- The best Round-the-world travel insurance plans
- What is Round-the-world travel insurance?
- The price of Round-the-world travel insurance
- What is covered by Round-the-world travel insurance?
- The Conditions of Round-the-world Travel Insurance
- Why take out Round-the-world travel insurance?
- How to choose the right Round-the-world travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover Round-the-world travel insurance?
- FAQ
Round-the-world travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Round-the-world insurance is for long, multi-country trips, offering continuous coverage for your entire global adventure.
2. Price: A six-month policy can cost from $800 to $1,200 CAD, depending on age, destinations, and coverage.
3. Coverage: It typically covers major medical emergencies and repatriation but often excludes undeclared pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and provincial plans like OHIP/MSP offer very limited coverage, insufficient for long-term international travel.
5. Tips: Verify coverage for all destinations, options to extend your policy abroad, and adequate adventure sports coverage.
6. Other useful info: For Working Holiday Visas, ensure your policy covers work-related activities and meets the country's specific insurance requirements.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best Round-the-world travel insurance.
The best Round-the-world travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best Round-the-world travel insurance plans available for residents of Canada. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified conditions, providing comprehensive protection for global journeys.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0M CAD | 0 CAD |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 100,000 CAD | 0 CAD |
|
| Tourist Card | 500,000 CAD | 100 CAD |
|
| World Travel | 1.0M CAD | 0 CAD |
|
| Globe Partner | 500,000 CAD | 50 CAD |
|
| Globe Traveller | 500,000 CAD | 0 CAD |
|
- Trip extension option available.
- Fast claim processing available online.
- Includes coverage for sports and adventure activities.
- 24/7 travel assistance provided.
- Sports coverage included.
- 24/7 worldwide assistance.
- Repatriation included.
- Quick online claims system.
- Multi-country validity.
- Adventure and sports included.
- Emergency dental covered.
- Baggage protection included.
- No age restriction.
- Pre-existing conditions considered.
- Telemedicine services available.
- Coverage for political evacuation.
- Two-year coverage possible.
- Adventure sports included.
- Assistance in multiple languages.
- Online document management.
- Long-term trip coverage.
- Premium stability after age 60.
- Flexible start dates.
- Multilingual customer support.
The best Round-the-world 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 compareWhat is Round-the-world travel insurance?
Round-the-world travel insurance is a policy designed to protect Canadians taking an extended journey across multiple countries and continents over several months or up to two years.
It covers emergencies and unexpected events throughout your global trip, including during border crossings and long stopovers.
This is different from standard single-country travel insurance, which is limited to one destination or a short stay.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out Round-the-world travel insurance is especially important if you live in Canada:
- When your trip lasts for several months or up to a year.
- If you are visiting multiple countries across different continents.
- For travel exceeding your provincial or credit card plan's duration limits.
- When your itinerary includes countries with high healthcare costs.
- If you are travelling on a Working Holiday Visa program.
- When the trip involves adventure sports or high-risk activities.
- If you need the flexibility to return to Canada during your trip.
The price of Round-the-world travel insurance
On average, Round-the-world travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of the total price of the trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 6-month trip through Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe | $15,000 | $600 to $1,200 |
| 1-year journey across South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia | $20,000 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| 18-month circuit around the world including North America | $30,000 | $1,800 to $2,800 |
| 12-month digital nomad trip with remote work | $25,000 | $1,300 to $2,400 |
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 Round-the-world travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer coverage periods result in higher premiums.
- destinations visited: countries with expensive healthcare lead to increased insurance cost.
- traveler’s age: older travelers usually pay higher premiums.
- level of coverage: higher maximum limits and additional options such as adventure sports or electronics raise the price.
- pre-existing conditions: coverage that includes existing health issues typically costs more.
- planned activities: adding coverage for high-risk sports or work increases premiums.
What is covered by Round-the-world travel insurance?
Round-the-world travel insurance is intended for travellers planning extended trips across multiple countries and continents. It is designed to address the needs of people away from Canada for several months or more on a single trip. Policies often cover flexible durations and offer worldwide protection.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid costs if you cancel before leaving for a covered reason. | At least $2,500 cover is advisable, with a maximum deductible of $50. Cancellations for reasons like change of mind or work are usually excluded. |
| ⏰ Missed departure | Reimburses extra transport if you miss your departure for a valid reason. | Look for a minimum $250 cover, with no deductible. Not covered if you simply arrive late or lack proof of delay. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your trip. | Choose at least $1,500 cover, deductible should not exceed $50. Unattended items, ordinary wear, and limits on electronics are common exclusions. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Provides a fixed sum for delays to transport services during your trip. | Minimum $100 after a 4-hour delay, no deductible expected. Delays without documentation or under 4 hours are excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency medical treatment outside Canada. | Select at least $1,000,000 cover, and keep the deductible under $100. Routine care, ongoing treatments, and pre-existing conditions are generally excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Key guarantee. Covers repatriation or emergency evacuation to hospital. | Should be unlimited or at least $1,000,000, deductible under $100. Evacuation not arranged by the insurer and non-medical requests are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Pays for urgent dental treatment due to accident or emergency. | At least $1,000 cover, deductible should be below $30. Routine and cosmetic dental care are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Protects if you cause injury or property damage to someone outside Canada. | Look for a minimum of $1,000,000 and deductible below $100. Damage to owned or rented property and intentional acts are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused travel costs if you cut your trip short due to a covered event. | A minimum $1,000 cover is recommended, avoid high deductibles. Interruptions for minor or personal reasons are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Pays for lawyer’s fees or bail if needed abroad. | At least $3,000 for legal fees, $7,500 for bail. Incidents involving alcohol, drugs, or intentional lawbreaking are excluded. |
Cancellations for reasons like change of mind or work are usually excluded.
Not covered if you simply arrive late or lack proof of delay.
Unattended items, ordinary wear, and limits on electronics are common exclusions.
Delays without documentation or under 4 hours are excluded.
Routine care, ongoing treatments, and pre-existing conditions are generally excluded.
Evacuation not arranged by the insurer and non-medical requests are excluded.
Routine and cosmetic dental care are excluded.
Damage to owned or rented property and intentional acts are not covered.
Interruptions for minor or personal reasons are not covered.
Incidents involving alcohol, drugs, or intentional lawbreaking 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 Round-the-world travel insurance best suited to your trip and situation, compare plans on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of Round-the-world Travel Insurance
To activate your Round-the-world travel insurance and keep it valid throughout your journey, several key requirements must be met.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of Canada when you purchase the policy.
- Timing of subscription: you must buy the insurance before you begin your Round-the-world trip and leave Canada.
- Trip duration compliance: your journey must not exceed the maximum policy duration allowed, typically 6 to 24 months.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be travelling abroad at the time you purchase the insurance.
- Coverage territory: you must verify your destinations are included, as coverage may exclude certain countries or regions.
- Declaration of activities: you must inform the insurer in advance about any planned high-risk activities, such as adventure sports or volunteering.
- Incident notification: you must promptly notify the insurer in case of medical emergency, theft, or changes to your itinerary.
- Return visit limitations: returns to Canada during your trip may be limited or excluded unless specified by the policy.
Watch out!
A critical misunderstanding for Canadians is that you can buy round-the-world insurance after starting your trip. Most policies must be purchased *before* you leave your home province. Waiting until you’re abroad often means you cannot get coverage, leaving you unprotected for your entire global adventure.
Why take out Round-the-world travel insurance?
When you travel around the world, unexpected medical expenses can arise in any country and quickly become very expensive.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $5,000,000 per trip, depending on the plan |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100% if medically required and urgent |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $5,000,000 according to policy |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100% within the covered limits |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Usually 100%, subject to excess |
- Europe: $400 to $600 CAD
- North America: $800 to $1,200 CAD
- Asia: $150 to $300 CAD
- Europe: $10,000 to $20,000 CAD
- North America: $25,000 to $50,000 CAD
- Asia: $8,000 to $25,000 CAD
- Europe: $8,000 to $12,000 CAD
- North America: $15,000 to $25,000 CAD
- Asia: $3,000 to $6,000 CAD
- Europe: $300 to $500 CAD
- North America: $600 to $900 CAD
- Asia: $100 to $250 CAD
- Europe: $200 to $400 CAD
- North America: $500 to $800 CAD
- Asia: $80 to $200 CAD
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 costs, Round-the-world travel insurance can include many other useful protections: trip cancellation, baggage loss or delay, personal liability, repatriation assistance, teleconsultation services and emergency advance funds.
Good to know
Your provincial plan won't cover a broken arm in Europe or an emergency in Asia. Avoid thousands in unexpected medical bills with one policy for your entire trip. A plan like Chapka's ensures you're protected everywhere, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
How to choose the right Round-the-world travel insurance
Not all Round-the-world travel insurance policies provide the same level of protection or reimbursement limits. It is important to compare the criteria that directly impact your trip, such as duration, covered activities, and exclusions, before choosing a policy.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Medical emergencies and trip changes abroad can result in very high costs. | Choose at least $1,000,000 coverage for medical and evacuation, or higher for global trips. |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount you pay yourself before the insurer reimburses you. | Select a realistic deductible that you are comfortable paying in any country. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Rules on coverage extensions, country exclusions, or waiting periods can affect you. | Always read the general conditions for long trips, extension options and home visits. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums may be much higher or coverage limited for seniors, especially on long journeys. | Check if age restrictions or extra premiums apply to your situation before buying. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some plans only cover up to 6 or 12 months, or have restrictions for longer stays. | Confirm your planned trip fits within the maximum duration offered by your chosen policy. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Some countries or regions are excluded, limiting your route flexibility. | Make sure your itinerary is included and high-risk or remote areas are not excluded. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank card/employee plans rarely cover extended or global trips. | Carefully review what is already covered and fill gaps with a dedicated Round-the-world plan. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports or certain work activities may not be included by default. | List all planned sports and working holiday activities to ensure proper coverage. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Fast signup and online management are essential when travelling for months across regions. | Favour policies that allow easy online subscription and real-time claims tracking. |
Do my current insurance policies cover Round-the-world travel insurance?
It is understandable to wonder if your current insurances such as credit cards or public health insurance can provide adequate Round-the-world travel insurance, but unfortunately this is usually not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Round-the-world travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ) | Never | Medical care abroad: up to $400/day hospital, $50 doctor. No repatriation, evacuation, baggage or trip cancellation, long-term stay limit. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $5,000,000 for medical, evacuation, cancellation, and electronics. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Manulife Financial) | Almost Never | Medical emergencies: up to $1,000,000–$2,000,000, short duration only. No long-term, adventure sports, trip interruption, or worldwide coverage. | Travel insurance provides up to $5,000,000, cancellation, baggage, and high-risk activity cover. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Rewards Visa, TD Rewards Visa) | Never | Emergency medical: up to $100,000–$1,000,000, max 15–31 days. No global or long-stay protection, repatriation or baggage guarantees. | Travel insurance covers global trips up to 2 years, repatriation, electronics, and sports. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Avion Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite) | Limited coverage | Medical: up to $2,000,000, limited trip length, some baggage and delay. No multi-month, cancellation, or high-value electronics coverage. | Travel insurance allows longer trips, higher limits, evacuation, and covers electronics up to $7,500. |
No repatriation, evacuation, baggage or trip cancellation, long-term stay limit.
No long-term, adventure sports, trip interruption, or worldwide coverage.
No global or long-stay protection, repatriation or baggage guarantees.
No multi-month, cancellation, or high-value electronics coverage.
Expert advice
Your Canadian bank card or provincial health plan may not cover trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is Round-the-world travel insurance mandatory?
Round-the-world travel insurance is not mandatory by Canadian law, but it is often required by certain countries for visa issuance, especially in Europe and Asia. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended; for instance, if you suffer a medical emergency in the USA or Australia, out-of-pocket costs can quickly reach tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
It is best to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance as soon as you begin confirming your itinerary or make your first bookings. Buying early ensures you are protected against trip cancellations, pre-departure illnesses, and sudden events. Coverage only starts from the policy effective date, so plan ahead for continuous protection.
How do I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
First, compare different policies specialized for long journeys using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, as Round-the-world trips have unique conditions. Complete your purchase online and receive your insurance certificate quickly by email, often within minutes.
Can I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after my trip has started?
Some insurers allow you to purchase Round-the-world coverage after you have departed, but there may be a waiting period before benefits begin. It is safer and more comprehensive to arrange your policy before departure to avoid any coverage gaps, especially for medical or cancellation protection.
How do I make a claim on Round-the-world travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as an incident occurs using their 24/7 emergency assistance hotline or online claim portal. You will be asked for supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police statements. Efficient claims processing is a feature of many Round-the-world insurers, which is important for long-term travelers.
Does Round-the-world travel insurance cover adventure sports or high-risk activities?
Many Round-the-world policies include some level of adventure sports coverage, but always check if your planned activities—like scuba diving, trekking, or skiing—are included. Limits vary, and some activities may require add-ons or specific approval. Detailed disclosure of your plans when applying helps ensure you have adequate protection.
Can I extend or change my Round-the-world insurance coverage while abroad?
Most specialized Round-the-world insurers offer flexible extension options if your trip is prolonged. You can often manage extensions or change coverage online or through a mobile app, but you must request changes before your original policy expires. Always confirm the specific rules and any waiting periods with your insurer.
Is Round-the-world travel insurance mandatory?
Round-the-world travel insurance is not mandatory by Canadian law, but it is often required by certain countries for visa issuance, especially in Europe and Asia. Even where it is not required, it is strongly recommended; for instance, if you suffer a medical emergency in the USA or Australia, out-of-pocket costs can quickly reach tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
It is best to purchase Round-the-world travel insurance as soon as you begin confirming your itinerary or make your first bookings. Buying early ensures you are protected against trip cancellations, pre-departure illnesses, and sudden events. Coverage only starts from the policy effective date, so plan ahead for continuous protection.
How do I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance?
First, compare different policies specialized for long journeys using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, as Round-the-world trips have unique conditions. Complete your purchase online and receive your insurance certificate quickly by email, often within minutes.
Can I purchase Round-the-world travel insurance after my trip has started?
Some insurers allow you to purchase Round-the-world coverage after you have departed, but there may be a waiting period before benefits begin. It is safer and more comprehensive to arrange your policy before departure to avoid any coverage gaps, especially for medical or cancellation protection.
How do I make a claim on Round-the-world travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as an incident occurs using their 24/7 emergency assistance hotline or online claim portal. You will be asked for supporting documents such as receipts, medical reports, or police statements. Efficient claims processing is a feature of many Round-the-world insurers, which is important for long-term travelers.
Does Round-the-world travel insurance cover adventure sports or high-risk activities?
Many Round-the-world policies include some level of adventure sports coverage, but always check if your planned activities—like scuba diving, trekking, or skiing—are included. Limits vary, and some activities may require add-ons or specific approval. Detailed disclosure of your plans when applying helps ensure you have adequate protection.
Can I extend or change my Round-the-world insurance coverage while abroad?
Most specialized Round-the-world insurers offer flexible extension options if your trip is prolonged. You can often manage extensions or change coverage online or through a mobile app, but you must request changes before your original policy expires. Always confirm the specific rules and any waiting periods with your insurer.
