Travel Insurance
Travel medical and trip protection for Canadian travellers. Build coverage around where you're going, how long you'll be away and the travel costs you want to protect.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is designed to help protect you from certain unexpected financial losses before or during a trip. Depending on the plan, coverage can focus on emergency medical expenses, non-refundable travel costs, baggage, delays and other eligible travel disruptions.
Your provincial or territorial health coverage may not pay the full cost of medical care outside your home province or outside Canada. A private travel medical plan can provide an additional layer of protection, subject to the policy's terms, limits and exclusions.
Build a plan around medical and trip risks.
Not every travel policy includes every benefit. Compare what is covered, the benefit limits, deductibles, exclusions and the circumstances that trigger coverage.
Emergency Medical
May cover eligible physician, hospital, ambulance, prescription and other emergency medical costs arising from a covered illness or injury while travelling.
Medical protectionTrip Cancellation
May reimburse eligible non-refundable prepaid travel costs if a covered unforeseen event forces you to cancel before departure.
Before departureTrip Interruption
May help with certain unused travel costs and additional transportation expenses when a covered event interrupts your trip after departure.
During the tripBaggage & Personal Effects
Some plans provide benefits for eligible baggage loss, damage, theft or delay, subject to item limits, documentation and exclusions.
BelongingsTravel Delay
Coverage may provide reimbursement for certain additional expenses when a covered delay meets the plan's required waiting period and conditions.
Travel disruptionEmergency Assistance
Many travel medical plans include an assistance centre that can help coordinate eligible care, provide guidance and support claims during an emergency.
Support abroadOne trip, many trips or a more specific travel need.
The right plan depends on how often you travel, how long you will be away and whether you need medical-only or broader trip protection.
A practical path to the right travel plan.
Start with the trip itself, then compare the policy details that matter most to you.
Share your trip details
Provide ages, home province, destinations, travel dates and the number of trips you expect to take.
Select the protection
Decide whether you need emergency medical only or want to add cancellation, interruption, baggage and other benefits.
Review eligibility & wording
Pay close attention to medical questions, stability periods, exclusions, deductibles, limits and sports or activity restrictions.
Travel with policy details
Keep your insurer's emergency assistance number and policy information accessible throughout your trip.
Travel insurance pricing reflects the traveller and the trip.
Premiums and eligibility can change based on several factors. Medical questions should be answered completely and accurately because incorrect information can affect coverage.
Pre-existing conditions need special attention.
A condition may need to meet a policy-defined stability period to qualify for coverage. Stability definitions differ between insurers, products and age groups, so never assume that one plan's rules apply to another.
Travel insurance checklist.
Good preparation makes the policy easier to use if something unexpected happens.
Know what to do during a travel emergency.
Policy procedures vary, but these steps can help protect both your health and your ability to document a claim.
In a life-threatening emergency, seek immediate medical attention. Your health and safety come first.
When possible, call the insurer's emergency assistance centre so it can guide eligible care and required procedures.
Save medical reports, invoices, receipts, police or carrier reports and other documents related to the event and claim.
Questions Canadian travellers ask.
These answers are general guidance. Your actual coverage is determined by the insurer's policy wording, eligibility rules, medical declarations, limits, deductibles and exclusions.
Ask a BrokerWhat does travel insurance usually cover?+
Depending on the plan, travel insurance can include emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, travel delays, accidental death and dismemberment benefits, and travel assistance services. Coverage, limits, exclusions and eligibility vary by insurer and plan.
Do Canadians need travel medical insurance when travelling outside Canada?+
Provincial or territorial health plans may pay only a limited portion of medical costs incurred outside your home province or outside Canada. Emergency treatment abroad can be expensive, so many travellers choose private travel medical coverage before departure.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?+
Some plans may cover stable pre-existing medical conditions, while others exclude them or apply a stability period. The definition of stable and the required period vary by insurer, age and plan, so review the policy wording and answer medical questions accurately.
What is the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption?+
Trip cancellation generally applies when a covered event forces you to cancel before departure. Trip interruption generally applies when a covered event disrupts a trip after it has started, potentially helping with eligible unused travel costs and additional transportation expenses.
When should I buy travel insurance?+
Travel medical coverage should be arranged before you leave. If you want trip cancellation protection, buying insurance soon after booking can be important because coverage applies only to eligible unforeseen events that occur after the policy is purchased.
Can I buy annual multi-trip travel insurance?+
Yes, many insurers offer annual or multi-trip plans for frequent travellers. These plans typically cover multiple trips during the policy year up to a selected maximum number of days per trip. Longer trips may require an extension or top-up.
Is travel insurance available for seniors?+
Travel insurance is available for many senior travellers, but eligibility, medical questionnaires, stability requirements, deductibles and premiums can vary by age and health history. A broker can help review suitable options.
Does travel insurance cover adventure activities or sports?+
Coverage depends on the activity and policy. Some plans exclude or restrict higher-risk sports, competitions, mountaineering, scuba diving or other adventure activities. Check the wording before participating or ask about specialized coverage.
What should I do if I have a medical emergency while travelling?+
If it is safe to do so, contact the insurer’s emergency assistance centre as soon as possible. In a life-threatening emergency, seek immediate medical care first. Keep policy details, receipts, reports and other documents that may be required for a claim.
What information is needed for a travel insurance quote?+
You may need the travellers’ ages, home province, destination, departure and return dates, trip cost, desired coverage, and sometimes medical information. Exact requirements vary by insurer and plan.
How do I get a quote?+
Start the guided quote and a licensed broker can review your needs.
Can coverage be customized?+
Yes. Final availability and pricing depend on insurer eligibility and underwriting.
Ready to protect your next trip?
Start a guided travel quote or connect with a Safex broker to review your destination, trip duration, medical needs and the travel costs you want to protect.