Is travel insurance worth it for families?
For families travelling abroad, yes. With several people on one trip, the odds that someone needs medical care rise, and OHIP does not cover that care out of country. Children fall ill unpredictably, so emergency medical coverage for the whole family is usually a sensible protection against a large unplanned bill.
Key takeaways
- More travellers means a higher chance someone needs care.
- OHIP does not cover out-of-country medical care for anyone in the family.
- Children can fall ill quickly and unpredictably while travelling.
- Family coverage can protect everyone under one plan.
- Cost depends on ages, trip length, destination and coverage amount.
A family trip multiplies both the joy and the risk: more people means more chances that someone will need medical care, and OHIP does not cover any of them abroad. For most families travelling out of country, emergency medical coverage is a sensible safeguard rather than an optional extra.
More travellers, more exposure
With a solo traveller, there is one person who might fall ill or get hurt. With a family of four or five, the odds that at least one person needs medical attention over the trip are simply higher — not because families are unlucky, but because there are more people exposed. Coverage that protects everyone on the trip addresses that combined risk in one plan.
The OHIP gap applies to everyone
OHIP pays little to nothing for care outside Canada and never pays a foreign hospital up front; most out-of-country OHIP coverage ended in 2020. That gap applies to every member of the family, children included. A parent’s health card does not cover a child’s treatment abroad any more than their own. Emergency medical coverage is what fills the gap for the whole group.
Children fall ill unpredictably
Any parent knows how quickly a child can spike a fever, pick up an infection, or take a tumble. On a trip, that can mean an unplanned visit to a clinic or hospital in an unfamiliar place. Having coverage in place means the focus stays on getting your child care, not on how a foreign medical bill will be paid. It also means access to assistance — TripCovered provides 24/7 help in multiple languages — when you need to find care quickly in a new country.
Covering the family efficiently
Family travel insurance can protect everyone under one plan, which is both convenient and easier to manage than separate policies. A premium typically depends on the ages of those travelling, the trip length, destination and the coverage amount chosen. There is no age limit, and travellers under 60 answer no medical questions, so children and most parents involve no medical questionnaire; family members 60 and over complete one that sets the premium rather than eligibility.
What to check for a family trip
A few details make family coverage fit the way you actually travel:
- Everyone included — confirm each family member is covered.
- Coverage area — does it match your destinations, including the US if relevant?
- Coverage amount — high enough for a serious event for any member?
- Activities — add a sports and activities option if the family plans adventurous activities.
Keep the essentials handy
With several people on one trip, a little organization helps. Keep each family member’s coverage details and the assistance number accessible, and make sure at least one adult knows how to reach the insurer and file a claim from abroad. If a child needs care, you want to focus on them, not on hunting for policy numbers. Our 24/7 assistance in multiple languages can help you find appropriate care quickly when you are somewhere unfamiliar.
The bottom line for families
For a family heading abroad, travel insurance is usually worth it: the OHIP gap applies to every member, children’s health is unpredictable, and more travellers means more exposure. Cover everyone under a plan sized to your trip, check that the coverage amount and area fit your destinations, and get a quote before you go.
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Frequently asked questions
Is travel insurance worth it for a whole family?
Usually, yes. With several people travelling, the chance that at least one needs medical care is higher than for a solo traveller, and OHIP does not cover care abroad for any of them. Covering the family protects against a single emergency turning into a large out-of-pocket bill.
Are children covered?
Yes, children can be covered under family travel insurance. This matters because children can develop a fever, infection or injury quickly while travelling. Confirm the plan covers each family member and that the coverage amount is adequate for the destinations you are visiting.
How is family coverage priced?
A premium typically depends on the ages of those travelling, the trip length, destination and coverage amount. Covering the family together can be convenient and is sized to your trip. Travellers under 60 answer no medical questions, so children and most parents involve no medical questionnaire.
TripCovered is a licensed insurance referral service operating in Ontario. Insurance is administered by North American Air Travel Insurance Agents Ltd., doing business as TuGo®, a licensed insurance broker in all provinces and territories. The issuer of the contract is Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. and Industrial Alliance Pacific General Insurance Corporation. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. This website provides general information only and is not a contract of insurance. Always read your policy wording before you travel.