Credit Card Travel Insurance in Canada — Complete Guide

Many Canadian credit cards include free travel insurance worth hundreds of dollars. Here's exactly what's covered and which cards have the best protection.

What Travel Insurance Does My Credit Card Include?

Premium Canadian credit cards (typically Visa Infinite, World Elite Mastercard, and Amex tiers) include bundled travel insurance that can replace or supplement standalone travel insurance policies. Coverage varies significantly by card — always read your Certificate of Insurance.

Common Credit Card Travel Insurance Coverage Types

Coverage Type	What It Covers	Typical Limit
Emergency Medical	Hospital, doctor, ambulance abroad	$1M–$5M
Trip Cancellation	Non-refundable costs if trip cancelled	$1,500–$2,500/person
Trip Interruption	Return travel if trip cut short	$1,500–$5,000/person
Travel Delay	Hotel/meals if delayed 4–12 hrs	$500–$1,000
Baggage Loss/Delay	Lost or delayed luggage	$500–$1,000
Car Rental CDW	Collision damage waiver	$65,000 vehicle value
Flight/Travel Accident	Death or dismemberment	$100,000–$500,000

Emergency Medical — The Most Important Coverage

Emergency medical is the most critical travel insurance coverage. A single medical evacuation from the US or Europe can cost $50,000–$200,000. Cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite and Scotia Passport Visa Infinite provide up to $2M in emergency medical coverage for trips up to 15–21 days. Age restrictions often apply — many cards limit coverage to travelers under 65.

Key Limitations to Know

• Must charge trip to the card — Most insurance requires you paid for your trip with the insured card.
• Trip length limits — Most cards cover 15–21 days max per trip; longer trips need supplemental coverage.
• Age limits — Emergency medical often ends at age 65 or has reduced limits for seniors.
• Pre-existing conditions — May be excluded unless stable for 90–180 days before travel.
• Rental car requirements — Must decline the rental company's CDW and charge the full rental to your card.

Best Cards for Travel Insurance in Canada

• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite — $2M emergency medical, 21-day trip length, trip cancellation up to $1,500.
• Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite — $1M medical, no FX fees, 25 days coverage per trip.
• RBC Avion Visa Infinite — $5M medical, 15 days, strong overall package.
• Amex Platinum Canada — $5M medical, 15 days, most comprehensive package on the market.
• BMO World Elite Mastercard — $2M medical, 21 days, includes rental car CDW.

When You Still Need Separate Travel Insurance

Credit card travel insurance is not a complete replacement in all cases. Buy a separate policy if: you're over 65, have pre-existing conditions, are traveling for more than 21 days, are pregnant and near your due date, or are doing extreme sports or adventure activities. For healthy adults under 65 on short trips, credit card coverage is often sufficient — and free.