Every year, thousands of Quebecers go on a trip without knowing that the RAMQ only reimburses a fraction of medical expenses abroad. A simple visit to the emergency room in the United States can cost between $5,000 and $25,000, and a hospitalization of a few days can easily exceed $100,000. Travel insurance is your safety net for peace of mind.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the types of coverage, the average prices in Quebec in 2026, the pitfalls to avoid, and the best strategies to save on your travel insurance premium.
How much does travel insurance cost in Quebec in 2026?
The price of travel insurance varies depending on your age, your destination, the length of stay and the type of coverage chosen. Here are the typical price ranges for a healthy Quebec traveller:
| Type of coverage | Duration | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Medical Insurance | 1 week | $25 – $60 |
| Basic Medical Insurance | 2 weeks | $45 – $120 |
| All-inclusive insurance (medical + cancellation + luggage) | 1 week | $70 – $180 |
| All-inclusive insurance | 2 weeks | $100 – $300 |
| Annual Multi-Trip Insurance | 12 months | $150 – $500 |
| Snowbirds (55+ years, 3-6 months) | 90 – 180 days | $500 – $3,000+ |
Factors that influence the price: age (premiums increase significantly after age 60), pre-existing medical conditions, destination (U.S. = more expensive), deductible chosen, and amount of coverage.
Why RAMQ is not enough to travel
According to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), your health insurance card only covers a very limited amount of care received abroad. The RAMQ reimburses a maximum of the equivalent of what the same treatment would have cost in Quebec — which often represents less than 10% of the actual bill.
What the RAMQ does not cover:
- Medical repatriation ($15,000 to $100,000+ per air ambulance)
- Hospitalization in the United States ($3,000 to $10,000/day)
- Emergency dental care abroad
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost or stolen luggage
The Government of Canada strongly recommends that you purchase private travel insurance before travelling abroad.
The 5 Types of Travel Insurance Explained
1. Emergency Medical Insurance
This is the most essential coverage. It covers emergency medical care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, repatriation and medical evacuation. Most policies offer coverage of $1 million to $10 million.
2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (illness, death of a loved one, natural disaster, loss of employment), this insurance reimburses your non-recoverable expenses: plane tickets, hotels, prepaid excursions. Especially useful for expensive trips or trips booked well in advance.
3. Baggage insurance
Covers loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal belongings. It also refunds essential purchases if your luggage is delayed by more than 6 to 12 hours, according to the police.
4. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Makes a lump sum payment in the event of accidental death or loss of a limb during the trip. It’s an additional protection that is added to your existing life insurance.
5. Annual travel insurance (multi-trip)
If you travel 3 or more times a year, annual multi-trip insurance is often more economical. It generally covers trips of 15 to 45 days each, depending on the insurer. A couple who travel regularly can save 30-50% compared to individual policies.
How to choose the right travel insurance
Before you buy a policy, ask yourself these questions:
- What is your destination? Medical care in the United States is among the most expensive in the world. Some policies offer discounted rates if you exclude the United States.
- How long are you leaving? The longer the trip, the higher the premium. For snowbirds (3-6 months), specialized products exist.
- Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? Declare them honestly. An omission can invalidate your coverage at the time of a claim.
- Does your credit card include insurance? Some premium cards offer basic coverage. Check the amounts and exclusions before relying on them.
- How much coverage do you need? A minimum of $5 million is recommended for the United States and Europe. For lower-cost destinations, $1 million to $2 million may be enough.
An insurance broker can compare several insurers to find the best coverage at the best price according to your specific profile.
7 tips to save on your travel insurance
- Compare multiple insurers — prices range from 30% to 50% for similar coverage.
- Choose a higher deductible — going from $0 to $250 deductible can reduce your premium by 15-25%.
- Opt for annual insurance if you travel 3+ times a year.
- Exclude the U.S . from your coverage if you don’t go.
- Buy early — some insurers offer discounts if you sign up at the time of booking.
- Check your employer coverage — your group insurance may already cover some of the costs.
- Bundle car + home + travel with the same insurer for multi-product discounts.
Travel insurance for snowbirds in Quebec
Quebecers who spend the winter in Florida, Arizona or Mexico have specific needs. Stays of 3 to 6 months require adapted policies, especially for travelers 55 years of age and older.
Important points for snowbirds:
- Check the stability period required for pre-existing conditions (90 to 180 days depending on the insurer)
- Make sure your RAMQ coverage remains active (maximum 182 days outside Quebec per year)
- Consider a policy with an extension option in case of late return
- Prioritize a minimum of $5 million in coverage for the United States
What to do in case of a medical emergency abroad
- Call your insurer right away — the 24/7 emergency number is on your insurance card. Most insurers require to be contacted within 24 to 48 hours.
- Go to the nearest hospital — your insurer can coordinate payment directly with the facility.
- Keep all receipts and medical documents — bills, prescriptions, medical reports.
- Do not sign anything without speaking to your insurer, especially regarding a repatriation or transfer.
Video: Choosing the right travel insurance
How much does travel insurance cost in Quebec?
The price varies according to age, destination and duration. For a healthy traveler, count $25 to $60 per week for basic medical coverage, or $70 to $180 for an all-inclusive package (medical + cancellation + luggage). Annual multi-trip insurance costs between $150 and $500 per year.
Does RAMQ cover medical care abroad?
Very little. The RAMQ reimburses a maximum of the equivalent of what the care would have cost in Quebec, often less than 10% of the actual bill abroad. Medical repatriation, emergency dental care and trip cancellation are not covered.
Is my credit card insurance sufficient?
Rarely. Premium credit cards sometimes offer basic coverage, but amounts are often limited ($50,000 to $500,000), restrictive conditions, and certain types of care are excluded. Check the details with your card issuer and top up with private travel insurance if necessary.
Can I get travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, most insurers cover pre-existing conditions if they are reported and stable for a certain period of time (usually 90 to 180 days). The premium will be higher, but lying or omitting a condition can invalidate your entire coverage.
What does trip cancellation insurance cover?
Cancellation insurance reimburses your non-recoverable expenses (plane tickets, hotels, excursions) if you have to cancel for a covered reason: illness, death of a loved one, natural disaster, loss of job, or jury duty. Read the exclusions carefully — changes of mind are generally not covered.
What travel insurance for Quebec snowbirds?
Snowbirds (stays of 3 to 6 months) need a policy suitable for long stays with a minimum coverage of $5 million for the United States. Check the stability period required for pre-existing conditions and make sure you do not exceed 182 days outside Quebec to maintain your RAMQ coverage.
What to do in the event of a medical emergency abroad?
Call your insurer’s 24/7 emergency number (on your insurance card) immediately. Go to the nearest hospital. Keep all receipts and medical documents. Don’t sign anything without talking to your insurer. Most insurers require to be contacted within 24 to 48 hours.
How to save on travel insurance?
Compare several insurers (prices range from 30 to 50%), choose a higher deductible (15 to 25% reduction), opt for annual insurance if you travel 3+ times a year, exclude the United States if not necessary, and check if your group insurance already covers part of the costs.
