Check two limits: your policy's and your province's
- Policy length. Many policies, and most credit card plans, cap each trip at a set number of days. Buy cover for every day you'll be away, plus a buffer in case you extend.
- Provincial rules on time away. You may lose provincial coverage if you're away for more than about three months, depending on your province. B.C. asks people away six months or more in a calendar year to contact Health Insurance BC first. Check your province before a long trip.
Pre-existing conditions
Most policies only cover a condition that has been "stable and controlled" for a set period before you leave: no new treatment and no change in medication. A change in a blood pressure or diabetes prescription a few weeks before travel can mean the condition isn't covered.
The Government of Canada advises getting written confirmation that a pre-existing condition is covered. Answer any medical questions on the application honestly; a wrong answer can void a claim.
Other things to sort out before you go
- Pack enough of your regular medication for the whole trip, in original labelled containers.
- Save the insurer's 24-hour assistance number and your policy number on your phone and with family at home.
- Medical cover doesn't refund a cancelled trip. If you've paid for expensive flights, consider trip-cancellation cover too.
Getting covered
For older travellers or anyone with a medical condition, a Canadian insurer that asks a medical questionnaire is usually the safest choice.
VisitorsCoverage is a US-based marketplace. When you get a quote, enter your Canadian address and check the plan accepts Canadian residents and covers your whole trip and any medical conditions. For long trips, older travellers or pre-existing conditions, also compare a Canadian insurer. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Flight delayed, cancelled or overbooked?
That's not an insurance claim. Under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations and the EU's rules, the airline may owe you compensation. These services file the claim for you and take a share only if they win.
We earn a commission if you use these services, at no extra cost to you. You can also claim from the airline yourself for free; the Canadian Transportation Agency explains how.
Flights home to family
Cheapest time to fly to India · Cheap flights to Bangladesh · Flights to Guyana
Common questions
Can I lose provincial health coverage on a long trip abroad?
Yes, depending on your province and how long you're away. The Office of Consumer Affairs notes you may not be covered if you're away more than about three months, so check your province's rules before you go.
Will travel insurance cover my parent's diabetes or heart condition?
Only if the policy covers it, which usually means the condition has been stable, with no medication changes or new treatment, for the policy's stability period before the trip. Get written confirmation.
Does travel medical insurance cover a cancelled trip?
No. Medical policies pay for emergencies abroad. Cancellation needs a separate trip-cancellation policy.
Sources
Checked October 8, 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with your province, insurer or IRCC.
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Health insurance
- Travel Health Insurance Association (THIA): Uniform definitions
- Travel.gc.ca: Travel insurance
- Travel.gc.ca: Say Yes to Travel Insurance (factsheet)
- Ontario.ca: OHIP coverage while outside Canada
- Gov.bc.ca: Leaving B.C. Temporarily
- Alberta.ca: Health care coverage outside Canada
- RAMQ: Health care received outside Canada
- Travel.gc.ca: Travel insurance (safe travel planner)
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (Office of Consumer Affairs): Travel
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: Insurance
- CLHIA: A guide to travel health insurance (PDF copy)
Get flight deals from your city by email
One short email a week, only when we find a real deal from your city. Every fare is re-checked live before we send it. Free, and you can unsubscribe any time.