travel medical insurance outside canada

International travel medical insurance and travel protection

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With SafeTrip travel protection plans from UnitedHealthcare Global, you can set off on your next adventure prepared and ready for what comes your way — whether that’s medical, emergency or trip cancellation surprises. Choose the right SafeTrip travel medical insurance or travel protection plan for you, with plans that include medical coverage, trip cancellation, evacuation and other coverage options.

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What is international travel medical insurance?

International travel medical insurance is secondary emergency coverage for people who are leaving their home country and provides coverage while they are outside of their country, whether that’s for a trip, work outside the country, a volunteer trip or any other travel circumstance.  

What does international travel medical insurance cover?

International travel medical insurance typically offers benefits that cover emergency medical, dental and evacuation services. Some plans, like those with added travel protection benefits, cover specific travel-related circumstances, like trip cancellation, trip interruptions or lost baggage.

Why buy international travel medical insurance and travel protection? 

With travel medical insurance and travel protection, you’ll have coverage to help protect your financial investment — and your health and safety. It’s your ticket to help you travel with less stress. Some advantages of choosing travel medical and trip protection include:

Financial protection

Get reimbursement for missed connections, trip delays, cancellations, baggage loss and eligible covered non-refundable expenses 

Health coverage

Ensure you’re covered for medical emergencies and evacuation coupled with assistance coordinating arrangements and more 

Safety and security

Be sure you’re protected — many domestic health insurance plans may not cover medical emergencies while traveling abroad

Explore our top SafeTrip plans for travelers

Our travel protection plans offer flexible benefits for any voyage — from bucket-list trips to out-of-country work and more. These 3 plan choices include coverage for everything from trip delays and cancellations to unexpected health care needs and helpful details like destination profiles and evacuation coverage.

International Travel Medical Plus

Protect yourself with a combination plan that covers unexpected medical needs and unanticipated trip cancellations.

• No deductibles
• Trip cancellation, interruption, delay and baggage coverage
• Medical and security assistance
• Option to add Extreme Sports and Rental car coverage

International Travel Medical

Choose plan options with emergency medical insurance for travel off the beaten path — and anywhere else your trip may take you.

• Up to $1 million for medical expense limit
• Medical evacuation and medical assistance
• Option to add Extreme Sports coverage

Travel Protection

Be prepared by choosing a plan with backup for domestic U.S. trip cancellations, interruptions and delays.

• Full AD&D coverage
• Option to add Rental car coverage

Why choose SafeTrip Travel Medical Insurance from UnitedHealthcare Global?

24/7 support.

Get support from instant customer service, available in more than 100 languages

Global providers

Get connected to quality physicians, clinics and hospitals worldwide 

Around-the-world coverage

Explore coverage options available in more than 150 countries 

All-in-one service

Count on service all within our one company that brings you 45 years of experience

Frequently asked questions about international travel medical plans

Read on to learn more about why international travel medical plans may be right for you. 

Who should buy travel medical insurance?

If you’re traveling abroad, going on a business trip overseas or planning an expensive trip, travel insurance or travel protection may be a good choice for you. It’s a way to be better prepared for the possibility that your trip may be interrupted or canceled or if you experience a medical emergency while away.  It’s coverage that connects you with medical care, travel protection and more.

Nearly every traveler can benefit from the extra protection of travel medical insurance. Some in particular who may want to consider it include:

• Families with children
• Anyone visiting a country that speaks a different language
• Solo travelers
• Travelers to a remote location

What kind of travel insurance is right for me?

SafeTrip travel protection includes 3 plan options for you to choose from. The right plan for you will depend on your situation and the level of coverage that’s important to you.

International Travel Medical Plus is a combination protection plan including travel medical insurance and travel protection (including trip cancellation).

International Travel Medical Plus plans focus on coverage in the event your trip is cancelled or interrupted, but still includes eligible medical expense limits ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.

International Travel Medical provides emergency travel medical coverage including evacuation.

International Travel Medical plans are geared towards travelers who may want more robust medical coverage for unexpected accidents or sickness. These plans start at a minimum medical expense limit of $100,000 and allow for a maximum of $1,000,000.

• Travel Protection plans give you coverage if your trip is interrupted, delayed or cancelled in the U.S. — domestic travel only.

Does my health insurance work internationally?

Many health insurance plans do not cover you when you are out of the country. For those that do, the coverage is often limited and requires you to pay at the time of service, save receipts and file for reimbursement once you get home. 

In case of a medical or dental emergency while in another country, this could require you to spend a large amount of your own personal funds or charge significant amounts on credit cards while you are still traveling.

Travel medical insurance plans typically cover emergency medical and dental costs. Emergency transportation costs, such as ambulance or air lift, also are often covered, as are emergency evacuations that would get you from a remote location to appropriate medical care.

How much is travel insurance? ​

While travel insurance, or travel protection, is often more expensive than travel medical insurance, these plans give you the additional assurance that you are covered against the financial loss due to covered reasons under the policy. Travel protection costs are based on the total trip cost and can therefore vary by trip.  

Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, only covers you for any medical emergencies or medical evacuations and is often cheaper than the combined plans offering travel medical insurance and trip protection in one. 

How long before traveling should you get travel insurance?​

It is generally recommended to purchase travel insurance as soon as you have made any non-refundable payments towards your trip. This helps to ensure that you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise before your departure. A SafeTrip policy can be purchased as little as 24-hours or one full day prior to travel departure.

Are non-medical benefits available with travel medical insurance?

Even if you’re facing a non-medical challenge, UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip plans are here for you with support and assistance. You can call our 24/7 Emergency Response Center to assist with lost or stolen passports, legal referrals, translation services, emergency transfer of funds and a host of other non-medical problems. Please refer to your policy for details.

How do I make a claim if I have a travel medical plan?

If you currently have a SafeTrip plan and you need to make a claim, follow these simple steps:

• Visit CBP Connect
• Follow the instructions on screen

For additional questions:

Call:  1-877-693-8530

Email:  [email protected]

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Travel medical insurance

Key takeaways.

• Your usual health insurance may not cover you while you’re travelling.
• Travel medical insurance can help cover medical emergencies while you’re away.
• Travel medical insurance can be purchased as part of your other health coverage.

What is travel medical insurance?

When you travel outside of province or outside of Canada, the  health insurance coverage  you rely on when you’re at home (whether government or individual) may not cover you for accident or illness – and if you are covered, the amount may be much smaller.

This means that if you get hurt or become ill while you’re travelling, you’ll be responsible for any medical bills you incur. This can become very costly, very quickly, and some hospitals may even require upfront payment before they’ll treat you.

That’s where travel medical insurance comes in.

Travel medical insurance is different than trip cancellation insurance, which can cover the cost of your flight or hotel if you have to cancel.

When do you need travel medical insurance?

Anytime you’re leaving your province – even if it’s just for a day trip – you should consider getting travel medical insurance. This is because the second you cross that provincial border, you may no longer have the same coverage as you did at home. This means you need it when:

• You’re travelling outside your home province or territory 
• You’re travelling to the USA 
• You’re travelling internationally 

What do government health plans cover?

Canada has  13 provincial and territorial health plans  that provide basic health coverage to residents. What’s covered by these when you travel will depend on both where you live and where you’re travelling.

Travelling within Canada

In accordance with the  Canada Health Act Opens a new website in a new window  provinces and territories must extend medically necessary hospital and physician coverage to eligible residents when they travel outside that province or territory.

While specific cases may vary, this generally means that you can present an eligible health card when you receive treatment at a hospital or doctor’s office, and costs will be billed directly to your provincial or territorial plan.

This is to prevent Canadians potentially not being able to access medical care due to upfront costs, although in some cases, you may need to pay upfront for services and then claim reimbursement from your home provincial or territorial plan when you return.

Some health services, known as “additional benefits”, are usually not covered outside your home province or territory. Examples include:

• Ground or air ambulance services
• Prescription drug costs
• Dental care

If you’re planning to travel to a different province or territory, check your applicable  Ministry of Health website Opens a new website in a new window  to confirm what is and isn’t covered, and make sure to always carry your health card with you. Even if you’re travelling within the country, you may find it still makes sense to have some additional coverage in place.

Travelling outside of Canada

It is strongly recommended that when travelling outside of Canada, residents  have travel insurance prior to leaving Opens a new website in a new window .

This is because your provincial or territorial health insurance may not cover your medical bills while you’re outside Canada, or only cover a small portion of the total.

The Government never pays for medical bills outside of Canada upfront, meaning you’d need to pay for services at the time of treatment and then claim reimbursement.

Depending on where you’re travelling to and the type of medical assistance you need, this could potentially amount to hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Travel health insurance can help give you access to medical care in some countries where, if you’re unable to pay upfront, you may be denied treatment.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a  snowbird  or planning a special once-in-a-lifetime trip, buying travel insurance can help ensure that should something unexpected happen, you and your loved ones are able to receive the necessary medical treatment.

If you’re part of a Canada Life workplace benefit plan,  sign into your account  or speak to a health and wealth consultant to add travel medical insurance to your existing coverage. If you have personal health and dental coverage such as  Freedom to Choose , learn more about  adding travel insurance to your plan .

What does travel medical insurance cover?

It can vary between plans, but these are usually covered:

• Emergency care, like an injury or a sudden illness like heart attack or appendicitis
• Medical evacuation, either home to Canada or the nearest place with the right level of medical care
• Repatriation if you pass away
• Medical costs up to a maximum amount, which can vary depending on your plan 
• Pre-existing conditions, although pre-travel stability periods may apply

What doesn’t travel medical insurance cover?

Again, it varies but these are pretty standard exclusions:

• Injuries or death caused by high-risk activities, like skydiving or scuba diving
• Routine or elective care
• COVID-19, although some plans – like Canada Life’s Freedom to Choose™ health and dental insurance – may provide coverage 
• Certain destinations, particularly if the government has issued a travel advisory  

How do you get travel medical insurance?

There are a few different ways to get travel insurance:

• Your workplace or group benefits plan
• Your individual health and dental insurance plan, where it may be offered as additional coverage (For example,  Freedom to Choose  health and dental insurance allows you to purchase it as an add-on to your health insurance, often for just a few extra dollars a month)
• A credit card that includes travel insurance coverage
• A company offering single trip travel policies

What kinds of travel insurance can you get?

Annual or multi-trip medical insurance.

This can cover any trips you take over an entire year, and is a great choice for a frequent traveller

Single trip travel medical insurance

This is a plan that you buy for a specific time period, which means you’re only covered for the days on your policy

What's next?

• When you’re planning your next trip, make sure you’re covered for any health emergencies that aren’t covered by your usual insurance.
• If you have or are considering an individual health insurance plan, think about adding travel medical insurance as optional extra coverage.

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Why Travel Medical Insurance Is Essential

Updated: May 24, 2023, 6:18am

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What Is Travel Medical Insurance?

What are the different types of travel medical insurance policies, getting to a better location, what’s not covered by travel medical insurance, who needs travel medical insurance, how do i purchase travel medical insurance, how much does travel medical insurance cost, how much travel medical insurance should you have, why travel medical insurance is essential faqs.

No one wants to get sick while on vacation, and an illness or injury can be devastating during a trip.

Travel medical insurance is designed to help in these cases. It’s especially important if you’re travelling outside the country, where your provincial health plan may have limited or no coverage.

World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

On World Nomad’s Website

Emergency medical

$5 million, $10 million

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)

Baggage insurance (Maximum)

$1,000, $3,000

Travel medical insurance pays for emergency medical expenses during a trip. If you are travelling and have an unexpected illness, injury or medical condition that’s covered by your travel medical insurance, the plan will reimburse you, up to the plan limits.

Travel medical insurance pays “reasonable and customary” charges for bills such as:

• Ambulance service
• Doctor bills
• Hospital and operating room charges.
• X-rays, examinations, treatments, lab tests and anesthetics.
• Drugs and medicines.
• Dental care, but check for special limits on the dental payout, such as $2,000 or $4,000.

Generally, there are two forms of travel medical insurance:

• Stand-alone medical insurance plans: These plans cover emergency medical and dental expenses you incur while travelling. However, a stand-alone medical plan doesn’t include other travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation insurance or baggage coverage.
• As part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan: In addition to emergency medical benefits, a comprehensive travel insurance plan can package coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss and more. It’s the best way to cover a host of potential problems.

Travel medical insurance is for medical emergencies while travelling, like a sprained ankle while sightseeing. It does not cover non-emergency or elective procedures, such as an experimental medical treatment overseas.

When you’re buying travel medical insurance, it’s important to know the difference between coverage types.

Single-trip vs. Multi-trip

How often you travel in a calendar year could be the deciding factor between these two coverage types. Here’s the difference between the two.

• Single-trip coverage:  Single trip coverage begins when you leave your home and travel to your destination (or destinations) and ends when you return home. The plan covers you for the duration of your trip. For example, you could purchase a single-trip plan for a four week European vacation where you visit several different countries.
• Multi-trip coverage: Also known as annual travel insurance, this covers you for a calendar year and is good for travellers who take three or more trips per year. For example, you could take a trip to Italy, come home for several weeks, then travel to Germany, come home, then take off to Mexico.

Top-Up Medical Coverage

Say that your credit card provides 14 days of travel insurance, but your trip is 32 days long. Or that you originally planned to be away for 30 days, but then you decide to stay another two weeks. Some insurers allow you to “top up” your coverage for those additional days. Typically, there are conditions for buying Top-Up Medical coverage, namely:

• Your original insurance policy is still active.
• There are no changes to your health or medical condition since you first bought the policy.
• You haven’t made any claims.

Most travel plans include emergency medical evacuation as part of their medical coverage insurance. This pays for you to get to the nearest adequate medical facility, or even back home, depending on your condition. If you’re vacationing in a remote part of the world, this would be essential coverage to have.

Be aware of your travel insurance policy’s rules for evacuation. For example, most insurers require pre-approval for any medical evacuation. For example, Blue Cross will exclude any costs over $10,000 for emergency air evacuation to the nearest medical facility if the transfer was not pre-authorized and arranged by the insurer.

What’s covered and excluded by a travel medical insurance plan will depend on the travel insurance company. Here are some common exclusions.

Pre-existing conditions

How pre-existing conditions are covered will vary by travel insurance company, and one insurer might define a “pre-existing condition” differently than the next. Some insurance companies will take a look at your past medical history to determine if a condition was present during a period that could range from 90 days to one year ago, depending on the policy.

Your travel insurer will requires you to meet certain requirements before it will cover expenses due to a pre-existing medical condition. For example, Blue Cross will not pay out due to a pre-existing medical condition for anyone aged 54 and under who during the three months preceding the effective date of insurance coverage had:

• Any medical condition that is not stable (and each insurer has its own definition of “stable”).
• Any heart condition for which you have used nitroglycerine more than once in a seven-day period for chest pain.
• Any pulmonary condition for which you have been treated with home oxygen.

If you have a pre-existing condition, it’s critical to read the policy exclusions very carefully.

Intoxication and drug use

Travel medical insurance typically won’t cover emergency medical costs due to intoxication or drug use. For example, if you become intoxicated and fall off a balcony, your travel medical insurance won’t cover the cost of your injuries.

Dangerous activities

Some travel medical insurance policies won’t cover expenses that resulted from activities such as mountain climbing, skydiving or parasailing. If you plan to engage in activities like this, work with a travel insurance agent to compare adventure travel insurance plans to make sure your particular activities will be covered.

Other exclusions

Other typical exclusions to travel medical insurance include:

• Routine medical examinations, such as vaccinations or immunizations.
• Obesity or weight modification, such as intestinal bypass surgery.
• Cosmetic surgery
• Organ or tissue transplants.
• Corrective devices and medical appliances, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• Pregnancy, childbirth or related complications.

Even travellers in good health should have some form of travel medical insurance if they’re going outside Canada. (Some insurers, such as RBC Insurance, even offer Travel Within Canada packages.) According to Allianz Travel, the most common overseas medical emergencies their policyholders experience include:

• Fractures from falls.
• Cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
• Trauma from a motor vehicle accident.
• Pulmonary or respiratory problems, such as a collapsed lung.

If you don’t have the right coverage in place and you get injured or sick on your trip, you’ll be stuck paying medical bills out-of-pocket.

Senior travellers, especially, should make sure to have good medical benefits when travelling abroad.

While your provincial plan may provide some out of country coverage, the reimbursement amounts may be limited. For example, your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will only pay up to $400 per day for services provided in an operating room, coronary care unit, intensive care unit or neonatal or pediatric special care unit, and $200 per day for lower levels of care.

Before you buy a travel insurance policy, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Most travel insurance companies offer free quotes on their website. You can save time by visiting an insurance comparison website that compares quotes from multiple companies.

But price shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. The best travel insurance companies offer a solid range of coverage options at a fair price.

How much you pay for travel medical insurance depends on four primary factors:

• Trip duration
• Destination
• Coverage limit and deductible.

Keep in mind that travel medical insurance can also be part of or added to a comprehensive travel plan that includes other types of coverage, like trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance. The average cost of a comprehensive travel insurance plan will vary based on the cost of your trip, duration of trip, plan benefits selected and your age.

Common travel medical insurance coverage amounts are $5 million and $10 million, though RBC Travel Insurance offers unlimited.

It’s a good idea to select a plan with enough coverage based upon the type of trip you’re taking. For example, emergency medical evacuation from a cruise ship can start at $100,000.

If you’ve booked a trip with a tour operator, you may require a minimum amount of emergency medical and emergency medical evacuation insurance. For example, travellers booked with Adventure Canada require a minimum of $500,000 USD coverage person.

Do I need travel insurance if I already have health insurance?

If you are travelling outside of  Canada, consider buying travel medical insurance even with your provincial-based health plan. Many health plans won’t cover you outside of Canada or provide only limited global coverage. If you get sick or injured, you could be stuck paying for your medical expenses out-of-pocket.

How do I use travel medical insurance abroad?

If you have a medical emergency while travelling abroad, contact your travel insurance company for assistance. Travel insurance companies offer 24/7 global assistance hotlines to help travellers in emergencies, including coordinating medical treatment, language translation and arranging for transportation. Most travel insurers will not extend full coverage if you do not contact them before seeking medical attention. If you are unable to do so on your own, it’s important to have someone else act on your behalf.

Should I buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy or a stand-alone travel health plan?

If you want coverage for problems such as trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption and lost baggage, then look at comprehensive travel insurance plans.

If you only need travel medical coverage, it doesn’t make sense to spend money on coverage you won’t use and you can focus on medical-only plans.

Is travel health insurance ever required?

Some countries require travellers to provide proof of medical coverage before being granted entry, though this practice was much more prevalent during the height of the pandemic. Always check a country’s entry requirements before heading to the airport.

If your trip includes an organized tour, it’s a good idea to check with the tour operator to determine if they have any specific insurance requirements. And if you’re booked on a cruise, travel medical insurance is a must.

Does travel medical insurance cover COVID-19?

There are many travel medical plans available that include COVID-related medical expenses, and some, such as CIBC’s Travel Medical Insurance for COVID, are specifically designed to cover medical expenses related to treatment if you test positive during your trip. But since not all do, it’s important to verify COVID coverage before buying a plan if it’s a priority for you.

COVID medical coverage will typically fall under the limits of your plan’s travel medical insurance. It can cover any medical costs associated with contracting COVID during your trip, including doctor bills, medication and hospitalization.

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What is Canada's best travel health insurance (2024)?

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After saving for the trip you've long dreamed of, picture yourself strolling through the enchanting streets of a foreign city, when suddenly, a medical emergency pops up. It's a scenario none of us want to picture, but it can happen to any of us.

That's where travel health insurance comes in. Travel health insurance or travel medical insurance covers medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellations/interruptions , and related unforeseen events while traveling. But how do you get the perfect policy?

We take you through the best travel health insurance policies from top Canadian providers, and their pros and cons. You can use our comparator to compare multiple travel health insurances and get free personalized quotes so you can pick a policy that truly suits you best.

Best travel health insurance Canada plans

• CAA Travel Health Insurance: Unmatched 24/7 Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance
• RBC Travel Health Insurance: Direct Payment of Emergency Bills for Ultimate Convenience
• Blue Cross Travel Health Insurance: Limited Pre-Existing Condition Requirements
• Manulife Travel Health Insurance: Specialized Packages for Students, Traveling Canadians
• TD Travel Health Insurance: Up to $5 Million Medical Coverage for Added Security

Our top 5 travel health insurance plans for 2024

Caa travel health insurance canada: unmatched 24/7 virtual emergency medical assistance.

With over 115 years of experience, CAA has been a trusted source for Canadians' safety, mobility, and protection. They are known to advocate for road safety, offer diverse services like Roadside Assistance, and CAA travel health insurance , and serve over two million Members in South Central Ontario and Manitoba.

CAA provides both Single Trip and Multi-Trip Annual travel medical insurance with coverage of up to $5 million for medical repatriation, medical and dental emergencies and Covid-19-related medical care . There is also a single-trip medical Canada plan to protect you while traveling across the country.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of their policies overall.

Pros of CAA travel health insurance

• Multiple vacation packages ranging from a single trip to multi-trip travels
• CAA health insurance travel coverage up to $100,000
• 24/7 virtual emergency medical assistance is available
• Access to a vast network of healthcare providers

Cons of CAA travel health insurance

• Medical Questionnaire required for travelers above 60 years of age
• Coverage might include limitations with a maximum of 4-30 days per trip

RBC Travel Health Insurance Canada: Direct Payment of Emergency Bills for Ultimate Convenience

As the insurance arm of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), one of the world's largest banks, RBC provides diverse solutions, serving individuals, businesses, and groups in areas like life, home, auto, RBC travel health insurance , and more.

RBC offers a range of travel medical insurance plans to suit various needs. The Classic Medical Plan provides unlimited emergency medical coverage, direct payment of medical bills, and 24/7 global assistance for travelers aged 0-64, with no health questions and coverage for stable pre-existing conditions .

The TravelCare Medical Plan caters to travelers aged 65 and up, with similar benefits but a few health questions required, and coverage for pre-existing conditions based on the TravelCare category. There is also the 4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan for unlimited short trips for travelers aged 0-74 , with no medical questions and coverage for stable pre-existing conditions.

Here are its pros and cons.

• Essential coverage options for all ages, between 0-74
• Direct payment of emergency bills
• Family plan pricing is available
• Various plans including coverage for pre-existing conditions
• A maximum limit of $20,000 may be imposed without a valid government health coverage plan for the entire trip
• Direct billing does not guarantee that all medical expenses will be covered

Blue Cross Travel Health Insurance Canada: Limited Pre-Existing Condition Requirements

Blue Cross Travel Health Insurance offers comprehensive coverage and support for your well-being while traveling. With a focus on medical emergencies, hospital stays, and essential medical services , Blue Cross ensures you're protected no matter where your journey takes you.

This coverage includes protection for situations like injuries or illnesses during your trip. It also provides benefits for medical repatriation, paramedical services ($400), hospital allowance, emergency dental treatment ($2,000) , and pain relief due to dental issues, ensuring you have financial protection for unexpected health-related incidents while traveling.

• Free for kids medical insurance available
• Provides $10 Million travel insurance coverage with only a 7-day pre-existing condition stability requirement.
• Option to save an extra 10% as a member
• May not cover conditions when medications have been changed
• Potential limitations in coverage based on the destination of travel

Manulife Travel Health Insurance Canada: Specialized Packages for Students, Traveling Canadians

Manulife Travel Health Insurance serves as a prominent global financial services conglomerate, facilitating simplified decision-making and improved lifestyles for individuals. Operating under the name John Hancock in the U.S. and as Manulife internationally, the company offers a spectrum of financial guidance, insurance, wealth, and asset management solutions catering to individuals, groups, and institutions.

Manulife travel medical insurance also offers travel Emergency medical insurance for COVID-19 and related complications covered up to $5,000,000 if you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by a Health Canada-approved vaccine or for up to $1,000,000 for non-vaccinated policyholders.

• Packages available specific to students, traveling Canadians, and visitors to Canada
• Coverage of pre-existing conditions
• Up to $10 million in emergency medical benefits
• Medical questionnaire for those aged 60+
• If you are unable to call before seeking treatment you pay 20% of the expense out of pocket

You can now get a quote from Manulife Travel health insurance right here.

TD Travel Health Insurance Canada: Up to $5 Million Medical Coverage for Added Security

TD Insurance, a part of TD Bank Group, operates in the general insurance and life and health insurance sectors. They're a major player in home, auto, and critical illness insurance, ranking among the top groups in Canada. Their expertise extends to affinity marketing, collaborating with groups to offer insurance to members.

TD travel health Insurance is committed to transparently informing customers about compensation for licensed representatives through a disclosure document. Under its plans, it provides 24*7 medical assistance worldwide and up to $5,000,000 coverage in medical emergencies including physician's bills, diagnostic services, ambulance services, medical appliances, and even emergency return home.

Let's take a look at its pros and cons.

• Complimentary travel medical coverage for dependent child(ren) when two adults are covered under select family plans
• Medical coverage up $5 million on eligible costs
• Bedside companion benefit
• Fees (physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc.)
• Care for accidental dental injuries
• Fewer coverage options for single trips
• Limited to a maximum trip duration of up to 30 days

What is travel health insurance?

Travel health insurance or travel medical insurance covers medical expenses when you are outside your province or abroad. Your universal health insurance (provincial coverage like Ontario Health Insurance Plan or MSP in BC) may not fully cover accidents or illnesses that occur while traveling, leaving you responsible for potentially high medical bills.

Travel medical insurance is therefore designed to fill this gap and help you avoid unexpected financial burdens due to healthcare costs while traveling.

What is the difference between travel insurance and health insurance?

Travel insurance primarily covers trip-related issues like trip cancellation, luggage loss, and travel delays, safeguarding your travel investment and plans. In contrast, health insurance focuses on covering medical expenses within your home country (or province), ensuring access to healthcare services.

Travel health insurance, a subset of travel insurance, specifically addresses medical emergencies while traveling abroad, including unexpected illnesses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. It is crucial for international travel to ensure you have financial support and access to medical care during your trip. To ensure comprehensive coverage, it's advisable to have both travel insurance and travel health insurance especially when planning overseas trips.

What does travel health insurance cover?

Travel Health Insurance typically covers:

• Emergency Medical Treatment : Coverage for unexpected illness or injury requiring medical attention while traveling.
• Hospitalization : Expenses related to hospital stays, surgeries, and medical procedures.
• Medical Evacuation : Costs of transporting you to a medical facility if local facilities are inadequate.
• Prescription Medications : Reimbursement for necessary medications prescribed during your trip.
• Emergency Dental Care : Coverage for urgent dental treatments due to unforeseen accidents.
• Repatriation : Arrangements and expenses for returning your remains to your home country in case of death.
• Trip Interruption : Reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs if you need to return home due to covered reasons.
• Lost Luggage : Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal belongings.
• Trip Cancellation : Reimbursement for canceled trips due to covered reasons.
• Travel Assistance : Access to a 24/7 helpline for travel-related emergencies and information.

It's important to carefully review the specific policy details carefully, as coverage can vary between insurance providers and plans. If you'd like to explore the best travel health insurance options in Canada, you can do it right here using our comparator below. Compare multiple coverage and insurance companies and get tailor-made quotes in a few moments.

comparatorTitles.name

How much is travel health insurance ?

When considering the monthly premiums for your policy, several key factors come into play.

• Age : Younger travelers often pay lower premiums than older individuals.
• Duration of Travel : Longer trips may lead to higher insurance costs.
• Destination : Coverage costs can vary based on the country or region you're traveling to.
• Coverage Limits : Plans with higher coverage limits may come with higher premiums.
• Pre-existing Conditions : Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions can impact costs.

On average, premiums can range from a few dollars per day to more significant amounts for comprehensive coverage. However, it will also depend on your provider and your preferences.

So, how much does travel health insurance cost? The table below shows the premiums for different destinations to help you better understand the charges.

The costs mentioned are for more comprehensive packages while basic ones would be available for less than $100. Please note that these are just estimates, and actual travel insurance costs can vary widely based on the traveler's age, destination, travel duration, and pre-existing medical conditions . It is therefore essential to obtain a personalized quote to get an accurate cost estimate for your specific travel situation.

You don't have to look further to get quotes. Use our comparator tool below to compare coverages from the best providers and get free personalized travel health insurance quotes in no time.

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

How does travel health insurance work?

When you purchase travel health insurance, you're essentially buying a policy that provides financial protection against unforeseen medical expenses while traveling abroad. In case of a covered medical emergency, you can contact your insurance provider's 24/7 emergency assistance line for guidance on seeking medical care.

It is advisable to have your policy details and emergency contact information easily accessible during your trip.

Do you need health insurance for other Canadian provinces?

When traveling to another province in Canada, your government health insurance plan like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan or MSP in BC might not cover all medical expenses. While the Canada Health Act mandates coverage for emergency care within different provinces, each province has its own time limits for coverage.

In most cases, medical bills are directly sent to your home province, except for Quebec, where visitors may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. This is why it might be a good idea to get your private plan before you travel.

Do you need travel health insurance USA plans from Canada?

Travel health insurance from Canada to the USA is strongly recommended for several crucial reasons . Firstly, Canada's healthcare coverage does not extend to the United States, where healthcare costs are notoriously high. Without insurance, you could be left with exorbitant medical bills if you fall ill or have an accident while visiting.

Additionally, in emergencies, you might require costly medical evacuation, which travel health insurance can cover, particularly given that natural catastrophes like floods, cyclones, and wildfires are becoming far too common.

How to get travel health insurance?

• Research and Compare: Begin by researching reputable providers and comparing their policies. You can do this right here using the HelloSafe comparator.
• Select Your Coverage: Determine the type of coverage you need based on factors like your destination, trip duration, and specific requirements. Choose a policy that aligns with your travel plans, whether it's a single trip, multi-trip, or long-term policy.
• Apply and Provide Information: Fill out the insurance application form, providing accurate information about yourself, your trip details, and any pre-existing medical conditions if required. Be thorough in your disclosure to ensure your coverage is valid.
• Purchase Your Policy: Once your application is approved, pay the premium for your chosen policy. You'll receive a confirmation and policy documents, which you should keep with you during your travels for reference in case of emergencies.

Save up to 25% on your travel insurance with our partner soNomad

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Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications.

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Travel Insurance for Canadians, Canadian Residents

Travel insurance outside canada – for canadian residents.

Not sure which plan to select? Scroll down for a quick summary and recommendation of the best travel insurance that Canada has available.

These Travel Plans are Good for:

• Plans below are for Travel Insurance Outside Canada – for Canadians and Canadian residents traveling outside of Canada
• Most cost effective medical travel insurance plans for Canadians not needing U.S. cover
• Medical, evacuation, political, terrorism cover, lost luggage, and many more benefits for your travel insurance request.
• Canadians needing long-term coverage overseas for 12 months or longer. Our career international medical insurance plans, at https://www.gninsurance.com/health/ , offer optional coverage including or excluding the U.S. and Canada.

We Recommended

Our recommended plan

IMG Patriot Travel Health Insurance for International Travel: Customizable add-on Benefits

International medical travel insurance with option to add personal liability coverage and enhanced accidental death & dismemberment.

Beacon Travel Insurance for Canadians and non-U.S. Residents

International medical travel insurance available for purchase even after your trip has commenced

IMG Outreach Travel Insurance for Canadians

A great plan for Canadians traveling as volunteers and charity

Special rates and travel insurance plans for Canadian residents

When shopping for travel insurance outside Canada, you have special options due to nationalized healthcare at home and the ability to include or exclude coverage in the USA. Above are a few selections and recommendations for our Canadian travelers. For additional recommendations and options based on your specific needs, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 1(480)813-9100 .

Below is a bit more about travel insurance and your different travel insurance plans:

International travel insurance plans are for business travel, tourism, charitable travel and missions work. They are also for social good and special interest travel such as art tours, cultural exchange, and community healthcare. We also offer group travel plans for those traveling together. These rates are available to groups (even as few as one or two travelers in case your group advertises a trip and only a few sign up!) and feature convenience as well as lower rates .

“Travel insurance” is used in different ways – To protect your finances and health and against accidental death overseas (as a type of international life insurance)

We offer policies that will protect you when doing adventure sports or when in high-risk areas with travel advisories due to instability, terrorism or crime against foreigners. Our policies also protect you in remote areas lacking medical facilities, whether young or over 65+ or those traveling for more than a year or two.

1.) Emergency travel medical insurance protects your health. It covers medical claims for accidents or illnesses suffered overseas. Travel health insurance plans all include many additional travel benefits such as lost luggage, repatriation of remains and AD&D coverage overseas. They even include personal liability and natural disaster benefits.

All of these policies also include emergency medical evacuation with up to 1 million dollars USD maximum. We recommend at least $250,000 depending on your location. We also offer emergency evacuation only policies which will transport you to the hospital of your choice back home. Note that emergency evacuation policies are not medical insurance and will not pay for medical treatment. They are to cover emergency evacuation transport only.

We offer Trip Cancellation plans for Canadians

This type of travel insurance is used to protect against loss of non-refundable trip deposits in case you cannot go on your trip or if your trip is cut short (Trip Interruption). Some trip cancellation plans offered by travel agents or online have poor travel medical benefits. Travel agents are not required to be licensed insurance agents to sell them. However, if you get a good trip cancellation plan, it will protect both your finances and your health with strong medical benefits.

Trip cancellation insurance costs more than travel medical insurance because it must also consider the replacement cost of your trip and the likelihood of you cancelling your plans. Trip cancellation plans usually limit you to cancellation due to a death in the family, loss of a job, or a doctor forbidding you to travel due to an accident or illness. We also have trip cancellation plans that include “cancel for any reason.”

Flight Insurance is also called travel insurance, but is usually a bad investment since flight insurance benefits (called “common carrier accidental death benefits”) are almost always included in all our travel medical insurance plans.

When buying a travel insurance policy, consider:

Consider if you need U.S. coverage in your travel plan. If you are not traveling to the USA, consider excluding the U.S. to save money. (We can give you some direction on the best plans to fit your budget and itinerary.) Your destination and whether a carrier has good direct-pay agreements with hospitals and doctor networks there. Consider if the insurance carrier offering the travel plan is well known and has good networks and history of paying claims promptly. Consider if you are at a higher risk due to poor medical conditions (esp. if volunteering in a remote area), or at higher risk due to instability, crime, kidnapping, etc. Your age: Some plans are better than others for those over 65+ both in terms of cost and benefits offered. Consider choosing a low or no deductible ($0 deductible) if traveling for 3 weeks or less. The overall cost will not increase more than $10 or 20. If you need to use your insurance overseas, you will save the $125 deductible or $250 deductible.

If you have questions about which policy is best for you and your family, for your destination, or your specific travel needs, give us a call or chat with us live.  In just a few minutes, we can eliminate the guesswork and recommend the best plan to keep you safe overseas from the dozens of plans available on the internet.

One of the advantages of Good Neighbor Insurance is personalized service.

We have ten to twelve different carriers and dozens of plans so you do not need to shop all over the internet. We also pre-select only those carriers that offer the best service and best prices so that you know they will be there when you need them.

Call  1(480)813-9100  or  live chat with us  and let us recommend a couple options that you can choose from.

Here at Good Neighbor Insurance it is very important for us to connect with you.

As an international service provider, we want to be sure that you are taken care of while you, your family, and your friends are traveling or residing around the world. It is our honor to serve you!

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• Single-Trip All-Inclusive 2 of 5
• Single-Trip Travel Canada Emergency Medical 3 of 5
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption 4 of 5
• COVID19 Pandemic Travel Plan 5 of 5
• Multi-Trip Emergency Medical 1 of 2
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• Emergency Medical Top-Up 1 of 1
• Emergency Medical Plan 1 of 1
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Travelling Canadians Plan Overview

Whether you are travelling outside your province or Canada, Manulife Financial Travel Insurance plans are designed to help protect you against the cost of unexpected emergencies that may occur before or during your trip.

Your government health insurance plans may only cover a fraction of healthcare expenses incurred outside Canada, and may only provide limited coverage if you’re travelling in another province. Unfortunately, Illness, accidents and other covered events are all-too-common and could cause you to disrupt your travel plans and leave you facing large unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses.

When travelling outside of Canada, Manulife ‘s COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan is designed to help protect you against the cost of unexpected emergencies that may occur during your trip. This plan provides protection against medical emergencies, includes coverage for Coronavirus (COVID-19), and includes interruption coverage.

TRAVEL TIP: If you are planning to travel outside of Canada, you may want to consider the COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan which covers emergency medical care, includes coverage for COVID-19 and contains some interruption coverage.

Plans at-a-glance

• Single Trip

Single Trip Plan Options

We offer different plans so you can purchase the coverage you need. Carefully review the plans below to find the one that suits you best.

Single-Trip COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan

Planning on taking a trip outside of Canada? This plan can help protect you from unexpected emergency medical expenses and includes COVID-19 expenses. Trip interruption benefits are also available. The COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan offers up to $5,000,000 for non COVID-19 related expenses and up to $1,000,000 for COVID-19 related expenses.

Plus, if you have received the full course of immunization for Coronavirus (COVID-19) that is authorized by Health Canada before your effective date, you are offered $5M for expenses related to COVID-19.

Single-Trip Emergency Medical

Planning on taking a trip away from your province of residence or territory? This plan can help protect you from unexpected emergency medical expenses while travelling. While your government health plans may provide limited coverage for these expenses, this plan offers up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage. TRAVEL TIP: If your entire trip is within Canada, premiums are half the cost you'd pay if you were travelling outside Canada for the same length of time.

Single-Trip All Inclusive

If you're planning on taking a trip away from your province of residence, and you want comprehensive protection beyond just emergency medical coverage, this plan may be what you’re looking for. Benefits include:

• up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage.
• Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption
• Baggage Loss, Damage and Delay
• Travel and Flight Accident.

Single-Trip Travel Canada Emergency Medical

Travelling outside your province to see more of Canada? Even within Canada, your government health insurance plan may provide limited coverage for emergency medical care outside of your home province - this plan offers up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage. TRAVEL TIP: If your entire trip is within Canada, premiums are half the cost you'd pay if you were travelling outside Canada for the same length of time.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

You may already have emergency medical travel insurance but what if, due to an unforeseen emergency, you must cancel your trip? What if you unexpectedly need to return home early or, due to a medical emergency, stay longer than planned? Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage helps you protect the investment you made in your trip.

Emergency Medical Top-Up

If your trip is longer than the number of days covered under your Multi-Trip plan, this is the plan you’ll need to add. You can choose to add this coverage to one of our Multi-Trip plans or to a plan you purchased from another provider.

Multi-Trip Plan Options

If you plan on travelling more than once in the next 12 months, it may be less expensive to buy a Multi Trip plan. One premium payment can cover you for an unlimited number of trips. Choose a 4, 10, 18, 30 or 60 day plan and take as many trips as you want during the next 12 months. TRAVEL TIP: You may add Emergency Medical “Top-Up” coverage for a trip that is longer than the number of days covered by the Multi Trip plan you purchase. Just make sure you don’t go over your provincial residency requirements.

Multi-Trip Emergency Medical

If you're taking two or more trips within the next 12 months, this plan offers you the best value for emergency medical protection. Choose a 4, 10, 18, 30, or 60-day plan and take as many trips as you want throughout the year - all for one affordable premium. You Get:

• up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage

Multi-Trip All Inclusive

If you're travelling two or more times in the next 12 months and you want protection for more than just emergency medical costs, this plan offers great value! Choose a 4, 10, 18, or 30-day plan and take as many trips as you want throughout the year.You Get

• Trip Cancellation and Interruptions
• Flight and Travel Accident

TRAVEL TIP: You may add Emergency Medical “Top-Up” coverage for a trip that is longer than the number of days covered by your Multi-Trip All-Inclusive plan. Just make sure you don’t go over your provincial residency requirements.

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance plans are designed to help protect you and your family wherever your travels take you. Speak to a Sun Life advisor to learn more.

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What is travel insurance?

Whether you’re headed outside your home province or to the other side of the world, traveling can be stressful.

Travel insurance can help protect you from the difficulties that come from unexpected medical expenses. 

If you’re traveling soon and looking for coverage, a Sun Life advisor can talk to you about your options.

Why do I need travel insurance? 

If you’re planning to travel, there are many reasons why travel insurance may be right for you:

• For the peace of mind. You’ll know you’re protected in case of an accident or sudden illness.
• To cover unexpectedly high bills. The cost of medical care can be much higher abroad than in Canada,
• To be supported by a team of professionals. They’ll make sure that you have access to medical care and arrange for you to come home if needed.
• For unexpected hospital visits. Some hospitals require that uninsured patients pay a deposit of several thousands of dollars before providing the necessary care. With travel insurance, you'll save money on any potential hospital charges.

What does travel insurance cover? 

When you’re traveling outside your home province, territory, or country, unexpected emergencies can cost thousands of dollars. 

Your government health care plans have limits on how much they’ll cover. You may be left with any potential bills.

Travel insurance can help you manage your way through difficult situations:

• Emergency medical care. Travel insurance can help when you need unexpected hospital, ambulance, and dental care.
• Theft or loss of documents. Insurance specialists can help you reach the Canadian embassy or your financial institution if your documents or cards are lost or stolen.
• Translation services. If you don’t speak the local language where you’re traveling, multilingual interpreters can help. In an emergency, these interpreters can help you communicate with local resources.
• Trip interruption. Travel insurance can help you arrange for your return home in the event you must cut your trip short due to a medical reason.

Keep in mind that your coverage may not include any pre-existing health conditions. A Sun Life advisor can talk you through your insurance options.

How to get travel insurance

Speak to an advisor about your travel insurance options .

Planning a trip? Make travel insurance a key part of your preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does travel insurance cover my expenses in case i get sick abroad, does travel insurance cover covid-19, does travel insurance cover covid-19 tests, does travel insurance cover cancelled trips due to covid-19 restrictions, does travel insurance cover accommodation during emergencies, what else should i consider before travelling.

Yes, travel insurance will typically cover you in case you get sick abroad. Some plans may exclude medical expenses incurred in places where a Level 4 Travel Advisory is in effect. 

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There are policies that may cover specific losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances related to COVID-19. 

Depending on your plan, COVID-19 tests may be covered. 

Travel insurance typically won’t cover canceled trips due to COVID-19 restrictions. This is because COVID-19 is a known event, meaning it’s not unexpected or improbable that circumstances may cause cancelation or interruption of your trip. Trip cancelation or trip interruption claims due to the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 advisories will typically not be covered. 

Some travel insurance policies may cover accommodation during certain emergencies.  

You may have important reasons to travel in these uncertain times, such as for family or work. If you’re preparing to travel outside of Canada, consider the requirements of the country that you’re visiting. As with every trip, we recommend you review and follow  Government of Canada travel advisories .

Please note: This is general information about travel insurance. To learn more, speak to a Sun Life advisor.

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We acknowledge that Sun Life operates in many Territories and Treaties across Canada. Our Canadian headquarters in Waterloo are on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. Today, Canada is still the home to many Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples from all across Turtle Island. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory. We offer this acknowledgment as a stepping stone towards honouring the original occupants, as a testimony to the oppression faced by Indigenous peoples, and our commitment to Indigenous communities and employees of Sun Life.

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For Members

Find a plan, advice center, common questions, travel medical insurance.

Emergency Medical coverage for British Columbians travelling outside BC.

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The Government of Canada has issued an official global advisory to avoid non-essential travel (Level 3) outside of the country to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, coverage related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) will be affected:

Travel Medical Insurance For trips that depart on or after March 13, 2020, Coronavirus (COVID-19) related illness will not be covered unless you are fully vaccinated. You can learn more about how Government travel advisories impact coverage in our Travel Insurance FAQs .

Trip Protection Insurance (Cancellations/Interruptions) Effective March 12, 2020, we are considering Coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a known event for individually purchased Trip Protection. Travel insurance is intended to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseeable circumstances. Any claims resulting from events known to a policyholder at time purchasing the trip are not covered.

These conditions will remain in effect until the advisory is lifted or otherwise stated by Pacific Blue Cross.

We want you to enjoy your trip...

You're going to relax, have a good time, unwind… but before you leave do the one thing that could save you thousands or millions of dollars. Buy travel insurance.

It would be nice if you could guarantee good health and a safe trip, but in our world today, we know life, and certainly travel, are not predictable. When we travel in an unknown environment, we face risk from all angles. Don't stop exploring; just protect yourself from the unexpected — our travel plans can help you do that.

Who do we cover?

You're eligible for travel coverage if:

• You are a resident of Canada
• You have coverage with the government health plan of your province or territory
• You are applying for coverage prior to departing

We provide travel coverage to people of any age. However, persons 61 and older may be required to complete a Health Declaration form as part of their application.

If you're a visitor to Canada and want to apply for health coverage while in BC, you may be eligible for our Visitors to Canada plan.

Pacific Blue Cross travel plans are known everywhere you want to go. Whether you're looking for $10 million travel health coverage or a comprehensive package that includes baggage and trip cancellation, single or multiple trips– we have a solution for you!

What coverage is available?

Our basic travel plan covers costs related to emergency medical care resulting from an accident or sudden illness. Additional coverage is also available for trip cancellation or interruption, air flight accident, emergency return, as well as baggage loss, delay or damage.

All of our plans include:

• 24/7 access   to a team of professionals to connect you with local resources.
• Direct Pay—We will pay any providers directly.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions—As long as your pre-existing condition meets a minimum stability period you can receive full protection.

Plan Highlights:

Basic plan coverage.

Our base plan covers the following costs for emergency medical care to a maximum of 10 million dollars:

• Emergency medical expenses:   This includes any hospital fees (for a private or semi-private room), nursing fees, drug costs, incidental hospital expenses (television, parking etc), the cost of medical appliances (crutches, canes, wheelchairs), physician and professional fees, diagnostic services (lab tests, xrays), and emergency dental care. F r ee fo r Kids! Only Pacific Blue Cross covers kids of all families for free when you buy travel medical insurance – whether its for one parent or two.
• Repatriation costs:   In addition to paying for you to return to your province or residence to receive immediate medical attention*, we will arrange to have your vehicle returned, your pet returned and your baggage returned. Should an insured person pass away, we cover the cost of repatriating the deceased.
• Medical Follow-up in Canada:   We cover select treatment costs following repatriation.
• Ambulance and taxi fees:   We will pay for the cost to transport a sick or injured person to the nearest Hospital or accredited medical facility.
• Transportation to visit the covered person:   We will cover the cost of round trip, economy class transportation for a family member or friend to visit a sick or injured person in hospital. We also cover the expenses of this visitor while he/she is staying close by up to $300 per day to a maximum of $1,200.
• Subsistence allowance:   We will reimburse you up to $300/day to a maximum of $3000 for accommodation, meals, essential phone calls and transportation by taxi if your return is delayed due to illness or injury.

*Requires the authorization of the attending physician and CanAssistance.

Additional Coverage Options

You can add the following individual benefits to your plan or choose a package and save:

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption:   We will reimburse your travel costs if your trip is cancelled before the planned departure or interrupted after your trip has begun.
• Air Flight Accident:   We insure you if you lose your life or the use of a limb in an air flight accident.
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment:   We insure you if you lose your life or the use of a limb in a non-air flight-related accident.
• Emergency Return:   We will cover transportation expenses for you to return home and possibly back to the holiday destination in the event of an emergency.
• Baggage loss, delay or damage:   We provide payment to cover the cost of lost baggage or the cost to purchase items while baggage is delayed.

This is not a policy. Actual terms and conditions are detailed in the policy issued by Pacific Blue Cross upon approval of application. Our policy will detail plan limitations and exclusions.

Call us if an emergency strikes

Medi-Assist is our 24/7 medical travel assistance line that will help you locate medical care, provide advisory services, refer you to interpreters, assist with transportation, contact relatives and more. It means you can focus on getting healthy and leave it to us to manage your care while in an unfamiliar environment.

If you do experience an unexpected emergency while travelling, we are here to help.

During your trip, you can call our   Medi-Assist   service to determine your level of coverage and receive help:

• In Canada or the U.S., call toll-free:   1-888-699-9333
• Outside of Canada or the U.S. or where toll-free is unavailable, please call collect to   1-604-419-4487   and we will pay for the call.

Claims Process

Out-of-Province Emergency Medical Claims  — Four simple steps

Trip Cancellation / Baggage Claim Form   — Form for claiming Trip Cancellations or Lost Baggage [pdf]

Visitors to Canada Travel Plan Claim Form   — Form for claiming against a Visitors to Canada Travel Plan contract [pdf]

Choose one of our Travel Insurance plans below to get started

Travel Medical

Emergency medical coverage for British Columbians while travelling outside of BC.

Visitors to Canada

Emergency health coverage for tourists, workers, new immigrants and students visiting BC.

Trip Protection

Peace of mind coverage for travel costs related to unexpected cancellations, interruptions and delays.

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Medical Expenses 2023

From: Canada Revenue Agency

RC4065(E) 23

The CRA's publications and personalized correspondence are available in braille, large print, etext, or MP3. For more information, go to About multiple formats or call 1-800-959-8281 .

Find out if this guide is for you

This guide is for persons with medical expenses and their supporting family members. The guide gives information on eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax return.

This guide uses plain language to explain the most common tax situations. The guide is for information only and does not replace the law.

General information

The medical expense tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit that you can use to reduce the tax that you paid or may have to pay. If you paid for healthcare expenses, you may be able to claim them as eligible medical expenses on your tax return. These expenses include a wide range of products, procedures and services, such as:

• medical supplies
• dental care
• travel expenses

Generally, you can claim all amounts paid, even if they were not paid in Canada.

You can only claim the part of an eligible expense for which you have not been or will not be reimbursed.

How to claim medical expenses

You can claim medical expenses on line 33099 or 33199 of your tax return under Step 5 – Federal tax.

Line 33099 – You can claim the total eligible medical expenses you or your spouse or common-law partner paid for any of the following persons:

• your spouse or common-law partner
• your or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s children who were under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year

Line 33199 – You can claim the part of eligible medical expenses you or your spouse or common-law partner paid for any of the following persons who depended on you for support:

• your or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s children who were 18 years of age or older at the end of the tax year, or grandchildren
• your or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, or nieces who were residents of Canada at any time in the year

You have to calculate, for each dependant, the medical expenses that you are claiming on line 33199.

Amounts you can claim

Line 33099 – You can claim the total of the eligible expenses minus the lesser of the following amounts:

• 3% of your net income ( line 23600 of your tax return)

Line 33199 – You can claim the total of the eligible expenses minus the lesser of the following amounts:

• 3% of your dependant's net income (line 23600 of their tax return)

The maximum provincial or territorial amount you can claim for medical expenses may differ depending on where you live. For more information, see the information guide for your province or territory of residence in your income tax package. If you live in Quebec, visit Revenu Québec .

Period for which you can claim these expenses

You can claim eligible medical expenses paid in any 12-month period ending in 2023 and not claimed by you or anyone else in 2022. For a person who died in 2023 , a claim can be made for expenses paid in any 24-month period that includes the date of death if the expenses were not claimed for any other year.

Richard and Pauline have two children, Jen and Rob. They have reviewed their medical expenses and decided that the 12-month period ending in 2023  they will use to calculate their claim is July 1, 2022  to June 30, 2023 . They had the following expenses:

Since Jen is under 18, Richard and Pauline can combine her medical expenses with theirs, for a total of $4,300. Either Richard or Pauline can claim this amount on line 33099 of their tax return (Step 5 – Federal tax). Since Rob is over 18 , his medical expenses should be claimed on line 33199.

Pauline’s net income (on line 23600 of her return) is $32,000. She calculates 3% of that amount, which is $960. Because the result is less than $2,635, she subtracts $960 from $4,300. The difference is $3,340, which is the amount she could claim on her tax return.

Richard’s net income is $48,000. He calculates 3% of that amount, which is $1,440. Because the result is less than $2,635, he subtracts $1,440 from $4,300. The difference is $2,860, which is the amount he could claim on his tax return. In this case, it is better for Pauline to claim all the expenses for Richard, herself, and their daughter Jen on line 33099.

To decide who should claim the medical expenses for Rob on line 33199 , Richard and Pauline will have to make the same calculation using Rob’s net income.

Credits or deductions related to medical expenses

Refundable medical expense supplement.

The refundable medical expense supplement is a refundable tax credit available to working individuals with low incomes and high medical expenses. You may be able to claim this credit if all of the following conditions apply:

• You made a claim for medical expenses on line 33200 of your tax return (Step 5 – Federal tax) or for the disability supports deduction on line 21500 of your tax return.
• You were resident in Canada throughout 2023.
• You were 18 years of age or older at the end of 2023.

You must also meet the criteria related to income.

For more information, go to  line 45200 – Refundable medical expense supplement .

Disability supports deduction

The person with the impairment in physical or mental functions may be able to claim some medical expenses as a disability supports deduction. They can claim these expenses on either line 21500 or line 33099 , or split the claim between these two lines, as long as the total of the amounts claimed is not more than the expenses paid.

For the eligibility criteria, the list of the eligible expenses, or more information, see Guide RC4064, Disability-Related Information .

Certain medical expenses require a certification

In this guide, the CRA identifies the medical expenses that have to be certified by a medical practitioner. Medical practitioners include a wide range of health professionals, such as doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. To view the list of practitioners who can certify medical expenses, go to Authorized medical practitioners for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit .

Common medical expenses you can claim

You can claim the following items medical expenses on line 33099 or use them to calculate an amount on line 33199 . Any certification needed is specified. This list is not complete.

For more information, see Income Tax Folio S1-F1-C1, Medical Expense Tax Credit .

Attendant care and care in a facility

Attendant care is care given by an attendant who does personal tasks which a person cannot do for themselves. Attendant care can be received in certain types of facilities.

You can claim amounts paid to an attendant only if the attendant was not your spouse or common-law partner and was 18 years of age or older when the amounts were paid.

If an individual issues a receipt for attendant care services, the receipt must include their social insurance number.

Who can claim these expenses

You can claim as medical expenses the amounts you or your spouse or common-law partner paid for attendant care or care in a facility. The expenses must have been paid for the care of any of the following persons:

• a dependant

A dependant is someone who depended on you for support and is any of the following persons:

• your or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s child or grandchild
• your or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece who lived in Canada at any time in the year

Amounts you can claim as medical expenses

Full-time care or specialized care.

Generally, you can claim the entire amount you paid for care at any of the following facilities:

• nursing homes (full-time care)
• schools, institutions, or other places (providing care or care and training)

The care is condifered to be full-time care when a person needs constant care and attendance.

Other places could include an outpatient clinic, such as a detoxification clinic; however, they do not include a recreational facility, such as a residential summer camp, even if it caters to persons with disabilities.

Generally, you cannot claim the entire amount you paid for a retirement home or a home for seniors. However, you can claim salaries and wages for care in such facilities if the care recipient qualifies for the disability tax credit (see Salaries and wages ).

What is meant by nursing home  – A nursing home is generally considered to be a facility that gives full-time care, including 24-hour nursing care, to individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Any facility could be considered a nursing home if it has the same features and characteristics as a nursing home.

All regular fees paid for full-time care in a nursing home or for specialized care or training in an institution are eligible as medical expenses, including fees for all of the following:

• accommodation
• nursing care
• administration fees
• maintenance fees
• social programming and activities fees

However, extra personal expenses (such as hairdresser fees) are not eligible.

Salaries and wages

You may be able to claim the fees for salaries and wages paid for attendant care services or care or supervision in any of the following facilities:

• self-contained domestic establishments (such as your private home)
• retirement homes, homes for seniors, or other institutions that typically provide part-time attendant care
• group homes in Canada
• nursing homes (special rules apply to this type of facility; see the chart )

Eligibility for the disability tax credit may be a requirement to claim fees for salaries and wages as medical expenses. See the reference to Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, in the chart .

Expenses you can claim – You may be able to claim as medical expenses the salaries and wages paid to all employees who do the following tasks or services:

• food preparation
• housekeeping services for a resident’s personal living space
• laundry services for a resident’s personal items
• health care (registered nurse, practical nurse, certified health care aide, personal support worker)
• activities (social programmer)
• salon services (hairdresser, manicurist, pedicurist) if included in the monthly fee
• transportation (driver)
• security for a secured unit

If you are receiving attendant care services in your home, you can only claim for the period when you are at home and need care or help. For an expense to be eligible as a medical expense, you must either:

• be eligible for the disability tax credit
• have a written certification from a medical practitioner that states the services are necessary

Expenses you cannot claim – You cannot claim the cost of any of the following:

• rent (except the part of rent for services that help a person with daily tasks, such as laundry and housekeeping)
• cleaning supplies
• other operating costs (such as the maintenance of common areas and outside grounds)
• salaries and wages paid to employees such as administrators, receptionists, groundskeepers, janitors (for common areas), and maintenance staff

Sample statement for attendant care expenses

To claim attendant care expenses paid to a facility such as a retirement home, you have to send the CRA a detailed breakdown from the facility.

The breakdown must clearly show the amounts paid for staff salaries that apply to the tasks and services listed under Expenses you can claim . The breakdown should also take into account any subsidies that reduce the attendant care expenses (unless the subsidy is included in income and is not deductible from income).

The following sample statements show the detailed information the CRA needs.

Based on the above statement, Stephen’s eligible attendant care expenses are $8,893.

Based on the above statement, Jamie’s eligible attendant care expenses are $5,877. The amount of eligible expenses that Jamie can claim was reduced because of the subsidies received.

Special rules when claiming the disability amount

There are special rules when claiming the disability amount and attendant care as medical expenses. For information on claiming attendant care and the disability amount, see the chart below.

Type of certification needed when claiming both attendant care as medical expenses and the disability amount

The following chart shows the certification you need to claim attendant care as a medical expenses on line 33099 or 33199 of your tax return (Step 5 – Federal tax) and if you can also claim the disability amount on line 31600 or line 31800 .

In all cases , for you to claim the disability amount, the CRA has to approve Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Part A of Form T2201 can be completed using the digital form, by phone, or by paper form. For more information on Form T2201, the disability tax credit, and the disability amount, go to Disability tax credit .

Calculate your net federal tax by completing Step 5 of your tax return to find out what is more beneficial for you. You can also see the examples below.

If you claim the fees paid to a nursing home for full-time care as a medical expense on line 33099 or 33199 of your tax return (Step 5 – Federal tax), no one (including yourself) can claim the disability amount for the same person.

You can claim the disability amount together with the portion of the nursing home fees that relate only to salaries and wages for attendant care (up to the limit indicated in the chart above). However, you must provide a breakdown of the amounts charged by the nursing home showing the portion of payments that relate to attendant care.

Choosing what is more beneficial

The following examples show two ways to calculate your net federal tax using Step 5 – Federal tax of your tax return, in order to determine what is more beneficial for you.

Dali is 38 years old and lives in their own home. Dali's only income is a disability pension of $32,000. Dali's doctor has certified in writing that they are dependent on others for their own personal need because of a physical impairment. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has approved Form T2201 for Dali. Dali pays their 43-year-old neighbour, Marge, $14,000 each year to look after them full-time. Dali can claim the amounts they pay Marge for attendant care as a medical expense.

Dali has a choice to make. See the examples of Dali's tax return for a breakdown of their claims on their tax return using both options.

Dali's first option is to claim $10,000 of their attendant care expenses as a medical expense on line 33099 and claim the disability amount of $9,428 on line 31600 . Under this option, Dali would have no federal tax to pay.

Dali's second option is to claim all $14,000 of their attendant care expenses as a medical expense, but then they would not be able to claim the disability amount. Dali's federal tax would be $294.00.

For Dali, the first option is better since it reduces their basic federal tax to zero.

Judy is a 57-year-old who earned $40,000 of pension income last year. She was seriously injured in a car accident a few years ago and now needs full-time attendant care. The CRA has approved Form T2201 for her. Last year, Judy paid $32,000 to a retirement home. Of that amount, $21,000 was her share of the salaries and wages paid to staff for full-time attendant care.

Judy has a choice to make. See the examples of Judy’s tax return for a breakdown of her claims on her tax return using both options.

Her first option is to claim $10,000 of her share of the salaries and wages as medical expenses on line 33099 and claim the disability amount of $9,428 on line 31600. Under this option, she would have to pay $715.80 in federal tax.

Her second option is to claim all of her share of salaries and wages ($21,000) as a medical expense, but then she would not be allowed to claim the disability amount. Judy's federal tax would be $480.00.

For Judy, the second option is better since it reduces her basic federal tax to $480.00.

Care, treatment, and training

This section identifies most types of care, treatment and training you can claim as medical expenses.

Bone marrow transplant – reasonable amounts paid to find a compatible donor, to arrange the transplant including legal fees and insurance premiums, and reasonable travel, board and lodging expenses for the patient, the donor, and their respective attendants.

Cancer treatment in or outside Canada, given by a medical practitioner or a public or licensed private hospital.

Cosmetic surgery – generally, expenses solely for cosmetic procedures are not eligible.

An expense for a cosmetic procedure qulifies as an eligible medical expense if it is necessary for medical or reconstructive purposes, such as surgery to address a deformity related to a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease. For more information, see Common medical expenses you cannot claim .

Egg and sperm freezing and storage – to preserve one's ova (eggs) or sperm for the purpose of conceiving a child in the future.

Fertility-related procedures – amounts paid to a medical practitioner or a public or licensed private hospital to conceive a child. Under proposed changes, certain expenses paid in respect of a surrogate mother or a donor (for example, a donor or sperm, ova, or embryos) may be eligible as of 2022 if they are incured in Canada and are of a type that would be otherwise permitted as medical expenses of the individual. See also In vitro fertility program .

Group home – see Attendant care and care in a facility .

In vitro fertility program – the amount paid to a medical practitioner or a public or licensed private hospital. Under proposed changes, fees and other amounts paid to a fertility clinic or donor bank in Canada to obtain sperm or ova (eggs) may be eligible as of 2022. The amounts must be paid to enable the conception of a child by the individual, the individual's spouse or common-law partner, or a surrogate mother on behalf of the individuals. See also Fertility-related procedures .

Laser eye surgery – the amount paid to a medical practitioner or a public or licensed private hospital.

Nursing home – see Attendant care and care in a facility .

Organ transplant – reasonable amounts paid to find a compatible donor, to arrange the transplant including legal fees and insurance premiums, and reasonable travel, board and lodging expenses for the patient, the donor, and their respective attendants.

Personalized therapy plan – the salaries and wages paid for designing a personalized therapy plan are eligible medical expenses if certain conditions are met.

The plan has to be designed for a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC) and paid to someone who is in the business of providing such services to unrelated persons.

The therapy has to be prescribed and supervised by one of the following practitioners:

• a psychologist, a medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner (for expenses incurred after September 7, 2017) for a mental impairment
• an occupational therapist, a medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner (for expenses incurred after September 7, 2017) for a physical impairment

The plan has to meet one of the following conditions:

• be needed to get public funding for specialized therapy
• be prescribed by a psychologist, a medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner (for expenses incurred after September 7, 2017 ) for a mental impairment
• be prescribed by an occupational therapist medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner (for expenses incurred after September 7, 2017) for a physical impairment

For more information about the DTC, see Guide RC4064, Disability-Related Information .

Pre-natal and post-natal treatments paid to a medical practitioner or a public or licensed private hospital.

Rehabilitative therapy including lip reading and sign language training to adjust to a person’s loss of hearing or speech loss.

Respite care expenses – see Attendant care and care in a facility .

School for persons with a mental or physical impairment – an appropriately qualified person, such as a medical practitioner or the principal or head of the school, must certify in writing that the equipment, facilities, or staff specially provided by that school are needed because of the person’s physical or mental impairment.

Therapy – the salary and wages paid for the therapy given to a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). The person giving the therapy must not be your spouse or common-law partner and must be 18 years of age or older when the amounts are paid.

• an occupational therapist, a medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner (for expenses incurred after September 7, 2017) for a physical impairment

Training – reasonable amounts paid for you or a relative to learn to care for a relative with a mental or physical impairment who lives with you or depends on you for support. The amount has to be paid to someone who is not your spouse or common-law partner and who was 18 years of age or older when the amounts were paid.

Treatment centre for a person addicted to drugs, alcohol, or gambling. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that the person needs the specialized equipment, facilities, or staff.

Whirlpool bath treatments – the amount paid to a medical practitioner for these treatments. A hot tub that you install in your home, even if prescribed by a medical practitioner, is not eligible.

Construction and renovation

This section identifies the fees related to the changes made to a home that you can claim as medical expenses.

Driveway access – reasonable amounts paid to alter the driveway of the main place of residence of a person who has a severe and prolonged mobility impairment, to ease access to a bus.

Furnace – the amount paid for an electric or sealed combustion furnace bought to replace a furnace that is neither of these, where the replacement is necessary because of a person’s severe chronic respiratory ailment or immune system disorder – prescription needed.

Renovation or construction expenses – the amounts paid for changes that give a person access to (or greater mobility or functioning within) their home because they have a severe and prolonged mobility impairment or lack normal physical development.

Costs for renovating or altering an existing home or the incremental costs in building the person’s main place of residence may be incurred. These amounts paid minus any related rebates, such as the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST), can be claimed.

Renovation or construction expenses have to be reasonable and meet both of the following conditions:

• They would not normally be expected to increase the value of the home.
• They would not normally be incurred by persons who have normal physical development or who do not have a severe and prolonged mobility impairment.

Make sure you get a breakdown of the costs. Costs could include expenses such as:

• buying and installing outdoor or indoor ramps if the person cannot use stairs
• enlarging halls and doorways to give the person access to the various rooms of their home
• lowering kitchen or bathroom cabinets so the person can use them

While these costs to renovate or alter a home to accommodate the use of a wheelchair may qualify as medical expenses under the conditions described above, these types of expenses related to other types of impairment may also qualify. In all cases, you must keep receipts and any other related documents to support your claim. Also, you must be able to show that the person’s particular circumstances and the expenses meet all of the conditions.

If the renovation expenses qualify for the home accessibility tax credit (HATC), you could claim both the HATC and the medical expenses tax credit for these expenses. For more information about the HATC, see Guide RC4064, Disability-Related Information .

Devices, equipment, and supplies

This section identifies health-related devices, equipment, and supplies you can claim as medical expenses.

Acoustic coupler – prescription required.

Air conditioner – $1,000 or 50% of the amount paid for the air conditioner, whichever is less , for a person with a severe chronic ailment, disease, or disorder – prescription needed.

Air filter, cleaner, or purifier used by a person to cope with or overcome a severe chronic respiratory ailment, or a severe chronic immune system disorder – prescription needed.

Altered auditory feedback devices for treating a speech disorder – prescription needed.

Artificial eye or limb

Assisted breathing devices that give air to the lungs under pressure, such as:

• a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine – prescription needed
• a mechanical ventilator

Audible signal devices including large bells, loud ringing bells, single stroke bells, vibrating bells, horns, and visible signals – prescription needed.

Baby breathing monitor – designed to be attached to an infant to sound an alarm if the infant stops breathing. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that the infant is at risk of sudden infant death syndrome – prescription needed.

Bathroom aids to help a person get in or out of a bathtub or shower or to get on or off a toilet – prescription needed.

Bliss symbol boards or similar devices used by a person who has a speech impairment to help the person communicate by choosing the symbols or spelling out words – prescription needed.

Blood coagulation monitors – the amount paid, including disposable peripherals such as pricking devices, lancets, and test strips, for a person who needs anti-coagulation therapy – prescription needed.

Bone conduction receiver

Braces for a limb including custom-made woven or elasticized stockings, walking casts, and boots or shoes that have braces built into them to allow a person to walk.

Braille note-taker devices used to allow a person who is blind to take notes (that can be read back to them, printed, or displayed in braille) with the help of a keyboard – prescription needed.

Braille printers, synthetic speech systems, large print-on-screen devices , and other devices designed only to help a person who is blind to use a computer – prescription needed.

Breast prosthesis because of a mastectomy – prescription needed.

Catheters, catheter trays, tubing , or other products needed for incontinence caused by illness, injury, or affliction.

Chair – power-operated guided chair to be used in a stairway, including installation – prescription needed.

Cochlear implant

Computer peripherals designed only to help a person who is blind to use a computer – prescription needed.

Dentures and dental implants

Devices or software designed to allow a person who is blind or has a severe learning disability to read print – prescription needed.

Diapers or disposable briefs for a person who is incontinent because of an illness, injury or affliction.

Elastic support hose designed only to relieve swelling caused by chronic lymphedema – prescription needed.

Electronic bone healing device – prescription needed.

Electronic speech synthesizers that allow a person who is unable to speak to communicate using a portable keyboard – prescription needed.

Electrotherapy devices for the treatment of a medical condition or a severe mobility impairment. These can include devices for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electrical muscle stimulation, and iontophoresis – prescription needed.

Environmental control system (computerized or electronic) including the basic computer system used by a person with a severe and prolonged mobility impairment – prescription needed.

Extremity pump for a person diagnosed with chronic lymphedema – prescription needed.

Hearing aids or personal assistive listening devices including repairs and batteries.

Heart monitoring devices including repairs and batteries – prescription needed.

Hospital bed including attachments – prescription needed.

Ileostomy and colostomy pads including pouches and adhesives.

Infusion pump including disposable peripherals used in treating diabetes, or a device designed to allow a person with diabetes to measure their blood sugar levels – prescription needed.

Injection pens designed to be used to give an injection, such as an insulin pen – prescription needed.

Kidney machine (dialysis) – the cost of the machine and related expenses, such as:

• repairs, maintenance, and supplies
• additions, renovations, or alterations to a home (the hospital official who installed the machine must certify in writing that they were necessary for installation)
• the part of the operating costs of the home that relate to the machine (excluding mortgage interest and capital cost allowance)
• a telephone extension in the dialysis room and all long distance calls to a hospital for advice or to obtain repairs
• necessary and unavoidable costs to transport supplies

Large print-on-screen devices designed to help a person who is blind to use a computer – prescription needed.

Laryngeal speaking aids

Lift or transportation equipment (power-operated) designed only to be used by a person with a disability to help them access different areas of a building, enter or leave a vehicle, or place a wheelchair on or in a vehicle – prescription needed.

Needles and syringes – prescription needed.

Optical scanners or similar devices designed to allow a person who is blind to read print– prescription needed.

Orthopaedic shoes, boots, and inserts – prescription needed.

Osteogenesis stimulator (inductive coupling) for treating non-union of fractures or aiding in bone fusion – prescription needed.

Oxygen and oxygen tent or other equipment necessary to administer oxygen – prescription needed.

Oxygen concentrator – amounts paid to buy, use and maintain an oxygen concentrator including electricity.

Pacemakers – prescription needed.

Page turner devices to help a person turn the pages of a book or other bound document when they have a severe and prolonged impairment that markedly restricts the person’s ability to use their arms or hands – prescription needed.

Phototherapy equipment for treating psoriasis or other skin disorders. You can claim the amount paid to buy, use, and maintain this equipment.

Pressure pulse therapy devices for treating a balance disorder – prescription needed.

Real-time captioning used by a person with a speech or hearing impairment and paid to someone in the business of providing these services.

Scooter – the amount paid for a scooter that is used instead of a wheelchair.

Spinal brace

Standing devices for standing therapy in the treatment of a severe mobility impairment – prescription needed.

Talking textbooks related to enrolment at a secondary school in Canada or a designated educational institution for a person who has a perceptual disability. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that the expense is necessary – prescription needed.

Teletypewriters or similar devices that allow a person who is deaf or unable to speak to make and receive phone calls – prescription needed.

Television closed caption decoders for a person who is deaf – prescription needed.

Truss for hernia

Van – 20% of the amount paid for a van that has been previously adapted, or is adapted within 6 months after the van was bought (minus the cost of adapting the van), to transport a person who needs to use a wheelchair, to a limit of $5,000 (for residents of Ontario, the provincial limit is $8,204).

Vehicle device designed only to allow a person with a mobility impairment to drive the vehicle – prescription needed.

Vision devices – including eyeglasses, contact lenses and prescription swimming goggles to correct eyesight – prescription needed.

Visual or vibratory signalling device used by a person with a hearing impairment – prescription needed.

Voice recognition software used by a person who has an impairment in physical functions. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that the software is necessary.

Volume control feature (additional) used by a person who has a hearing impairment – prescription needed.

Walking aids – the amount paid for devices designed only to help a person who has a mobility impairment – prescription needed.

Water filter, cleaner, or purifier used by a person to cope with or overcome a severe chronic respiratory ailment, or a severe chronic immune system disorder – prescription needed.

Wheelchairs and wheelchair carriers

Wigs – the amount paid for a person who has suffered abnormal hair loss because of a disease, accident, or medical treatment – prescription needed.

Gluten-free food products

Persons with celiac disease can claim the incremental costs associated with buying gluten-free food products as a medical expense.

Incremental cost of gluten-free products

The incremental cost of buying gluten-free food products is the cost of gluten-free product minus the cost of similar products with gluten.

Eligible food products

Generally, the food products are limited to those produced and marketed specifically for gluten-free diets, such as gluten-free bread.

Other products can also be eligible if they are used by the person with celiac disease to make gluten-free products for their own use. This includes, but is not limited to, rice flour and gluten-free spices.

If several people eat the product, only the costs related to the part of the product that is eaten by the person with celiac disease may be claimed as a medical expense.

Documents you need to keep

Do not send your supporting documents. Keep them in case the CRA asks to see them later. You will need to keep all of the following documents:

• a letter from a medical practitioner that certifies that the person has celiac disease and needs a gluten-free diet
• receipts for each gluten-free food product that is claimed
• a summary of each food product that was bought during the 12-month period for which the expenses are being claimed

Prescribed drugs, medications, and other substances

This section identifies prescribed drugs, medications, and other substances you can claim as medical expenses.

Drugs and medical devices bought under Health Canada’s Special Access Program – the amounts paid for drugs and medical devices that have not been approved for use in Canada, if they were purchased under this program. For more information, visit Health Canada .

Insulin or substitutes – prescription needed.

Liver extract injections for a person with pernicious anaemia – prescription needed.

Medical cannabis (marihuana) – the amounts paid for cannabis, cannabis oil, cannabis plant seeds, or cannabis products purchased for medical purposes from a holder of a licence for sale (as defined in subsection 264(1) of the Cannabis Regulations ). The patient must be a holder of a medical document (as defined in subsection 264(1) of the Cannabis Regulations). The Cannabis Regulations require that the patient be registered as a client of the holder of a licence for sale and require the patient to make their purchases from the holder they are registered with.

Where a patient has a registration certificate that allows them to legally produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes, the cost of growing and producing cannabis for medical purposes (other than the cost of cannabis plant seeds and cannabis), such as pots, soil, nutrients, and lights, is not an eligible medical expense.

Prescription drugs and medications that can lawfully be obtained for use by the person only if prescribed by a medical practitioner. Also, the drugs or medications must be recorded by a pharmacist. You cannot claim over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements, even if prescribed by a medical practitioner (except vitamin B12 ).

Vaccines – prescription needed.

Vitamin B12  therapy for a person with pernicious anaemia (either by injections, pills, or other methods) – prescription needed.

Service animals

The cost of a specially trained animal to assist in coping with an impairment for a person who is in any of the following situations. The person:

• is profoundly deaf
• has a severe and prolonged physical impairment that markedly restricts the use of their arms or legs
• is severely affected by autism or epilepsy
• has severe diabetes (for expenses incurred after 2013)
• has a severe mental impairment (for expenses incurred after 2017). The animal must be specially trained to perform specific tasks that assist the person in coping with the impairment. An animal that only provides emotional support is not considered to be specially trained for a specific task

In addition to the cost of the animal, the care and maintenance (including food and veterinarian care) are eligible expenses.

Reasonable travel expenses for the person to go to a school, institution, or other place that trains them in handling such an animal (including reasonable board and lodging for full-time attendance at the school) are eligible expenses. The training of such animals has to be one of the main purposes of the person or organization that provides the animal.

Services and fees

This section identifies the services and fees you can claim as medical expenses.

Ambulance service to or from a public or licensed private hospital.

Certificates – the amount paid to a medical practitioner for filling out and providing more information for Form T2201 and other certificates.

Deaf-blind intervening services used by a person who is blind and profoundly deaf when paid to someone in the business of providing these services.

Dental services – paid to a medical practitioner or a dentist. Expenses for purely cosmetic procedures are not eligible. For more information, see Common medical expenses you cannot claim .

Electrolysis – only amounts paid to a qualified medical practitioner. Expenses for purely cosmetic procedures are not eligible. For more information, see Common medical expenses you cannot claim .

Hospital services – public or private, that are licensed as hospitals by the province, territory, or jurisdiction they are located in.

Laboratory procedures or services including necessary interpretations – prescription needed.

COVID-19 tests, such as those for travel, would still need a prescription, even if they are mandatory.

Medical services by medical practitioners – to verify if a specific profession is recognized by a province or territory for the purposes of claiming medical expenses, go to Authorized medical practitioners for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit .

Medical services outside of Canada – if you travel outside Canada to get medical services, you can claim the amounts you paid to a medical practitioner and a public or licensed private hospital. A "licensed private hospital" is a hospital licensed by the jurisdiction that it operates in.

Moving expenses – reasonable moving expenses (that have not been claimed as moving expenses on anyone’s tax return) to move a person who has a severe and prolonged mobility impairment, or who lacks normal physical development, to housing that is more accessible to the person or in which the person is more mobile or functional, to a limit of $2,000 (for residents of Ontario, the provincial limit is $3,282).

Note-taking services used by a person with an impairment in physical or mental functions and paid to someone in the business of providing these services. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that these services are needed.

Nurse – the amount paid for services of an authorized nurse.

Orthodontic work including braces paid to a medical practitioner or a dentist. Expenses for purely cosmetic procedures are not eligible. For more information, see Common medical expenses you cannot claim .

Premiums paid to private health services plans including medical, dental, and hospitalization plans. They can be claimed as a medical expense, as long as 90% or more of the premiums paid under the plan are for eligible medical expenses.

Reading services used by a person who is blind or has a severe learning disability and paid to someone in the business of providing these services. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that these services are needed.

Sign language interpretation services used by a person with a speech or hearing impairment and paid to someone in the business of providing these services.

Tests – the cost of medical tests such as electrocardiographs, electrocardiograms, metabolism tests, radiological services or procedures, spinal fluid tests, stool examinations, sugar content tests, urine analysis, and x-ray services. Also, you can claim the cost of any related interpretation or diagnosis – prescription needed.

Tutoring services that are additional to the primary education of a person with a learning disability or an impairment in mental functions, and paid to a person in the business of providing these services to individuals who are not related to the person. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that these services are needed.

Travel expenses

This section explains which travel expenses you can claim as medical expenses.

Expenses you can claim

To claim transportation and travel expenses, all of the following conditions must be met:

• Substantially equivalent medical services were not available near your home.
• You took a reasonably direct travelling route.
• It is reasonable, under the circumstances, for you to have travelled to that place for those medical services.

If a medical practitioner certifies in writing that you were not able to travel alone to get medical services, you can also claim the transportation and travel expenses of an attendant.

If you have travel expenses related to medical services and you also qualify for northern residents deductions (line 25500 of your tax return), you may be able to choose how to claim your expenses. For more information, see Form T2222, Northern Residents Deductions .

At least 40 kilometres

If you had to travel at least 40 kilometres (one way) from your home to get medical services, you may be able to claim the public transportation expenses you paid (for example, taxis, bus, or train) as medical expenses. Where public transportation is not readily available, you may be able to claim vehicle expenses.

At least 80 kilometres

If you had to travel at least 80 kilometres (one way) from your home to get medical services, you may be able to claim accommodation, meal, and parking expenses in addition to your transportation expenses as medical expenses. This may include travelling outside Canada.

Meal and vehicle expenses

You can choose to use the detailed or simplified method for calculating meal and vehicle expenses. If you use the detailed method, you have to keep all receipts and records for your 12-month period.

For more information and to find out about the rates used to calculate these travel expenses, go to Meal and vehicle rates used to calculate travel expenses or call the CRA's Tax Information Phone Service at 1-800-267-6999 .

Accommodations

You must keep receipts for all accommodation expenses and you must be able to show that the amount paid for accommodation is necessary because of the distance travelled and your medical condition. Claim the amount for accommodation as shown on your receipts.

Expenses you cannot claim

If you traveled less than 40 kilometres from your home to get medical services, you cannot claim travel expenses as medical expenses. You also cannot claim travel expenses if you travel only to pick up a device or medication.

Paul lives in St-Hyacinthe and had to travel over 40 kilometres one way (but less than 80 kilometres) to Montréal to get medical services because similar services were not available within 40 kilometres of his home. He had to use his vehicle because no public transportation was readily available.

Paul can claim his vehicle expenses. He can choose the detailed or simplified method to calculate the amount to claim on his tax return.

Maria had to travel with her son Michael from Sydney to Halifax (over 80 kilometres one way) to get medical services for herself. Maria’s doctor gave her a letter certifying that she was not able to travel without an attendant.

Since similar medical services were not available near her home, Maria took a direct travelling route, and it was reasonable, under the circumstances, for her to travel to Halifax to get medical services.

The day after they arrived in Halifax, Maria checked into the hospital for surgery and had to stay for two weeks .

Michael stayed in a hotel nearby and during the day, helped her with meals and personal care at the hospital. Michael drove his mother back to Sydney afterwards.

Maria can claim all reasonable travel expenses for herself and her son while en route, to and from Halifax and for the two-week period of medical services in Halifax.

Jennifer had to travel from Prince Rupert to Vancouver (over 80 kilometres one way) to get medical services. Her husband Stephen drove her there. Jennifer stayed in the hospital in Vancouver for three weeks but Stephen drove back to Prince Rupert after dropping her off at the hospital. Jennifer’s doctor gave her a letter certifying that she was not able to travel without an attendant.

Since similar medical services were not available near her home, Jennifer took a direct travelling route, and it was reasonable, under the circumstances, for her to travel to Vancouver to get medical services.

Stephen came to visit Jennifer once during her three-week stay in the hospital. When Jennifer was ready to go home, Stephen drove to Vancouver to take her home.

Jennifer can claim reasonable travel expenses for herself and her husband for the trip from Prince Rupert to Vancouver and then for the drive back home. However, neither Jennifer nor Stephen can claim any expenses for the trip Stephen made to visit Jennifer in the hospital.

John had to travel from Winnipeg to Germany (over 80 kilometres one way) to get medical services. He flew there and back, and stayed at a hotel for one week while he received the services from a medical practitioner.

Since similar medical services were not available near his home, John took a direct travelling route, and it was reasonable, under the circumstances, for him to travel to Germany to get medical services.

John can claim all reasonable travel expenses for himself while en route, to and from Germany and for the one week period of medical services in Germany.

Common medical expenses you cannot claim

There are some expenses that are commonly claimed as medical expenses in error. The expenses you cannot claim include the following:

• athletic or fitness club fees
• birth control devices (non-prescription)
• blood pressure monitors
• liposuction
• hair replacement procedures
• filler injections (for removing wrinkles)
• teeth whitening

A cosmetic surgery expense may qualify as a medical expense if it is necessary for medical or reconstructive purposes, such as surgery to address a deformity related to a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease;

• diaper services
• health plan premiums paid by an employer and not included in your income
• liquid meal replacement products
• mobile applications that help a person manage their blood glucose level (without actually measuring it)
• nebulizer to turn liquid medicine into a fine mist that can be inhaled
• organic food
• over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, even if prescribed by a medical practitioner (except vitamin B12 )
• personal response systems such as Lifeline and Health Line Services
• provincial and territorial plans such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan and the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (for a complete list of non-eligible plans, go to Lines 33099 and 33199 – Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your return )
• radon testing (for example, a radon test kit or the services of a radon measurement professional) or a radon mitigation treatment system (including installation)
• the part of medical expenses (including travel expenses) for which you can get reimbursed, such as reimbursements from a private insurance

If you are filing your tax return electronically or on paper, do not send any supporting documents. Keep them in case the CRA asks to see them later.

Receipts must show the name of the company or individual to whom an expense was paid. Receipts for attendant care or therapy paid to an individual should also show the individual’s social insurance number.

Receipts should also show the purpose of the payment, the date of payment, the name of the patient, and, if applicable, the medical practitioner who prescribed the purchase or gave the service.

In addition to receipts, the CRA may ask to see proof of payment, such as bank or credit card statements. If you are claiming amounts for a dependant who is 18 or older, the CRA may ask you for proof of support, such as a lease agreement or grocery receipts.

Digital services for individuals

The CRA’s digital services are fast, easy, and secure!

My Account lets you view and manage your personal income tax and benefit information online. Use My Account throughout the year to:

• view your benefit and credit information and apply for certain benefits
• view your notice of assessment or reassessment
• view uncashed cheques and request a replacement payment
• change your address, phone numbers, direct deposit information, marital status, and information about children in your care
• manage notification preferences and receive email notifications when important changes are made to your account
• check your tax-free savings account (TFSA) contribution room, your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) deduction limit, and your first home savings account (FHSA) participation room
• track the progress of certain files you have submitted to the CRA
• make a payment online to the CRA with the My Payment service, create a pre-authorized debit (PAD) agreement, or create a QR code to pay in person at Canada Post for a fee. For more information on how to make a payment, go to Payments to the CRA
• view and print your proof of income statement
• manage authorized representatives and authorization requests
• submit documents to the CRA
• submit an audit enquiry
• link between your CRA My Account and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) My Service Canada Account
• manage Multi-factor authentification settings

To sign in to or register for the CRA's digital services, go to:

• My Account if you are an individual
• Represent a Client if you are an authorized representative

Receive your CRA mail online

Set your correspondence preference to "Electronic mail" to receive email notifications when CRA mail, like your notice of assessment, is available in your account.

For more information, go to Email notifications from the CRA .

For more information

If you need help.

If you need more information after reading this guide, go to  Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax return or call 1-800-959-8281 .

Direct deposit

Direct deposit is a fast, convenient, and secure way to receive your CRA payments directly into your account at a financial institution in Canada. For more information and ways to enrol, go to Direct deposit or contact your financial institution.

Forms and publications

The CRA encourages you to file your return electronically. If you need a paper version of the CRA's forms and publications, go to Forms and publications or call 1-800-959-8281 .

Electronic mailing lists

The CRA can send you an email when new information on a subject of interest to you is available on the website. To subscribe to the electronic mailing lists, go to Electronic mailing lists .

Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS)

For tax information by telephone, use the CRA's automated service, TIPS, by calling 1-800-267-6999 .

Teletypewriter (TTY) users

If you use a TTY for a hearing or speech impairment, call 1-800-665-0354 .

If you use an operator-assisted relay service , call the CRA's regular telephone numbers instead of the TTY number.

Formal disputes (objections and appeals)

You have the right to file an objection if you disagree with an assessement, determination, or decision.

For more information about objections and related deadlines, go to File an objection .

CRA Service Feedback Program

Service complaints.

You can expect to be treated fairly under clear and established rules, and get a high level of service each time you deal with the CRA. For more information about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, see the Taxpayer Bill of Rights .

You may provide compliments or suggestions, and if you are not satisfied with the service you received:

• Try to resolve the matter with the employee you have been dealing with or call the telephone number provided in the correspondence you received from the CRA. If you do not have contact information for the CRA, go to Contact information .
• If you have not been able to resolve your service-related issue, you can ask to discuss the matter with the employee’s supervisor.
• If the problem is still not resolved, you can file a service-related complaint by filling out Form RC193, Service Feedback . For more information on how to file a complaint, go to Submit a service feedback .

If you are not satisfied with how the CRA has handled your service related complaint, you can submit a complaint with the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson .

Reprisal complaints

If you have received a response regarding a previously submitted service complaint or a formal review of a CRA decision and feel that you were treated impartially by a CRA employee, you can submit a reprisal complaint by filling out Form RC459, Reprisal Complaint .

For more information about complaints and disputes, go to Reprisal complaints .

Acoustic coupler

Air conditioner

Air filter, cleaner, or purifier

Altered auditory feedback devices

Ambulance service

Assisted breathing devices

Attendant care expenses

Audible signal devices

Baby breathing monitor

Bathroom aids

Bliss symbol boards

Blood coagulation monitors

Bone marrow transplant

Braces for a limb

Braille note-taker devices

Braille printers, synthetic speech systems, large print-on-screen devices

Breast prosthesis

Cancer treatment

Cannabis – see Medical cannabis (marihuana)

Catheters, catheter trays tubing

Certificates

Computer peripherals

Construction expenses – see Renovation or construction expenses

Cosmetic surgery

Deaf-blind intervening services

Dental services

Devices or software

Dialysis (kidney machine)

Diapers or disposable briefs

Driveway access

Drugs and medical devices bought under Health Canada’s Special Access Program

Egg and sperm freezing and storage

Elastic support hose

Electrolysis

Electronic bone healing device

Electronic speech synthesizers

Electrotherapy devices

Environmental control system (computerized or electronic)

Extremity pump

Fertility-related procedures  

Glasses – see Vision devices

Group home – see Attendant care and care in a facility

Hearing aids

Heart monitoring devices

Hernia – see Truss for hernia

Hospital bed

Hospital services

Hot tub – see  Whirlpool bath treatments

Ileostomy and colostomy pads

Infusion pump

Injection pens

Insulin or substitutes

In vitro fertility program

Kidney machine – see Dialysis (kidney machine)

Laboratory procedures or services

Large print-on-screen devices

Laser eye surgery

Lift or transportation equipment

Liver extract injections

Medical cannabis (marihuana)

Medical devices bought under Health Canada’s Special Access Program – see Drugs and medical devices bought under Health Canada’s Special Access Program

Medical services provided by qualified medical practitioners

Medical services provided outside of Canada

Moving expenses

Needles and syringes

Note-taking services

Nursing home – see Attendant care and care in a facility

Optical scanners

Organ transplant

Orthodontic work

Orthopaedic shoes, boots, and inserts

Osteogenesis stimulator (inductive coupling)

Ova – see In vitro fertility program

Ova freezing – see Egg and sperm freezing and storage

Oxygen and oxygen tent

Oxygen concentrator

Page turner devices

Personalized therapy plan

Phototherapy equipment

Premiums paid to private health services plans

Pre-natal and post-natal treatments

Prescription drugs and medications

Pressure pulse therapy devices

Radon testing

Reading services

Real-time captioning

Rehabilitative therapy

Renovation or construction expenses

Respite care expenses – see Attendant care and care in a facility

School for persons with an impairment in physical or mental functions

Sign-language interpretation services

Software – see Devices or software

Sperm – see In vitro fertility program

Sperm freezing – see Egg and sperm freezing and storage

Standing devices

Surrogate mother – see Fertility-related procedures

Syringes – see Needles and syringes

Talking textbooks

Teletypewriters

Television closed caption decoders

Transportation equipment – see Lift or transportation equipment  

Treatment centre

Tutoring services

Vehicle device

Vision devices

Visual or vibratory signalling device

Vitamin B12

Voice recognition software

Volume control feature (additional)

Walking aids

Walking cast – see Braces for a limb

Water filter, cleaner or purifier

Whirlpool bath treatments

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More topics

• Medical Benefits Outside of British Columbia

Medical Benefits Outside of B.C.

B.C. Residents traveling outside Canada are encouraged to review current travel advice and advisories:

Government of Canada

Province of BC

If you are eligible for coverage while temporarily absent from B.C., MSP will help pay for unexpected medical services provided the services are medically required, rendered by a licensed physician and normally insured by MSP. Reimbursement for physician services will be made in Canadian funds and payment will not exceed the amount payable had the same services been performed in B.C. Any excess cost is the responsibility of the beneficiary.

MSP does not provide any coverage for treatment provided by a health care practitioner outside the province (e.g. physician assistants, nurse practitioners, chiropractors or physical therapists).

PharmaCare does not provide coverage for prescription drugs or medical supplies when obtained outside B.C. Provincial assistance is also not provided to subsidize payment for ambulance services outside B.C.

If medical care is not provided by a physician, or if you require a prescription or ambulance service while you are in another province or outside Canada, you will be charged the full cost for any medical service provided by the health care practitioner (non-physician), prescription or ambulance service. Fees can often range from several hundred to several thousand dollars and your costs will not be reimbursed by the Ministry of Health. 

Although the province does provide some coverage for emergency hospital care when you travel outside Canada, the province limits coverage to a maximum daily payment of $75.00, in Canadian funds.  

When purchasing travel insurance, you are advised to obtain insurance that will cover the additional costs for physician and hospital care and for the provincial services that are not insured outside B.C. such as prescription and ambulance services, and transportation back to B.C.

Out-of-Province Emergency Medical Care

Physician services in canada:.

Most physicians in other Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec) will bill their own provincial/territorial health plan for services provided if you present your valid B.C. Services Card. The provinces/territories recover the funding monthly between each other.

When travelling in Quebec, you may be asked to pay for physician services and seek reimbursement later from MSP. If you paid for physician services in another province/territory, to request reimbursement please complete the Out of Country Medical Claim Form .

Hospital Benefits in Canada:

If you are admitted to a publicly funded hospital in Canada, the cost for most outpatient and inpatient services will usually be managed by the provincial or territorial health care plan.  If you receive an invoice from a public hospital in Canada for insured medical services, please contact:  Ministry of Health, Out of Province Claims, PO BOX 9647, STN PROV GOVT, Victoria, B.C.  V8W 9P4

B.C. residents are strongly advised to purchase additional health insurance when travelling to other Canadian provinces/territories to cover the cost of services not included in the reciprocal agreement between the provinces/territories.

Out-of-Country Emergency Medical Care

The cost of medical care outside Canada can be much higher than the amounts payable by MSP and extended health care plans. For complete protection, additional medical insurance should be purchased from a private insurance company, even if you only plan to leave the country for a day. Check the exclusions and limitations of your private insurance policy carefully to ensure that the policy meets your personal needs.

Provincial coverage for medically necessary COVID-19 services may be available; however, coverage for the COVID-19 laboratory test and general physician visit is limited, outside Canada, to a maximum payment of $75.00, in Canadian funds.

If you have extended health benefits please contact your insurer to determine the policy provisions or consider purchasing additional medical travel insurance.

When you receive medical services outside Canada (or in some instances outside B.C.), you will need to claim reimbursement from MSP using an Out of Country Claim Form. The completed form should be returned with:

• an itemized account, including the dates of service and details of services performed, and
• either the unpaid bills or the original receipts if the bills have been paid.

Note : Submit claims for physician services within 90 days of the date of service. In-patient hospital claims (and any associated medical claims) must be submitted within six months of discharge.

Payment will be issued in Canadian funds only and will be paid at the same rate that would have been paid if the services were received in B.C.

Learn more about how your health care benefits change when you leave B.C. (PDF 95KB)

Elective (Non-Emergency) Medical Care Outside Canada

If you leave Canada specifically to obtain medical or hospital care (and you would like to have your provincial coverage help pay for it), the medical specialist looking after your care in B.C. must write to MSP and provide information regarding the medical necessity for a referral outside of Canada. The specialist needs to provide information about what other treatment options have been explored elsewhere in B.C. and/or Canada.

Treatment which is considered to be experimental or still in the developmental (research) stage is not eligible for coverage.

Note : If you do not obtain MSP approval for elective out of country medical care, all costs for services received outside Canada will be your personal responsibility. Travel and accommodation costs are not eligible for coverage.

Learn more about what types of medical care outside of British Columbia are covered.

• Out of Province and Out of Country Medical Care Guidelines (PDF, 146KB)

The Out-of-Country Health Services Funding Application is detailed at: Medical Services Outside of Canada - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

Related Forms

Complete and submit this form to request reimbursement for emergency (unexpected) medical services received outside of Canada or physician services paid for in another province/territory within Canada.

• Out of Country Claim Form (HLTH 2814) (PDF, 143KB)

To request provincial coverage for elective (non-emergency) medical care outside Canada, prior approval is required. The attending medical specialist involved in your care in BC must submit the application for coverage prior to the out of country treatment being provided.

• Out-of-Country Health Services Funding Application (HLTH 2810) (PDF, 114KB)

Contact information

If you have questions about what out-of-province and out-of country services are covered by MSP, contact Health Insurance BC for more information.

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return

On this page.

• If you become sick while travelling

If you have a medical emergency outside Canada

If you become sick after returning to canada, medical emergencies.

Many Canadians become ill and require medical assistance when they’re outside of Canada.

If you become sick when you’re travelling, here’s how to find help:

• Hotels can also arrange appointments with local physicians.
• If you have travel insurance, contact the local number you may have been given or the assistance centre in Canada to ask for a referral.
• In some countries, ambulances may be uncommon: use whatever form of transportation is available to take you to a hospital.

If you have a medical emergency while abroad, officials at the nearest Canadian government office  can:

• provide a list of physicians, clinics and hospitals
• contact your next of kin or person designated with the power of attorney to make decisions in case of your incapacity
• assist you in contacting your insurance company
• with your permission, contact your medical doctor in Canada and assist them in discussing your medical file with the local treating physician
• assist with a medical evacuation and safe transfer, including liaising with service providers

Note that the Government of Canada does not:

• pay hospital or medical bills
• pay for a medical evacuation, an air ambulance or other similar commercial services
• make decisions pertaining to your medical care
• interfere in your medical care
• provide medical or legal advice

If you become sick (e.g. fever, shortness of breath) or if symptoms of an existing medical condition worsen while travelling and you are still sick when you return to Canada, tell a flight attendant or cruise staff, or a border services officer when you arrive. They will decide whether you need further medical assessment by a quarantine officer.

If you become sick after you return to Canada or if you were sick while you were away, see a health care provider. Tell them the countries you visited and whether you received medical care (for example, blood transfusions, injections, dental care or surgery).

Describe your symptoms to the health care provider before you make the appointment. Some illnesses, such as measles, are highly contagious, so they might arrange to see you without exposing others.

• Travel advice and advisories
• Travel vaccinations
• Receiving medical care outside Canada
• Travel-related diseases

• GSC Member Login
• GSC plan admin login
• Inkblot Login
• Honeybee Login
• GreenShield+ Login
• GSC Plan Admin Login
• Plan sponsors

GSC enhances standard travel plans with new quarantine coverage

Gsc introduces quarantine coverage for fully vaccinated travellers who test positive for covid-19.

As travel gradually inches its way back onto the horizon, the Green Shield Canada (GSC) team is closely monitoring the latest developments in order to best support plan sponsors and plan members alike. While we continue to view the Government of Canada advisory as the primary guideline, we understand that plan members will make their own choices around travelling. In these situations, we firmly believe that providing peace of mind is the right thing to do. For that reason, we announced in April that all standard GSC travel plans had been updated to include coverage for emergency medical expenses related to COVID-19 through December 31, 2021, up to the existing maximums and limitations within each plan. To align with this coverage for medical treatment, and in light of the ongoing vaccine rollout, we are extending some of the other benefits of our standard travel plans from August 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 to cover expenses incurred by Fully Vaccinated Travellers 1 (see footnote for a full definition) who test positive for COVID-19 while travelling and are required to quarantine outside of their province of residence. The following benefits, already included in our standard travel plans, will now be accessible during a quarantine period for a covered Fully Vaccinated Traveller who tests positive for COVID-19 during their trip and is delayed in returning home:

• Meal and accommodation expenses of up to $150/day (to a maximum of $1,500) where quarantine is required outside of Canada (or within Canada and outside of a plan member’s province of residence) when they cannot board their pre-arranged transportation home;
• Medical expenses incurred during the quarantine period including extension of prescription medications and follow up COVID-19 tests;
• Additional expenses incurred for one-way economy fare to return home for the covered quarantined person(s) once they are cleared for travel; and
• Emergency medical expenses and the above quarantine expenses will continue to be eligible for up to 14 days in the event that the quarantine period causes a plan member to be away from their province of residence beyond the maximum number of days per trip covered by their plan.

If your out-of-country travel coverage is under a pure ASO funding arrangement or you have an out-of-country pooling limit, we are also extending these most recent COVID-19 coverage enhancements to your plan – the same approach that we took with the April 2021 enhancements. Please contact your GSC account team for more information. In order to be eligible for this coverage the traveller must contact GSC Travel Assistance at the beginning of their quarantine period after receiving a positive COVID-19 test. To be considered for payment, all claims must include the following:

• Government-issued proof of vaccination document for those eligible to be vaccinated in Canada; or
• Medical evidence indicating that the individual has a condition to which COVID-19 vaccine is contraindicated;
• Proof of positive COVID-19 test at destination;
• Trip itinerary for all covered travellers identifying destination, departure date, and planned return date; and
• Paid receipts for all eligible expenses.

If you have any questions, please contact your GSC account team or check out the GSC Support Centre. We understand that plan members may be looking for answers too and we encourage you to direct them to the Support Centre “Coronavirus” section , where we will continue to post our latest travel updates.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Our top picks for the best international travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
• Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured
• Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Best overall: Allianz

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TraveSmart, Allainz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads travel insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our Travel Insured review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners travel insurance review here.

How to find the right international travel insurance company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

• Consider the nature of your travel (leisure, business, or adventure) and the associated risks (medical emergencies, trip cancellations, etc.).
• Determine your budget and the amount of coverage you require. 
• Consider the duration of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting, as some policies won't cover specific destinations. 

Research the reputation of the company 

• Look for the company's reviews and ratings from reputable sources like consumer advocacy groups and independent website reviews. 
• Check the provider's financial stability and credit ratings to ensure it can pay out claims reliably. 
• Investigate the company's claims process to ensure it can provide timely support if you need to file a claim.

Compare prices

• Get quotes from multiple providers to compare rates and coverage options.
• See if the company provides discounts or special offers to lower your cost. 
• Look at the deductible or any out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay if you file a claim to determine if you can afford it. 

Understanding international travel insurance coverage options 

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the best price for international travel insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

How we reviewed international travel insurance companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

• Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
• Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
• Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
• Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
• Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

Which company has the best international travel insurance?

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

Is international health insurance the same as travel insurance?

International health insurance and travel insurance serve different purposes. While both may cover medical expenses, international health insurance provides long-term health insurance for working abroad. Meanwhile, travel insurance offers short-term coverage for the duration of your trip. 

What insurance do you need for international travel?

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Should you get travel insurance for international travel?

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

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Cancer and travel health insurance

For people who have active and/or advanced cancer, how do you handle health insurance when traveling outside your country with a serious pre-existing condition? Do you just self-insure (roll the dice), or pay extra for special coverage?

I'm interested in hearing from everyone, but especially from Canadians or Europeans traveling to the U.S., because that's where an unexpected hospital visit could really empty your retirement savings fast.

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Cultural News and Events

Cuba Tourist Board of Canada

• REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADIANS PASSENGERS TRAVELING TO CUBA (updated as of Nov 2, 2023)
• Travelling from Canada to Cuba, you just need a valid Canadian passport, if your passport is from another country, you need your Canadian resident card or a work or study permit that includes a multiple-entry permit attached to your passport. For Cuba, you need the tourist card (the tourist card is included in your plane ticket and is issued by the airline on board)
• All passengers arriving to Cuba from a direct flight from Canada, do not need to present a vaccination passport.
• Medical insurance is required for Cuba, medical insurance must cover any type of medical emergency including COVID-19, so in case of a medical emergency the tourist is responsible for paying the costs, for this reason, Cuba suggests having medical insurance for all types of medical emergencies including covid. If you are unable to obtain insurance in Canada, you can purchase medical insurance in Cuba at the airport or visit www.cubatravel.cu. For more information on what the insurance includes, contact the representative at the Insurance desk at the airport in Cuba.
• Since January 1, 2022, travelers must complete the customs and health declaration form, this is done online and the website to visit is: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu . All travelers must complete this information online 48 hours before traveling to Cuba. Once the form is completed, you will receive a QR code by email. You must show an electronic or printed version of the QR code to the authorities upon arrival. If you have any problems and you can't fill out the form online because you don't have internet access, the printed form will be available on arrival at the airport in Cuba to fill it out.
• CURRENCY: The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP). The convertible peso has been discontinued and is no longer accepted in Cuba. US and CAD dollars are  accepted anywhere in Cuba.  At tourist areas which includes hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, payment is only accepted with debit/visa cards or visa / mastercard credit cards from Canadian banks . Customers who do not have a credit card can buy a prepaid card in Cuba at the airport or at any money exchange kiosks at hotels . Payments outside the tourist areas are all in Cuban pesos (CUP); We recommend exchanging Canadian dollars for pesos as needed and only if you plan to travel OUTSIDE of tourist areas, since you will not be able to change the remaining pesos into Canadian dollars at the end of the holiday.

For additional information, please contact Cuba Tourist Board at:

E-mail: [email protected] TL : 416 362 0700

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