Do you have all the facts about getting the best travel insurance Canada?
Traveling outside of Canada, even for a day to the United States, requires that you protect yourself with Canada’s best travel insurance. It is absolutely critical for a whole lot of reasons, primary among which is to ensure that if you fall sick or injure yourself outside of your home province, you won’t have to face an enormous bill for health care.
There is a wide variety of travel medical insurance in Canada from some great travel insurance companies but it really pays to shop around! As a frequent traveler, I have tried some of the best travel insurance for Canadians available.
As an enthusiastic researcher of all things travel-related, I have accrued a large amount of knowledge about the different options available for travel health insurance Canada.
I’ve been lucky enough to only need to use travelers insurance Canada a couple of times in my life and only for relatively minor issues. People I know haven’t been as lucky though! Everything from lost luggage, missing souvenirs and missed flights to sudden illnesses and broken limbs – I’ve heard all the stories about travel insurance for Canadians !
The vagaries and travails of life don’t stop just because you’re away from home. Some might consider that Murphy’s Law applies ;-), because sometimes bad things can happen at the worst possible time. It definitely pays to be prepared with the best and most comprehensive Canadian travel insurance you can get.
This article is the synthesis of all the research I’ve done to compare the best travel insurance policies available to Canadians. Make sure you educate yourself and are familiar with the terms and conditions of the policy you purchase.
TL:DR: Click here to go directly to my favourite travel insurance provider for a quote.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for support – it means a lot!
Best Travel Insurance for Canadians Reviews
Table of Contents
World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel insurance plans company founded by travelers, for travelers. Endorsed by both National Geographic and Lonely Planet, World Nomads is trusted the world over. It has a great social giving program that I love and is the only travel insurance provider I know that allows you to purchase insurance after you’ve left on your trip!
The prices for World Nomads insurance are very competitive, and this insurance is a favourite of backpackers.
One of the few drawbacks of World Nomads for travel insurance is that they will not cover people over the age of 70. If you’re a Canadian senior looking for the best travel medical insurance Canada, check out my comprehensive article especially for Canadian seniors.
World Nomads provides not only emergency medical treatment while traveling but also provides coverage for emergency dental treatment, non-medical emergency evacuation (such as in the case of political or civil unrest), accidental death and dismemberment, lost or stolen goods, and trip cancellation, interruption or delay.
This great travel insurance provider offers an excellent 24-hour number you can call for help, advise and referral to medical professionals. World Nomads is a great travel insurance in Canada.
Travel insurance for Canada: simple & flexible
Reviews – World Nomads travel insurance
You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. Canadian travel health insurance from World Nomadsis available to people from over 130 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
7 things you should know about buying travel insurance from World Nomads:
- Trusted reliable underwriters
World Nomads is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurers who provide you with great cover, 24 hour emergency assistance and the highest levels of support and claims management when you need it most. - Value for money with the cover you need
Canada travel health insurance from World Nomadsprovides cover for what’s important for travelers from over 130 countries. By focusing on what you need and leaving out what you don’t, World Nomads prices are some of the most competitive online. - Flexibility when you need it most
Had a change of plans? You can buy more Canada travel medical insurance or claim online while you are still away. You can even buy a World Nomads policy if you’re already travelling. - Cover for a range of adventure activities
From skiing & snowboarding in New Zealand to whitewater rafting in Colorado, World Nomads covers a range of adventure activities, giving you peace of mind to get the most from your travels. - World Nomads keeps you travelling safely
All World Nomads members have access to up-to-date travel safety alerts, as well as travel safety advice and tips online through the World Nomads Travel Safety Hub. - More than just great value travel insurance
All World Nomads members can learn the local lingo through a series of iPod & iPhone Language Guides and can stay in touch with family and friends with an online travel journal. - Commitment to exceptional customer service
World Nomads want to make sure you get the most travel health insurance for Canada. You can find out more about why travel insurance is important for your trip. If you have any questions about your travel insurance or travel safety in general, please contact World Nomads directly.
You can use the widget below to look up the best travel health insurance Canada that is right for you (or just click here to go to their website directly):
Best Canadian Travel Insurance – TuGo
For more than 50 years, TuGO has been in the business of helping millions of travelers have better experiences. As a Canadian company of long standing, TuGo is a reliable choice for Canadians in the market for Canadian travel medical insurance.
TuGo’s dedication to travelers, partners and employees has made the company one of the top travel medical insurance for Canadians providers and a Gold Standard, Canada’s Best Managed Company.
TuGo’s customer service team speaks 29 languages and is licensed to helped travelers when they need it most. This is really important to me, as Canada is such a multi-cultural country – not everyone speaks English, especially when they’re experiencing a stressful moment while traveling!
Canadian medical travel insurance claims at TuGo’s dedicated assistance and coordination is available 24-hours-a-day to handle emergency medical situations anywhere in the world. TuGo provides ISO 9001 certified claims service, meaning it adheres to quality standards and works toward continuous improvements in the areas of service provided.
TuGo is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility. TuGo’s policy influences its business strategies and operations, and promotes ethical decisions and actions.
TuGo provides some of the best travel insurance in Canada.
Canadian Snowbird Travel Insurance – Multi-trip Annual Insurance
I have used TuGo for my travel health insurance for Canadians needs several times with excellent results. I’ve always been very happy with the quality of service provided by TuGo. As a Canadian, I feel good about choosing TuGo – I like supporting a Canadian company.
I choose TuGo for my multi-trip annual travel insurance. As a Canadian resident that lives close to the US border, it is very easy for me to cross the border into the USA without really thinking too much about it.
Health Insurance for Canadians in USA
A couple of years ago on a motorcycle ride with friends just across the border, several riders were involved in an accident that left them with injuries requiring hospitalization. Thankfully they were ok (just a few broken bones) but they ended up owing thousands of dollars in medical bills.
That incident really woke me up to the necessity of getting an annual travel insurance policy to cover short trips across the border. Choosing multi-trip insurance saves me time and money and gives me peace of mind. Your time is valuable, and without a multi-trip annual plan, you you’ll avoid having to apply for insurance every time you travel.
4 reasons to choose TuGo:
- Comprehensive emergency medical protection
If you go to a hospital or clinic while away, you want comprehensive coverage. Your provincial health plan isn’t enough! If you need medical assistance while on your trip, call Claims at TuGo, who will coordinate with medical staff to get you the best treatment possible. - Simple eligibility requirements
It’s quick and easy to qualify, with no medical questions if you’re 59 or younger. If you’re 60+, TuGo’s Medical Health Questionnaire is straight-forward, with only 5 questions! - Competitive pre-existing condition coverage
Unstable pre-existing conditions are a major reason claims aren’t paid out. Age, trip length and the stability of your condition before leaving on the trip are all factors which impact coverage. TuGo has the right coverage for your needs. - Claims at TuGo
Claims at TuGo deals with the details, so you don’t have to. You’ll have access to a renowned Claims team, with 24/7 emergency assistance. They’ll help coordinate treatment and arrange further assistance, anywhere in the world.
Cheap Travel Insurance Canada – Kanetix Insurance
Sometimes the best way to get the bet travel insurance in Canada (inexpensively) is via an insurance aggregator like Kanetix.
If you’re not able to find a policy that’s right for your from World Nomads or TuGo, try Kanetix. Kanetix is a great Canadian insurance aggregator that allows you to compare insurance quotes from companies like TourMed, Blue Cross, AIG Travel Guard and many more.
Click the banner below to generate a quote from a variety of travel insurance providers and see if you can find something that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian Travel Insurance
Why Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
Your Canadian health insurance is unlikely to pay your medical fees while you are outside Canada. Further, your provincial or territorial health plan may cover none, or only a small part of the costs of your medical care abroad and it will never pay your medical bills up front.
Foreign hospitals can be very expensive and may require immediate cash payment before treatment is provided. In some countries hospitals and clinics will not treat you if you do not have enough insurance or money to pay your bills.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
It’s important that you know what you’re purchasing when you’re considering travel medical insurance. You should verify that the medical insurance has provisions for:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (if this is a consideration for you)
- Flight cancellation,
- Trip interruption insurance,
- Lost luggage
- Document replacement
- Medical evacuation, and
- Repatriation in case of death
If you’re traveling to a politically unstable area or to an area that even has a chance of political instability, check whether the policy has non-medical emergency evacuation.
If you’re engaging in physically challenging or slightly risky activities during your travels, insure that your policy will cover injuries that may potentially result.
You should carefully verify the terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions of your insurance policy before you leave on your trip.
When assessing a travel insurance plan, consider the following:
- Is there a deductible, and how much is it? Plans with 100-percent coverage are more expensive but may save money in the long run.
- Does the medical coverage plan provide continuous coverage for the length of your stay abroad?
- Is it for a single trip or multiple trips?
- Does the plan exclude or greatly limit coverage for certain regions or countries you may visit?
- Will it offer coverage that is renewable from abroad and for the maximum period of stay?
- Does the insurance cover existing medical conditions or pre-existing medical conditions?
- Will the company have an in-house, worldwide, 24-hour/7-day emergency contact number in English and/or translation services for health care providers in your destination country?
- Does it pay your bills or cash advances up front, so you don’t have to pay them?
What About the Coverage on Your Credit Card?
Travel insurance policies are a benefit of some credit cards. Carefully check your credit card’s fine print to make sure that the coverage offered is sufficient for your needs.
I would suggest you check the following elements:
- Must you pay for the whole trip on the same card or only part of it or a minimum?
- What is the maximum number of days covered for one trip?
- What is the maximum dollar amount that you’re covered for?
- Is there coverage for all medical services, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic, in an acute emergency?
- Does the credit card coverage apply to just you or for your family as well?
- Is there an age requirement for coverage?
- Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
- Is trip cancellation or interruption insurance included in the credit card coverage?
- Is ambulance or emergency air transportation included?
- Are you required to call the claims company after the emergency or before visiting the hospital?
Before relying on the travel insurance included with your credit card benefits, carefully review it to insure that it fits your needs. There are often exclusions or limitations that you should be aware of.
What About Government of Canada Travel Advisories?
Government of Canada travel advisories provide Canadians with official information and advice from the Government of Canada on situations that may affect their safety and well-being abroad.
They may include an advisory for a country or region where security conditions put Canadians at heightened risk. These advisories help Canadians make their own informed decisions in order to minimize risk while traveling abroad.
You should always check for travel advisories before you travel outside Canada. Travel advisories are continually updated and revised as required.
Check here for the most up to date list of travel advisories for Canadians.
You should be aware that your insurance company may not pay your medical claim if the Government of Canada has issued a Travel Advisory for your destination.
How to Make a Claim Against Your Travel Insurance
Make sure to bring your travel insurance claim documents with you, including the 24-hour number to call and the specific policy number assigned to you. Leave a copy of this information at home with a family member or friend as well and give a copy to your traveling companion.
If you need to seek medical attention, call your insurance provider first, if possible, to get approval for treatment.
Keep all documentation and receipts. Take photos as back ups.
In the event of claims for lost luggage, contact the airline first and make efforts to resolve the problem with them. Report all events of theft to local law enforcement.
How to you insure your trip and your health when you travel? What do you think are the best Canadian travel insurance companies?
Pin it for later!
About Author
Lesley
See author's posts
Tags: insurance
