Travel insurance · Primary-source audit

What the travel insurance contracts actually say

We read the emergency medical policy wording of 9 Canadian travel insurers and asked each document the same 13 questions. Every answer below is a quotation from the insurer's own contract, with the page number. No brochures, no broker summaries, no memory.

9policy wordings read

13questions per insurer

107verbatim quotes with page numbers

Product: single-trip emergency medical travel insurance for Canadian residents. Audited September 16, 2026. Each carrier's document, version and fetch date are listed with its answers below.

The comparison

Short answers. Click any cell to read the clause it comes from. "Not stated" means the document does not address it.

Limits and eligibility

Question	TuGo	Manulife CoverMe	Desjardins	CAA	RBC	Medipac	GMS TravelStar	Blue Cross	Allianz
Emergency medical maximumThe headline number, and the one least likely to matter: few claims approach it.	$10,000,000 “Maximum limit — $10,000,000” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 11	$10,000,000 “We cover expenses for your emergency medical treatment up to $10,000,000 during your trip” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 5	$5,000,000 per insured per trip “An overall maximum of $5,000,000 per insured person, per trip” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 9	$10,000,000 “The following benefits are payable as part of a covered medical emergency to a maximum of $10 million per insured” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 12	Unlimited; $20,000 if you have no provincial health coverage “Emergency Medical Treatment Unlimited1 ... This insurance is subject to a maximum of $20,000 if you do not have valid government health insurance plan coverage.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 7	$2,000,000 USD base; $5,000,000 or $10,000,000 with optional endorsements “This policy has a maximum limit of $2,000,000 USD per Insured for Covered Expenses (including COVID-19) incurred as a result of a Medical Emergency” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 3	$5,000,000 per insured person “It offers medical emergency coverage to a maximum of $5,000,000 CAD per insured person, for reasonable and customary expenses incurred by you, in the event of a medical emergency that occurs outside of your province/territory of residence.” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 4	$5,000,000 per trip “Each insured person on the contract is covered up to a maximum of $5,000,000 per trip.” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 10	$5,000,000 “We provide coverage up to the policy maximum of $5,000,000 in total” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 5
Age limitOlder travellers are routed to different plans or medical questionnaires.	No maximum age stated; medical questionnaire at 60 and over, with a $15,000 USD extra deductible for untruthful answers “Applicable to Insureds 60 Years and Over at the Time of Application If you qualify for the coverage selected but you or a representative purchasing insurance on your behalf have failed to answer truthfully and accurately any question asked in the Medical Questionnaire, any incident claimed will be subject to an extra deductible of $15,000 USD” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 23	Minimum 30 days old; no maximum, but 60 and over must qualify via medical questionnaire “Age 60 or older and do not meet the eligibility requirements in a medical questionnaire we ask you to complete” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 4	Insured from 15 days old; no maximum age stated “1. Minimum age Be at least 15 days old* 2. Residency status Be legally authorized to reside in Canada and live there at least 6 months a year” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 8	No maximum age for the single-trip plan “Age Limit & Maximum Trip Duration • No maximum age limit” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 5	Under 65 for this plan “To be eligible for insurance coverage you must: ▪ be a Canadian resident; ▪ be under 65 years of age;” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 5	No maximum age stated; family coverage only if the applicant is under 56 “Family coverage is available to You (if under age 56), Your Spouse and Your Children... A Spouse over age 55 is not covered by a family policy.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 1	No maximum age stated; not eligible at 70 and over if you need help with daily living “You are NOT eligible for coverage if you: ... require assistance from another person(s) with activities of daily living (ADL) if you are 70 years of age or older” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 5	No maximum age for single-trip; extra conditions at 55 and over “Be over 30 days old on the departure date of your trip ... Conditions applicable only to people aged 55 and over: In addition to the conditions set out above, if you are 55 years old or over, you must not: 1. Have received medical advice not to travel” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 5	64 or younger at purchase “be age 64 or younger at the time the coverage is purchased” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 4
Maximum trip lengthProvincial health plans also cap time away; both limits matter.	No per-trip cap stated; extensions unavailable beyond two years “Extensions are not available if total trip length exceeds 2 years from the effective date of the original Policy.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 58	Limited to what your provincial health plan allows; no extension beyond 12 months “The total length of your trip must not exceed the number of days allowed by your provincial or territorial GHIP.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 4	not stated	Lesser of your provincial health plan's allowance or 365 days “Maximum trip days insured may not exceed the period for which your GHIP covers you or 365 days, whichever is the lesser” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 5	365 days under 40; 183 days at 40 and over “travel for a maximum duration of 365 days, if you are under 40 years of age; ▪ travel for a maximum duration of 183 days if you are 40 years of age or over.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 5	Lesser of your provincial health plan's allowance or 212 days “the total trip length cannot exceed the maximum number of days allowed by Your Government Health Insurance Plan, or 212 days.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 6	365 days, no age banding “Single-Trip Plan - coverage for 1 trip up to 365 days long.” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 1	not stated; an 18-day threshold changes the stability rules	Limited to your provincial health plan's out-of-province allowance “the total duration of your trip may not exceed the maximum number of days allowed under your government health insurance plan for travel outside of your province or territory of residence” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 5
DeductibleA per-claim deductible costs more than a per-policy one over a long trip.	Amount as shown on the declaration; per insured, per incident “We will pay eligible expenses for losses incurred in excess of the amount of the deductible as shown on the Policy declaration, per insured per incident claimed.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 23	Amount as shown on the confirmation; applies per emergency medical claim “A deductible is the amount of covered expenses you must pay per emergency medical claim and applies to the amount that remains after any covered expenses are paid by your GHIP.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 6	Optional; amount not stated; per insured, per trip “If you chose to have a deductible (an amount of expenses for which you’re responsible), it applies per insured, per trip.” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 9	Amount as shown on the declaration, in US dollars; per insured, per covered condition or event “The insurer will pay eligible expenses for losses incurred in excess of the deductible amount (stated in U.S. currency), as shown on your Declaration Page, per insured, per covered condition or event.” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 12	not stated	Amount as shown on the policy validation label, in US dollars; applies once per single-trip policy “The Deductible Amount applies only once during a Single Trip policy term and applies per Trip under the 4-Season Annual Plan.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 2	Choice of $0, $250, $1,000 or $5,000; applied per trip “Reimbursement will be made to you up to the maximum sum insured for eligible expenses incurred per trip in excess of the deductible shown on your TravelStar confirmation” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 4	Optional, none by default; per trip and per insured person “The deductible applies per trip and per insured person once the benefits covered by government programs are paid. If you have decided to include a deductible on your contract, the amount will be indicated on your insurance certificate.” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 54	not stated

Pre-existing conditions

Question	TuGo	Manulife CoverMe	Desjardins	CAA	RBC	Medipac	GMS TravelStar	Blue Cross	Allianz
Stability periodThe most common reason a travel medical claim is denied.	59 and under: 7 days for trips of 35 days or less, 90 days for longer trips; 60 and over: 180 days. Optional rider reduces to 7 days. “59 years and under 35 days or less Any medical condition which is not stable on or within the 7 days before the date of departure. Over 35 days Any medical condition which is not stable on or within the 90 days before the date of departure. 60 years and over All Any medical condition which is not stable on or within the 180 days before the date of departure.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 19	Rate category A and ages 59 and younger: 3 months; rate categories B and C: 6 months. No buy-down in this document. “Rate Category A & Ages 59 and younger We do not pay any expenses related to: • Any pre-existing condition that was not stable in the 3 months before your effective date ... Rate Category B & C We do not pay any expenses related to: • Any pre-existing condition that was not stable in the 6 months before your effective date” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 8	Under 55: 90 days; 55 and over: 182 days; optional 'Stable for 3 months' rider brings 55 and over to 90 days “If you’re under 55 or you’ve bought the Stable for 3 months option 90 days ● If you’re 55 or older and haven’t bought the Stable for 3 months option 182 days” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 11	Under 60: 3 months; 60 to 69: 3 months; 70 and over: 6 months. Optional rider: stable 7 days, capped at $300,000. “UNDER AGE 60 Any sickness, injury or medical condition that is not stable in the three months prior to each date of departure... AGE 60 TO 69 ...three months... AGE 70 AND OVER ...not stable in the six months prior to each date of departure.” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 18	90 days, all ages under 65; no age bands; no buy-down in this wording “Your medical condition or related condition (whether or not the diagnosis has been determined) if, at any time in the 90 days before you depart on your trip, your medical condition or related condition has not been stable.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 13	90 days, all ages; no buy-down rider “Any Pre-Existing Condition that was not Stable and Controlled in the 90 days prior to the Effective Date of Insurance or Your Trip Start Date. This includes any reaction that results from a change in medication prescribed for such a condition.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 3	180 days before departure, all ages; no buy-down rider “No coverage or reimbursement for expenses resulting directly or indirectly from medical conditions that have not been stable for 180 days immediately before your departure date” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 3	54 and under: 3 months; 55 to 59 on trips under 18 days: 6 months; 55 to 59 on longer trips and 60 and over: 6 months plus lifetime cardiac and transplant, 24-month kidney and 12-month cancer exclusions unless the certificate says otherwise “For people aged 54 and under, during the 3 months preceding the effective date of coverage: a) Any medical condition that affects you and that is not stable, except for a minor ailment ... For people aged 55 to 59 travelling less than 18 days, during the 6 months preceding the effective date of coverage” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 15	90 days before the effective date, all ages; no rider “Your medical condition or related condition, if at any time in the 90 days before your effective date, your medical condition or related condition has not been stable.” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 8
What "stable" meansA changed dosage or a pending test can make a condition unstable under most definitions.	Four-part test: no deterioration, no new or worse symptoms, no change in treatment or medication, no new treatment “A medical condition is considered stable when all of the following statements are true: a There has been no deterioration of the medical condition as determined by a physician or other registered medical practitioner, and b There have been no new symptoms or findings or more frequent or severe symptoms or findings, and c There has been no change in treatment...” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 65	Seven-part test “stable — a medical condition when all of the following statements are true: 1. There has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change to existing treatment (including a stoppage in treatment), and 2. There has not been any change in medication ... 3. The medical condition has not become worse, and 4. There have not been any new, more frequent, or more severe symptoms” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 13	Defined by what makes a condition not stable: symptoms, consultations, surgery, tests, hospitalization, new or adjusted treatment “It’s any injury or medical condition for which you’ve had symptoms, consulted a doctor, had surgery, undergone examinations or tests, been hospitalized, been prescribed new treatment or had adjustments made to your treatment plan.” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 26	Seven-part definition, all must be met “Stable means: 1. There has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing treatment including a stoppage in treatment; and 2. There has not been any change to any existing prescribed drug... 3. The medical condition has not become worse... 7. There is no planned or pending treatment.” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 62	Multi-part definition, all must be met “Stable – A medical condition is considered stable when all of the following statements are true: ▪ there has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing treatment (including a stoppage in treatment)... ▪ there is no planned or pending treatment.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 23	'Stable and controlled', six-part definition “"Stable and Controlled" means: (a) the medical or physical condition, symptom, illness or disease did not first manifest itself; and/or (b) ...was not first investigated; and/or (c) ...has not worsened; and/or (d) no change in any medication... (e) no new medication... (f) no Medical Attention was received, prescribed or recommended by a Physician.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 4	Six-part test: no new or changed treatment or drug, not worse, no new symptoms, no hospitalization or referral, no pending tests “stable: a medical condition is considered stable and controlled, only when all of the following statements are true: 1. there has not been any new medical treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing medical treatment or stopped medical treatment; and 2. there has not been any change to any existing prescribed drug” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 14	Eight criteria: no new diagnosis, symptoms, hospitalization, medication, dosage change, pending tests, changed treatment or ignored advice “Stable means a pre-existing medical condition that has remained unchanged for several months prior to the the effective date of coverage. For a pre-existing medical condition to be considered stable, it must meet all the following criteria: 1. No new medical diagnosis has been made 2. No new symptoms appeared” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 57	No new or changed treatment or medication, no new or worse symptoms, no deteriorating tests, no hospitalization, referral or pending investigations “Stable - any medical condition or related condition (including any heart condition or lung condition) for which all the following statements for that medical condition or related condition (including any heart or any lung condition) are true: there has been no new treatment or prescribed medication;” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 4

Exclusions that bite

Question	TuGo	Manulife CoverMe	Desjardins	CAA	RBC	Medipac	GMS TravelStar	Blue Cross	Allianz
Pregnancy exclusionWindows range widely and are rarely mentioned at purchase.	9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date “Pregnancy, delivery, or complications of either, arising within the 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or within the 9 weeks after.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 53	9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date “Pregnancy, delivery, or complications of either, arising 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or 9 weeks after” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 9	Expenses incurred after the first 32 weeks of pregnancy “For expenses resulting from pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth or their complications, and that are incurred after the first 32 weeks of pregnancy” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 12	9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date “Claim related to pregnancy, delivery, or any related complications arising in the nine (9) weeks before, or in the nine (9) weeks after the expected delivery date, including the expected delivery date itself.” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 19	9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date “Any claim related to pregnancy, delivery, or complications of either, arising 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or 9 weeks after.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 14	18 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date “(a) Normal pregnancy; (b) normal childbirth; or (c) any complication, condition or symptom of pregnancy occurring within the last 18 weeks before the expected date of delivery or 9 weeks after.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 4	9 weeks before the expected delivery date or any time after “No coverage or reimbursement for expenses related to routine pre-natal or post-natal care and pregnancy, delivery or complications of either the pregnancy or delivery, which occur 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or anytime after.” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 3	High-risk pregnancy, and 9 weeks before or after the expected delivery date “Expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth, or their complications: - When the care required results from a high-risk pregnancy, or - When care is required during the 9 weeks preceding or following the expected delivery date” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 17	9 weeks before or after the expected delivery date “Routine pre-natal care, fertility treatments, elective abortion, a child born during your trip, complications of your pregnancy when they occur in the 9 weeks before or after the expected date of delivery;” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 9
Alcohol and drugsSome wordings exclude any claim where alcohol is a factor; others require impairment.	Misuse or abuse of drugs; alcohol at 80 mg per 100 mL or documented intoxication; chronic use “the misuse or abuse of drugs or other intoxicants, or to the use or abuse of alcohol when you have reached a blood alcohol level of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or when records indicate you were intoxicated and no blood alcohol level is specified.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 21	Chronic use and abuse excluded; no blood-alcohol threshold “Including symptoms of withdrawal, arising from, or in any way related to, your chronic use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants whether prior to or during your trip. • Arising during your trip from, or in any way related to, the abuse of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 9	Drug use, medication abuse, or blood alcohol over 80 mg per 100 mL “For an accident or a medical condition that occurs when you’ve used drugs, abused medications,* or while your blood alcohol level is over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 12	Blood alcohol over 80 mg per 100 mL; chronic alcohol use; drugs or intoxicants including cannabis “abuse of alcohol that results in a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood; or • your chronic use of alcohol; or • the use of drugs or any other intoxicants (including cannabis).” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 19	Abuse and chronic use excluded; no blood-alcohol threshold “Any medical condition arising during your trip from, or in any way related to, the abuse of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 14	Abuse or chronic use, before or during the trip “b) the abuse or chronic use of drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants (including symptoms of withdrawal); or c) the abuse of prescribed medication... whether prior to or during Your Trip.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 4	Any condition related to alcohol, drugs or cannabis, before or during the trip; no threshold “Drugs & Alcohol - No coverage or reimbursement for: a. expenses for any medical condition, including symptoms of withdrawal arising from, or in anyway related to your use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants (including cannabis) whether prior to or during your trip” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 4	Chronic or excessive use, impaired driving; blood alcohol over 0.08 “Any medical condition resulting from or in any way related to: - Your chronic use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances, including withdrawal symptoms - Your excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances - Driving a motor vehicle while you are impaired” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 17	Blood alcohol over 80 mg per 100 mL or visible impairment; chronic use “Any injury or accident occurring while you are under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol (where the concentration of alcohol in your blood exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood) or when you illustrate a visible impairment due to alcohol or illicit drugs” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 9
Government travel advisoryAdvisory levels change while you are away; the wording decides whether cover survives.	'Avoid all travel' or 'avoid non-essential travel' issued before the effective date or before you travel there is excluded; if issued after arrival, related coverage limited to 30 days “An official travel advisory issued by a Canadian government stating to “avoid all travel” or “avoid non-essential travel” regarding the country, region or city of your destination, before the effective date of the Policy or the date you travel to that destination” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 21	'Avoid non-essential travel' or 'avoid all travel' issued before the effective date is excluded; unrelated claims still covered “Any act of terrorism or any medical condition you suffer or contract when an official travel advisory was issued by the Canadian government stating to Avoid non-essential travel or to Avoid all travel regarding the country, region, or city of your destination, before your effective date.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 9	'Avoid all travel' only; if issued after departure you must return within 14 days “You aren’t covered if your destination or type of trip (for example, a cruise) is subject to a travel advisory issued by the Canadian government to avoid all travel before you left on your trip.” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 13	Excluded if an advisory was issued before the effective date; unrelated emergencies still covered “Situations where an official travel advisory was issued by the Canadian government stating to "Avoid non-essential travel" or "Avoid all travel" regarding the country, region or city of your destination, before the effective date of coverage.” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 9	Excluded if an advisory was issued before the effective date “Any expenses incurred if the reason for your emergency is associated in any way with an official travel advisory issued before your effective date by the Canadian government stating "Avoid all non-essential travel" or "Avoid all travel" regarding the country, region or city of your destination.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 15	Excluded if an advisory was issued before the effective date or trip start; COVID-19 advisories exempt “Any Medical Emergency that occurs in any city, region or country where the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory to "avoid all nonessential travel" or "avoid all travel" prior to Your Effective Date of Insurance or Your Trip Start Date.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 4	Excluded if an advisory was issued before departure “No coverage or reimbursement for expenses that occur where, before your departure date, an official travel advisory is issued by the Canadian Government stating “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” for the country, region, city, or other destination (including cruise ships)” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 4	not stated for emergency medical; advisories appear only in the trip cancellation exclusions	Any written advisory issued before departure, of any level “Your travel to a country, region or city for which the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory in writing prior to your departure date;” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 9
Mental healthOften excluded outright, occasionally covered with a cap.	No mental-health exclusion in the emergency medical section; excluded under trip cancellation unless hospitalized “Emotional or mental disorders, unless they result in hospitalization.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 35	Minor mental or emotional disorders excluded “Any loss that results from your minor mental or emotional disorder.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 9	not stated	not stated	not stated	Fully excluded “Emotional, psychological or mental disease, disorder, condition or symptom.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 4	not stated	Excluded unless hospitalized “Mental health disorders: Any medical condition resulting from a mental health or psychiatric disorder unless you must be hospitalized for this condition.” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 17	Excluded unless immediate hospitalization is required “Mental, nervous or emotional disorders that do not require immediate hospitalization;” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 9

When you claim

Question	TuGo	Manulife CoverMe	Desjardins	CAA	RBC	Medipac	GMS TravelStar	Blue Cross	Allianz
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyPenalties of 20–30% of the claim are written into several contracts.	Contact as soon as possible if hospitalization may result; no percentage penalty stated. Air ambulance not arranged by TuGo is excluded outright. “Expenses incurred for emergency air transportation and any expenses incurred after emergency air transportation, when the emergency air transportation was not arranged by us.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 21	Call before treatment; otherwise you pay 25% of covered expenses “Otherwise, if you do not call the Assistance Centre before you obtain emergency treatment you will be responsible for 25% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 6	Call before going to a hospital or clinic; otherwise you pay 30% of eligible expenses, up to $3,000 “If you can’t prove that you were unable to contact the Assistance Service, you’ll have to pay 30% of the eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $3,000.” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 11	Contact before treatment; otherwise benefit reduced to 80%, capped at $25,000, and one out-patient visit “if you do not contact CAA Assistance before you obtain emergency treatment: a. your maximum benefit payable will be reduced to 80% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance, to a maximum of $25,000 CAD; b. ...benefits paid will be limited to a maximum of one visit per sickness or injury.” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 16	Call before treatment; otherwise you pay 30% of covered expenses “Otherwise, if you do not call us before you obtain emergency treatment, you will be responsible for 30% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 13	Must call before treatment; otherwise reimbursement of 75%, capped at $50,000 USD “You MUST notify Medipac Assist PRIOR to seeking Medical Treatment... Failure to call Medipac Assist will result in reimbursement of only 75% of all eligible Covered Expenses to a maximum of $50,000 USD.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 2	Call before treatment or within 24 hours; otherwise benefit reduced to 70%, capped at $50,000 “If it is medically impossible for you to call prior to obtaining emergency medical treatment, we ask you to call within 24 hours or have someone call on your behalf. Otherwise, your maximum benefit payable will be reduced to 70% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance, to a maximum of $50,000.” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 4	Call before going to a hospital or clinic, or within 24 hours through someone else; otherwise the claim may be denied “you must inform Blue Cross Travel Assistance before going to a hospital or to a clinic, otherwise, your claim may be denied ... a relative or a member of the medical staff must do so on your behalf within 24 hours following the start of the medical emergency.” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 10	Contact before seeking care; otherwise you may be responsible for 30% of expenses “You or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz Global Assistance before seeking care. If you do not notify Allianz Global Assistance or if you choose to receive treatment from a service provider other than that suggested by Allianz Global Assistance, you may be responsible for 30% of your medical expenses under this insurance.” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 8
Claim deadlineMissed deadlines are a clean denial.	Notice within 30 days, proof within 90 days, all documentation within one year “All required documentation must be received within one year from the date of loss. Failure to do so will result in the denial of the claim.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 70	90 days; up to 12 months in some cases; never after 12 months “You must send written proof, a completed claim form, and any other information we ask for within 90 days of the event that results in the claim. In some cases, we accept claims up to 12 months after the event. We do not accept any claims after 12 months.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 10	90 days from the event “You must send us your claim within 90 days of the date of the event entitling you to a payment.” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 31	Written notice within 30 days; proof within 90 days “give written notice of claim to the insurer... not later than 30 days from the date a claim arises under the contract... b. within 90 days from the date a claim arises... furnish to CAA Assistance such proof as is reasonably possible” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 67	Notice within 30 days; documents within 90 days, or one year if not reasonably possible “you must provide notice of your claim within thirty (30) days of the date the claim arises. You must submit the information required for your claim within ninety (90) days of the date of the claim arises.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 18	Claim forms returned within 30 days of receipt; no claim accepted after one year “Forms must be returned to our office within 30 days of receipt... In no event will a claim be accepted after one year from the date of occurrence.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 6	Claim form within 90 days of the illness or injury “In the event of a claim, a completed claim form must be submitted to GMS within 90 days of the illness or injury” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 4	Claim form within 90 days of the event “In all cases, you must send us the completed claim form within 90 days of the event as well as all supporting documents and itemized invoices for services received or purchases made.” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 50	90 days from the date of loss “You must submit all claims to Allianz Global Assistance within 90 days from date of loss.” Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance, p. 10
Follow-up after the emergencyMany wordings end coverage once the insurer decides you can go home.	One follow-up visit within 14 days; fracture follow-up up to $1,250 “One follow-up visit within the 14 days after the initial emergency treatment, provided the follow-up visit is required as a direct result of the initial emergency.” TuGo Traveller travel policy, p. 12	Not covered once the insurer's medical advisors decide the emergency has ended; no follow-up-visit benefit “The continued treatment of a medical condition or related condition, following emergency treatment during your trip, if our medical advisors determine that your emergency has ended.” Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians, p. 9	No follow-up benefit; care obtainable at home without danger is excluded “For optional or non-emergency care that can be obtained in your home province or territory without endangering your life or health, even if you receive it because of an emergency” Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy, p. 12	Excluded once the emergency has ended; separate follow-up-in-Canada benefit within 15 days of return, hospital or rehab up to $1,000 “The continued treatment, recurrence or complication of a medical condition or related condition, following emergency treatment during your trip, if CAA Assistance determines that your emergency has ended.” CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026, p. 17	Excluded once the insurer's medical advisors decide the emergency has ended; further treatment must be pre-approved “The continued treatment recurrence or complication of a medical condition or related condition, following emergency treatment during your trip, if our medical advisors determine that your emergency has ended.” RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy, p. 14	Excluded after discharge or once the emergency ends “Rehabilitation, the continued treatment, or complication of the medical condition which caused the Medical Emergency, once You are discharged from Hospital or once a Medical Emergency ends, as determined by the Company.” Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy, p. 4	One follow-up visit within 14 days “1 follow-up visit, if deemed medically necessary and directly related to the covered medical emergency. The follow-up visit must occur within 14 days of the initial medical consultation or discharge from a hospital.” GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording, p. 2	Excluded once the insurer decides the emergency is over; follow-up in Canada within 15 days of return, with caps “Continued treatment once the medical emergency is over: Continuing a treatment if we determine that the medical emergency is over.” Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A, p. 17	not stated for medical; dental follow-up only

Where the contracts diverge

Counted from the table above; rewritten on every rebuild.

Maximum trip length

7 of 9 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Desjardins, Blue Cross. The longest single trip the plan covers, and whether the limit changes with age.

Deductible

7 of 9 wordings state this in writing. Silent: RBC, Allianz. The default amount you pay before the insurer does, and whether it applies per claim or per policy.

Government travel advisory

8 of 9 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Blue Cross. What happens to coverage when Canada advises against travel to the destination.

Mental health

5 of 9 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Desjardins, CAA, RBC, GMS TravelStar. Any exclusion or sub-limit for mental, emotional or psychiatric conditions.

Follow-up after the emergency

8 of 9 wordings state this in writing. Silent: Allianz. Whether treatment after the emergency has ended is covered, and any limit.

Stated by every insurer

Emergency medical maximum; Age limit; Stability period; What "stable" means; Pregnancy exclusion; Alcohol and drugs; Call-before-treatment rule and penalty; Claim deadline. On these the comparison is like for like: read the cells, not the brochures.

Insurer by insurer, with the clauses

Every answer with its quotation, page number and the document it came from.

TuGo TuGo Traveller travel policy · ttand_traveller_01pw_2025-04 · 73 pp.

Document: TuGo Traveller travel policy. Underwriter: Industrial Alliance Pacific General Insurance Corporation (iA). Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: TuGo.

Emergency medical maximum$10,000,000: “Maximum limit — $10,000,000”
p. 11
Age limitNo maximum age stated; medical questionnaire at 60 and over, with a $15,000 USD extra deductible for untruthful answers: “Applicable to Insureds 60 Years and Over at the Time of Application If you qualify for the coverage selected but you or a representative purchasing insurance on your behalf have failed to answer truthfully and accurately any question asked in the Medical Questionnaire, any incident claimed will be subject to an extra deductible of $15,000 USD”
p. 23
Maximum trip lengthNo per-trip cap stated; extensions unavailable beyond two years: “Extensions are not available if total trip length exceeds 2 years from the effective date of the original Policy.”
p. 58
DeductibleAmount as shown on the declaration; per insured, per incident: “We will pay eligible expenses for losses incurred in excess of the amount of the deductible as shown on the Policy declaration, per insured per incident claimed.”
p. 23
Stability period59 and under: 7 days for trips of 35 days or less, 90 days for longer trips; 60 and over: 180 days. Optional rider reduces to 7 days.: “59 years and under 35 days or less Any medical condition which is not stable on or within the 7 days before the date of departure. Over 35 days Any medical condition which is not stable on or within the 90 days before the date of departure. 60 years and over All Any medical condition which is not stable on or within the 180 days before the date of departure.”
p. 19
The stability table depends on trip length as well as age, which is unusual.
What "stable" meansFour-part test: no deterioration, no new or worse symptoms, no change in treatment or medication, no new treatment: “A medical condition is considered stable when all of the following statements are true: a There has been no deterioration of the medical condition as determined by a physician or other registered medical practitioner, and b There have been no new symptoms or findings or more frequent or severe symptoms or findings, and c There has been no change in treatment...”
p. 65
Pregnancy exclusion9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date: “Pregnancy, delivery, or complications of either, arising within the 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or within the 9 weeks after.”
p. 53
Alcohol and drugsMisuse or abuse of drugs; alcohol at 80 mg per 100 mL or documented intoxication; chronic use: “the misuse or abuse of drugs or other intoxicants, or to the use or abuse of alcohol when you have reached a blood alcohol level of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or when records indicate you were intoxicated and no blood alcohol level is specified.”
p. 21
Government travel advisory'Avoid all travel' or 'avoid non-essential travel' issued before the effective date or before you travel there is excluded; if issued after arrival, related coverage limited to 30 days: “An official travel advisory issued by a Canadian government stating to “avoid all travel” or “avoid non-essential travel” regarding the country, region or city of your destination, before the effective date of the Policy or the date you travel to that destination”
p. 21
Mental healthNo mental-health exclusion in the emergency medical section; excluded under trip cancellation unless hospitalized: “Emotional or mental disorders, unless they result in hospitalization.”
p. 35
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyContact as soon as possible if hospitalization may result; no percentage penalty stated. Air ambulance not arranged by TuGo is excluded outright.: “Expenses incurred for emergency air transportation and any expenses incurred after emergency air transportation, when the emergency air transportation was not arranged by us.”
p. 21
Claim deadlineNotice within 30 days, proof within 90 days, all documentation within one year: “All required documentation must be received within one year from the date of loss. Failure to do so will result in the denial of the claim.”
p. 70
Follow-up after the emergencyOne follow-up visit within 14 days; fracture follow-up up to $1,250: “One follow-up visit within the 14 days after the initial emergency treatment, provided the follow-up visit is required as a direct result of the initial emergency.”
p. 12

Notes. The wording is hosted by the underwriter, iA; TuGo's own policy-wordings page returned an error when fetched. TuGo's wording is the only one audited with no percentage penalty for failing to call before treatment.

Manulife CoverMe Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians · Effective October 2023 (form EMP-1023E) · 15 pp.

Document: Manulife Emergency Medical policy for travelling Canadians. Underwriter: The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Manulife CoverMe.

Emergency medical maximum$10,000,000: “We cover expenses for your emergency medical treatment up to $10,000,000 during your trip”
p. 5
Age limitMinimum 30 days old; no maximum, but 60 and over must qualify via medical questionnaire: “Age 60 or older and do not meet the eligibility requirements in a medical questionnaire we ask you to complete”
p. 4
Maximum trip lengthLimited to what your provincial health plan allows; no extension beyond 12 months: “The total length of your trip must not exceed the number of days allowed by your provincial or territorial GHIP.”
p. 4
DeductibleAmount as shown on the confirmation; applies per emergency medical claim: “A deductible is the amount of covered expenses you must pay per emergency medical claim and applies to the amount that remains after any covered expenses are paid by your GHIP.”
p. 6
Stability periodRate category A and ages 59 and younger: 3 months; rate categories B and C: 6 months. No buy-down in this document.: “Rate Category A & Ages 59 and younger We do not pay any expenses related to: • Any pre-existing condition that was not stable in the 3 months before your effective date ... Rate Category B & C We do not pay any expenses related to: • Any pre-existing condition that was not stable in the 6 months before your effective date”
p. 8
Rate categories B and C are set by the medical questionnaire, not by age alone.
What "stable" meansSeven-part test: “stable — a medical condition when all of the following statements are true: 1. There has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change to existing treatment (including a stoppage in treatment), and 2. There has not been any change in medication ... 3. The medical condition has not become worse, and 4. There have not been any new, more frequent, or more severe symptoms”
p. 13
Pregnancy exclusion9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date: “Pregnancy, delivery, or complications of either, arising 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or 9 weeks after”
p. 9
Alcohol and drugsChronic use and abuse excluded; no blood-alcohol threshold: “Including symptoms of withdrawal, arising from, or in any way related to, your chronic use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants whether prior to or during your trip. • Arising during your trip from, or in any way related to, the abuse of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants.”
p. 9
Government travel advisory'Avoid non-essential travel' or 'avoid all travel' issued before the effective date is excluded; unrelated claims still covered: “Any act of terrorism or any medical condition you suffer or contract when an official travel advisory was issued by the Canadian government stating to Avoid non-essential travel or to Avoid all travel regarding the country, region, or city of your destination, before your effective date.”
p. 9
Mental healthMinor mental or emotional disorders excluded: “Any loss that results from your minor mental or emotional disorder.”
p. 9
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyCall before treatment; otherwise you pay 25% of covered expenses: “Otherwise, if you do not call the Assistance Centre before you obtain emergency treatment you will be responsible for 25% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance.”
p. 6
Claim deadline90 days; up to 12 months in some cases; never after 12 months: “You must send written proof, a completed claim form, and any other information we ask for within 90 days of the event that results in the claim. In some cases, we accept claims up to 12 months after the event. We do not accept any claims after 12 months.”
p. 10
Follow-up after the emergencyNot covered once the insurer's medical advisors decide the emergency has ended; no follow-up-visit benefit: “The continued treatment of a medical condition or related condition, following emergency treatment during your trip, if our medical advisors determine that your emergency has ended.”
p. 9

Notes. An older Manulife wording (effective November 2019, 20% penalty) is still surfaced by search engines; the October 2023 single-trip document is the current one and carries the 25% rule.

Desjardins Insurance Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy · 20043E (2024-04) · 38 pp.

Document: Desjardins Travel Insurance Policy. Underwriter: Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Desjardins Insurance.

Emergency medical maximum$5,000,000 per insured per trip: “An overall maximum of $5,000,000 per insured person, per trip”
p. 9
Age limitInsured from 15 days old; no maximum age stated: “1. Minimum age Be at least 15 days old* 2. Residency status Be legally authorized to reside in Canada and live there at least 6 months a year”
p. 8
Maximum trip lengthnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
DeductibleOptional; amount not stated; per insured, per trip: “If you chose to have a deductible (an amount of expenses for which you’re responsible), it applies per insured, per trip.”
p. 9
Stability periodUnder 55: 90 days; 55 and over: 182 days; optional 'Stable for 3 months' rider brings 55 and over to 90 days: “If you’re under 55 or you’ve bought the Stable for 3 months option 90 days ● If you’re 55 or older and haven’t bought the Stable for 3 months option 182 days”
p. 11
What "stable" meansDefined by what makes a condition not stable: symptoms, consultations, surgery, tests, hospitalization, new or adjusted treatment: “It’s any injury or medical condition for which you’ve had symptoms, consulted a doctor, had surgery, undergone examinations or tests, been hospitalized, been prescribed new treatment or had adjustments made to your treatment plan.”
p. 26
Pregnancy exclusionExpenses incurred after the first 32 weeks of pregnancy: “For expenses resulting from pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth or their complications, and that are incurred after the first 32 weeks of pregnancy”
p. 12
Alcohol and drugsDrug use, medication abuse, or blood alcohol over 80 mg per 100 mL: “For an accident or a medical condition that occurs when you’ve used drugs, abused medications,* or while your blood alcohol level is over 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood”
p. 12
Government travel advisory'Avoid all travel' only; if issued after departure you must return within 14 days: “You aren’t covered if your destination or type of trip (for example, a cruise) is subject to a travel advisory issued by the Canadian government to avoid all travel before you left on your trip.”
p. 13
The only audited wording whose emergency-medical exclusion triggers on 'avoid all travel' alone, not 'avoid non-essential travel'.
Mental healthnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyCall before going to a hospital or clinic; otherwise you pay 30% of eligible expenses, up to $3,000: “If you can’t prove that you were unable to contact the Assistance Service, you’ll have to pay 30% of the eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $3,000.”
p. 11
Claim deadline90 days from the event: “You must send us your claim within 90 days of the date of the event entitling you to a payment.”
p. 31
Follow-up after the emergencyNo follow-up benefit; care obtainable at home without danger is excluded: “For optional or non-emergency care that can be obtained in your home province or territory without endangering your life or health, even if you receive it because of an emergency”
p. 12

CAA Travel Insurance CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026 · Policy September 1, 2026 · 69 pp.

Document: CAA Travel Insurance Policy, September 1, 2026. Underwriter: Orion Travel Insurance Company (Echelon Insurance). Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: CAA Travel Insurance.

Emergency medical maximum$10,000,000: “The following benefits are payable as part of a covered medical emergency to a maximum of $10 million per insured”
p. 12
Age limitNo maximum age for the single-trip plan: “Age Limit & Maximum Trip Duration • No maximum age limit”
p. 5
Maximum trip lengthLesser of your provincial health plan's allowance or 365 days: “Maximum trip days insured may not exceed the period for which your GHIP covers you or 365 days, whichever is the lesser”
p. 5
DeductibleAmount as shown on the declaration, in US dollars; per insured, per covered condition or event: “The insurer will pay eligible expenses for losses incurred in excess of the deductible amount (stated in U.S. currency), as shown on your Declaration Page, per insured, per covered condition or event.”
p. 12
Stability periodUnder 60: 3 months; 60 to 69: 3 months; 70 and over: 6 months. Optional rider: stable 7 days, capped at $300,000.: “UNDER AGE 60 Any sickness, injury or medical condition that is not stable in the three months prior to each date of departure... AGE 60 TO 69 ...three months... AGE 70 AND OVER ...not stable in the six months prior to each date of departure.”
p. 18
What "stable" meansSeven-part definition, all must be met: “Stable means: 1. There has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing treatment including a stoppage in treatment; and 2. There has not been any change to any existing prescribed drug... 3. The medical condition has not become worse... 7. There is no planned or pending treatment.”
p. 62
Pregnancy exclusion9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date: “Claim related to pregnancy, delivery, or any related complications arising in the nine (9) weeks before, or in the nine (9) weeks after the expected delivery date, including the expected delivery date itself.”
p. 19
Alcohol and drugsBlood alcohol over 80 mg per 100 mL; chronic alcohol use; drugs or intoxicants including cannabis: “abuse of alcohol that results in a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood; or • your chronic use of alcohol; or • the use of drugs or any other intoxicants (including cannabis).”
p. 19
Government travel advisoryExcluded if an advisory was issued before the effective date; unrelated emergencies still covered: “Situations where an official travel advisory was issued by the Canadian government stating to "Avoid non-essential travel" or "Avoid all travel" regarding the country, region or city of your destination, before the effective date of coverage.”
p. 9
Mental healthnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyContact before treatment; otherwise benefit reduced to 80%, capped at $25,000, and one out-patient visit: “if you do not contact CAA Assistance before you obtain emergency treatment: a. your maximum benefit payable will be reduced to 80% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance, to a maximum of $25,000 CAD; b. ...benefits paid will be limited to a maximum of one visit per sickness or injury.”
p. 16
Claim deadlineWritten notice within 30 days; proof within 90 days: “give written notice of claim to the insurer... not later than 30 days from the date a claim arises under the contract... b. within 90 days from the date a claim arises... furnish to CAA Assistance such proof as is reasonably possible”
p. 67
Follow-up after the emergencyExcluded once the emergency has ended; separate follow-up-in-Canada benefit within 15 days of return, hospital or rehab up to $1,000: “The continued treatment, recurrence or complication of a medical condition or related condition, following emergency treatment during your trip, if CAA Assistance determines that your emergency has ended.”
p. 17

Notes. This is the CAA South Central Ontario club booklet; other clubs issue their own editions of the Orion wording.

RBC Insurance RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy · Form 123640 (06/2023) · 24 pp.

Document: RBC Classic Medical Single Trip policy. Underwriter: RBC Insurance Company of Canada; administered by Allianz Global Assistance. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: RBC Insurance.

Emergency medical maximumUnlimited; $20,000 if you have no provincial health coverage: “Emergency Medical Treatment Unlimited1 ... This insurance is subject to a maximum of $20,000 if you do not have valid government health insurance plan coverage.”
p. 7
Age limitUnder 65 for this plan: “To be eligible for insurance coverage you must: ▪ be a Canadian resident; ▪ be under 65 years of age;”
p. 5
Maximum trip length365 days under 40; 183 days at 40 and over: “travel for a maximum duration of 365 days, if you are under 40 years of age; ▪ travel for a maximum duration of 183 days if you are 40 years of age or over.”
p. 5
Deductiblenot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Stability period90 days, all ages under 65; no age bands; no buy-down in this wording: “Your medical condition or related condition (whether or not the diagnosis has been determined) if, at any time in the 90 days before you depart on your trip, your medical condition or related condition has not been stable.”
p. 13
Travellers 65 and over buy the separate TravelCare Medical plan, where stability is 90, 180 or 365 days by questionnaire tier.
What "stable" meansMulti-part definition, all must be met: “Stable – A medical condition is considered stable when all of the following statements are true: ▪ there has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing treatment (including a stoppage in treatment)... ▪ there is no planned or pending treatment.”
p. 23
Pregnancy exclusion9 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date: “Any claim related to pregnancy, delivery, or complications of either, arising 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or 9 weeks after.”
p. 14
Alcohol and drugsAbuse and chronic use excluded; no blood-alcohol threshold: “Any medical condition arising during your trip from, or in any way related to, the abuse of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicants.”
p. 14
Government travel advisoryExcluded if an advisory was issued before the effective date: “Any expenses incurred if the reason for your emergency is associated in any way with an official travel advisory issued before your effective date by the Canadian government stating "Avoid all non-essential travel" or "Avoid all travel" regarding the country, region or city of your destination.”
p. 15
Mental healthnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyCall before treatment; otherwise you pay 30% of covered expenses: “Otherwise, if you do not call us before you obtain emergency treatment, you will be responsible for 30% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance.”
p. 13
Claim deadlineNotice within 30 days; documents within 90 days, or one year if not reasonably possible: “you must provide notice of your claim within thirty (30) days of the date the claim arises. You must submit the information required for your claim within ninety (90) days of the date of the claim arises.”
p. 18
Follow-up after the emergencyExcluded once the insurer's medical advisors decide the emergency has ended; further treatment must be pre-approved: “The continued treatment recurrence or complication of a medical condition or related condition, following emergency treatment during your trip, if our medical advisors determine that your emergency has ended.”
p. 14

Notes. RBC splits single-trip medical by age: Classic Medical under 65 (audited) and TravelCare Medical for 65 and over, form 123642 (06/2023), with the same 30% penalty.

Medipac Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy · 2026-2027 · 8 pp.

Document: Medipac 2026-2027 Travel Emergency Medical Insurance Policy. Underwriter: Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Medipac.

Emergency medical maximum$2,000,000 USD base; $5,000,000 or $10,000,000 with optional endorsements: “This policy has a maximum limit of $2,000,000 USD per Insured for Covered Expenses (including COVID-19) incurred as a result of a Medical Emergency”
p. 3
Benefits are in US dollars, the only audited wording priced in USD.
Age limitNo maximum age stated; family coverage only if the applicant is under 56: “Family coverage is available to You (if under age 56), Your Spouse and Your Children... A Spouse over age 55 is not covered by a family policy.”
p. 1
Maximum trip lengthLesser of your provincial health plan's allowance or 212 days: “the total trip length cannot exceed the maximum number of days allowed by Your Government Health Insurance Plan, or 212 days.”
p. 6
DeductibleAmount as shown on the policy validation label, in US dollars; applies once per single-trip policy: “The Deductible Amount applies only once during a Single Trip policy term and applies per Trip under the 4-Season Annual Plan.”
p. 2
Stability period90 days, all ages; no buy-down rider: “Any Pre-Existing Condition that was not Stable and Controlled in the 90 days prior to the Effective Date of Insurance or Your Trip Start Date. This includes any reaction that results from a change in medication prescribed for such a condition.”
p. 3
What "stable" means'Stable and controlled', six-part definition: “"Stable and Controlled" means: (a) the medical or physical condition, symptom, illness or disease did not first manifest itself; and/or (b) ...was not first investigated; and/or (c) ...has not worsened; and/or (d) no change in any medication... (e) no new medication... (f) no Medical Attention was received, prescribed or recommended by a Physician.”
p. 4
Pregnancy exclusion18 weeks before and 9 weeks after the expected delivery date: “(a) Normal pregnancy; (b) normal childbirth; or (c) any complication, condition or symptom of pregnancy occurring within the last 18 weeks before the expected date of delivery or 9 weeks after.”
p. 4
Twice the pre-delivery window of the other audited wordings.
Alcohol and drugsAbuse or chronic use, before or during the trip: “b) the abuse or chronic use of drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants (including symptoms of withdrawal); or c) the abuse of prescribed medication... whether prior to or during Your Trip.”
p. 4
Government travel advisoryExcluded if an advisory was issued before the effective date or trip start; COVID-19 advisories exempt: “Any Medical Emergency that occurs in any city, region or country where the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory to "avoid all nonessential travel" or "avoid all travel" prior to Your Effective Date of Insurance or Your Trip Start Date.”
p. 4
Mental healthFully excluded: “Emotional, psychological or mental disease, disorder, condition or symptom.”
p. 4
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyMust call before treatment; otherwise reimbursement of 75%, capped at $50,000 USD: “You MUST notify Medipac Assist PRIOR to seeking Medical Treatment... Failure to call Medipac Assist will result in reimbursement of only 75% of all eligible Covered Expenses to a maximum of $50,000 USD.”
p. 2
Claim deadlineClaim forms returned within 30 days of receipt; no claim accepted after one year: “Forms must be returned to our office within 30 days of receipt... In no event will a claim be accepted after one year from the date of occurrence.”
p. 6
Follow-up after the emergencyExcluded after discharge or once the emergency ends: “Rehabilitation, the continued treatment, or complication of the medical condition which caused the Medical Emergency, once You are discharged from Hospital or once a Medical Emergency ends, as determined by the Company.”
p. 4

Notes. The wording also excludes anyone with three or more emergency-room or hospital visits in the prior 12 months.

GMS TravelStar GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording · Form 21JULYCA2026, effective July 21, 2026 · 15 pp.

Document: GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance policy wording. Underwriter: GMS Insurance Inc.. Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: GMS TravelStar.

Emergency medical maximum$5,000,000 per insured person: “It offers medical emergency coverage to a maximum of $5,000,000 CAD per insured person, for reasonable and customary expenses incurred by you, in the event of a medical emergency that occurs outside of your province/territory of residence.”
p. 4
Age limitNo maximum age stated; not eligible at 70 and over if you need help with daily living: “You are NOT eligible for coverage if you: ... require assistance from another person(s) with activities of daily living (ADL) if you are 70 years of age or older”
p. 5
Maximum trip length365 days, no age banding: “Single-Trip Plan - coverage for 1 trip up to 365 days long.”
p. 1
DeductibleChoice of $0, $250, $1,000 or $5,000; applied per trip: “Reimbursement will be made to you up to the maximum sum insured for eligible expenses incurred per trip in excess of the deductible shown on your TravelStar confirmation”
p. 4
Stability period180 days before departure, all ages; no buy-down rider: “No coverage or reimbursement for expenses resulting directly or indirectly from medical conditions that have not been stable for 180 days immediately before your departure date”
p. 3
The longest flat stability period audited, applied even to young travellers.
What "stable" meansSix-part test: no new or changed treatment or drug, not worse, no new symptoms, no hospitalization or referral, no pending tests: “stable: a medical condition is considered stable and controlled, only when all of the following statements are true: 1. there has not been any new medical treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing medical treatment or stopped medical treatment; and 2. there has not been any change to any existing prescribed drug”
p. 14
Pregnancy exclusion9 weeks before the expected delivery date or any time after: “No coverage or reimbursement for expenses related to routine pre-natal or post-natal care and pregnancy, delivery or complications of either the pregnancy or delivery, which occur 9 weeks before the expected date of delivery or anytime after.”
p. 3
Alcohol and drugsAny condition related to alcohol, drugs or cannabis, before or during the trip; no threshold: “Drugs & Alcohol - No coverage or reimbursement for: a. expenses for any medical condition, including symptoms of withdrawal arising from, or in anyway related to your use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants (including cannabis) whether prior to or during your trip”
p. 4
'Use', not 'abuse': the broadest alcohol wording audited.
Government travel advisoryExcluded if an advisory was issued before departure: “No coverage or reimbursement for expenses that occur where, before your departure date, an official travel advisory is issued by the Canadian Government stating “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” for the country, region, city, or other destination (including cruise ships)”
p. 4
Mental healthnot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyCall before treatment or within 24 hours; otherwise benefit reduced to 70%, capped at $50,000: “If it is medically impossible for you to call prior to obtaining emergency medical treatment, we ask you to call within 24 hours or have someone call on your behalf. Otherwise, your maximum benefit payable will be reduced to 70% of your medical expenses covered under this insurance, to a maximum of $50,000.”
p. 4
Claim deadlineClaim form within 90 days of the illness or injury: “In the event of a claim, a completed claim form must be submitted to GMS within 90 days of the illness or injury”
p. 4
Follow-up after the emergencyOne follow-up visit within 14 days: “1 follow-up visit, if deemed medically necessary and directly related to the covered medical emergency. The follow-up visit must occur within 14 days of the initial medical consultation or discharge from a hospital.”
p. 2

Notes. The file at this URL was replaced in place: the path says 2024-08 but the cover reads effective July 21, 2026.

Blue Cross (Canassurance, Ontario and Quebec) Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A · 11XVV0196A (2025-06); broker-hosted copy, the insurer's own site refused automated access · 62 pp.

Document: Blue Cross Travel Insurance Policy, form 11XVV0196A. Underwriter: Canassurance Insurance Company. Fetched 2026-09-16.

Emergency medical maximum$5,000,000 per trip: “Each insured person on the contract is covered up to a maximum of $5,000,000 per trip.”
p. 10
Age limitNo maximum age for single-trip; extra conditions at 55 and over: “Be over 30 days old on the departure date of your trip ... Conditions applicable only to people aged 55 and over: In addition to the conditions set out above, if you are 55 years old or over, you must not: 1. Have received medical advice not to travel”
p. 5
Maximum trip lengthnot stated; an 18-day threshold changes the stability rules: Not addressed in the document.
DeductibleOptional, none by default; per trip and per insured person: “The deductible applies per trip and per insured person once the benefits covered by government programs are paid. If you have decided to include a deductible on your contract, the amount will be indicated on your insurance certificate.”
p. 54
Stability period54 and under: 3 months; 55 to 59 on trips under 18 days: 6 months; 55 to 59 on longer trips and 60 and over: 6 months plus lifetime cardiac and transplant, 24-month kidney and 12-month cancer exclusions unless the certificate says otherwise: “For people aged 54 and under, during the 3 months preceding the effective date of coverage: a) Any medical condition that affects you and that is not stable, except for a minor ailment ... For people aged 55 to 59 travelling less than 18 days, during the 6 months preceding the effective date of coverage”
p. 15
The 60-and-over exclusion list can be lifted by the medical questionnaire, which is the only rider-like mechanism in the wording.
What "stable" meansEight criteria: no new diagnosis, symptoms, hospitalization, medication, dosage change, pending tests, changed treatment or ignored advice: “Stable means a pre-existing medical condition that has remained unchanged for several months prior to the the effective date of coverage. For a pre-existing medical condition to be considered stable, it must meet all the following criteria: 1. No new medical diagnosis has been made 2. No new symptoms appeared”
p. 57
Pregnancy exclusionHigh-risk pregnancy, and 9 weeks before or after the expected delivery date: “Expenses related to pregnancy, childbirth, or their complications: - When the care required results from a high-risk pregnancy, or - When care is required during the 9 weeks preceding or following the expected delivery date”
p. 17
Alcohol and drugsChronic or excessive use, impaired driving; blood alcohol over 0.08: “Any medical condition resulting from or in any way related to: - Your chronic use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances, including withdrawal symptoms - Your excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances - Driving a motor vehicle while you are impaired”
p. 17
Government travel advisorynot stated for emergency medical; advisories appear only in the trip cancellation exclusions: Not addressed in the document.
We checked the emergency medical exclusions (pp. 16–18) specifically; the advisory wording on pp. 21 and 27 belongs to trip cancellation and interruption.
Mental healthExcluded unless hospitalized: “Mental health disorders: Any medical condition resulting from a mental health or psychiatric disorder unless you must be hospitalized for this condition.”
p. 17
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyCall before going to a hospital or clinic, or within 24 hours through someone else; otherwise the claim may be denied: “you must inform Blue Cross Travel Assistance before going to a hospital or to a clinic, otherwise, your claim may be denied ... a relative or a member of the medical staff must do so on your behalf within 24 hours following the start of the medical emergency.”
p. 10
Denial, not a percentage: the harshest stated consequence in the audit.
Claim deadlineClaim form within 90 days of the event: “In all cases, you must send us the completed claim form within 90 days of the event as well as all supporting documents and itemized invoices for services received or purchases made.”
p. 50
Follow-up after the emergencyExcluded once the insurer decides the emergency is over; follow-up in Canada within 15 days of return, with caps: “Continued treatment once the medical emergency is over: Continuing a treatment if we determine that the medical emergency is over.”
p. 17

Notes. Blue Cross is a licensed brand used by independent regional plans. This is the Canassurance wording used in Ontario and Quebec; Medavie Blue Cross (Atlantic) keeps its wording behind a member login and is not compared.

Allianz Global Assistance Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance · No printed form code or date; file metadata dated November 2020 · 10 pp.

Document: Allianz Global Assistance Emergency Medical Coverage, Policy of Insurance. Underwriter: CUMIS General Insurance Company (Co-operators group). Fetched 2026-09-16. Our review: Allianz Global Assistance.

Emergency medical maximum$5,000,000: “We provide coverage up to the policy maximum of $5,000,000 in total”
p. 5
Age limit64 or younger at purchase: “be age 64 or younger at the time the coverage is purchased”
p. 4
Maximum trip lengthLimited to your provincial health plan's out-of-province allowance: “the total duration of your trip may not exceed the maximum number of days allowed under your government health insurance plan for travel outside of your province or territory of residence”
p. 5
Deductiblenot stated: Not addressed in the document.
Stability period90 days before the effective date, all ages; no rider: “Your medical condition or related condition, if at any time in the 90 days before your effective date, your medical condition or related condition has not been stable.”
p. 8
What "stable" meansNo new or changed treatment or medication, no new or worse symptoms, no deteriorating tests, no hospitalization, referral or pending investigations: “Stable - any medical condition or related condition (including any heart condition or lung condition) for which all the following statements for that medical condition or related condition (including any heart or any lung condition) are true: there has been no new treatment or prescribed medication;”
p. 4
Pregnancy exclusion9 weeks before or after the expected delivery date: “Routine pre-natal care, fertility treatments, elective abortion, a child born during your trip, complications of your pregnancy when they occur in the 9 weeks before or after the expected date of delivery;”
p. 9
Alcohol and drugsBlood alcohol over 80 mg per 100 mL or visible impairment; chronic use: “Any injury or accident occurring while you are under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol (where the concentration of alcohol in your blood exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood) or when you illustrate a visible impairment due to alcohol or illicit drugs”
p. 9
Government travel advisoryAny written advisory issued before departure, of any level: “Your travel to a country, region or city for which the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory in writing prior to your departure date;”
p. 9
Broader than every other wording audited: not limited to 'avoid non-essential' or 'avoid all' travel.
Mental healthExcluded unless immediate hospitalization is required: “Mental, nervous or emotional disorders that do not require immediate hospitalization;”
p. 9
Call-before-treatment rule and penaltyContact before seeking care; otherwise you may be responsible for 30% of expenses: “You or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz Global Assistance before seeking care. If you do not notify Allianz Global Assistance or if you choose to receive treatment from a service provider other than that suggested by Allianz Global Assistance, you may be responsible for 30% of your medical expenses under this insurance.”
p. 8
Claim deadline90 days from the date of loss: “You must submit all claims to Allianz Global Assistance within 90 days from date of loss.”
p. 10
Follow-up after the emergencynot stated for medical; dental follow-up only: Not addressed in the document.

Notes. This is the direct-to-consumer certificate. Allianz also underwrites partner-branded plans (banks, associations) with their own wordings; travellers 65 and over are sold those instead.

How this audit was done

For each insurer we located the current public policy wording for its standard single-trip emergency medical plan, downloaded the PDF, and answered the same fixed list of questions from the text alone. Each answer records the operative sentence verbatim and the page it appears on. Documents were read in September 2026; the version or effective date printed on each is recorded with the carrier.

What counts as an answer

Only text in the policy wording itself. Where a document gives a range by age, we quote the range. Where an optional rider changes the rule, we quote the base rule and note the rider. Where the document is silent, the cell says so; we do not fill the gap from a brochure or a website FAQ, because the wording is what the claims examiner reads.

Limits

A wording changes when an insurer reissues it, usually once a year, and some carriers issue different wordings by province or distribution channel. Each row names the version we read. This audit covers the standard single-trip emergency medical plan for Canadian residents; annual multi-trip, visitors-to-Canada and credit card coverage have their own documents. Quotations are shortened to the operative sentence; read the full clause in the linked document before relying on it.

Questions

Why read the policy wording instead of the brochure?

The brochure is marketing; the wording is the contract. When a claim is denied, the letter cites a clause from the wording, never the brochure. Every fact on this page is a quote from that contract with the page it sits on, so you can check it yourself before you buy.

What is a stability period?

The number of days before departure during which a pre-existing medical condition must have had no change in symptoms, treatment or medication for the policy to cover it. It is the single most common reason a travel medical claim is denied, and it varies by insurer and by the traveller's age, which is why it is the first thing we compare.

Why do some cells say "not stated"?

Because the document does not address it, or addresses it in a place we could not find. We do not fill gaps from brochures, broker sites or memory. A "not stated" is itself information: it means the insurer has not put that rule in writing in the document you are handed.

How current are the documents?

Each insurer row names the document version or edition we read and the date we fetched it. Insurers reissue wordings, usually annually, so treat this as a snapshot as of September 16, 2026 and confirm against the wording you are actually issued.