Understand your RBC travel insurance options before your next trip—coverage limits, age restrictions, and claim procedures explained.
Ratesopedia’s Take: RBC Insurance offers comprehensive travel coverage through standalone policies and credit card benefits, with unlimited emergency medical coverage on most plans and 24/7 assistance through Allianz Global Assistance. The key is matching your age, trip duration, and destination to the right plan—TravelCare products serve travellers 65+, while Deluxe and Classic plans cover younger demographics with flexible single-trip or multi-trip options.
When planning international or domestic travel, medical emergencies and trip disruptions can derail your plans and drain your savings. RBC Insurance provides several travel insurance products designed for Canadian residents, from weekend getaways to extended stays abroad.
Provincial health plans typically cover only a fraction of out-of-country medical costs, leaving you exposed to bills that can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance fills this gap with emergency medical coverage, trip protection, and access to assistance services when you’re away from home.
Coverage Types & Medical Limits
RBC structures its travel insurance into four main categories: travel packages, travel medical plans, cancellation and interruption coverage, and visitor-to-Canada products. Each serves different needs depending on your destination, age, and required protection level.
Travel Package Plans
Travel packages bundle multiple coverages into comprehensive protection for trips outside Canada. The Deluxe Package targets travellers aged 0-74 for single trips and 0-64 for multi-trip annual plans.
- Unlimited emergency medical: No cap on eligible medical expenses during your covered period
- Trip cancellation and interruption: Reimbursement for non-refundable travel costs when covered events force changes
- Baggage protection: Coverage for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage
- Flight and travel accidents: Accidental death and dismemberment benefits
The TravelCare Package mirrors these benefits but specifically serves mature travellers—those 75+ for single trips and 65+ for multi-trip plans. Both packages include direct payment of emergency medical bills whenever possible, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses.
Stand-Alone Medical Plans
If you only need emergency medical coverage without baggage or cancellation protection, RBC offers dedicated medical plans. The Classic Medical Plan covers travellers aged 0-64 for trips outside their home province or territory.
| Plan Type | Medical Limit | Age Range | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Medical | Unlimited | 0-64 | $0 |
| TravelCare Medical | Unlimited | 65+ | $0 |
| 4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip | Unlimited | All ages | $0 |
| Visitors Plan III | $150,000 | 1 month-69 years | $0 |
| Visitors Plan II | $50,000 | 1 month-84 years | $50 |
| Visitors Plan I | $25,000 | 1 month-84 years | $50 |
The 4-Day Getaway plan stands out by requiring no medical questions and no health exam, making it accessible for quick trips regardless of pre-existing conditions. However, coverage duration is limited to four days per trip under the multi-trip annual structure.
Visitor Coverage
Non-residents travelling to Canada face a different scenario—they’re not covered by provincial health plans and need private insurance. RBC’s Visitors to Canada plans provide emergency medical and dental coverage for those visiting, immigrating to, or studying in Canada.
Plan III offers the highest coverage at $150,000 with no deductible, suitable for visitors aged 1 month to 69 years. Plans II and I step down to $50,000 and $25,000 respectively, extending age eligibility to 84 years but requiring a $50 deductible per claim.
Plan Details & Eligibility
Eligibility for RBC travel insurance depends on your age, residency status, health condition, and trip characteristics. Canadian residents can generally purchase some form of coverage, though specific products have restrictions.
Age Requirements
Age determines which plans you can access and whether you’ll complete health questions. Most RBC plans separate into two age bands: standard coverage for those under 65, and TravelCare products for seniors 65 and older.
- Under 65: Access to Deluxe Packages, Classic Medical, and standard multi-trip plans without age-related restrictions
- 65-74: Eligible for TravelCare packages and medical plans, may require health questions for extended coverage
- 75+: Limited to TravelCare single-trip options, health screening typically required
Children under 2 years old receive emergency medical coverage at no extra cost when parents purchase a Deluxe or TravelCare Package. Children aged 2 and older require separate emergency medical coverage, though package benefits may still apply if trip deposits were made in their name.
Trip Duration Limits
Single-trip plans cover journeys up to 365 days, provided you maintain provincial health plan coverage for the full duration. Multi-trip annual plans typically cap each individual trip at a specific number of days—often 4, 9, or 15 days depending on the product selected.
If your trip exceeds your multi-trip plan’s per-journey limit, you can purchase a top-up policy for the additional days. You must complete any required health questions for the top-up coverage, and terms and conditions apply to extensions beyond the original policy period.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Most RBC travel insurance plans require you to answer health questions if you’re over a certain age or purchasing coverage beyond 183 days. The 4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan is the exception—it requires no medical questions and no health exam regardless of your health status.
Health questions determine whether you’re eligible for coverage and ensure the policy accurately reflects your risk profile. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded or subject to specific terms outlined in the policy document.
How to File a Claim
RBC processes travel insurance claims through Allianz Global Assistance. The documentation you need depends on your claim type, purchased plan, and province of residence.
Emergency Medical Situations
If you experience a medical emergency while travelling, contact Allianz Global Assistance immediately—before receiving treatment if possible. The 24/7 assistance centre provides multilingual support and can arrange direct payment to hospitals or physicians, eliminating your out-of-pocket costs.
- From the US and Canada: Call toll-free 1-855-947-1581
- From anywhere in the world: Call collect (905) 816-2561
- Email alternative: emergencyassistance@allianz-assistance.ca
Someone else can call on your behalf—a family member, friend, or hospital staff. Carry your RBC Insurance travel insurance wallet card at all times so contact information is readily available in emergencies.
The assistance centre will help you find local medical care, arrange emergency air ambulances if needed, and coordinate with medical professionals to monitor your treatment and transportation to appropriate facilities.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers specific situations that prevent you from travelling as planned or require you to return home early. Covered circumstances typically include illness preventing travel, immediate family medical emergencies, job loss, or the death of a family member.
Purchase this coverage when you make your initial trip deposit to maximize protection—many covered events occur between booking and departure. The earlier you buy, the longer you’re protected against unforeseen cancellations.
For interruption claims, the insurance reimburses non-refundable and non-transferable portions of unused prepaid travel arrangements, plus extra costs to return home sooner or later than planned due to covered emergencies.
Cost Considerations
RBC travel insurance premiums vary based on your age, trip duration, destination, coverage type, and health status. While RBC Insurance doesn’t publish fixed premium rates online, you can obtain quotes through their website, by calling 1-866-896-8172, or visiting an RBC Insurance Store.
Credit Card Coverage
Many RBC credit cards include built-in travel insurance as a cardholder benefit. The coverage quality and duration depend on your specific card tier.
| Card Type | Emergency Medical (Under 65) | Emergency Medical (65+) | Trip Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite | 15 days | 3 days | $1,500 per person |
| WestJet RBC World Elite | 15 days | 3 days | Included |
| RBC Avion Visa Platinum | 15 days (under 65) | Not specified | $1,500 per person |
Credit card insurance may not provide sufficient coverage for extended trips, travellers with pre-existing conditions, or those requiring baggage and comprehensive trip protection. Review your credit card’s insurance certificate carefully and consider supplemental standalone coverage if gaps exist.
How RBC Compares
RBC Insurance competes with major Canadian financial institutions and dedicated travel insurers. Key differentiators include medical coverage limits, age eligibility, partnership with Allianz Global Assistance, and integration with RBC banking relationships.
Competitive Advantages
- Unlimited medical coverage: Most plans offer no cap on eligible emergency medical expenses, unlike some competitors with fixed limits
- No deductibles: Many RBC plans require no deductible payment on claims, reducing out-of-pocket costs
- Direct payment option: RBC pays eligible bills directly to providers whenever possible, eliminating upfront costs
- Extended age eligibility: Visitors plans cover up to age 84 with Plan II and Plan I options
Limitations to Consider
- Age restrictions on multi-trip plans: Annual plans for seniors 65+ may have shorter per-trip limits than younger travellers
- Health questions required: Most plans for older travellers or extended trips require medical underwriting
- Sports exclusions: Certain high-risk sports and activities are not covered—review the policy exclusions section carefully
Compare RBC’s offerings with TD, BMO, and CIBC travel insurance products to ensure you’re getting appropriate coverage for your specific needs and budget. Premium differences can be significant depending on your age and trip characteristics.
Bottom Line
RBC travel insurance provides comprehensive protection for Canadian travellers through standalone policies and credit card benefits. The unlimited emergency medical coverage on most plans, combined with 24/7 assistance through Allianz Global Assistance, addresses the primary concern of unexpected medical costs abroad.
Your optimal choice depends on your age, trip frequency, and required coverage breadth. Frequent travellers under 65 may find multi-trip annual plans cost-effective, while seniors should compare TravelCare products carefully against competitor offerings. Single-trip plans suit occasional travellers or those taking extended journeys beyond multi-trip limits.
Before purchasing, compare RBC’s coverage and premiums with other Canadian providers, review your existing credit card benefits, and ensure the policy covers your specific destination and activities. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on travel insurance options and Canadian financial products.
