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CAA Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Feb 28, 2024, 5:47am

The Canadian Automobile Association, or CAA, is well known for its roadside assistance, but you might not know that it also offers incredibly solid travel insurance—with loads of options for customizing your premium to fit your budget. CAA members also get a 10% discount on their premium. And with coverage for kids, grandkids and even pets, CAA travel insurance is a great choice for families, too.

• Pre-existing conditions rider
• Optional medical deductible
• CFAR and IFAR reimbursement at 75%
• Additional coverage for air excursions and sports
• Medical questionnaire required at age 60
• Limited coverage for adventurous travellers
• Discounts only available to CAA members

Table of Contents

About caa travel insurance, what travel insurance does caa travel insurance offer, caa travel insurance plans, summary: plan comparison, caa travel insurance cost, compare caa travel insurance with other insurers, optional add-ons for caa travel insurance, does caa travel insurance offer any discounts, does caa travel insurance offer annual multi-trip plans, does caa travel insurance have 24/7 travel assistance, does caa travel insurance have cancel for any reason (cfar), does caa travel insurance have interruption for any reason (ifar), does caa travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions, what’s not covered by caa travel insurance, how to file a claim with caa travel insurance.

If you’re one of the 5.8 million Canadians with a CAA membership, you’ve probably called for help when you’ve had a flat tire, been locked out of your car or run out of gas during a road trip. But CAA can offer much more than roadside assistance, including travel insurance for Canadian residents for trips both within Canada and internationally, as well as travel insurance for visitors to Canada.

The CAA is made up of nine regional clubs across Canada, including CAA South Central Ontario (that includes Manitoba), North East Ontario, Niagara, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Maritimes, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

This review is based on plans from CAA-South Central Ontario (CAA-SCO). If you live in another part of the province or elsewhere in Canada, your plan offerings may differ.

CAA South Central Ontario travel insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance, a CAA company.

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered in CAA Insurance plans:

• Emergency medical insurance: If you become ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the limits in your plan. These expenses can include doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work.
• Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel a trip for a reason listed in your policy, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
• Travel interruption insurance: Trip interruption insurance can pay for a last-minute flight home in an emergency and money that you lose by cutting a trip short, such as non-refundable activities and hotel stays. CAA offers a BounceBack benefit that kicks in if you have to go home to deal with an emergency, you’ll get $2,000 towards a round-trip ticket home and back again.
• Baggage insurance: Baggage travel insurance can compensate you up to your policy limits if your luggage is lost or stolen. It will reimburse the depreciated value of your suitcases and what you packed. If your bags are delayed, it can reimburse you for the cost of the necessities you buy to tide you over. It also extends to your personal belongings, if they are lost, damaged or stolen.
• Travel accident insurance. This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from an accident during your trip. Flight accident insurance covers injury while you’re on a commercial plane, during a connection or in an airport. Travel accident insurance covers death or dismemberment, including the loss of limbs or eyesight, sustained on your trip.

CAA offers three travel insurance plans: Emergency Medical + Trip, Medical and Trip.

Emergency Medical + Trip: This is the most comprehensive plan that includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation and interruption, lost baggage and personal documents, non-medical emergency evacuation, medical repatriation, travel accident insurance and more.

Emergency medical treatment includes:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room.
• Physicians’ fees.
• Laboratory tests and X-rays.
• Private duty nursing.
• Ground ambulance service.
• Prescription drugs.
• Medical appliances including casts, splints, trusses, braces, crutches or the rental of a wheelchair.
• Treatment by a chiropodist, chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist or podiatrist.
• Emergency dental treatment due to a blow to the face.
• Emergency dental treatment due to illness, excluding roots canals or damage to dentures.
• Hospital allowance for long distance calls, TV rental when hospitalized for at least 48 hours.

Medical: If you’re only worried about medical emergencies while travelling (and not trip protection), this standalone plan offers all of the medical coverage options of the Emergency Medical + Trip plan and includes hospital accommodations, physician fees, lab tests, private nurses and ambulance services.

Trip: If you have medical coverage elsewhere, the Trip plan covers trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, baggage insurance, travel accident insurance and more.

With a CAA Travel Insurance plan you can purchase family coverage for three or more members, including your spouse, children and grandchildren. CAA even extends coverage to your pets in the event you are hospitalized or repatriated, as well as $300 for emergency veterinary care.

We highlighted key benefits of CAA Travel Insurance to help you identify which plan is the best fit for you.

Here’s a comparison of the Medical + Trip, Medical only and Trip only plans and how much coverage you’ll get.

The price of a CAA Travel Insurance plan depends on factors such as the cost of your trip, your age and the amount of coverage you choose.

Here are some price examples of CAA Travel Insurance plans for healthy travellers based in Ontario through the CAA-South Central Ontario Club. CAA members get 10% off these rates.

If you’re purchasing the Medical only plan, you can also add an optional deductible, or the amount you will pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in, to lower the cost of your premium. Deductible options include: $300, $500, $1,000, $3,000, $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, $50,000 (USD).

World Nomads

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000, $3,000

Related: World Nomads Travel Insurance Review

Manulife Financial

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: Manulife Financial CoverMe Travel Insurance Review

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,500

Related: Blue Cross Travel Insurance Review

CAA Travel Insurance offers the following riders, or add-ons, for the more adventurous or sporty travellers:

• Adventurous Air Activities. Up to $5 million covering extra vacation fun while participating in activities that include hot-air balloon rides, parasailing and helicopter excursions.
• Sports & Speed. If you’re participating in a professional sporting event or motorized speed contest, this provides coverage for any accident or illness while you’re competing, training or practicing while you’re away.

Here’s how these add-ons could affect your premium:

If you’re renting a car while on vacation, the optional Rental Vehicle Damage Insurance add-on will pay up to $80,000 for rentals up to 80 days.

CAA members in the CAA-SCO Club receive 10% off their premium for any travel insurance plan. (Other clubs may offer different discounts. For example, CAA Maritime members receive a 15% discount.)

Here’s an example for the Medical + Trip plan:

Yes. If you travel a few times a year (or more!) it may be cost effective to buy multi-trip insurance , also known as annual trip insurance. CAA Travel Insurance has two plan options: The Multi-Trip Plan that offers medical coverage only for four, eight, 15 or 30 days, and the Annual Vacation Package Plan that offers medical and trip protection coverage for eight, 15 or 30-day periods. If you stay longer than the number of days in your plan, you can purchase a top-up.

CAA Assistance is available 24/7, 365 days of the year and can help you when you’re faced with an emergency. Support includes:

• Directing you to an appropriate physician or hospital at your trip destination.
• Providing multilingual interpreters to communicate with physicians and hospitals.
• Monitoring your care and ensuring only appropriate and medically necessary treatment is given.
• Communicating on your behalf to your family and physician.
• Paying hospitals, physicians and medical providers whenever possible.
• Arranging necessary transportation, such as an air ambulance, whenever necessary.

When you call CAA Assistance, you’ll need to provide your name, policy number, your location and the nature of your emergency. If you don’t contact CAA Assistance before receiving medical treatment, you may be limited to reimbursement of 80% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $25,000.

If you’re not dealing with an emergency (say you’re holed up in your hotel room with a migraine) but you’d still like some medical advice, CAA Travel Insurance offers a Virtual Emergency Medical Assistance and House Call Service, which provides 24/7 and unlimited number of virtual visits to medical professionals via virtual healthcare.

According to CAA, 80% of cancellation claims are because a traveller, or one of their immediate family members, gets sick or injured.

Trip cancellation insurance covers things like:

• You are a family member, or your travel companion or their family members, is sick, injured, quarantined or dies.
• A blizzard, hurricane or volcano, for example, hits your home or you’re burgled within seven days before your departure.
• You lose your job.
• You’re called for jury duty.
• The business meeting, conference or event you were travelling to is cancelled.
• There’s a new travel advisory.
• The travel supplier you bought from goes out of business.
• Your passport is not issued in time.

CAA also offers Cancel For Any Reason insurance, which offers the following reimbursement if you cancel for a reason up to three hours before departure other than those listed:

• 75% CFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through CAA Travel.
• 50% CFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through another provider.

While trip cancellation covers any issues that happen before you leave, trip interruption covers issues once you’ve already left home.

Trip interruption insurance covers issues, such as:

• A missed connection due to bad weather, road delays or a road accident.
• A medical emergency back home.

CAA also offers Interruption For Any Reason insurance up to $2,500, that covers you for any reason outside of your policy to the following limits:

• 75% IFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through CAA Travel.
• 50% IFAR reimbursement if your travel is booked through another provider.

For travellers under age 60, CAA Travel Insurance will not pay any claims due to any sickness, injury or medical condition that is not stable in the three months before your departure date (and for travellers age 70 to 84, your condition must be stable for six months), unless you purchase the Pre-Existing Medical Condition rider that reduces the waiting period to seven days and covers to a maximum of $200,000.

Here’s how this add-on could affect your premium cost:

For travellers under age 60, CAA Travel will also not cover any lung condition if in the three months prior to departure you received treatment with Prednisone.

For travellers age 60 to 84, CAA Travel will also not cover any lung condition if in the three months prior to departure you received treatment with prednisone, or any heart conditions if you had heart bypass or valve surgery more than eight years prior to the departure date; if you were taking three or more medications for your heart; you were diagnosed or treated for a heart condition, diabetes and high blood pressure; or you were prescribed or are taking medication for heart failure.

There are a number of scenarios not covered by travel insurance and it’s critical to know what not to do before you make a claim only to be told you’re on the hook for all associated costs. The following are some of the most common issues not covered by travel insurance:

• A claim against an unstable pre-existing medical condition. CAA defines a condition as unstable if you have sought medical treatment for that condition, if new or existing symptoms appear or there has been a change in medication or the dose you take.
• Ongoing medical treatment or services. Your coverage treats the emergency then gets you back to Canada for further treatment. The emergency medical coverage does include medical follow-up in Canada.
• Non-emergency, experimental or elective treatment, including cosmetic surgery, chronic care or rehabilitation.
• Pregnancy (other than unexpected complications) or a child born on a trip.
• Injury or illness as a result of alcohol or drug abuse.
• High risk activities, such as being in the air (balloon, kite balloon, paraglider, parasail, parachute, kite, wingsuit, etc.), unless you’ve purchased the Adventurous Air Activities rider.
• Travelling against medical advice or not following medical advice in regards to treatment.
• Travelling to get medical treatment, included diagnosis, palliative care or alternative therapy.
• Suicide or attempted suicide, or any self-inflicted injuries.
• Travelling after the Canadian government issues a “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” advisory.
• Any professional sports, unless you purchase the Sport & Speed rider.
• Air ambulance services, unless approved in advance.
• Damage to or loss of contact lenses or prosthetic teeth or limbs.

Due to high call volumes, CAA recommends you file your claim online or by email. You can file a claim online 24/7 by logging into your account via CAA’s partner Global Excel Management. You can also visit the CAA website and download your appropriate claim form. Depending on the kind of claim, you will also need to provide supporting documentation. For example, for a claim on your baggage insurance for a theft, you’ll need to submit a report from the police. After the claim is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation with your case number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does caa travel insurance pay for medical costs upfront.

Yes, in most cases CAA will pay hospitals, physicians and other medical providers directly. However, the insurer notes that some providers require direct payment. In that case you will be reimbursed for “reasonable and customary costs.”

Does CAA Travel Insurance cover COVID-19?

It depends. You are eligible for the $5 million emergency medical coverage if you’re fully vaccinated and $2.5 million if partially vaccinated for any COVID-19-related illnesses that occur while travelling.

Does CAA Travel Insurance offer coverage extensions?

Your coverage is automatically extended for five days due a travel delay due to inclement weather or mechanical failure, or a sudden and unforeseen illness. If you are hospitalized, your coverage is extended for the period of hospitalization, plus five days after discharge. You can also request an extension if you want to stay longer provided you apply before the expiry date of your policy and you haven’t made any claims.

Does CAA Travel require a medical questionnaire?

Yes. Travellers age 60 and over must complete a medical questionnaire that asks questions such as: Have you visited the emergency room more than once in the last 12 months, have you been a smoker in the last five years, have you had surgery in the last 12 months and have you received treatment or medication for cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer, neurological conditions or respiratory conditions. If it’s discovered that you do not answer the questions truthfully, you’ll be responsible for the first $5,000 of any claim.

Does CAA Travel Insurance have any age restrictions?

Yes. Medical + Trip coverage is available to travellers age 84 and under. Trip Only coverage is available at any age.

Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » CAA

Is CAA the best travel insurance in Canada in 2024?

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Information verified by   Alexandre Desoutter

Our articles are written by experts in their fields (finance, trading, insurance etc.) whose signatures you will see at the beginning and at the end of each article. They are also systematically reviewed and corrected before each publication, and updated regularly.

Traveling without travel insurance can lead to significant expenses. Did you know that a night at a hospital in the United States can cost over $14,000 CAD? Certain countries may even deny access if you cannot prepay for medical treatment.

So, travel insurance is essential when you're away from home. It ensures you have access to necessary healthcare and covers the costs when needed. Apart from medical emergencies, it offers assistance for flight delays and cancelations, lost luggage, and more.

If you're considering travel insurance, it's worth looking at CAA travel insurance. We've created this guide on coverage, pricing, and everything you need to know about CAA travel insurance. You can also compare it with other players using our free tool and get quick travel insurance quotes.

Our 2024 review of CAA travel insurance

CAA, or the Canadian Automobile Association is a trusted travel brand. It offers a wide range of insurance plans to fit any budget or travel plan.

Here are some CAA travel insurance pros and cons:

Why CAA could be right for you

• Membership with CAA gives a 10% discount on travel insurance packages.
• Easy to apply for coverage or file a claim online.
• Extensive coverage for emergency medical intervention.
• Enjoy 24/7 customer service
• CAA offers travel insurance plans specifically curated for the needs of seniors and snowbirds.

Why CAA may not be right for you

• Special discounts are only available to CAA members.
• CAA travel insurance requires you to answer a medical questionnaire.
• Like most insurers, CAA medical travel insurance does not - for the most part - cover pre-existing medical conditions (such as cancer for instance).

Should you be interested in CAA's plans, know that you can get a travel insurance quote with CAA directly on the insurer's website! But, before choosing CAA travel insurance, compare options and quotes. A little shopping around can help you to save money and find a coverage that really fits your needs:

Compare the best travel insurance plans on the market!

What does CAA travel insurance cover?

CAA offers excellent coverage that cuts across medical, dental, and economic benefits. Medical emergencies, travel interruptions and loss, theft or damage of personal belonging are well covered by CAA travel insurance plans. Here are the main travel insurance plans by CAA:

Good to know

The Multi-Trip Annual Vacation plan offers more all year round. Aside the medical coverage of $5 million, it offers maximum trip protection coverage of $10,000 per year, baggage protection and delay benefits reach up to $3,000 and $1,500 per policy year.

For more information on CAA international travel insurance, download the PDF below:

CAA offers extensive coverage to visitors to Canada. This covers medical intervention, compensation for travel interruption and baggage protection:

Does <strong>CAA </strong>travel insurance cover Covid-19?

CAA COVID-19 policy has been updated to cover COVID-19 related emergencies and interruptions. COVID-19 updates are regularly passed to clients to ensure safe travel.

How much does a travel insurance with  CAA  cost?

The rates of CAA travel insurance depend on multiple factors:

• Your desired coverage and otpions.
• Your deductible.
• Your waiting period. 
• The lenght of your trip.
• Your destination(s) (do you want to go to the USA, where medical expensises are high, or do you want to travel within the bordes of Canada?).

Whether you buy CAA travel insurance from Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Winnipeg or anywhere else, your location doesn't influence the price of coverage. Your destination, however, will).

CAA travel insurance doesn't provide tables on its pricing. Rates are also ver dependable on your profile and needs. Therefore it will be important to get an  individual quote customized for your unique needs.

This is only indicative but, on average, travel insurance in Canada costs $25,35 per trip for a single traveller.

Before settling on CAA's travel insurance policy, we advise you shop around! You can quickly and anonymously compare prices from leading travel insurance companies using our free comparison tool below:

How does CAA travel insurance work?

How to get a caa travel insurance quote.

With a call to the following CAA travel insurance phone number 1-800-437-8541, you can purchase or request a travel plan quote from CAA.

You can also purchase a travel package directly on the website.

How to file a travel insurance claim with CAA?

CAA Insurance allows you to file your claim directly on their online CAA travel insurance portal. You can also initiate a claim by calling:

• 1-888-493-0161(from Canada and the USA)
• 1-519-988-7044 (Worldwide)

How to cancel your CAA travel insurance?

CAA travel insurance cancellation policy is similar to most travel insurers:

• You can cancel your CAA policy anytime within a few days following the purchase (10 business days on average) and get a refund as long as your trip has not started, and you have not made a claim. To proceed with the cancellation, you can connect on you CAA's members portal or call the following number: 1-800-437-8541
• If you cancel after that period, your payment may not be refunded.

How can I contact  CAA  travel insurance?

You can contact CAA travel insurance using different means of communication:

• CAA's phone number: 1-800-437-8541
• You can also log onto CAA's webstite and use their contact form.

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

Get a quote

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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.

Don't forget to pack CAA Travel Insurance 1 for your next trip.

For more information or to get a quote, visit your CAA club website today.

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Best travel insurance in Canada

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You’ve packed your bags, mapped your itinerary, and set your “out of office” message – it’s vacation time! But what about travel insurance?

According to a 2019 study by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, 13% of Canadians aren’t sure if they have travel insurance before they go on vacation. Of those who have bought insurance, 17% don’t know what their policy covers.

As a professional travel writer, I find this rather alarming. Canadian health insurance is not valid outside Canada, and your provincial or territorial health plan may not cover all the costs even if you’re travelling domestically. If you suffer an accident or get sick abroad, unexpected medical bills can bankrupt you. It’s why the Canadian government  advises all travellers to buy travel insurance , and I never leave the country without it. Whether you’re taking a two-week trip or a gap year abroad, every one needs the best travel insurance in Canada, regardless of age, health status, destination, or length of vacation.

Best for thrill seekers: World Nomads

Designed for adrenaline lovers with wanderlust, World Nomads insures a long list of adventure sports, activities and volunteer/work experiences, as well as sporting equipment delay/loss/theft. You also get access to a 24/7 hotline that provides information that adventure travellers may need: weather reports and travel advisories, assistance locating the nearest trail, and finding a gear shop.

The standard policy covers emergency medical expenses up to $5 million, emergency dental, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, baggage delays/theft/damage, and more. The downside: you must be under 66 years of age to qualify.

Best for families: CAA Travel Insurance

A long-trusted Canadian institution, CAA travel Insurance offers flexible travel plans to suit every type of traveller and vacation, but their policies are particularly great for families. Their stand-alone emergency medical policy of up to $5 million in health coverage is extremely comprehensive, even including medical repatriation, emergency dental, and reimbursements for pet care and kenneling.

The Vacation Package Plan provides full cancellation/interruption insurance – ideal for prepaid, all-inclusive vacation packages – as well as family transportation and escort of children during emergencies. Anyone can buy CAA travel insurance, but members get a 10% discount.

CAA’s emergency medical plans also now include coverage for COVID-19-related illnesses for vaccinated customers. Coverage is up to $2.5 million if partially vaccinated and up to $5 million if fully vaccinated.

Best for seniors and retirees: Blue Cross

Blue Cross has been around for more than 70 years, and 1 in 4 Canadians utilize its travel insurance. Blue Cross’s emergency medical covers up to $5 million. It has special “snowbird” travel insurance packages designed for Canadians who head to warmer climates each year, making Blue Cross ideal for retirees.

Part of the package is the recently launched Serenity Service. This free perk provides a range of benefits if your flight is delayed, including access to an airport lounge or even a hotel room (depending on the length of the delay). Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered.

Best for budget travellers: Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance

Starting at only $1.36 a day, Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance offers very affordable travel insurance packages, and it’s personally been my “go-to” travel policy for years. Yes, it’s geared toward students (e.g., you can swap your travel dates at no charge due to an exam schedule conflict), but anyone between 15 and 50 years of age can purchase a policy.

The standard package includes hospital and medical up to $1 million, dental care, air ambulance evacuation, flight accident, accidental death or dismemberment, and trip interruption/cancellation insurance. Adventure and extreme sports are also covered.

Best for Canadians with pre-existing medical conditions: Manulife CoverMe

Manulife CoverMe offers highly comprehensive Canadian travel insurance packages for those travelling as a family, a visitor to Canada, or a student. You also get access to the TravelAid mobile app, which provides directions to the nearest medical facility and local emergency telephone numbers.

However, the stand-out feature is arguably TravelEase – a special policy designed to cover fully disclosed medical conditions. For travellers with pre-existing conditions, it insures a bunch of expenses for health services and transportation. It provides up to $10 million in emergency medical benefits – a unicorn in the travel insurance world.

Best for emergency medical assistance: Medipac Travel Insurance

Medipac is one of the only travel insurance companies out there that is staffed by their own team of trained medical professionals, via their Medipac Assistance hotline. Medipac’s medical professionals are your first point of contact in an emergency medical situation. This service is also helpful for dealing with foreign medical systems and helping to prevent unnecessary expenses when dealing with a large deductible.

Medipac offers several competitive features for their travel insurance plans, including no age limits, a claim-free discount, and a 90-day stability period for most pre-existing conditions. If your pre-existing medical condition isn’t covered by a standard Medipac insurance plan, Medipac also offers personalized, underwritten insurance policies to help you meet your needs.

Medipac is offering a 5% Vaccine Discount to clients who have received a minimum of one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the new MedipacMAX option. This COVID insurance option provides maximum coverage of up to $5 million USD for COVID-19, in addition to its other benefits.

Best for frequent travellers: Allianz Travel Insurance

Touted as a world leader in the Canadian travel insurance and assistance industry, Allianz Travel Insurance is a major provider of travel insurance, corporate assistance, and concierge services. It seeks to help its customers find solutions to various travel-related problems. Allianz Travel has partnered with many reputable companies, including travel agencies, airlines, resorts, websites, event ticket brokers, corporations, universities and credit card companies.

Allianz Travel Insurance is a great choice for anyone looking for travel insurance. Its single-trip plans are perfect for those leaving home and visiting another destination (or destinations) before going back home. Its parent company, Allianz Global Assistance, has five plans to choose from, all offering different levels of protection and coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance’s annual/multi-trip plans are perfect for both personal and professional travelers who take multiple trips in a year. It offers four distinct options to choose from.

Will my provincial insurance be valid overseas?

No! If you get sick or injured overseas, the Canadian government will not cough up a dime to cover your medical costs. Here are the sobering facts:

• Canadian public health insurance is not valid outside of Canada.
• Foreign hospitals can be extremely expensive and may demand payment before treating you.
• The Canadian government will not pay a Canadian’s medical bills for an illness or accident suffered abroad. You’re on the hook for footing the bill!

Will my provincial insurance work in another province/territory?

Flash your valid provincial health card in another part of Canada, and you’ll likely be covered for some of the same services insured by your home provincial plan. This is because the provinces and territories (except Quebec) signed an agreement whereby the host province foots the bill for any medically necessary health care services and gets reimbursed by the home province later.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the woods. Depending on your destination, a slew of other services may not be covered, such as an ambulance, hospital transfer, prescription drugs, transportation back to your home province, and procedures not currently approved by your home plan.

Plus, since Quebec wasn’t a signatory to the interprovincial billing agreement, you’ll likely be charged for any medical bills incurred there. For this reason, it’s recommended that you buy extra travel insurance (or verify your  credit card’s travel insurance coverage ) to cover any uninsured health care services that may crop up during your trip.

What does the best travel insurance in Canada cover?

Every travel insurance policy is different and what’s covered depends on how much you’re willing to pay for coverage. Typical medical services that you can expect to be covered include:

• Emergency hospital and medical costs
• Ambulance and air ambulance costs
• Outpatient services
• Physician and laboratory costs
• Prescription drugs
• Direct payment to the hospitals and doctors caring for you
• Assistance with bringing a family member to your bedside
• Air ambulance or commercial repatriation home
• Return of your vehicle if you are ill and have to come home

Additional benefits may include:

• Trip cancellation for non-refundable monetary losses
• Trip interruption
• Baggage loss, rental car damage, out-of-pocket expenses
• Accidental death and dismemberment

How much coverage do I need?

Securing a policy with a minimum of $1M maximum payable is a safe bet. But don’t just look at the numbers when choosing a policy – read the fine print. Every insurer has a list of situations in which coverage is not provided, otherwise known as “exclusions.” Check whether your provider includes coverage or has provisions for the following:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: According to the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, a pre-existing condition is “something that happened (or started to happen) before you were insured.” Some policies may cover claims relating to pre-existing conditions that are “stable and controlled,” but read the definitions carefully. If you don’t declare a condition, the entire policy could be invalidated!
• Medical evacuation: Ensure the policy covers medical evacuation to the nearest hospital and/or to Canada and the costs of a medical escort to accompany you to your final destination.
• Repatriation in case of death: On the grim side, ensure that your plan covers the preparation and return of your remains to Canada.
• Adventurous Activities: If you plan on engaging in “high-risk” activities on your trip, you may need to shell out extra dough for a more comprehensive plan. Many policies don’t cover “risky” activities, such as skiing or snowboarding “out of bounds,” skydiving, scuba diving, white-water rafting, mountaineering, or participation in any rodeo activity. To cover your bases, ask questions and get specifics before purchasing a policy.

You may have to pay more to have these things included, but a few extra bucks may be worth it for peace of mind.

Should I buy “a la carte” travel insurance or get a travel credit card with free insurance?

A credit card with travel insurance is always a good thing to carry in your wallet. The  best travel credit cards in Canada  usually cover everything from emergency medical costs to trip cancellation/interruption to flight delay to rental car insurance, which could save you a wad of cash.

The  Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card  has saved my butt a few times, and I’ve filed several travel-related claims through my card. I cancelled my trip to Portugal a few years ago due to a death in the family, and I got a full refund on my hotel deposit and flights for myself, my husband, and my baby. It totally justified the $120 annual fee.

That being said, don’t rely on your credit card to take care of all your travel insurance needs. It usually includes a basic policy, meaning it offers low (or no!) travel medical insurance as part of the package. Like any travel insurance company policy, you’ve really got to read the fine print and understand the conditions of your policy to avoid sticky situations.

For instance, the Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card requires a cardholder to have charged at least 75% of trip expenses to make a trip cancellation/interruption insurance claim. So if you book an all-inclusive vacation for $5,000 and then cancel due to illness, at least $3,750 must have been charged onto your AMEX to qualify for a claim. If you didn’t do that, you’re out of luck.

Can I still purchase insurance if i’ve already started my vacation?

The short answer: most insurance providers won’t cover you after your departure date. However, a handful of insurers (such as World Nomads) will allow you to purchase a policy while already overseas. Just know that it can come with sky-high costs and/or conditions: World Nomads has a 48-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in. The bottom line? It’s always best to buy travel insurance before leaving the country.

Can I get travel insurance for part of a trip?

Some plans offer insurance coverage options that will allow you to customize your coverage, but you’ll have to research to find one that works for your unique circumstances. Alternatively, you could take out an insurance policy for each destination and/or segment of your trip.

For instance, you could get a World Nomads policy for the two weeks you’re scuba diving in Australia, followed by a basic Travel CUTS Bon Voyage insurance to cover a month-long trip to Europe. However, when you buy Canadian travel insurance, you must select a trip start and end date – meaning you must know the exact dates for travelling to those places.

Should I carry a printout of my policy with me at all times?

I recommend carrying the travel insurance card in your wallet and locking it up in the hotel safe with other important travel documents like my passport. But don’t rely totally on paper: Wallets get lost or stolen, luggage can be delayed or M.I.A., and papers are easy to misplace when you’re on the road. My advice is to send a copy of the policy to your email and save it on your iCloud or another storage system that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

Recommended reads

• What’s the Added Value of a Credit Card with Travel Insurance?
• The Best Travel Rewards Programs in Canada
• Aeroplan vs. AIR MILES vs. Avion

Lisa Jackson is a freelance personal finance and travel journalist, editor, and blogger who contributes to various online and print media outlets in Canada and abroad, including The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Islands Magazine, Fodors, BRIDES, Huffington Post Canada, CAA Magazine, The Food Network, West Jet Magazine, NUVO Magazine, and many others. When she's not writing from her home office, she's busy globe-trotting to new destinations in search of her next story.

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Providing the best plan for you and your family.

Experience the world with protection for unexpected emergencies that can lead to large out-of-pocket expenses, and put an early end to your dream vacation. Plus, CAA Members enjoy 10% off* CAA Travel Insurance.

Why choose CAA Travel Insurance?

Travel worry-free wherever you go. No matter where you choose to travel, CAA has insurance options designed to protect you against the financial impacts of illness, emergencies, and unexpected mishaps.

Travel Insurance Plans

CAA Travel Insurance offers a wide selection of plans that provides coverage to suit your needs, whether travelling across Canada or around the world. 

Insure your rental vehicle

Did you know that CAA Niagara offers competitively priced rental vehicle damage insurance? This added level of protection has many benefits such as longer rental periods and covers a variety of unforeseen circumstances such as towing, chip damage, and refunds for unused days due to damage. Call  1-800-263-7272 to receive a quote today.

Emergency Medical Insurance

An unexpected illness or injury while you're travelling can turn the trip of your dreams into a financial nightmare. Travel protected with emergency medical treatment to a maximum of $5 million which includes 2 :

✔   COVID protection 3

✔   Hospital accommodations, lab tests, x-rays, nursing and ground ambulance

✔   Emergency dental expenses

Vacation Package

If you want emergency medical benefits, PLUS protection for flight accidents, lost baggage, trip cancellation and interruption, CAA offers Single Trip or Multi-Trip Annual Plans to cover all the bases 4 :

✔   Emergency medical treatment to a maximum of $5 million 2

✔   Travel Accident Insurance up to $100,000

Visitors to Canada

Protect your friends and family visiting from another country in the event of an accident or illness while they're here, with CAA Visitors to Canada Insurance. Coverage includes 5 :

✔   Emergency dental expenses and care

✔   Family transportation and subsistence allowance

✔   Medical repatriation

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Secure your pre-paid travel investment should you need to unexpectedly cancel or interrupt your travel plans with CAA Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance. Coverage Includes:

✔   Unexpected illness for yourself, travel companion or immediate family member

✔   Having an adverse reaction to a travel vaccine

CAA Travel Insurance Resources

Travel insurance & government travel advisories.

It can be challenging to understand how the latest advisories relate to you. We're shining a light on coverage for COVID-19 under CAA Travel insurance policies.

Need Assistance?

If you are currently travelling and require immediate assistance, please call 1-866-627-3651  in Canada and mainland U.S. or call 1-519-988-7041  collect from anywhere else.

Travel advice and advisories.

Check the Travel Advisories page for your destination before you travel. Safety and security may change between the date you book and your departure date, which may impact your travel insurance coverage.

View Policy Guide

Terms & Conditions

*CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Terms and conditions apply.

* Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). Ten percent (10%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice.

**CAA Assistance is provided by Global Exel.

2  Up to $5 million CAD. Maximum $25,000 for all Emergency Medical Insurance benefits for Canadian residents without active Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP); and/or without GHIP authorization to cover trip days in excess of 212 days in Ontario in a 12-month period. 

3  Terms and conditions apply.  $5 million CAD emergency medical coverage, is dependent on having received all Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines, at least 14 days prior to departure.  Please see the COVID-19 Endorsement for details. 

4  Multi-Trip Annual Vacation Packages cover 8, 15, 30 or 60 days per trip depending on the plan purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot exceed 365 days from departure date or effective date. There is a maximum travel coverage of 63 days including Top-Up for travellers aged 60 to 84 years of age.

5  Subject to change without notice. See full policy for all terms and conditions here .

This website is intended for promotional and informational purposes and is not an insurance policy. It is not an offer of insurance. It contains some information about coverages offered by Orion Travel Insurance but it does not list all of the conditions and exclusions that apply to the described coverages.

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Travel without worries with CAA Travel Insurance

Are you travelling out of your province? Or out of the country?

An unforeseen situation can lead to out-of-pocket expenses even while travelling within Canada. Learn more about Travel Insurance below or reach out to a Travel Advisor.

Take the stress out of travelling, make sure you're covered.

• CAA Members save up to 15% *  on Travel Insurance. 
• CAA offers unique options for those travelling within Canada.
• Travel Advisories could impact your coverage. If you have questions, call us at 1800-561-8807 or contact your Travel Advisor for more details.
• Download Smart Travellers Pack Insurance.

Coverage Includes

• Emergency medical coverage up to $5 million (CAD)
• Emergency dental expenses
• Return of vehicle
• Family transportation
• Medical repatriation
• Escort and return of insured children

Upgrade your Coverage

• Travel with extra peace of mind before, during, and after your trip by adding benefits to your plan
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Baggage insurance
• Multi-Trip Plans cover all of your travel over a year – for one low cost.

Visitors to Canada Plan

• Our Visitors to Canada insurance provides protection for family and friends visiting Canada or for holders of a Canadian work or student visa, a Canadian not covered by a Canadian government health insurance plan or an immigrant to Canada.

Terms & Conditions

• Read our policy guide for full details  English
• Disclaimer - All Emergency Medical Insurance benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. The Multi-Trip plan covers individual trips for the number of days for the plan you have purchased. If your trip outside Canada exceeds the Multi-Trip plan days, a Top-Up plan is required for the additional days (coverage is automatically extended without additional premium for trips solely in Canada). The total number of trip days in a plan year may not exceed the number of days that your GHIP covers you out of your province or territory of residence unless you receive written approval from your GHIP to cover your entire trip days.
• * Applies to CAA Members in good standing. Ten percent (10%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes for Classic and Plus Members. Fifteen percent (15%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes for Premier Members. Excludes web purchases. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance.
• CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Terms and conditions apply. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
• 1  Up to $5 million CAD. Maximum $25,000 for all Emergency Medical Insurance benefits for Canadian residents without active Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP).
• 2  Policy conditions and limitations apply. 

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