Travel insurance: complete guide
Updated Aug 2026 · in-depth guide
Travel insurance protects against emergency medical costs outside your province — costs that provincial health plans only partially cover. For an annual multi-trip policy, most Canadians pay $200-500.
1. Why medical coverage matters
A hospital stay in the US can cost tens of thousands of dollars; even within Canada, out-of-province care is not fully covered by your home plan. Medical limits range from $1M to $10M.
Age is the single biggest pricing factor — premiums rise sharply after 65, and some providers require medical questionnaires for seniors.
2. Destinations change the price
Canada-only plans are cheapest, US coverage costs more, and worldwide (including US) is the highest tier. If you travel to the US at all, buy a plan that includes it.
Winter travellers (snowbirds) should look for extended-duration policies — standard multi-trip plans cap each trip at 15-30 days.
3. Annual multi-trip vs. single trip
If you travel 2+ times a year, annual multi-trip coverage is almost always cheaper and removes the "did I remember to buy insurance" problem.
Our calculator prices both single-trip (by day count) and annual multi-trip (by per-trip cap) plans by age, destination and coverage scope in real time.
4. Deductibles and waiting periods
Travel plans offer deductibles from $0 to $500 — a $250 deductible usually trims the premium noticeably. Some plans also apply a 48-hour waiting period after departure for new conditions.
Always declare pre-existing conditions accurately — undisclosed conditions are the #1 reason claims are denied.
5. Buying tips
Buy before departure, keep emergency contact numbers, and carry your policy card. Review the emergency-assistance process — 24/7 support matters when you are abroad.
Compare at least 3 carriers: definitions of "emergency", hospital limits and evacuation coverage differ more than the price.
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Deep dives
FAQ
Is provincial health insurance enough?＋
No. Out-of-province and out-of-country care is only partially reimbursed, and ambulance, evacuation and US hospital costs can be catastrophic without private travel insurance.
Do seniors pay a lot more?＋
Yes, rates rise sharply after 65 and again after 75. Seniors should compare providers and answer health questionnaires honestly to avoid denied claims.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?＋
Many plans cover stable pre-existing conditions if declared and stable for the required period (often 90-180 days). Undeclared conditions void the claim.