10 ways to save on your travel insurance

1. Check if you’re already covered before you buy

Before purchasing travel insurance, check whether you’re already covered by group insurance through your employer, individual private insurance, or even your credit card.

Confirm your actual situation before paying for unnecessary duplicate coverage.

2. Choose annual travel insurance if you travel often

If you travel more than once a year, annual travel insurance can be more economical than single-trip insurance.

It saves you from starting the process over for every trip and can lower your overall insurance costs, often as early as your second trip.

Certain age limits may apply after age 80. You’ll also need to notify your insurer if your health changes, particularly in the case of a pre-existing condition.

Tip: Opt for automatic renewal on your travel insurance. That way, you won’t risk forgetting to renew it.

3. Buy your insurance before your birthday

In travel insurance, certain age milestones trigger a significant premium increase—for example, going from 54 to 55 or from 59 to 60. Buying before a key birthday can therefore lower your cost.

4. Mention your membership in a professional order or association

Being a member of a professional group or association can give you access to attractive discounts. For example, CAA-Quebec members get a 10% discount on CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance.

5. Check for multi-product discounts

If you already have auto or home insurance with an insurer, you could get a discount by adding travel insurance.

6. Consider the family premium

Many insurers offer free coverage for dependent children for emergency medical care (including CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance). This can significantly reduce the bill if you’re travelling with family members.

7. Take advantage of group discounts

Group trips can give you access to significant savings, even if the participants don’t know each other.

CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance offers an additional 10% discount to groups of 10 people or more. This discount also applies to those who purchase a cruise or an explore tour through CAA-Quebec Travel.

8. Add a deductible to reduce your premium

Choosing a deductible for your travel insurance can lower your insurance premium. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium—a discount that could reach up to 45%.

Important: This option is only worthwhile if you’re able to cover part of the costs in the event of a claim. Would you be able to pay a deductible of $500 or more?

9. Choose coverage suited to Canada if you’re staying in the country

Travel within Canada is generally less expensive to insure. Care is partially covered by the RAMQ, and medical costs are lower than abroad, particularly in the United States.

Good to know: You can often add certain protections (trip cancellation and interruption, baggage) at a low cost.

10. Watch for early-bird promotions!

Some insurance companies offer discounts if you buy before a specific date. Buying early can also protect you against a premium increase.

Good to know: You can usually cancel your coverage and get a refund if your trip falls through.

Save without neglecting your protection

Cheaper insurance can mean real savings, as long as it protects you adequately in the event of the unexpected.

Compare the coverage offered by group insurance, a credit card, and private travel insurance to reduce your costs. Whether you choose annual travel insurance or single-trip coverage, the important thing is to verify that the protection actually meets your needs—for example, when it comes to trip interruption.