The Best Credit Cards in Canada for Travel Insurance
Many of the best credit cards in Canada offer travel insurance coverage, but they’re not all created equally. Different cards offer coverage for trips of different lengths, and have different caps on how much you can claim.
If you’re looking for the best credit card travel insurance, in Canada these cards can’t be beat.
The Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance in Canada
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 you spend.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeHigh-end perks like airport lounge access, security fast track lanes, ski passes and flexible rewards, make the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege a solid choice for travellers looking for a little extra.
Pros
- Six complimentary airport lounge passes per year.
- Rental car discounts.
- Airport security fast track lanes.
- Book rewards travel on any airline, at any time.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- Low earn rate.
Card details
Card details- Get up to 100,000 Avion points1 + 6 airport lounge passes - a value of up to $2,375!‡ Apply by November 25, 2026.
- Earn 1.25 Avion points for every dollar you spend.
- Minimum personal income of $200,000 required to apply.
- Enjoy VIP travel benefits including Visa Airport Companion (that’s six lounge visits per membership year for every enrolled cardholder on your account!),² Plus, fast track security and other benefits at select airports¹,²
- Book flights on any airline, on any flight, at any time³. You can also use your points to redeem for vacation packages, hotels, cruises and tours³.
- Pick any seat you want from 500+ airlines - with no seat restrictions or blackout periods, even during peak seasons.
- Access more of the world with your 24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge¹¹
- Avion Infinite Privilege card holders have access to book business or first class at a rate of 100 points for $2³
- Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avioner.
- Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars and British Airways Avios.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points and 20% more Avion points
- Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10
- Get $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash¹⁸ – Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a free 12-month DashPass subscription¹⁸.
- Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands
- Avioners get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
- Flexibility to book flights last-minute: up to 24hrs before
- 1 This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card received between “August 13, 2026” and “November 25, 2026” (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. 35,000 welcome Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege credit card account (“Credit Card Account”) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. You will receive 20,000 bonus Avion points (“Bonus Points”) if a total of $5,000 or more (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your Credit Card Account within the first six (6) months from your Credit Card Account opening date (“Period”). The Bonus Points will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after you reach $5,000 in Qualifying Transactions, provided your Credit Card Account remains open and in good standing at the time the Bonus Points are credited to your account. Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges and fees, and credits for returns and adjustments posted to your Credit Card account during the Period will reduce the amount of your Qualifying Transactions. The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period. 45,000 additional Avion points (“Anniversary Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within twelve (12) to sixteen (16) weeks after the one- year anniversary of your account opening, provided that your account remains open and in good standing at the time the Anniversary Points are credited to your account. If you close or change your Credit Card Account for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Welcome Points, the Bonus Points and/or the Anniversary Points have been credited to your account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even after your application has been approved, including if we suspect that you may be manipulating or abusing it, or engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512
- † Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule start at 100,000 Avion points for a round-trip long-haul flight from any major gateway in Canada or the U.S. to almost anywhere in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa and South America, with a maximum ticket price of $2,000. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveler. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
- ^ Based on the Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule starting at 15,000 Avion points for a round trip within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State with a maximum ticket price of $350. You will need a minimum of 90,000 Avion Points for six round-trip flights within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveller. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, please visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
- ‡ [CN1.1]The value of up to $2,375 is based on (i) the estimated value of CAN$375 for six complimentary global airport lounge access passes based on the comparable cost of direct enrollment in the Visa Airport Companion Program (hosted and managed by DragonPass International Ltd.) for membership by a Primary cardholder, which costs $99 USD and includes one complimentary airport lounge visit every year and the cost of additional 5 paid visits costing $32 USD per person, per visit. The value is estimated based on an exchange rate of $1.37USD as of July 19, 2024), and (ii) the redemption value of 100,000 Avion points based on the Air Travel Redemption Schedule for a round-trip long flight from any major gateway in Canada or the U.S. to almost anywhere in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East, Africa and South America, with a maximum ticket price of $2,000.
Why we like it
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege card has one of the best travel insurance packages of any card in Canada. This card offers travel emergency medical insurance for trips up to 31 days with no limit on coverage. It also provides coverage for travellers aged 65 and over for up to 7 days.
This card also includes several additional travel insurance coverages:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Common Carrier Travel Accident
Flight Delay
Delayed Baggage
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel/Motel Burglary
It’s worth noting that this card requires the full cost of the trip to be charged to the card or booked using Avion points. It also has a lower limit on flight delay coverage than some of the other cards on this list.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
Points on eligible dining.
Points on eligible gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on eligible groceries.
Points on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA metal credit card equipped with all the bells and whistles of a high-end travel companion: accelerated points on travel spending, airport lounge access and an annual travel credit. The trade-offs are what you'd expect at this tier: six-figure annual income eligibility criteria and a sizable annual fee. Best for: Cardholders who spend big on travel and want a card that unlocks luxurious experiences to match.
Pros
- Six complimentary airport lounge visits annually.
- $200 annual travel credit.
- Two NEXUS application fee rebates every four years.
Cons
- Steep $499 annual fee.
- High annual income requirement of $150,000 per individual or $200,000 per household.
Card details
Card details- Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $6,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods. Earn 30,000 Aventura Points as an additional anniversary bonus.
- Receive 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: over $340 value.
- Get a $200 annual Travel Credit. Plus, get 2 NEXUS™ Application Fee rebates: a $134 value.
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries.
- Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn 1.25 Aventura Points for every $4.00 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer™. There are no transaction fees and no interest charged as long as the balance is paid by the payment due date.
- Redeem points for airline tickets, merchandise, gift cards and more.
- Apply points toward a CIBC Aventura credit card balance or select CIBC financial products.
- $499 annual fee.
- Unwind at the airport in a relaxing lounge with 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program. Speed up border crossings with 2 NEXUS application fee rebates every 4 years.
- Access business class bookings exclusive to this card for a future getaway.
- Enjoy dedicated taxi and limo services, exclusive dining and wine experiences, VIP benefits at luxury hotels and more with Visa Infinite Privilege.
- Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis® and Budget® locations worldwide when you pay with your Aventura card.
- Link a Journie Rewards card to save on every fill-up at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances (21.99% for cash advances if you live in Quebec).
- The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why we like it
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege card is an excellent travel rewards credit card with some of the best travel insurance in Canada. This card includes travel emergency medical insurance for trips up to 31 days and $5-million. Travellers 65 and over get coverage for trips up to 10 days.
This card also includes insurance coverage for:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Common Carrier Travel Accident
Flight Delay
Delayed Baggage
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel Burglary
This card also offers excellent rental car insurance coverage, up to $100,000 for rental periods of up to 48 days. It’s worth noting that you don't need to charge your entire trip to the card to get trip interruption coverage; any portion charged still unlocks the full benefit.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on all eligible travel purchases. Plus, earn an extra 3X the points⁷ on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do when you book through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
Points for every $1 you spend on eligible dining and entertainment.
Point for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeWith a $250 annual travel credit, priority airport services, 10 free airport lounge passes a year and a full suite of travel insurance, this card is built for explorers who don’t mind paying a little extra for luxurious perks. One catch to be aware of: Users must book travel through the Scene+ Travel platform to earn the top rate (6x points), as well as to receive the travel credit. Best for: High earners who travel abroad frequently and don’t mind using the Scene+ Travel portal to get the most out of their rewards.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 10 free airport lounge passes per year.
- Full suite of travel insurance.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- Restrictive $150,000 minimum annual income requirement.
- $250 travel credit only applies to bookings made on the Scene+ Travel platform.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 14 months.¹
- Earn 3X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible travel purchases.
- Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible dining and entertainment.
- Earn 1X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
- Plus, earn an extra 3X the points⁷ on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do when you book through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- As the primary cardholder, each year you’ll get a $250 statement credit on your first travel booking with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- Enjoy a $150 reduction of your annual fee with an Ultimate Package account
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- 10 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
- Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection
- Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of May 1, 2026. Subject to change.
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege has an excellent travel insurance package including travel emergency medical coverage for up to 31 days and $5-million. Travellers 65 and over get emergency medical coverage for up to 10 days.
Other travel insurance coverages included with this card include:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Common Carrier Travel Accident
Flight Delay
Delayed Baggage
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel/Motel Burglary
It offers $2,500 per person in coverage for trip cancellation and $5,000 per person in coverage for trip interruption. The coverage maximums per trip for those categories are $10,000 and $25,000, respectively.
This card also has higher claim limits on delayed/lost baggage ($1,000 / $2,500 per person) and hotel burglary ($2,500) than most other cards.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
Points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
Points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card offers premium travel perks at top dollar. You get comprehensive travel insurance, annual $99 companion passes, unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, six annual lounge passes via the Visa Airport Companion Program, priority airport services, NEXUS rebates and more. But not everyone will be able to afford the annual fee, nor meet the steep income requirement. Best for: Frequent Air Canada travellers with a big budget looking for premium perks at the airport.
Pros
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge visits, plus six complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program passes annually for primary cardholders.
- Priority airport services.
- Annual $99 companion pass.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- High $150,000 minimum income requirement.
Card details
Card details- Up to $3,300 in value† including up to 100,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†.
- Earn an additional 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 50,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
- Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more Aeroplan points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
- Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder)†.
- Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†, and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
- Plus, cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†.
- Get an annual round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges)†.
- Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $5 million of coverage for the first 31 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- To be eligible, $150,000 annual personal income or $200,000 household annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
Why we like it
Another top-tier travel insurance card is the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card. This card offers travel emergency medical insurance for trips up to 31 days with a maximum of $5-million in coverage. Travellers over 65 are only covered for trips up to four days.
This card also includes several additional travel insurance coverages:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Common Carrier Travel Accident
Flight Delay
Delayed Baggage
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel/Motel Burglary
For eligible travel benefits, you need to pay for at least 75% of the trip using the card or Aeroplan points.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeScotiabank’s Platinum Amex doesn’t just offer top-tier travel perks — such as emergency medical coverage and airport lounge access — it also comes with a low 9.99% interest rate on purchases and a flat earn rate of 2x Scene+ points per $1 spent. The high $399 annual fee, however, may be too steep for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who spend big abroad, want airport lounge access and don’t mind using the Scene+ Travel platform to book travel.
Pros
- Low 9.99% APR.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 10 free airport lounge passes per year.
Cons
- High $399 annual fee.
- Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn extra 3x points.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,000¹ bonus Scene+ points.
- Plus earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Mobile Device Insurance coverage
- 10 complimentary Airport Lounge Passes per year
- Platinum VIP Offers+
- American Express Invites®
- Premium Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express card offers excellent travel insurance features including travel emergency medical coverage for up to 31 days and $2-million. Travellers 65 and over are covered for up to 10 consecutive days.
Other travel insurance coverage provided by this card include:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Common Carrier Travel Accident
Flight Delay
Delayed Baggage
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel/Motel Burglary
Like competitors, this card includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, but its limits for hotel burglary and delayed/lost baggage are lower than those of several cards on this list.
Other Travel Insurance Cards to Consider
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases.*
Points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments, and À la carte™ travel purchases.*
Point per 1 dollar in other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeGet up to 5x points per $1 spent on everyday expenses, expansive travel insurance and the freedom to redeem points in unique ways, like paying your mortgage or investing. Plus, get unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport. But the minimum income requirements and $150 annual fee may exclude some users. Best for: Montreal travellers who want a flexible rewards program.
Pros
- Annual $150 travel credit.
- Unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at the Montreal Airport.
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
Cons
- Steep $80,000 minimum income requirement.
- 5x earn rate capped at $2,500 per month.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 5 points per dollar in eligible grocery and restaurant purchases*
- Earn 2 points per dollar in eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases, recurring bill payments, and À la carte™ travel purchases*
- Earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
- Points can be redeemed for travel and merchandise or to pay down a mortgage or credit card balances.
- Up to $150 each year in refund for travel expenses on airport parking fees, seat selection fees, baggage fees, airline ticket upgrades and access to airport lounges worldwide
- Save on vacation packages and airline tickets when redeeming points through the A la carte Travel online agency.
- $150 annual fee. $50 annual fee for an additional card.
- Free and unlimited access along with one (1) guest per cardholder to the National Bank Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau airport.
- Purchase protection against theft and breakage for 180 days and triple the manufacturer’s warranty, up to two additional years. Maximum coverage of $60,000 for the entire term of the account.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption protection, worth up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per person, respectively.
- Emergency medical care outside the province of residence up to $5,000,000 per person. Covers the primary cardholder, a spouse travelling with the primary cardholder on a trip and any accompanying dependent child.
- Departing flight delay insurance (up to $500 per person; minimum 4-hour delay) and delayed/lost/stolen baggage insurance (up to $1,000 per person for loss/damage/theft; up to $500 for delays).
- Car rental insurance (accident, fire, theft, vandalism) up to $65,000.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.49% for balance transfers and cash advances.
- Eligibility: Must have an annual gross income of $80,000, an annual household income of $150,000, at least $400,000 in assets or, for existing clients only, $25,000 in yearly minimum purchases on the card. Must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory of residence.
Why we like it
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a top choice for travellers over 65 because its travel emergency medical coverage extends to 15 days for travellers aged 65 to 75. It also includes some other travel insurance but lacks common carrier travel accident and hotel/motel burglary coverage.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible travel-related purchases.
Points on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe RBC Avion Visa Infinite simplifies reward accrual with 1 Avion point per $1 spent and boosted rates of 1.25x on travel purchases. A broad swath of insurance coverage, paired with value-adding extras like gas, car rental and food delivery discounts, makes this a well-rounded card for travellers. Best for: Travellers who want flexible rewards points and built-in travel protections.
Pros
- Car rental discounts of up to 20% at Hertz.
- Fuel discounts of 3 cents per litre at Petro-Canada.
Cons
- No airport lounge access.
- Highest earn rate only applies to travel spending.
Card details
Card details- Get up to 70,000 Avion points1 - a travel value of up to $1,500!† Apply by November 25, 2026.
- Earn 1.25 Avion points on travel related purchases.¹² Earn 1 Avion point on all other eligible purchases.²
- Use your Avion points to book any flight, anytime, on over 500 airlines. No blackouts or seat restrictions, even during peak season†!
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders earn points that never expire so your points will be waiting for your next adventure.
- Redeem your points for travel and more. Use points for anything from paying bills and paying your card balance to redeeming for Gift Cards and Merchandise at top brands like Apple. The Avion Rewards program gives you the freedom of choice to use your points your way, and helps you make the most as an Avion Visa Infinite Cardholder.
- Eligible Avion Rewards members can also convert points to other loyalty programs including WestJet dollars, British Airways Avios points and Hudson’s Bay Rewards points.
- Link your RBC card with a Petro-Points membership to instantly save 3₵ per litre on fuel⁴ at Petro-Canada stations and earn 20% more Petro-Points⁵ and 20% more Avion points⁶.
- Link your RBC card with a Rexall Be Well account and get 50 Be Wellᵀᴹ points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall¹³. Redeem Be Well points faster for savings in store on eligible purchases where 25,000 Be Well points = $10.
- Get access to RBC offers which provides access to earn points faster at specified brands.
- Extensive insurance⁷ including: mobile device insurance, travel insurance (trip cancellation, interruption and emergency medical) and other eligible purchases to protect you and your family.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders get access to luxury Visa Infinite benefits including first in line for exclusive events, and hotel and dining benefits.
- Avion Visa Infinite Cardholders no longer need 14-days to book travel using the RBC grid.
- Add your credit card to your DoorDash account and get a free 12 monthly DashPass subscription¹⁶
- Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card.
- Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.
- 1 This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC Avion Visa Infinite or RBC Avion Visa Platinum credit card (each, an “Eligible Credit Card”) received between “August 13, 2026” and “November 25, 2026” (“Offer Period”) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (“Royal Bank”) subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the Eligible Credit Card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card account transferring to an Eligible Credit Card account during the Offer Period, are not eligible for the offer. 35,000 welcome Avion points (“Welcome Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty (60) days after your application has been approved, provided that your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, “good standing” meaning that your Eligible Credit Card account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. You will receive 20,000 bonus Avion points (“Bonus Points”) if a total of $5,000 or more (“Qualifying Transaction Amount”) in qualifying net purchases and/or pre-authorized bill payment transactions (“Qualifying Transactions”) are posted to your Eligible Credit Card account within the first six (6) months from your Eligible Credit Card account opening date (“Period”). The Bonus Points will appear on your monthly credit card statement within sixty days (60) after you reach $5,000 in Qualifying Transactions, provided your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Bonus Points are credited to your account. Qualifying Transactions exclude cash advances (including balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges and fees. Credits for returns and adjustments posted to your Eligible Credit Card account during the Period will reduce the amount of your Qualifying Transactions. The Qualifying Transaction Amount is based on the transaction posting date of each Qualifying Transaction, not the transaction date. This means that transactions that take place prior to the last day of the Period will not be considered for the Qualifying Transaction Amount if they have not yet been posted or processed by the merchant, the payment network (Visa) or Royal Bank by the last day of the Period. 15,000 additional Avion points (“Anniversary Points”) will appear on your monthly credit card statement within twelve (12) to sixteen (16) weeks after the one- year anniversary of your account opening, provided that your Eligible Credit Card account remains open and in good standing at the time the Anniversary Points are credited to your account. If you close or change your Eligible Credit Card Account for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Welcome Points, the Bonus Points and/or the Anniversary Points have been credited to your account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even after your application has been approved, including if we suspect that you may be manipulating or abusing it, or engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visit www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800-769-2512.
- † Based on the Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule starting at 35,000 Avion points for one round-trip long-haul flight to almost anywhere in Canada or the United States with a maximum ticket price of $750, you will need a minimum of 70,000 Avion Points for two round-trips long-haul flights to almost anywhere in Canada or the United States, exclusive of Hawaii and Alaska. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveler. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
- ^ Based on the Air Travel Reward redemptions from the Air Travel Redemption Schedule starting at 15,000 Avion points for a round trip within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State with a maximum ticket price of $350. You will need a minimum of 60,000 Avion Points for four round-trips within or to an adjacent Canadian province/territory or U.S State. All applicable taxes, service fees and surcharges are the responsibility of the traveller. For more details, including information on redeeming for first class and business class seats, please visit: www.avionrewards.com/travel/index.html. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, please visit: www.avionrewards.com or call 1-800 ROYAL 1-2 (1-800-769-2512).
Why we like it
If you don’t want to pay the high annual fee for a Visa Infinite Privilege card, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is a good choice. This card has a reasonable annual fee of just $120 and comes with travel emergency medical insurance for up to 15 days and no coverage limit. It also carries most other travel coverages with the notable exception of lost/stolen baggage coverage.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on dining & food delivery. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
Points for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores.
Points for every $1 you spend in Canada on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas purchases.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA well-rounded rewards earner that stands out for its top-tier rates in popular categories, like groceries and entertainment spending. Its waived foreign exchange fees and travel insurance will appeal to travellers, but there’s no complimentary airport lounge access, just discounted membership to Priority Pass. Best for: Travellers and families who spend big on groceries, restaurants and commuting and want to collect Scene+ points.
Pros
- Generous rewards rates of up to 6x Scene+ points.
- No FX fees.
- Priority Pass airport lounge membership discount.
Cons
- No complimentary airport lounge access.
- Highest earn rate only applies to dollars spent at Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹
- Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- AMEX Offers®
- AMEX Front of the Line®
- American Express Invites®
- Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Why we like it
With an annual fee of just $120 — and just $29 for supplementary cardholders — the Scotiabank Gold American Express card is another good choice. This card offers travel emergency medical insurance for up to 25 days and $1-million. It also comes with complete travel insurance coverage, albeit with lower claim caps than other cards on this list.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible travel purchases.
Points on eligible purchases at gas stations in Canada.
on eligible purchases at grocery stores in Canada.
on eligible purchases at drugstores in Canada.
Point on purchases everywhere else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis flexible, mid-tier travel card is outfitted in an eye-catching stainless steel, typically reserved for premium cards with $500+ annual fees. The Amex Gold Rewards boasts broad rewards earning categories for eligible dollars spent on travel, gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. Perks like a $100 annual travel credit and airport lounge access add tangible value but only help offset the $250 annual fee if they’re put to use. Best for: Travellers seeking occasional lounge access and flexible, everyday rewards.
Pros
- Four complimentary Plaza Premium lounge visits annually.
- $50 NEXUS statement credit.
- Comprehensive travel coverage.
Cons
- Limited airport lounge passes.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
- New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
- Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
- You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
- As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
- Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
- Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
- Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Why we like it
When you need to rent a car for an extended period of time, consider the American Express Gold Rewards Card. This card offers rental car insurance on cars up to $85,000 in value for trips up to 48 days. It also comes with a full suite of travel insurance including travel emergency medical coverage for up to 15 days and $5-million. Just be aware that this card has lower claim caps on some of its other travel insurance features than other cards on this roundup.
Methodology
NerdWallet Canada selects the best credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include each card’s earning rates, rewards structure (such as flat-rate or bonus categories), annual fee, redemption options, promotional APR period for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as insurance, loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one’s own rewards categories.
How we selected the best credit cards for travel insurance
For this roundup, we ignored the annual fee and went straight to the cards with the best travel insurance coverage, period. These cards offer excellent travel emergency medical insurance policies and have a variety of other coverages that protect you in the event something goes wrong while you’re travelling.
How to compare credit card travel insurance coverage
While many cards carry the same kinds of coverage, their limits, terms and conditions vary. Look at these features closely and dig into the fine print to see how they compare.
Travel emergency medical insurance
This is the one that everyone should be most interested in — nobody wants to end up paying for a hospital stay in the US.
Travel emergency medical insurance, when provided by a credit card, can be broken down into a few features for comparison purposes:
Coverage limit. Many cards place a limit on coverage, often ranging between $1-million to $5-million. While it’s unlikely that you’ll hit that cap on any given trip, you may be more comfortable with a card that offers a higher claim limit.
Days of coverage. Most cards only offer travel emergency medical insurance for trips up to a certain length, ranging from just a few days up to one month. Look for a card that will cover the entire length of your trip.
Coverage for 65+. Credit card travel emergency medical insurance is often limited for travellers aged 65 and over. Make sure the card has the coverage you need.
It’s also worth noting that there are variations in the way different cards treat pre-existing conditions. If you have a medical condition, check the card’s fine print to confirm how long it needs to be stable before your trip in order to be covered.
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Another important piece of travel insurance, trip cancellation/interruption coverage protects you if you have to cancel some or all of your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like an accident, injury or sickness.
To compare this coverage, look at the claim limit on a per-person and per-trip basis:
Coverage per person. Cards will often limit the amount of coverage per traveller, typically topping out around $2,500.
Coverage per trip. Cards will also place limitations on claims at a trip level. Look for a card with enough coverage for you and all of your travelling companions.
Payment requirements. Many cards require you to charge all or part of your eligible trip costs to the card or its affiliated rewards program. Check the specific requirement before booking.
Different cards may also cover different reasons for having to cancel or interrupt your trip, but none will cover reasons within your control.
Common carrier travel accident insurance
You’ll probably never need to make a claim for a common carrier travel accident, but it’s good to have coverage anyway. Look for the amount of coverage per person to compare this insurance.
Flight delay insurance
When your flight is significantly delayed, this coverage pays for your expenses like hotel stays and meals.
Delay time. Most cards’ coverage will kick in after a delay of four hours or more but check your certificate of insurance to be sure.
Coverage per person. Most cards will specify a maximum amount of coverage per person, typically around $500 per incident.
Coverage per trip. Most cards will also specify a maximum amount of coverage per trip. Ensure the card offers enough coverage for you and your entire party.
It’s also worth checking what each card covers. Most will cover meals, accommodations, clothing and toiletries, but each policy will specify what is and isn’t included.
Delayed, lost or stolen baggage insurance
Nothing’s worse than getting to your destination and finding your bag isn’t there. This coverage reimburses you for your expenses when your bags don’t show up.
Consider these fine-print details when comparing baggage insurance:
Delay length. How long your bag needs to be delayed for coverage to take effect depends on the card. Coverage usually kicks in for delays of six hours or more.
Coverage length. Cards will typically offer coverage for a certain number of days following a delay.
Coverage per person. Most policies offer a limited amount of coverage per person, with $500 being typical.
Coverage per trip. Your coverage may also be limited on a trip level. Be sure your card offers enough coverage for you and your family.
Hotel/motel burglary insurance
It’s unlikely that your hotel room will be burglarized, but it must happen often enough for credit cards to offer insurance for it. Consider these details when comparing this coverage:
Coverage per person. Some policies may have a limit on how much each person can claim.
Coverage per trip. Most policies will state a maximum coverage amount per trip, usually around $2,500.
There may also be differences in what’s covered by the policy. Check your card’s certificate of insurance for the nitty gritty.
Rental car insurance
While not technically travel insurance, this coverage is important when you need to rent a car. Pay attention to these details when comparing different cards’ rental car insurance policies:
Maximum MSRP. Most policies state a limit on the value of the car you rent, based on its MSRP. Look for a card with a higher limit if you plan on renting a premium/luxury vehicle.
Days of coverage. Your coverage will likely be limited to a maximum number of rental days per trip, although these limits are usually pretty generous.
Geography. Some cards only cover cars rented in the United States and Canada, although some offer worldwide coverage. Look for a card that offers insurance in your destination if you’re planning an international trip.
Credit-card rental car insurance typically covers theft, loss or damage to the rental vehicle; it generally does not include third-party liability coverage. Your personal auto policy may overlap with the card’s coverage, so check both before you decline the rental agency’s coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Which credit card gives you free travel insurance?
Many credit cards in Canada include travel insurance at no additional charge. While most of these cards charge an annual fee of $120 or more, it’s possible to get some coverage with a no-annual-fee card. Consider the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard, which offers travel emergency medical coverage for up to 10 days for eligible travellers aged 64 and under with no annual fee.
Is credit card travel insurance worth it?
Credit card travel insurance is offered with many cards at no additional charge and may contribute a significant amount of value relative to a card’s annual fee. If you don’t need travel insurance coverage, you may find a credit card with no annual fee offers the other features you need.
Can you trust credit card travel insurance?
You can trust credit card travel insurance as much as you can trust any other insurance policy. Be sure to read the fine print to know what’s covered — and what isn’t. You should also be aware of your policy’s notification requirements as you may need to get pre-approved for certain covered expenses.
How do I know if my credit card includes travel insurance?
Look at your credit card’s included benefits guide to know what, if any, travel insurance is included.
What is not covered by credit card travel insurance?
Credit card travel insurance is designed for sudden, unforeseen events, but every policy has its own exclusions, conditions and notification requirements. Common exclusions can include:
Planned, elective or non-emergency medical procedures
Medical conditions that do not meet the policy’s stability requirements (such as many pre-existing conditions)
Interruptions and inconveniences due to circumstances within your control
Anything covered by another insurance policy including your provincial health plan
Trips not paid for using the credit card or its affiliated loyalty program
For specific details on what is and isn’t covered, consult your credit card’s certificate of insurance.
Which credit card has the best travel medical insurance in Canada?
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege card is our pick for the strongest travel medical insurance package in Canada. This card offers coverage for trips up to 31 days and has no dollar limit on coverage. It also offers coverage for travellers aged 65 and over for trips up to seven days.
What credit card has no age limit on travel medical coverage?
Most credit card travel emergency medical insurance policies provide some coverage for eligible travellers aged 65 and over, but the covered trip length is often shorter than it is for younger travellers.
Which credit card has the highest rental car insurance coverage?
The best rental car insurance coverage is provided by the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege card. This card offers coverage for up to 48 days on cars up to $100,000 in value.
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