- The best multi trip travel insurance plans
- Multi Trip Travel Insurance Explained
- The Cost of multi trip Travel Insurance
- What multi trip travel insurance covers
- The conditions of multi trip travel insurance
- Why take out multi trip travel insurance?
- How to choose the right multi trip travel insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover multi trip travel insurance?
- FAQ
multi trip travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Multi-trip insurance covers all your journeys within a year, making it ideal for frequent Canadian travellers.
2. Price: An annual plan for multiple trips can range from $200 to $500 CAD or more.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation, but often excludes unstable pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial health plans and credit cards offer very limited coverage, especially for medical costs and trip duration.
5. Tips: Verify individual trip duration limits and the stability period required for any pre-existing medical conditions.
6. Other useful info: “Snowbirds” should seek policies with longer trip durations, as standard annual plans are often limited.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best multi-trip travel insurance.
The best multi trip travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best multi trip travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada. These contracts are among the best due to their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions that provide effective protection for frequent travelers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $5M | $100 | • Trip cancellation covered. • Pre-existing conditions included. • 24/7 medical teleconsultation. • Direct billing at hospitals. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $2M | $100 | • Mobile doctor app access. • Support line available 24/7. • Hotel and pet coverage during emergencies. • Stability of premiums. |
| Tourist Card | $0.5M | $250, $500 for USA/Canada | • Same-day refund for claims. • Flexible cancellation terms. • Assistance with legal matters. • Support for digital workers. |
| World Travel | $1M (USA/Canada), $0.7M (other) | $150 | • Quarantine accommodation covered. • Mental health support. • Rapid replacement of lost passport. • Evacuation from political unrest. |
| Globe Partner | $0.7M | $100 | • Low-cost for younger adults. • No paperwork for signup. • Track claims by email. |
| Globe Traveller | $2M | $100 | • Covers up to 12 months per trip. • Premium remains stable after age 60. • Assistance in several languages. |
• Pre-existing conditions included.
• 24/7 medical teleconsultation.
• Direct billing at hospitals.
• Support line available 24/7.
• Hotel and pet coverage during emergencies.
• Stability of premiums.
• Flexible cancellation terms.
• Assistance with legal matters.
• Support for digital workers.
• Mental health support.
• Rapid replacement of lost passport.
• Evacuation from political unrest.
• No paperwork for signup.
• Track claims by email.
• Premium remains stable after age 60.
• Assistance in several languages.
The best multi trip travel insurance may vary depending on your 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 compareMulti Trip Travel Insurance Explained
Multi trip travel insurance is an annual policy that covers unlimited trips within a 12-month period, usually with a per-trip duration limit. It provides financial protection for each journey, including medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and travel delays.
This plan is ideal for Canadians who travel frequently, such as business travelers or families, as it saves money compared to buying single-trip policies.
Multi trip insurance is sometimes called annual travel insurance and is different from single-trip coverage, which protects one specific trip only.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where purchasing multi-trip travel insurance is especially relevant if you live in Canada:
- when you plan two or more trips abroad within one year
- for frequent, short trips to the United States for any reason
- if your work requires you to travel multiple times per year
- when you enjoy taking spontaneous or last-minute getaways throughout the year
- for "snowbirds" who also take other trips besides their long stay
- to supplement credit card plans with longer trip duration coverage
- to cover gaps left by your provincial health plan outside Canada
The Cost of multi trip Travel Insurance
On average, multi trip travel insurance costs between 200 CA$ and 1,200 CA$ annually, depending on travel patterns and coverage level.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4 business trips per year to the United States | 8,000 CA$ | 180 CA$ to 300 CA$ |
| 3 family vacations (Europe, Caribbean, Mexico) in one year | 18,000 CA$ | 350 CA$ to 600 CA$ |
| 6-month snowbird stay plus two short trips to Florida | 22,000 CA$ | 800 CA$ to 1,200 CA$ |
| Round-the-world adventure: multiple 30-day trips | 15,000 CA$ | 600 CA$ to 900 CA$ |
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 multi trip travel insurance depends on several factors:
- number and length of trips: more frequent or longer trips increase the annual premium.
- destinations: travel to countries with high healthcare costs, such as the United States, leads to higher pricing.
- traveller’s age: older travellers or those with pre-existing medical conditions often pay more.
- level of coverage: higher limits, broader benefits or low deductibles raise the cost.
- additional options: including sports, business, or family coverage can also increase the annual price.
What multi trip travel insurance covers
Multi trip travel insurance is a policy that covers multiple journeys throughout a year, each with a set maximum duration.
It is aimed at Canadians who travel several times per year, offering ongoing coverage for all qualifying trips within the policy period.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of prepaid costs if you cancel a covered trip before departure. | Choose at least 1,500 CA$ per trip and keep the deductible under 50 CA$. Excludes cancellations for a change of mind or unproven reasons. |
| 🛫 Missed departure | Pays for extra transport if you miss your flight for a covered reason. | We recommend 250 CA$ or more with no deductible. Not covered if late by your own fault or if no official proof is given. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if checked baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged while travelling. | Minimum 1,000 CA$ per claim and deductible under 30 CA$. Items left unattended or expensive items often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays a fixed amount for major delays during flights or connecting transport. | Look for at least 100 CA$ per 4-hour delay, no deductible. Not valid for delays under 4 hours or if documentation is missing. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Covers emergency healthcare during your trips abroad. | 1M CA$ per claim is a minimum, with no more than 50 CA$ deductible. Chronic disease treatments and routine care excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Organised transport for urgent medical repatriation. | Should be unlimited or at least 1M CA$ and managed by the insurer. Non-emergency return home or refusal by insurer are not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers urgent dental procedures during travel. | 500 CA$ or more is advised and deductible should not exceed 30 CA$. Routine dental care and ongoing dental issues are often excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Protection if you accidentally injure someone or damage property when travelling. | At least 500,000 CA$ cover with 100 CA$ max deductible. Damages to family and rented items are commonly excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Pays for essentials if your checked bag arrives late at destination. | 150 CA$ after 24 hours, with no deductible. Delays under 24 hours or missing receipts are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Provides refunds for unused travel services if you have to return early. | Have at least 1,000 CA$ cover for this, and avoid high deductibles. Voluntary or minor interruptions are not covered. |
Excludes cancellations for a change of mind or unproven reasons.
Not covered if late by your own fault or if no official proof is given.
Items left unattended or expensive items often excluded.
Not valid for delays under 4 hours or if documentation is missing.
Chronic disease treatments and routine care excluded.
Non-emergency return home or refusal by insurer are not covered.
Routine dental care and ongoing dental issues are often excluded.
Damages to family and rented items are commonly excluded.
Delays under 24 hours or missing receipts are not covered.
Voluntary or minor interruptions 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 multi trip travel insurance best suited to your travel habits and profile, compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of multi trip travel insurance
Multi trip travel insurance in Canada is subject to key eligibility and usage requirements. Here are the main conditions commonly applied by insurers:
- Residency status: you must be a resident or citizen of Canada at the time you purchase the policy.
- Purchase timing: you are required to buy the policy before departing on your first trip covered by the contract.
- Trip duration limits: each trip within the policy year must not exceed the maximum duration stated, such as 30 or 60 days per trip.
- Return to Canada: you need to return to Canada between trips or as indicated by policy terms for coverage to reset for each journey.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot purchase a new multi trip policy while already travelling outside of Canada.
- Incident notification: you must notify the insurer as soon as possible in the event of an emergency, loss, or claim during any trip.
- Documentation for claims: required supporting documents such as receipts, medical certificates, or loss reports must be provided for all claims.
- Destination restrictions: travel to destinations under a Government of Canada “avoid all travel” advisory is almost always excluded from coverage.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming an “annual” policy covers any trip length. Most multi-trip plans for Canadians have a strict maximum duration per trip (e.g., 30 days). Exceeding this limit, even by one day, can void coverage for the entire trip, not just the extra days.
Why take out multi trip travel insurance?
Frequent travel throughout the year exposes you to recurring medical and financial risks, with potential bills from even minor incidents adding up quickly while abroad.
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%, subject to policy limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually 100% if medically justified and authorized |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, as defined by plan terms |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Often up to 100%, after deductible |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, subject to deductible |
- Europe: $800 CA
- North America: $2,500 CA
- Asia: $400 CA
- Europe: $50,000 CA
- North America: $150,000 CA
- Asia: $30,000 CA
- Europe: $15,000 CA
- North America: $45,000 CA
- Asia: $8,000 CA
- Europe: $600 CA
- North America: $1,800 CA
- Asia: $300 CA
- Europe: $400 CA
- North America: $1,200 CA
- Asia: $200 CA
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.
Multi trip travel insurance can also cover other important risks such as trip cancellation or interruption, delayed or lost luggage, personal liability abroad, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 access to assistance services.
While travelling, even a minor health issue can quickly lead to high expenses, especially outside Europe. Without insurance, these costs are entirely your responsibility and can far exceed the price of your trip.
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%, subject to policy limits |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually 100% if medically justified and authorized |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, as defined by plan terms |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Often up to 100%, after deductible |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to 100%, subject to deductible |
- Europe: $800 CA
- North America: $2,500 CA
- Asia: $400 CA
- Europe: $50,000 CA
- North America: $150,000 CA
- Asia: $30,000 CA
- Europe: $15,000 CA
- North America: $45,000 CA
- Asia: $8,000 CA
- Europe: $600 CA
- North America: $1,800 CA
- Asia: $300 CA
- Europe: $400 CA
- North America: $1,200 CA
- Asia: $200 CA
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.
Multi trip travel insurance can also cover other important risks such as trip cancellation or interruption, delayed or lost luggage, personal liability abroad, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 access to assistance services.
Good to know
Provincial health plans barely cover you abroad. A multi-trip policy offers continuous, high-limit medical protection for all your travels. Whether it's a US weekend or a longer vacation, a plan from an insurer like AVA means you're always covered without the last-minute hassle.
How to choose the right multi trip travel insurance
Coverage limits, reimbursement amounts and policy conditions for multi trip travel insurance can differ greatly from one provider to another. It is important to understand the criteria that matter most to make an informed and cost-effective choice for your needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Reimbursement limits | Low medical limits may not cover large hospital or evacuation expenses abroad. | Choose minimum $2M in medical coverage for each trip, $5M preferred for the United States. |
| 💲 Deductible | High deductibles can add unexpected out-of-pocket expenses each trip. | Opt for deductible of $250 or less per claim for better affordability on multiple trips. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Conditions can affect eligibility, duration, and how your claims are handled. | Confirm maximum trip length per journey matches your typical trip duration before purchasing. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age affects pricing and eligibility, especially if you are a senior traveler. | Check if senior travelers face higher premiums or age-specific exclusions in the policy wording. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Coverage needs differ for families, couples, business travelers and solo adults. | Seek family or group plans if traveling with others, as these may offer better value and benefits. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Many insurers set maximum trip lengths per journey, often from 30 to 90 days. | For long or "snowbird" trips, choose a plan offering the longest possible individual trip duration. |
| 🌎 Geographic area | Coverage regions impact cost and eligibility for care in different countries. | Ensure all destinations you plan to visit are included, especially USA and countries with high costs. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Some activities like skiing or business travel may not be covered. | Declare adventure or business activities in advance to avoid exclusions during your trips. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Online management and renewal can make multi trip policies easier to use. | Choose an insurer with simple online processes for policy updates, renewals and claims. |
Do your current insurance policies cover multi trip travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can offer you a multi trip travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Multi trip travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, MSP) | Never | Only emergency medical abroad up to $400/day hospital, $50 doctor. Does not cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, flight delays, or extended stays. | Travel insurance provides up to $10M medical coverage, plus cancellation, lost baggage, and travel delay benefits. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life) | Almost Never | Limited emergency medical, often $1M-$5M, few other benefits. No coverage for trip cancellation, baggage, trip delays, or long travel duration needs. | Travel insurance includes trip interruptions, cancellations, lost baggage, and medical, with maximums up to $10M. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Visa Classic, BMO Mastercard) | Almost Never | Medical up to $1M per trip under 15-31 days, rarely baggage or cancellation. No annual coverage for multiple long trips, evacuation, or non-medical emergencies. | Travel insurance covers all trips for one year, with higher limits, evacuation, and more guarantees up to $10M. |
| Premium credit card (TD Aeroplan Infinite, CIBC Aventura) | Limited coverage | Medical up to $2M, some trip cancellation $1,500-$2,500, short trips only. Pre-existing conditions, long trips, and broad trip interruption are often not covered. | Travel insurance offers longer trip limits, wider medical coverage, and protection for cancellations, delays up to $10M. |
Does not cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, flight delays, or extended stays.
No coverage for trip cancellation, baggage, trip delays, or long travel duration needs.
No annual coverage for multiple long trips, evacuation, or non-medical emergencies.
Pre-existing conditions, long trips, and broad trip interruption are often not covered.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance often exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Read your policy's fine print carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is multi trip travel insurance mandatory?
Multi trip travel insurance is not mandatory for most international destinations, but some countries—such as Cuba or those requiring a visa—make valid travel insurance obligatory upon entry. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended, especially for trips involving costly healthcare destinations or multiple journeys. For example, needing emergency treatment during repeated business trips to the US could lead to significant expenses without proper coverage.
When is it recommended to purchase multi trip travel insurance?
The best time to purchase multi trip travel insurance is before the start of your first trip in the policy year. Buying early ensures that cancellation and pre-departure benefits are active, protecting your travel investments if you need to cancel unexpectedly. It also means you are protected for all spontaneous trips that arise later in the year.
How do I purchase multi trip travel insurance?
To purchase multi trip travel insurance, start by comparing available plans—consider using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully review guarantees and exclusions specific to multi trip plans, then complete your purchase securely online. Once payment is processed, you will promptly receive your insurance certificate by email, confirming your coverage.
Can I purchase multi trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase multi trip travel insurance after you have booked your travel, as long as you buy it before departing on your first trip. However, early purchase is advised to maximize your eligibility for trip cancellation and interruption benefits, which only apply once your policy is active.
How do I make a claim on my multi trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims centre or use the provider’s online claims portal. You will usually need to complete a form, submit supporting documents such as receipts or medical reports, and wait for your claim to be processed. Claims are typically reviewed and paid within a few business weeks.
Does multi trip travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many multi trip travel insurance plans either exclude or limit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, unless you meet certain stability requirements. To ensure effective coverage, declare all conditions when applying and review if the policy offers a waiver or allows for add-on medical underwriting.
Are adventure sports included in standard multi trip travel insurance?
Many standard multi trip travel insurance policies exclude coverage for adventure or hazardous activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or mountain climbing. If you plan to participate in these activities, look for an add-on or select a plan that provides explicit adventure sports protection. Always review the list of covered and excluded activities.
Is multi trip travel insurance mandatory?
Multi trip travel insurance is not mandatory for most international destinations, but some countries—such as Cuba or those requiring a visa—make valid travel insurance obligatory upon entry. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended, especially for trips involving costly healthcare destinations or multiple journeys. For example, needing emergency treatment during repeated business trips to the US could lead to significant expenses without proper coverage.
When is it recommended to purchase multi trip travel insurance?
The best time to purchase multi trip travel insurance is before the start of your first trip in the policy year. Buying early ensures that cancellation and pre-departure benefits are active, protecting your travel investments if you need to cancel unexpectedly. It also means you are protected for all spontaneous trips that arise later in the year.
How do I purchase multi trip travel insurance?
To purchase multi trip travel insurance, start by comparing available plans—consider using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully review guarantees and exclusions specific to multi trip plans, then complete your purchase securely online. Once payment is processed, you will promptly receive your insurance certificate by email, confirming your coverage.
Can I purchase multi trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase multi trip travel insurance after you have booked your travel, as long as you buy it before departing on your first trip. However, early purchase is advised to maximize your eligibility for trip cancellation and interruption benefits, which only apply once your policy is active.
How do I make a claim on my multi trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s claims centre or use the provider’s online claims portal. You will usually need to complete a form, submit supporting documents such as receipts or medical reports, and wait for your claim to be processed. Claims are typically reviewed and paid within a few business weeks.
Does multi trip travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Many multi trip travel insurance plans either exclude or limit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, unless you meet certain stability requirements. To ensure effective coverage, declare all conditions when applying and review if the policy offers a waiver or allows for add-on medical underwriting.
Are adventure sports included in standard multi trip travel insurance?
Many standard multi trip travel insurance policies exclude coverage for adventure or hazardous activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or mountain climbing. If you plan to participate in these activities, look for an add-on or select a plan that provides explicit adventure sports protection. Always review the list of covered and excluded activities.
