Travel Insurance for Canadians in 2026 – Compare Quotes & Coverage

Travel insurance for Canadians is private coverage that pays for emergency medical care, trip cancellation or interruption, and all-inclusive packages which may cover lost baggage when you travel outside your home province or outside Canada. Provincial health plans typically pay only a small share of out-of-country hospital costs, and nothing for cancellation or evacuation, so most Canadians buy a separate policy for each trip or an annual multi-trip plan. BestQuote is a licensed Canadian brokerage that compares plans from various Canadian insurers for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation and interruption, and all-inclusive packages - so you can see coverage specifics, eligibility requirements and prices side by side, then buy online or talk to a licensed advisor at 1-888-888-0510.

Not every traveller fits the standard insurance mould. If you are returning to Canada and waiting for your provincial health plan to restart, planning a working holiday abroad, or considering medical treatment outside Canada, we have policies designed specifically for your situation.

Not all travellers have the same insurance needs. Whether you are a snowbird escaping winter, a student studying away from home, or planning a long-term overseas adventure - we have organised the best options for your situation. Pick the type of traveller that best describes you to find tailored insurance options, benefits, and tips designed for your circumstances.

Many Canadians assume their provincial health plan covers them when they travel. It does, but far less than most people expect. Here is what each major provincial plan actually pays for out-of-country medical care:

Ontario (OHIP): Pays a maximum of $400 per day for out-of-country emergency hospital care. The actual cost of a hospital stay in the United States averages $10,000–$25,000 per day. OHIP covers nothing for physician visits outside Canada.

British Columbia (MSP): Pays $75 per day for out-of-country emergency hospitalization. Pays nothing for out-of-country physician visits.

Alberta (AHCIP): Covers a limited daily rate for out-of-province hospital care. Does not cover most out-of-country costs at US or international rates.

The gap between what your provincial plan pays and what a medical emergency actually costs abroad can be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance closes that gap for a fraction of the price (typically $30–$200 for a single trip).

The cost of travel insurance for Canadians depends on your age, destination, trip length, and the type of coverage you choose. Below are typical price ranges for the most common Canadian travel insurance types.

Costs increase with age, trip length, with pre-existing conditions, and for travel to the United States (due to higher US medical costs). An annual multi-trip plan is often the best value for Canadians who travel more than twice a year as the cost is typically less than two single-trip policies combined.

BestQuote makes it easy for Canadian travellers to compare plans from all of the country's leading insurers and find the right coverage at the right price. Here is what sets us apart:

Buying travel insurance through BestQuote is quick and easy:

1. Fill in our online quote form with your trip details -departure date, return date, destination, province of residence, and traveller date of birth.

2. Instantly compare prices and coverage from Canada's top insurance companies. Review real prices, deductible options, coverage details, and key benefits side by side.

3. Purchase online in minutes - your policy documents are delivered immediately by email. We recommend saving a copy for your records and bringing a printed copy with your travel documents.

Prefer to speak with an advisor? Call us toll-free at 1-888-888-0510 and we will help you find the best policy at the best price for your needs.