When planning a trip, one of the most significant purchases a traveler can make is travel insurance. Insurance is especially important while spending time overseas because of the wide range of dangers it covers.
Ease is one of the most important aspects of travel. Looking for some insurance while you’re planning on your long-awaited getaway? Well, we got you covered. Here’s our great guide on some of the best travel insurances in Calgary.
Table of Contents
How much do travel insurance services cost in Calgary?
Each travel insurance policy is based on where you are going, how much you are going to spend, and what coverage you are looking for. If you’re curious about the prices, here are figures you can start with:
Though, take note that these are only for single trip contracts for solo travelers. These three are the most common coverages that travelers seek, but services are not limited to this alone.
Other policies also cover services for trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, collision insurance, and law assistance. So if you are looking for that, you can ask your insurance provider if you can get it as an add-on.
The Best Travel Insurances in Calgary
Apart from the different policies, there are also a few factors to consider. Here are the few pointers that we used to assess the best travel insurances best suited for your travel plans:
Now that we’ve fleshed out our criteria, let’s discuss our top picks for the best travel insurance in Calgary.
1. Alberta Blue Cross
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Types of Coverage | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Making Claims | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Services provided | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Alberta Blue Cross is an Alberta-based non-profit organization built to cater to different kinds of insurances. Its compact travel plans include packages for single-trip and multi-trip travelers.
This insurance company offers basic insurance packages mainly for medical expenses, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage coverage. This is great for travelers who just want to have an out-of-city trip but have no desire to go out of the country.
Unfortunately, if you’re a traveler who is over 60, you can’t get travel insurance online. Apart from this, you also have to apply as individuals, and there isn’t a couple or group package that would be open for you.
That being said, what we want to highlight is how Alberta Blue Cross’ travel packages are perfect if you’re the type of traveler who likes to nitpick and choose their packages and pair it with something else. This offers basic coverage so it’s an ideal policy to build upon.
Their services are not ideal for the people who just want everything in one big bundle. On the flip side, if you’re just going to spend a few days traveling and would want to have the basics, then we suggest taking a look at Alberta Blue Cross’ travel packages.
In short, Alberta Blue Cross is a good option for those that want to customize their travel insurance packages. They’re a great option for those taking short trips and is one of our top travel insurers in Calgary.
Pros
- Can make a claim online
- Good as an add-on for other plans
- Locating local legal counsel is an available service.
Cons
- Has a maximum age of 59 for multi trips and 79 for single trips
- No COVID clauses
- Only cover you within Canada
Customer Reviews:
Highly recommend Blue Cross for your travels!
“I have 360 days of travel insurance with Alberta Blue Cross. I’m on an internship in the USA and bought a year’s worth of insurance. I have had to go to the doctor 4 times. Once I had to go to a hospital. They’ve covered 100% of my expenses. I’ve only had to pay my prescription and then I can mail them my receipt and be reimbursed. I appreciate how effortless they’ve made this and how they direct bill at the doctor’s office.
The hospital I had to pay a “down payment” (America..) and the hospital sent me many notices of sending me to collections until Blue Cross paid them (it took maybe 2 weeks and I received around 6 letters). Blue Cross apologized for the hospital and said they should never have contacted me that soon. The customer service agents were incredibly helpful and reassuring during that stressful time.
I’ve gone in for a UTI, Kidney infection, eye infection, strep throat, and cyst removal and my travel insurance covered everything.
Highly recommend Blue Cross for your travels!”
Great organization to deal with.
“Great organization to deal with. We took out a plan for our family a couple years ago and it has been pretty useful. We also have had a really good experience with getting claims paid (the direct billing is great) and also when we call them a real live person is there to take our call. Plus they are local which we also like. A+.”
2. World Nomads Travel Insurance
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Types of Coverage | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Making Claims | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Services provided | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Word Nomads is an insurance company best suited for thrill-seekers and the adventurous. It ensures a comprehensive list of sports, events, and volunteer/work experiences, as well as sporting equipment delay, loss, and theft.
What we like about their service is that you have a 24-hour helpline that provides information for adventure travelers. This service includes weather reports and travel advisories, as well as help finding a route or a gear shop.
The emergency medical expenses that World Nomads provide is actually extensive for such a lower insurance price. They allow up to $5 million on emergency expenses for medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and baggage delays or damages.
One of the disadvantages of this is that it’s difficult to get claims from them. Some customers have shared that they have long waiting times to avail of your claims.
But apart from that, they also offer to fly out a relative or friend to be with you in case you’re admitted to a hospital for 3 days or more. Word Nomads would arrange their economy airfare, accommodations, meals, and calls for a maximum of 10 days.
Another thing we like about World Nomads is that you can get insurance even after you’ve left Calgary. However, there will be a 48 hour waiting period before you are able to make a claim.
Pros
- Great for travelers on a budget
- Ensures extreme sports-related events
- Has a bedside companion travel and subsidence
- Purely online transactions available
- COVID clause available
Cons
- Has a maximum age of 65
- Difficult to get claims
- Doesn’t have a physical office
Customer Reviews:
World Nomads has my back!
“I am so thankful for LaRae, a nomad customer service rep! I got a message saying “Welcome Back” and I hadn’t left yet, so I was freaking out. Somehow in the check-out process I had entered the wrong dates of travel. LaRae was able to fix the problem for me and get my dates correct on the policy with no additional fees! I feel confident that if I do have any problems on my trip, World Nomads has my back!”
Great price. Great coverage.
“Great price. Great Coverage. Second time using World Nomads for active travel insurance and they never disappoint. Super easy to get a quote, clear language for what’s covered, competitive prices, and appreciate their ability to adapt to global travel needs (namely COVID clauses). Stop shopping. Just get your coverage with World Nomads.”
3. CAA Insurance
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Types of Coverage | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Making Claims | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Services provided | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
CAA, or the Canadian Automobile Association, is one of the longest-running and most reputable insurance companies in Canada. It offers a variety of flexible travel plans to fit every sort of traveler for single or multiple trips that fit any budget.
One of the things that we really like about this insurance company is its availability for travelers of all ages. And, it’s not only limited to a single trip solo traveler, but also accommodates family and groups who are traveling together.
If you’re already a member of the CAA, getting their travel plan will be beneficial. They not only offer a 10% discount on their insurances, but they also offer no booking fees and exclusive benefits to their members.
If you’re not a member, you can still avail of their services, but be prepared to pay for a little more. If you’re not willing to do that, we suggest looking for a different insurer.
For anyone who’s looking to kick back and relax, they have an extensive vacation package that includes full cancellation and interruption insurance, as well as family transportation and child escort in the event of an emergency – ideal for prepaid, all-inclusive vacation packages
CAA provides single-trip and multi-trip annual travel insurance with up to $5 million in coverage for medical repatriation, medical and dental emergency, and Covid-19-related medical treatment. For travelers whose destination is Canada, they also offer coverage up to $150,000 for medical and dental intervention as well as family allowance and transportation as well.
Pros
- Best for families or groups
- Great plans for snowbirds
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions are available
- No booking fees for CAA members
Cons
- COVID-related packages are only available for vaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers
- Discounts are only available to CAA members
Customer Reviews:
I highly recommend CAA Travel Insurance!
“The first time we purchased CAA Travel Insurance for our family we went on a trip to Hawaii. On the second day, while snorkelling, my husband came in contact with coral. We paid for the doctor visits, 25 stitches and meds. When we returned home, CAA fully reimbursed us for everything. The claim was easy to do and customer service reps were great. I highly recommend CAA Travel Insurance.”
I always use CAA Travel Insurance when I travel
“I always use CAA Travel Insurance when I travel, even just to Buffalo for one-day shopping. My favourite trip that I used it on though was my trip to Peru.”
4. Safety Wing
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Types of Coverage | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Making Claims | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Services provided abroad | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
SafetyWing is definitely one of a kind – it is the world’s first travel medical insurance designed by nomads for nomads. They promise insurance not only for traveling nomads but also for remote teams and their families around the world.
We really like their plan structure, as you can also get your maximum benefits even though you’re not a backpacker or a nomad. Though in our opinion, you will only get your money’s worth if you are traveling long term, especially if you’re unsure how long you’ll be gone.
Their plan structure covers the basics at a very fair price. SafetyWing keeps expenses down by focusing on the fundamentals for nomads, like emergency medical coverage, rather than offering cancellation and add ons that you might not even need during the trip.
That being said, we don’t really like how plans increase in price the older you get. Once you hit 50, the plans’ prices increase by 50%. But it is very forgiving for those under that age, especially for children on the trip with you.
For thrill-seekers, the insurance company also covers high-risk activities such as horseback riding, scuba diving, snowboarding, and bungee jumping. Scooting, something that could be a frequent mode of transportation in some countries, is also covered.
Another thing that we like is their straightforward payment plan. There is no need to renew after a year or pay the entire year in advance. Instead, you will be charged every four weeks automatically.
Pros
- Automatic monthly payments
- Visits to your home country covered
- Up to 2 children under 10 per family is included free of charge
- COVID clause available
- No limit on duration of travel
Cons
- Does not cover travelers aged 70 and over
- Low maximum payout
- No stolen baggage coverage
Customer Reviews:
Safety Wing has been my companion for almost the entire time.
“As a digital nomad traveling the world for almost 5 years now, Safety Wing has been my companion for almost the entire time since another traveler recommended them.
While living long term in places I don’t really need the benefits and perks a traditional travel insurance offers, plus most of the time they are hard to get benefits or unnecessary frills.
Instead, I need to be covered for medical emergencies and expensive procedures, should they be needed abroad. I don’t mind paying for a regular doctor consultation, but if I broke a leg I need to be sure I’ll have a room and someone taking care of me, and the potentially high expenses covered. Safety Wing covers exactly that, at an affordable monthly rate.
Personally, I used them while in Costa Rica to cover a 200$ procedure to unlock a blocked ear. They connected themselves with the Doctor and I had to pay nothing. After that, Covid broke in and they offered to pay the evacuation flight back to Argentina, which would have cost me around $2000 if I didn’t have insurance. I didn’t take it, but the offer was solid and it was there for me to use.”
Brilliant company!
“I used the live chat feature on the website and was blown away by how quickly the operator (Gedion) answered all of my questions. His responses were so detailed and he really took the time to assist me. I will definitely be taking up a 60 day policy before I travel to Thailand now and have great confidence that they will be the best option for my insurance. Brilliant company!”
5. Travel Cuts Worldwide Insurance
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Types of Coverage | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Making Claims | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Services provided abroad | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Travelcuts (stylized as ‘travelcuts’) Worldwide Insurance has over 40 years of experience in the Canadian trip sector. It is a long-time favorite of nomads, backpackers, and especially younger travelers.
Travelcuts offers four different types of travel insurance. This ranges from complete medical and transport coverage to a simple trip cancellation with no emergency medical coverage.
We think that travelcuts is perfect for solo travelers who are unsure how long their trips would take. With a maximum policy term of 547 days, this insurance plan is a strong option if you’re planning to take a longer vacation.
If you’re also into extreme activities, this insurance plan has got you covered. High-risk activities such as abseiling, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, caving, diving, jet-skiing, parachuting, paragliding, parasailing, among others are under this coverage.
In our opinion, travelcuts isn’t going to cut it if you’re the type to look for extensive all-inclusive plans, as their “all-inclusive” offers just the basic package. However, this would be a perfect add-on if your current plans do not cover medical expenses for extreme sports.
This could also be a good plan if you’re going abroad to stay with a relative and need little insurance. This would be great for students who are studying abroad and for first-time travelers who would want to take a dip in backpacking life.
Pros
- 547 days for a maximum policy length
- Student discounts available
- Affordable, starting at $1.36/day
Cons
- Travelers under 15 days old and over 50 years cannot get this policy
- You need to be a resident of Canada and be covered by a Canadian government health plan
Customer Reviews:
Pretty happy overall.
“I got my hospital checkup and drugs costs covered from Japan this summer. The online portal was a bit outdated but that’s just the same as in any insurance company. No hustle, and the money was reimbursed. Pretty happy overall.”
Would definitely recommend using Travelcuts
“Used Travelcuts for my trip to Asia pre-pandemic and paid for 6 months of emergency medical care. It was by far the most cost effective option at the time, and I assume the prices are still similar. My trip was cut three months short due to Covid, and they refunded me for the days that I didn’t end up using. Would definitely recommend using Travelcuts for medical insurance for anyone who is thinking about it.”
6. Super Visa
| Criteria | Rating |
| Service Quality | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Types of Coverage | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Satisfaction | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Making Claims | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Services provided | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Price Point | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Super Visa is a company that offers an exemplary range of insurance schemes that is ideal just for any situation and purpose the client may intend to apply for the said insurance. With cost-effective and comprehensive insurance packages, it is managed by Mehan Financial Services which is an independent insurance brokerage company.
We like that clients get to have access to their required documents and the like readily on their website so that they can easily prepare for it before consulting and contacting them for an appointment.
Furthermore, they employ straightforward and easy-to-follow communication strategies so that clients can directly contact them and uphold the integrity of their services at the same time.
Though note that their insurance products aren’t readily priced so clients may need to inquire with them for negotiations in terms of their insurance packages.
Accommodating a wide variety of medical insurances and packages that enables clients to take better care of the future of those that matter to them, we highly recommend them to clients in the area looking for professional insurance services.
Pros
- Wide plethora of insurances available
- Hassle-free procedures
- Efficient communication methods
Cons
- Not available on Sundays
Customer Reviews:
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Very professional and friendly service. Munish gives advice and recommendations when needed, replies to messages and calls immediately which is awesome specially in case of emergencies. I definitely recommend his company to all my friends.” – Rim Elserafi
“My parents came here in supervise and my father got hospitalized and there was a claim for approximately $80000 and Munish helped through all this process. I also recommend him for RESP and financial planning. Thanks Mnish Mehan.” – Gurbhej Singh
Frequently Asked Questions
So, there you have it! These are our top picks for the best travel insurance companies in Calgary. We hope we helped you in your choice. Is there another great insurance company that we missed? Let us know and we’ll check it out!
Want to ensure something else? Check out our other top picks here!
