimited or at least $250,000 with no deductible. Insurer’s approval is usually required. Refusal by medical team and voluntary returns are not covered. |
| 🦷 Dental emergency | Pays for urgent dental care caused by an accident during the trip. | A minimum of $500 is appropriate, deductible kept below $50. Routine dental care and ongoing dental issues are not covered. |
| 🧳 Travel delay | Compensation if travel is delayed for reasons outside your control. | Seek at least $100 after 4 hours' delay. No deductible advised. Delays under 4 hours and unconfirmed reasons are usually excluded. |
| 🛡️ Personal liability | Covers accidental injury to others or damage to their property while abroad. | Minimum $1M recommended, deductible under $100. Damage to family or group property and intentional acts are usually excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays for lawyer fees or bail if you face legal trouble overseas. | Minimum cover of $3,000 for legal expenses. Bail of $7,500 is wise. Alcohol-related or criminal acts are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Recovers lost costs if you need to cut your trip short for a covered emergency. | At least $1,000 is recommended. Avoid high deductibles. Trips cut short for minor or voluntary reasons are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Accidental death or injury | Pays a lump sum for accidental death or permanent disability during the trip. | At least $25,000 cover is good. There should be no deductible. Risks from war, suicide, or intoxication are excluded. |
Events already known, change of mind, and visa refusal are typically excluded.
Do not accept a deductible above $50.
Unattended baggage and high-value items left unsecured are excluded.
Deductible should not exceed $100.
Ongoing treatments, high-risk sports, and pre-existing conditions are excluded.
Insurer’s approval is usually required.
Refusal by medical team and voluntary returns are not covered.
Routine dental care and ongoing dental issues are not covered.
No deductible advised.
Delays under 4 hours and unconfirmed reasons are usually excluded.
Damage to family or group property and intentional acts are usually excluded.
Bail of $7,500 is wise.
Alcohol-related or criminal acts are excluded.
Avoid high deductibles.
Trips cut short for minor or voluntary reasons are excluded.
There should be no deductible.
Risks from war, suicide, or intoxication are 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 group travel insurance best suited to your group and trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of group travel insurance
To activate your group travel insurance and make your coverage effective, several main application conditions must be met.
- Minimum group size: most insurers require at least 10 people enrolled together on the same policy.
- Common travel dates: all insured members must travel together, on the same dates, for the policy duration.
- Single booking: the trip must be organized and booked as a group, not as linked individual trips.
- Residency requirement: all group members must be residents of Canada at the time of purchase.
- No ongoing travel: the policy must be purchased before anyone in the group leaves Canada.
- Full payment of premium: payment for the total group must be made in advance for coverage to begin.
- Accurate member information: each participant’s name, age, and details must be provided correctly at the time of application.
- Trip purpose limits: coverage is usually valid only for leisure, study, volunteering, or recognized events, not for paid work or business activities.
Watch out!
A common myth with group travel insurance is that one policy covers everyone equally. In reality, an individual’s pre-existing medical condition can void their coverage if it doesn't meet the policy's stability clause. Each member must verify their personal eligibility to avoid unexpected gaps in protection.
Why take out group travel insurance?
While travelling as a group, unexpected health problems can lead to significant expenses, especially in countries with high medical costs.
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 policy |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, subject to policy limits |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Usually 100%, after any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Often 50% to 80% of actual charges |
| Repatriation for medical reasons |
| Up to 100% if medically necessary |
- Europe: $400 to $600
- North America: $1,000 to $1,500
- Asia: $200 to $350
- Europe: $350 to $500
- North America: $1,000 to $1,800
- Asia: $150 to $250
- Europe: $300 to $500
- North America: $900 to $1,400
- Asia: $120 to $200
- Europe: $350 to $800
- North America: $1,100 to $2,000
- Asia: $180 to $400
- Europe: $15,000 to $30,000
- North America: $40,000 to $50,000
- Asia: $18,000 to $25,000
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.
In addition to medical protection, group travel insurance often includes useful options: trip cancellation, interruption or delay, lost or stolen baggage, civil liability, repatriation and 24/7 assistance services that support the whole group while travelling.
Good to know
Provincial plans won't cover you fully abroad. A single emergency can derail the trip for everyone. Group insurance protects against high medical bills and trip cancellations at a discounted rate. A policy like Cap Group ensures everyone travels with peace of mind, from start to finish.
How to choose the right group travel insurance
Coverage limits, policy conditions and reimbursement rules vary widely among group travel insurance offers. That is why it is essential to compare key criteria to find policies that match the needs and makeup of your group.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | If limits are too low, some group members could face expensive uncovered bills for emergencies abroad. | Select at least $1,000,000 emergency medical coverage for every participant, regardless of group size. |
| 📉 Deductible | Deductibles can impact how much individuals pay up front if they claim. | Opt for low or zero deductibles so no participant faces a large personal bill following a claim. |
| 📄 Group eligibility | Policies often require a minimum group size and may exclude certain members (age, relationship). | Check eligibility requirements and ensure all your group members qualify before purchase. |
| 👨👩👦 Group profile | Needs differ if your group consists of children, seniors or combines multiple families or organizations. | Choose policies offering tailored benefits, like child escort, leader replacement, or special group administration. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some plans only cover single trips or limit the length of coverage for a group policy. | For longer or recurring journeys, look for extended group plans or annual options to save money and ensure cover. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Prices and protections vary for travel to Europe, the USA, Asia or within Canada. | Confirm that all planned destinations are covered, including any stopovers or multi-country itineraries. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Members’ personal insurance or bank cards might have some overlap or limitations. | Ask each participant about their current insurance so you can fill any gaps and avoid duplicate coverage. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Risk sports, volunteering or school trips might be excluded unless declared to the insurer. | Always declare all activities, such as sports, volunteering or teaching, to secure valid protection for the group. |
| 🔍 Price and offer comparison | Not all group policies offer the same value, even if premiums look similar at first glance. | Use online comparison tools to check coverage details, premium levels and admin support for group leaders. |
Do my current insurance policies cover group travel insurance?
It is reasonable to ask if your current insurance, such as credit card benefits or public health coverage, can provide you with group travel insurance, but unfortunately, this is usually not the case.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Group travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ, MSP, etc.) | Never | Pays limited emergency medical costs abroad, often only up to $400 per day. No repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, or liability is included. Guaranteed amounts are much too low. | Travel insurance offers up to $10,000,000 for medical and repatriation plus cancellation and baggage coverage. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Blue Cross) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical and evacuation for travel, often up to $1,000,000–$5,000,000 per trip. No group trip cancellation, baggage, personal liability, or group accident coverage. | Travel insurance can add group trip cancellation up to $10,000 and liability up to $2,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (TD, RBC) | Never | May include emergency medical or baggage for individual short trips, limits rarely over $2,000 for trip delay, $1,000 baggage. No group coverage for medical, repatriation, or liability. | Travel insurance covers all group members with up to $1,000,000 medical and real group event coverage. |
| Premium credit card (CIBC Aventura, BMO World Elite) | Limited coverage | Individual emergency medical (up to $5,000,000 but usually short duration), trip interruption $2,500. No group trip cancellation, liability, or extended travel for group events. | Travel insurance adds group-wide cancellation, personal liability, higher baggage limits and coverage for all members. |
No repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, or liability is included. Guaranteed amounts are much too low.
No group trip cancellation, baggage, personal liability, or group accident coverage.
No group coverage for medical, repatriation, or liability.
No group trip cancellation, liability, or extended travel for group events.
Expert advice
Bank card and provincial health plans often exclude trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death. Read your policy conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is group travel insurance mandatory?
Group travel insurance is not always mandatory, but some countries or organizations may require it for entry or participation, especially for student or volunteer groups. Even when not required, having insurance is strongly recommended, for example on a school trip to the United States or Europe, where unexpected medical bills or trip cancellations can lead to significant expenses. Group insurance ensures all members are protected equally and helps avoid costly emergencies abroad.
When is it recommended to purchase group travel insurance?
It is recommended to purchase group travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed and deposits are paid. Buying early allows you to benefit from trip cancellation coverage immediately and ensures all group members are protected against unforeseen events before and during the journey. Coverage should be in place before any payments or bookings become non-refundable for maximum financial protection.
How do I purchase group travel insurance?
To purchase group travel insurance, start by comparing policies and prices through HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best plan for your group’s needs. Next, carefully check guarantees and exclusions, making sure the conditions are suitable for your group’s size and activities. Once a plan is chosen, complete the purchase online, and you will receive a certificate of insurance for immediate proof and protection.
Can I purchase group travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase group travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is best to buy as soon as possible to maximize coverage. Early purchase means you are protected against cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen events that could arise before departure. Some insurers may have restrictions on coverage if insurance is purchased close to the departure date, so check policy conditions.
How do I make a claim with group travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as possible, providing the policy number and all relevant details about the incident. Gather supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police statements if needed. Most insurers allow submission online or via a mobile app for faster processing. The group leader may be asked to coordinate the claim and communicate with all group members involved.
Does group travel insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemic-related disruptions?
Most modern group travel insurance policies include certain coverages related to COVID-19, such as emergency medical care, quarantine expenses, or trip cancellation/interruption due to illness. It is important to carefully review the policy details and any exclusions for pandemic events. Coverage levels and requirements can vary, so confirm with the insurer before purchasing to ensure the policy meets the needs of your group.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under group travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions varies by insurer and policy, and it may be excluded or require a stability period before travel. Some insurers offer limited protection or allow you to purchase optional coverage for such conditions. It is essential to declare all pre-existing conditions for each group member before purchasing insurance and to understand any restrictions that may apply.
Is group travel insurance mandatory?
Group travel insurance is not always mandatory, but some countries or organizations may require it for entry or participation, especially for student or volunteer groups. Even when not required, having insurance is strongly recommended, for example on a school trip to the United States or Europe, where unexpected medical bills or trip cancellations can lead to significant expenses. Group insurance ensures all members are protected equally and helps avoid costly emergencies abroad.
When is it recommended to purchase group travel insurance?
It is recommended to purchase group travel insurance as soon as your trip is confirmed and deposits are paid. Buying early allows you to benefit from trip cancellation coverage immediately and ensures all group members are protected against unforeseen events before and during the journey. Coverage should be in place before any payments or bookings become non-refundable for maximum financial protection.
How do I purchase group travel insurance?
To purchase group travel insurance, start by comparing policies and prices through HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best plan for your group’s needs. Next, carefully check guarantees and exclusions, making sure the conditions are suitable for your group’s size and activities. Once a plan is chosen, complete the purchase online, and you will receive a certificate of insurance for immediate proof and protection.
Can I purchase group travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase group travel insurance after booking your trip, but it is best to buy as soon as possible to maximize coverage. Early purchase means you are protected against cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen events that could arise before departure. Some insurers may have restrictions on coverage if insurance is purchased close to the departure date, so check policy conditions.
How do I make a claim with group travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims department as soon as possible, providing the policy number and all relevant details about the incident. Gather supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police statements if needed. Most insurers allow submission online or via a mobile app for faster processing. The group leader may be asked to coordinate the claim and communicate with all group members involved.
Does group travel insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemic-related disruptions?
Most modern group travel insurance policies include certain coverages related to COVID-19, such as emergency medical care, quarantine expenses, or trip cancellation/interruption due to illness. It is important to carefully review the policy details and any exclusions for pandemic events. Coverage levels and requirements can vary, so confirm with the insurer before purchasing to ensure the policy meets the needs of your group.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered under group travel insurance?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions varies by insurer and policy, and it may be excluded or require a stability period before travel. Some insurers offer limited protection or allow you to purchase optional coverage for such conditions. It is essential to declare all pre-existing conditions for each group member before purchasing insurance and to understand any restrictions that may apply.
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