What is Costco Travel Insurance in Canada?
Partnership with Manulife
Here’s something many people don’t realize right away—Costco Canada Travel Insurance does not directly sell travel insurance. Instead, it partners with Manulife, one of Canada’s largest insurance providers, to offer travel insurance plans exclusively for Costco members.
So when you buy “Costco travel insurance,” you’re actually purchasing a Manulife policy at Costco-preferred rates. Think of Costco as the middleman that negotiates better pricing and bundles value for its members.
This partnership is a big deal because Manulife is a well-established insurer, meaning you’re not dealing with an unknown or risky provider. You get both Costco’s value mindset and Manulife’s insurance expertise—a combination that appeals to a lot of Canadian travelers.
How Costco Insurance Works
The process is straightforward:
- You must be a Costco member
- You get a quote through Costco’s Manulife portal
- You choose your coverage type
- Manulife underwrites and manages the policy
Costco doesn’t handle claims or customer service—Manulife does.
It’s like buying a branded product in Costco—Costco offers the deal, but the manufacturer (Manulife) delivers the actual service.
Types of Costco Canada Travel Insurance Plans
Emergency Medical Plan
This is the most basic and essential coverage. It protects you against unexpected medical expenses while traveling within Canada or internationally.
Coverage typically includes:
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Emergency transportation
- Prescription drugs
This plan is perfect if your main concern is health protection, especially when traveling outside Canada where healthcare costs can be extremely high.
All-Inclusive Costco Canada Travel Insurance
This is where Costco’s offering becomes more comprehensive. The All-Inclusive Plan combines multiple protections into one package:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Baggage loss or delay
- Travel accident insurance
According to Manulife, this plan goes “beyond emergency medical costs” and protects your entire trip investment.
If you’re spending thousands on a vacation, this plan acts like a financial shield.
Multi-Trip Plans Costco Canada Travel Insurance
Frequent traveler? Costco’s multi-trip plans are designed for you.
These plans allow:
- Unlimited trips within a year
- Fixed duration per trip (e.g., 15–30 days)
- Lower overall cost compared to single-trip plans
They’re especially popular among business travelers and snowbirds who travel multiple times annually.
Visitors to Canada Coverage
If you have family visiting Canada, this plan is extremely useful. It provides:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Hospital services
- Prescription drug coverage
It’s also commonly used for Super Visa applications, where proof of insurance is required.
Coverage and Key Benefits
Medical Protection
Medical emergencies abroad can cost thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars. Costco (Manulife) travel insurance ensures you’re protected against these unexpected costs.
It also includes access to 24/7 medical concierge services (StandByMD), which helps you find clinics, connect with doctors, and navigate healthcare abroad.
That’s like having a personal healthcare assistant wherever you travel.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
Life doesn’t always go as planned. You might need to cancel your trip due to illness, family emergencies, or unforeseen events.
This coverage reimburses:
- Prepaid trip costs
- Non-refundable bookings
- Extra travel expenses due to interruptions
It turns potential financial loss into manageable inconvenience.
Additional Features (Baggage, Concierge, etc.)
Costco travel insurance includes several extra benefits:
- Lost or delayed baggage compensation
- Rental car damage coverage
- Travel accident protection
- Emergency return home
These features may seem small—but they can make a huge difference during stressful travel situations.
What is NOT Covered?
Like all insurance policies, Costco travel insurance has exclusions.
Common limitations include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared and approved)
- High-risk activities (e.g., extreme sports)
- Undisclosed health conditions
- Travel advisories in certain regions
For example, some claims may be denied if related to government travel advisories depending on when the policy was purchased.
Cost of Costco Canada Travel Insurance
Pricing Overview
Costco promotes its travel insurance as offering “great rates for members”, with additional savings for Executive members.
Typical pricing varies widely depending on:
- Age
- Trip duration
- Destination
- Coverage level
Executive members can save up to 5% more on premiums, adding extra value.
What Affects Cost
Several factors determine how much you’ll pay:
- Age: Older travelers pay higher premiums
- Trip length: Longer trips cost more
- Destination: U.S. travel is usually more expensive
- Health status: Pre-existing conditions increase costs
Think of it like booking a flight—the more complex your needs, the higher the price.
Costco Member Discounts & Perks
Costco members enjoy:
- Competitive group rates
- Additional discounts for Executive members
- Access to exclusive insurance plans
The real value isn’t just the price—it’s the combination of trusted provider + discounted rates.
Pros and Cons Costco Canada Travel Insurance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Backed by trusted insurer (Manulife) | Costco doesn’t manage claims |
| Competitive member pricing | Limited discounts (max ~5%) |
| Multiple plan options | Pre-existing conditions may be excluded |
| 24/7 medical concierge service | Not always cheapest vs direct insurers |
Costco vs Other Insurance Providers
Compared to providers like Costco Canada Travel Insuranceor Blue Cross:
- Costco (Manulife) offers competitive pricing
- CAA often provides higher coverage limits
- Blue Cross may offer more flexible medical underwriting
Costco sits in the middle—balancing affordability and reliability.
Who Should Buy Costco Canada Travel Insurance?
This insurance is ideal for:
- Costco members looking for value deals
- Families planning vacations
- Travelers needing simple, reliable coverage
- Visitors to Canada
If you’re already a Costco member, it’s definitely worth checking quotes before buying elsewhere.
How to Buy Costco Canada Travel Insurance
The process is simple:
- Visit Costco’s insurance portal
- Get a Manulife quote
- Choose your plan
- Customize coverage
- Purchase online or by phone
You can buy coverage up to the day of departure.
Tips to Save Money Costco Canada Travel Insurance
Want to reduce your premium?
- Choose higher deductibles
- Compare single-trip vs multi-trip plans
- Book early to lock in lower rates
- Use Executive membership for extra savings
Conclusion
Costco Canada Travel Insurance offers a strong balance of affordability, reliability, and convenience. Backed by Manulife, it provides solid coverage options for different types of travelers—from occasional vacationers to frequent flyers.
While it may not always be the absolute cheapest option, it delivers real value through trusted coverage and member perks.
If you’re already a Costco member, it’s one of the easiest and smartest places to start your travel insurance search.
FAQs (Costco Canada Travel Insurance)
1. Does Costco Canada sell its own travel insurance?
No, it partners with Manulife, which provides and manages the insurance.
2. Is Costco travel insurance cheaper?
Often yes, especially for members, but prices vary depending on your profile.
3. Can non-members buy Costco travel insurance?
No, you must be a Costco member.
4. Does it cover international travel?
Yes, including trips to the U.S. and overseas destinations.
5. When should I buy travel insurance?
Ideally right after booking your trip to maximize coverage benefits.
