Packing your bags and looking forward to a getaway is one of the best parts of the year. Whether you are heading south to escape the winter chill, crossing the border for a weekend shopping trip, or taking that dream vacation across Europe, the excitement builds as departure day approaches. Before you head to the airport or hit the highway, arranging emergency medical insurance is a practical step to check off your list.

When choosing emergency medical travel insurance, you have two main options: a single-trip plan or a multi-trip annual plan. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is separate coverage and must be purchased separately.

At a glance, the choice might seem to depend entirely on how many times you plan to travel this year. However, finding the right fit is actually about matching your coverage to a combination of how often you travel, the length of your trips, and your medical eligibility.

Let's look at how each type of plan works, so you can choose the coverage that matches your travel style.

How Single-Trip Emergency Medical Insurance Works

A single-trip emergency medical plan covers one specific, continuous trip. When you apply, you enter your departure and return dates to set your coverage period. For a planned trip, purchase your policy before leaving your home province or territory.

Key features of a GMS TravelStar single-trip emergency medical plan include:

• Coverage for one continuous absence from your home province or territory.
• Coverage available for trips lasting up to 365 days, provided you maintain your provincial or territorial government health coverage throughout your trip.
• Up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage.

This plan is often a straightforward choice if you take one major trip a year, such as a long winter stay in a warmer climate or a single summer vacation.

How Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical Insurance Works

A multi-trip annual emergency medical plan covers an unlimited number of trips within a 12-month policy period, up to your chosen per-trip limit. Instead of buying a new policy for every short getaway, you can arrange coverage for the year.

Key features of a GMS TravelStar multi-trip emergency medical plan include:

• Coverage for an unlimited number of trips over a full year.
• A choice between a 15-day or 30-day maximum limit per trip.
• Up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage.
• Available for travellers under 80 years old at the time of application.

This plan can be highly convenient for people who travel frequently, as you don't need to remember to arrange coverage before every weekend getaway.

The 3 Key Decision Factors

When comparing your options, it helps to look at your expected travel plans for the upcoming year and see how they line up with the rules of each policy. Here is a quick comparison before we dive into the details.

1. How Often Do You Travel?

The number of times you leave your home province or territory is often the easiest way to start narrowing down your choice.

If you take multiple short trips a year—like popping across the US border for weekend shopping, visiting family in another province, or taking a few quick sun vacations over the winter—a multi-trip annual plan is often the most convenient option. It covers all of those departures under one policy.

If you only plan to travel once this year, a single-trip plan generally makes more sense.

2. How Long is Your Longest Trip?

Frequency is important, but duration limits are where many travellers get caught off guard.

A GMS multi-trip annual plan covers unlimited trips, but each trip is limited to either 15 or 30 days, depending on the option you choose. If you plan to spend three months in Arizona, an annual plan alone will not cover your entire stay. A single-trip plan can be a straightforward option for a longer, continuous trip.

But what if you travel frequently for short trips, and also have one longer vacation planned? This is where a top-up can help.

If a trip exceeds your annual plan’s per-trip limit, a GMS single-trip top-up may cover the additional days, subject to eligibility and policy terms. The timing depends on which insurer provides your existing coverage.

For an existing GMS plan, you may arrange a top-up before departure or while away. Apply at least two business days before your current trip coverage expires. You must meet the eligibility requirements and must not have incurred a claim or required medical treatment during the trip.

For a policy from another insurer, you must purchase the GMS top-up before your departure date and meet GMS eligibility requirements. Get a travel insurance quote online, or contact GMS for help arranging the right top-up.

3. Your Eligibility and Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Before choosing a plan, check that you meet its eligibility requirements. These determine whether you can purchase coverage.

First, to be eligible for GMS TravelStar Emergency Medical coverage, you must be a Canadian resident with a valid provincial or territorial government health plan. You must maintain that coverage throughout your trip. GMS TravelStar products are not available in Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut.

Second, you must be under 80 at the time of application to purchase a multi-trip annual plan. Single-trip coverage has no maximum age limit, but all other eligibility requirements still apply.

Finally, check the medical eligibility requirements. Certain conditions make you ineligible to purchase coverage even if they are stable. If you are eligible, coverage for pre-existing conditions is still subject to the policy’s stability requirements and exclusions. Review the full eligibility requirements and policy wording, or contact GMS if you are unsure.

Travel Scenarios: Which Plan Fits Best?

Here is how these factors often play out in real life.

The Snowbird

You plan to spend four months in Florida to escape the Canadian winter. You won't be returning home during that time.

• The likely fit: A single-trip plan. Your four-month stay exceeds the annual plan’s per-trip limit, so a single-trip plan can cover the full period, subject to eligibility and maintaining your government health coverage.

The Cross-Border Shopper

You live near the border and frequently drive into the US for weekend shopping or to catch a baseball game. You also take a one-week vacation to Mexico in the winter.

• The likely fit: A multi-trip annual plan (15-day limit). Since none of your trips exceed 15 days, this plan covers all your short getaways conveniently.

The Mixed Itinerary

You take several weekend trips to the US throughout the year, but you also have a 45-day vacation planned in Europe.

• The likely fit: A GMS multi-trip annual plan (30-day limit) combined with a GMS single-trip top-up for the remaining 15 days. Arrange the top-up before leaving, or apply at least two business days before your GMS trip coverage expires. You must remain eligible and must not have incurred a claim or required medical treatment during the trip.

Ready to Travel? Get a Quote for Your Trip

Understanding how your travel frequency, trip length, and health eligibility fit together is the best way to choose the right coverage for your next adventure.

If you are a Canadian resident outside Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nunavut, have valid provincial or territorial health coverage, and meet the eligibility requirements, you can explore your options today.

Get a quote for GMS TravelStar Emergency Medical coverage and find the plan that fits your travel style.