Best Travel Insurance Credit Cards in Canada

Travelling provides access to unique experiences around the world, but what happens if a medical emergency or cancellation disrupts your plans? In Canada, a credit card that provides strong travel insurance can offer peace of mind and protection without the hassle of purchasing stand-alone policies for your travel insurance. This article provides an overview of the best credit cards with travel insurance offered by Canadian banks in 2025 that offer comprehensive coverage, additional perks, and eligibility. Whether you’re a frequent traveller or an occasional traveller, each of these cards can offer protection and peace of mind along with added benefits. If you’re looking to save on everyday spending while traveling, consider exploring the best cashback credit cards in Canada for added rewards on your purchases.

Why Choose a Credit Card with Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance through credit cards can help Canadians save money and offer the necessary protection for local and foreign journeys. In contrast to provincial health plans, which provide little coverage overseas, these cards usually come with emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption cover, baggage delay, and car insurance on rentals. As an example, a medical emergency in the U.S. may cost thousands of people who lack coverage, yet a card such as the National Bank World Elite Mastercard provides up to $5 million in emergency medical insurance. These advantages will be triggered when you claim travel costs to the card, and they are a cost-effective and convenient alternative to standalone policies. They’re particularly useful to regular travellers or a person in search of a senior protection card, some of which offer insurance to those above 65. For those just starting out or on a tight budget, no-fee credit cards in Canada for 2025 can still offer basic travel protections without annual costs.

Best Travel Insurance Credit Cards in Canada 2025

The following are the best five travel insurance credit cards in Canada in 2025, which are determined by coverage, extensiveness, length, and other travel benefits. The insurance certificate should always be reviewed since all details are on the issuer’s website.

1. National Bank World Elite Master Card

• Insurance: Provides up to 5 million dollars of emergency medical insurance within 60 days (under one of the longest durations, which is 55). Trip cancellation ($2,500) includes interruption ($5,000), baggage delay ($1,500), and rental car collision/loss damage.
• Benefits: $150 annual travel credit (usable for lounge access, airport parking, etc.), unlimited National Bank Lounge (YUL) visits, and up to 40,000 points as a welcome bonus. Learn more at National Bank.

• Eligibility: Household or personal income of $150,000 or $80,000, respectively, and good credit.
• Advantages: Long-term medical coverage period, lack of foreign transaction fees.

2. Scotiabank Gold American Express

• Insurance: 25 days (under 65 years) emergency medical coverage of 1 million dollars, trip cancellation ($1,500), interruption ($1,500), and baggage delay ($500).  See Insurance details.
• Benefits: No international purchase charges, 6x Scene+ points on groceries and entertainment, and up to 50,000 Scene+ points as a welcome bonus. Explore at Scotiabank.

• Eligibility: personal income 12,000, credit good.
• Pros: Good rewards rate, foreign transaction fees are free.

3. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

• Insurance: Emergency medical (21 days) for persons under 65 years, trip cancellation ($1,500), interruption ($5,000), and flight delay ($500). See TD’s Benefit Guide for detailed information.
• Benefits: Air Canada gives you a free first checked bag, as much as 40,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus. Learn more at TD Canada Trust.

• Eligibility: personal or household income of $60,000 or $100,000, good credit.
• Advantages: Decent Air Canada perks, Visa is readily accepted.

4. American Express Platinum Card

• Insurance: Provides 15 days of emergency medical coverage of up to $5 million (under 65), trip cancellation ($2,500), interruption ($2,500), and theft/damage of car rental. See insurance details.
• Benefits: Priority Pass lounge access to all of them, $200 yearly travel credit, $200 annual dining credit, NEXUS rebate, and up to 180,000 Membership Rewards points (check American Express).
• Eligibility: No minimum income requirement; however, a high credit score is needed.
• Advantages: First-rate travel benefits, extensive lounge access, comprehensive coverage.

5. BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

• Insurance: Emergency medical insurance of 31 days: 5 million dollars (under 65 years), trip cancellation ($1,500), interruption ($2,000), and baggage delay ($500). See BMO’s Insurance Guide.
• Benefits: 5x BMO Rewards points on travel, 4 lounge visits, up to 90,000 points as a welcome bonus. Visit BMO for more details.
• Eligibility: personal or household income of $80,000 or $150,000, respectively, and good credit.

Picking the Travel Insurance Credit Card

The choice of the most appropriate travel insurance credit card is based on the traveling pattern and financial status. Take into account the following:

• Travel Frequency: Frequent travelers benefit from cards like the American Express Platinum for lounge access or Scotiabank Gold Amex for no foreign transaction fees.  
• Age: When you are above 65, you should find cards such as Amex Platinum, where coverage is extended to all ages, since the majority do not offer cards to seniors.
• Spending Habits: Cards such as Scotiabank Gold Amex (6x points on groceries) or BMO Ascend (5x reward particular categories on travel) are preferred.
• Eligibility: Make sure you have the right income and credit score (e.g., 80000 in case of National Bank World Elite).

You should always use the card to pay travel costs (flights, hotels, etc.) so that the insurance is activated. For younger Canadians or those in school, the best student credit cards in Canada for 2025 often include introductory travel perks to get you started.

Tips on How to Maximize Travel Insurance

In order to make the best use of your credit card travel insurance:

• Review Certificates: Download and keep the insurance policy on the issuer website (e.g., RBC Insurance)
• Be Aware of Limitations: Be aware of any exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions or secondary coverage requirements.
• Save Contact Info: Have the emergency number of the insurance provider in handy (located in the policy).
• Use the Card: Pay for flights, hotels, or car hire using the card to activate coverage.
• Register Trips: Enroll in Travel.gc.ca to receive safety alerts from Global Affairs Canada.

Conclusion

Choosing a credit card with robust travel insurance is a smart move for Canadians in 2025. The National Bank World Elite Mastercard (60-day medical coverage) and Scotiabank Gold American Express (no foreign transactions) offer great benefits for travellers. Whether you prioritize long medical coverage, lounge access, or rewards, there’s a card to suit your needs. Travel with confidence knowing you’re protected. For more ways to cut costs on your adventures, check out the top travel credit cards for Canadians to save on flights.     

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