International Travel Health Insurance: What You Need to Know

You’ve booked the flights, locked in hotels, and packed enough sunscreen for a month in the sun. But here’s the question that too many Canadians skip: What happens if you end up in a hospital instead of on a beach?

While nearly half of Canadians rank unexpected travel expenses among their top vacation worries, 23 per cent still say they’d travel abroad without travel health insurance to save money. Among Gen Z travellers (ages 18–28), that number nearly doubles to 47 per cent, according to the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada.

Travel health insurance (also called travel medical insurance) is your passport to peace of mind. It’s the safety net that covers emergencies without draining your savings, whether it’s a sprained ankle, food poisoning, or an airlift from a remote island. This article explains what international travel health insurance covers, what’s excluded, common mistakes, and how to choose the right plan, so you can relax on your dream vacation.

Key takeaways

• International travel health insurance offers essential protection for travellers. Provincial health plans offer minimal coverage outside Canada, and foreign medical bills can reach tens of thousands of dollars, often requiring payment upfront.
• Comprehensive medical coverage goes beyond hospital bills. Coverage can include emergency dental care, medical evacuation, and 24/7 assistance.
• Check what travel coverage you may already have. Employer health coverage or credit card coverage may be limited by trip length, age, activities, or coverage amount, so you may need to buy extra protection.
• Understand any exclusions and requirements. Knowing what’s covered and not covered by your travel health insurance policy can prevent denied claims and costly surprises.
• Avoid common mistakes. Complete your medical questionnaire, buy before departure, report any health changes, contact your insurer before getting care unless it’s an emergency, and follow the claims process closely.

What is international travel health insurance?

International travel health insurance (also called travel medical insurance) covers emergency health care expenses when you’re travelling outside of Canada. Like other types of insurance — home, life, or car — it’s designed to protect you if something goes sideways.

International travel health insurance can help pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and even medical evacuation. Most plans offer millions in coverage for good reason: foreign hospital stays, or emergency surgery could come with a five- or six-figure price tag, often requiring payment upfront. Without this critical coverage, your dream vacation could quickly become a financial nightmare.

The bottom line: Travel health insurance may cost a little. But being uninsured could cost you everything.

What does international travel medical insurance typically cover?

Coverage varies, but comprehensive plans typically include:

• Hospital stays
• Doctor or clinic visits
• Emergency medical treatment
• Diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications
• Emergency dental care
• Medical evacuation (e.g., air ambulance to Canada) or repatriation

High-risk activities (scuba, skydiving, etc.) are often excluded unless you buy specialized insurance.  Most insurers cover stable pre-existing medical conditions and, in some cases, you may need to complete a medical questionnaire. This is why disclosing medical information accurately is crucial when purchasing travel medical insurance. And remember, international travel medical insurance is for emergencies only, not for routine checkups or ongoing care.

How does international travel medical insurance work?

No one plans to get sick or injured while travelling, but if it happens, here’s how the process typically works:

• You get sick or injured: Food poisoning, a fall, or worse, you need medical attention ASAP.

• You contact your insurer: Depending on the terms and conditions of your policy, you may have to call before seeking treatment so the insurer can direct you to approved care and confirm what’s covered.

• You receive treatment: Payment is made either through direct billing or by paying upfront. Either way, keep all medical receipts.  

• You file a claim: Submit your claim form and receipts for reimbursement up to your coverage limit.

Why is international travel health insurance important?

If you plan to travel outside Canada — even for a quick trip to the U.S. — you should buy travel health insurance before you leave. It’s strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, as all it takes is one unexpected injury or illness to rack up a big bill.

Here’s why international travel insurance is an important item to pack:

Provincial and territorial health plans cover very little outside Canada: Depending on where you live, your government health insurance plan may pay a small amount, or nothing at all. Government health insurance plans also don’t pay upfront for health care outside the country and may exclude essentials like ambulance services, evacuations, or private hospital fees.

Learn more about what your provincial health care plan covers.

Medical care abroad can be expensive: In the United States, fixing a broken leg can cost up to US$7,500 while a three-day hospital stays averages around US$30,000. If you need to be evacuated by air? Expect to pay US$25,000 or more.

24/7 global support: Most providers, like RBC Insurance, offer 24/7 emergency assistance. They can help find trusted medical care, communicate with health professionals, and coordinate billing and treatment, wherever you are in the world.

Family coverage options: Many plans protect your entire travel group, giving you peace of mind if you’re travelling with children or older relatives.

Some destinations require travel insurance: Certain countries may require proof of travel medical insurance. Without it, you may be denied entry.

Customizable: You can choose a single-trip plan for a specific vacation, or a multi-trip annual plan if you frequently cross borders throughout the year.

Employer coverage or credit card coverage may have limited protection: Short trip limits, age restrictions, or low dollar caps are common.

Peace of mind: You’re supposed to be sipping a piña colada, not stressing about “what-ifs.” International travel medical insurance equips you to handle whatever life throws your way.

Key features of travel health insurance

A comprehensive travel health insurance plan does more than cover doctor’s visits — it’s a robust support system. Here are the essentials to look for:

Emergency medical coverage

From sudden illnesses to slip-and-fall accidents, international travel health insurance covers the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, emergency treatment, and prescription medications.

Emergency dental care

Crack a tooth on a coconut candy in the Caribbean? Many plans include emergency dental treatment for sudden pain or injury. Coverage is usually capped, so check the limit before biting into anything too crunchy.

Emergency transportation

If local hospitals can’t provide the care you need, your insurance should cover transport to the nearest facility with appropriate medical services or repatriate you back to Canada if necessary. For example, RBC Insurance’s emergency transportation benefit can cover the cost of one-way economy airfare, a stretcher, a qualified medical attendant, or even an air ambulance, depending on the situation.

Pre-existing medical conditions coverage

Some insurers, like RBC Insurance, offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, which is critical for older adults or anyone managing chronic health issues. For complete coverage details, limitations, and exclusions, refer to your policy document.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need a referral to a local clinic, translation support, or help navigating the health care system, your insurer’s emergency team should be there, day or night.

Repatriation in case of death

If you pass away while abroad, many policies cover the costs of preparing and returning your remains to Canada, including transportation and documentation fees.

How to choose the right international travel health insurance

Picking a plan isn’t quite as straightforward as booking a hotel, which is why it’s important to consider the following factors before you buy:

1. Understand your eligibility

Before anything else, make sure you qualify for coverage. Most international travel health insurance plans have basic requirements, such as:

• Being a Canadian resident
• Purchasing coverage before you leave your province
• Valid government health insurance plan (e.g., OHIP) for the entire duration of your trip.

Some plans have age limits, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. RBC Insurance offers plans for all age groups, including the TravelCare® Package for travellers aged 65 and up.

2. Assess your needs

To ensure your coverage reflects your itinerary, consider the following:

• How long will you be away? Ensure you have coverage in place for the full duration of your trip.
• Who are you travelling with? If you’re travelling with family or in a group, look for plans that insure everyone under the same policy.
• Where are you going? Destinations with high health care costs, limited or lower-quality medical facilities may call for more comprehensive coverage.
• What are you planning to do? Activities like hiking in remote areas or high-risk sports may be excluded. Check your coverage ahead of time.  
• What’s your current health status? If you’re pregnant, managing a medical condition, or have recently received treatment or testing, pay close attention to the policy’s pre-existing medical condition clauses, stability requirements and exclusions.

3. Understand the policy

Every policy is different, so know exactly what you’re buying. Consider:

• Are there age restrictions?
• Are you required to answer medical questions?
• Are stable pre-existing medical conditions covered, and under what terms?
• What are the coverage limits and exclusions?
• What is the deductible (if any)?
• Will you have to pay out of pocket and claim later, or is direct billing available?
• Does the policy still apply if you travel to a country under a Canadian travel advisory?
• What happens if your medical condition changes before your departure? Do you need to update the insurer?
• What documentation is needed to file a claim?

If it’s not crystal clear, ask the insurer. A few questions now can save confusion (and cost) later.

Check your existing coverage

Employer health coverage, credit cards, or other personal plans might help protect you, but often may have limits on trip length (e.g., 30 days), age eligibility, or activities.

What sort of things are excluded from international travel health insurance?

Exclusions can be the reason why many claims are denied. Understanding them now can help prevent costly surprises later. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

Unstable pre-existing medical conditions

Many insurers require that your condition be stable for a set period before your departure date (e.g., 90 to 180 days). A medication change, new symptom, or recent treatment could result in a medical claim not being paid.  

Tip: Ask your insurer exactly how they define terms like pre-existing medical condition, treatment, and stable. Complete a medical questionnaire, if required, so they can match you with a policy that truly covers you.

Pregnancy-related issues

Travel medical insurance may cover unexpected pregnancy complications, but usually only up to a certain point (e.g., first 30 weeks) or as defined by your policy. Routine prenatal care, delivery, and care for newborns are typically not covered.

Tip: Confirm what’s covered before you travel and carry a copy of your prenatal records in case of emergency.

Alcohol or drug-related incidents

If an accident or illness occurs while you’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants, your claim may be denied.

High-risk activities

Planning to parasail, scuba dive, or do something adrenaline-fueled? Most policies don’t cover injuries or accidents from high-risk activities unless you’ve added extra coverage.

Tip: Make a list of activities you plan to do and ask your insurer if they’re covered.

Elective or non-emergency care

Most travel medical insurance plans don’t cover routine checkups, cosmetic procedures in foreign countries, or ongoing treatments for chronic conditions.

Tip: If you have a pre-existing medical condition or need regular treatment, ask for a copy of the insurance policy confirming what’s covered.

Canadian Government travel advisories

Even if a destination was safe when you booked, a new advisory before you travel could change what’s covered.

If you travel to a country under a Canadian government advisory (e.g., “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel”), your coverage may be reduced or denied entirely if your medical expenses are related to the travel advisory that was in place when you departed on your trip.

Tip: Check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website before booking and again before departure. If you’re heading to a high-risk area, ask your insurer about any limits or exclusions that may apply to you or your travel group.

Common mistakes to avoid with international travel health insurance

Even the best medical plan won’t help if you stumble over the details of your policy. Here are some common mistakes travellers make with travel health insurance.

1. Relying solely on credit card, employer health coverage, or provincial coverage

Flash your health card, or lean on your work benefits — and you’re covered, right? Not so fast. These plans often have short trip limits, age restrictions, or gaps in coverage for things like emergency evacuation and pre-existing medical conditions. Top-up coverage is often necessary.

2. Not correctly answering the medical questionnaire 

This is the number one reason claims get denied. If you don’t complete the medical questionnaire correctly, the insurer could void your policy for misrepresentation.

3. Not reporting changes to your health before departure

If your health changes before your coverage begins and you don’t tell your insurer, you may no longer meet the original policy conditions.

4. Submitting a claim past the coverage date 

Prolonged your vacation but forgot to extend your insurance? Any medical costs you rack up after your coverage expires likely won’t be reimbursed, no matter how valid the claim.

5. Overlooking the fine print

Assuming you’re covered for everything is one of the easiest errors to make. Read your policy carefully, especially the exclusions, deductibles, and claim procedures, and ask your insurer questions.

6. Not following the claims process

Failing to follow your provider’s instructions, keeping receipts and documentation, or submitting the proper paperwork could delay or void your claim.

Before you travel

A little prep can make a big difference in a medical emergency:

• Research your destination: Check for Canadian government travel advisories, understand local health risks, vaccination requirements, and what health care is available.

Pack your paperwork: Bring your insurance policy details, proof of coverage, and emergency contacts.

• Know the claim process: Read your policy so you know exactly what to do and save your insurer’s 24/7 emergency number in your phone so it’s always within reach.

• Do you have a backup payment method: Some health care providers may require upfront payment before treatment, even if you’re insured.

Protect yourself with international travel health insurance

Medical emergencies can happen anywhere — and cost far more than you might expect. Whether you catch a nasty virus or break a bone, travel medical insurance can help foot the bill and connect you with 24/7 medical assistance.

By understanding your eligibility, knowing what’s covered (and what’s not), avoiding common blunders, and prepping before you leave, you’re setting yourself up for a safe, hassle-free trip.

Don’t wait until you’re in a hospital bed in another country to wonder if you’re covered. Plan ahead, protect your health, and your wallet, so you can focus on making memories.

Get a quote for international travel health insurance online before you pack your bags.

FAQs about International Travel Health Insurance

Can I extend my emergency medical coverage if I extend my trip?

Yes, you can extend emergency medical coverage depending on your policy. You must contact your insurer before your coverage expires, pay any additional premiums, and in some cases, get approval if you’ve had a medical issue while away.

Will my provincial health care cover me for international travel?

The short answer? No. Provincial plans may cover a small portion of costs abroad, but it’s rarely enough to protect you financially, and provincial health care plans don’t pay upfront. Many hospitals require immediate payment before providing treatment, and in some countries, no insurance could mean no treatment.

What insurance do I need for international travel?

Consider buying a comprehensive plan that can handle the big-ticket emergencies: hospitalization, treatment abroad, medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest facility, and repatriation in case of death.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, understand any stability or deductible requirements, and make sure your coverage is high enough to avoid catastrophic out-of-pocket costs.

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