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- GMS TravelStar offers Single-Trip and Multi-Trip Emergency Medical travel insurance, along with Trip Cancellation & Interruption coverage
- Emergency Medical plans provide up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage
- Travellers can bundle Emergency Medical with Trip Cancellation & Interruption coverage for 10% savings
- All plans include access to a 24/7 Assistance Centre and emergency travel support
Planning a trip outside your home province or Canada is exciting, but unexpected medical emergencies, flight disruptions, or trip cancellations can quickly become expensive. GMS TravelStar travel insurance offers flexible travel insurance plans designed to protect Canadians against emergency medical expenses and travel-related financial losses.
Whether you are travelling once a year or taking multiple trips throughout the year, GMS offers emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage with customizable deductibles, optional trip delay upgrades, and annual plans for frequent travellers.
Quick review
- PolicyAdvisor ratings: 4/5
- Best for: Travellers looking for flexible travel insurance while travelling with family members and children
- Skip if: You are seeking comprehensive baggage and Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) protection while traveling
What is GMS TravelStar travel insurance?
GMS TravelStar travel insurance is a series of policies offered by Group Medical Services (GMS), designed to protect Canadians travelling within Canada or internationally against unexpected medical emergencies and travel-related disruptions.
Depending on the plan selected, coverage can include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, trip cancellation, and baggage protection. One of the key offerings is the ability to bundle the Emergency Medical Insurance with Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance for broader protection. Eligible travellers can also purchase top-up coverage or apply to extend their emergency medical coverage, subject to the policy terms.
GMS TravelStar travel insurance: At a glance
| Best for | Canadians looking for flexible emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage |
| Plans available |
|
| Age Eligibility | Single-Trip: No maximum age (medical questionnaire required for travellers over 60).
Multi-Trip Annual: Ages 0–79 (not available for applicants aged 80+) |
| Maximum emergency medical coverage | Up to $5 million |
| Waiting Period | None. Coverage begins on the departure date (or policy effective date for Multi-Trip Annual). |
| Trip cancellation & interruption | Available as a standalone policy or bundled with Emergency Medical |
| Trip delay coverage | Included with Trip Cancellation & Interruption, with optional Trip Delay Upgrade |
| Annual plans available | Yes |
| Pre-existing conditions covered | Covered only if stable for 180 days before departure (or before the top-up effective date, where applicable). |
Types of travel insurance plans offered by GMS travel insurance
GMS TravelStar offers travel insurance solutions for different travel needs, whether you are taking a single vacation or travelling several times throughout the year. Travellers can choose between medical and non-medical plans, with a wide range of benefits.
Unlike many insurers that package everything into one all-inclusive policy, GMS separates the medical and non-medical coverage. This offers travellers the flexibility to purchase only the protection they need or combine policies for broader coverage that includes emergency medical coverage alongside trip interruption, baggage, travel delay, and other non-medical benefits.
Here’s an overview of the different GMS travel insurance plans:
Emergency medical plans
Emergency medical plans are designed for travellers who want protection against unexpected medical emergencies while away from home. Depending on your travel frequency and medical history, GMS offers two plans to choose from:
- Single-Trip Emergency Medical
- Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical
Here’s a quick comparison of the emergency medical plans offered by GMS travel insurance:
| Feature | Single-Trip Emergency Medical | Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical |
| Emergency medical coverage | Up to $5 million | Up to $5 million per trip |
| Best for | One vacation or extended trip | Frequent travellers |
| Eligible age | No maximum age (medical questionnaire required for travellers over 60) | Under age 80 (medical questionnaire required for travellers over 60) |
| Trip duration | Up to 365 days | Unlimited trips with 15-day or 30-day options |
| Emergency Dental Services |
|
|
| Health Practitioners | Up to $300 for each emergency service | Up to $300 for each emergency service |
| Private Duty Nursing | Up to $5,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| Air Ambulance | Up to $20,000 | Up to $20,000 |
| Return of Remains | Up to $7,000 | Up to $7,000 |
| Deductible options | $0, $250, $1,000, $5,000 | $0, $250, $1,000, $5,000 |
| Top-up coverage | Available | Available |
| Virtual healthcare services | Included | Included |
| Travel assistance | 24/7 multilingual assistance | 24/7 multilingual assistance |
| Family coverage | Add up to six children under age 16 at no additional cost | Not available |
Trip Cancellation & Interruption plan
Travellers who want protection for prepaid travel expenses can purchase GMS TravelStar Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance. This plan reimburses eligible expenses if your trip is cancelled, interrupted, delayed, or your baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed due to a covered event.
The plan is available as a Single-Trip policy. A Multi-Trip Annual option is also available when purchased with a GMS Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical plan.
Here’s a quick overview of the Trip Cancellation & Interruption plan offered by GMS travel insurance:
| Feature | Trip Cancellation & Interruption |
| Trip interruption coverage | Up to $10,000 |
| Trip cancellation coverage | Up to the insured trip value (Single-Trip) or the selected annual option (Multi-Trip Annual) |
| Trip delay | Included |
| Baggage loss, damage & delay | Up to $1,500 per trip ($500 per item) |
| Eligible age | No maximum age |
| Available plans | Single-Trip and Multi-Trip Annual |
| Emergency medical | Not included |
| Trip cancellation benefits |
|
| Trip interruption benefits |
|
| Optional rider | Trip Delay Upgrade (available for an additional premium) |
Additionally, applicants can purchase a Trip Delay upgrade rider for an additional premium that increases their coverage for eligible travel delays lasting 12 hours or longer.
Here are the benefits offered by the rider:
| Benefit | Coverage |
| Out-of-pocket expenses | Up to $500 per day (maximum $1,500) for accommodations, meals, essential telephone calls, Wi-Fi service fees, and taxi or rideshare costs |
| Event tickets | Up to $200 for ticketed events such as concerts, sporting events, or movies |
| Rejoin transportation | Covers the additional cost of same-class transportation to rejoin your tour, group, or trip |
Bundling your GMS travel insurance coverage
GMS does not offer a traditional all-inclusive travel insurance plan. However, travellers can achieve similar protection by combining the Emergency Medical Insurance and Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance plans into a single policy.
Purchasing both plans together provides coverage for medical emergencies and travel-related financial losses while allowing eligible travellers to save 10% on Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance. This option suits travellers seeking both emergency medical and trip-related protection without paying for benefits they do not need.
While the All-Inclusive and Annual All-Inclusive plans support international travel, the All-Inclusive Canada plan is designed only for travel within Canada.
Pros and Cons of GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance
Does GMS offer family travel insurance?
Yes, GMS TravelStar offers family coverage on eligible travel insurance plans for Canadians. The insurer offers several family-friendly features that can help reduce insurance costs for parents travelling with children. Eligible travellers purchasing a Single-Trip Emergency Medical plan can add up to six dependent children under the age of 16 to the policy at no additional cost.
Additionally, families travelling with a spouse or dependents under the same policy may qualify for a 5% savings on eligible coverage. Together, these family-friendly features make GMS a practical option for families looking to protect their trips while keeping insurance costs manageable.
Who is eligible for GMS TravelStar travel insurance?
Any Canadian resident with active provincial or territorial health insurance who is travelling outside their home province or outside Canada and who meets GMS’s requirements is eligible for these travel insurance plans. However, coverage eligibility, age restrictions, medical stability requirements, and policy exclusions vary by plan and chosen riders.
Here’s an overview of the general eligibility requirements for the GMS travel insurance plans:
| Plan | Eligibility requirements |
| Emergency Medical (Single-Trip & Multi-Trip Annual) |
|
| Emergency Medical Top-up (Non-GMS policy) |
|
| Emergency Medical Top-up (GMS policy) |
|
| Trip Cancellation & Interruption |
|
Note: Refer to the policy wording for the full list of eligibility requirements.
Who is not eligible for GMS travel insurance?
While the plans cover eligible travellers, certain health and travel restrictions may prevent applicants from obtaining coverage under GMS travel insurance.
You are not eligible for GMS travel insurance under the following circumstances:
Emergency Medical coverage
- Are not a Canadian resident with a valid provincial or territorial government health plan.
- Are awaiting tests or treatment for a heart condition
- Have a surgically untreated vascular aneurysm, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), or have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Have had certain heart, vascular, liver, or other serious medical conditions diagnosed or treated within the last 12 months
- Have insulin-treated diabetes and also take prescription medication for a heart condition (excluding cholesterol or blood pressure medication)
- Use home oxygen or oral steroids for a lung condition
- Are currently being treated for cancer (except certain hormone-treated breast or prostate cancers) or have undergone valve surgery, kidney dialysis, or an organ, stem cell, or bone marrow transplant within the last 12 months
- Are aged 70 or older and require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Trip Cancellation & Interruption coverage
- Travel to a destination with an active Government of Canada “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” advisory when you buy the policy
- Have a trip value exceeding $20,000 per person
- Purchase a Single-Trip Trip Cancellation plan for a trip valued at $12,000 or more per person while having certain serious medical conditions or recent treatments
How much does GMS travel insurance cost?
The cost of GMS travel insurance depends on your plan, duration, and the riders you select with your policy.
Here’s a sample travel insurance premium for a traveller on a trip for 15 days:
| Age | Coverage amount | Multi-trip plan
(15 days per trip) |
Trip Interruption and Cancellation Plan
(Trip cost $2,000) |
| 25 | $5,000,000.00 | $76.00 | $103.68 |
| 35 | $78.00 | $104.76 | |
| 45 | $78.00 | $104.76 | |
| 55 | $103.00 | $106.92 | |
| 65 | $266.00 – $556.00* | $125.28 | |
| 75 | $598.00 – $1,047.00* | $209.52 |
Disclaimer: Illustrative premiums for multi-trip annual Emergency Medical plans ($5 million coverage) and a Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption plan (based on a $2,000 trip cost). Actual premiums may vary based on age, destination, trip duration, health, deductible, and other factors.
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Are there any exclusions or limitations to GMS travel insurance?
While GMS TravelStar provides comprehensive emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage, certain situations like medical tourism and high-risk activities are excluded or limited under the policy.
Here’s an overview of some of the common exclusions and limitations of GMS TravelStar travel insurance
| Exclusion category | What you need to know |
| Pre-existing medical conditions | Conditions that do not meet the applicable stability requirements may not be covered |
| Non-emergency treatment | Routine, elective, cosmetic, or experimental treatments are excluded |
| Medical tourism | Treatment or travel primarily intended to receive medical care is not covered |
| Alcohol and drug use | Claims arising from alcohol or drug misuse are not covered |
| Failure to follow medical advice | Failure to seek appropriate medical treatment or follow prescribed medical advice may result in reduced or denied benefits |
| High-risk activities | Injuries resulting from excluded hazardous sports or activities may not be covered |
| Pregnancy and childbirth | Routine pregnancy care and childbirth-related expenses are generally excluded, except where specifically covered |
| Government travel advisories | Coverage may be limited for destinations subject to certain Government of Canada travel advisories |
| Illegal or intentional acts | Claims arising from criminal acts or intentional self-inflicted injuries are excluded |
| Policy extension limitations | Coverage cannot be extended for a medical condition that began before the approved extension takes effect. |
| Non-common carrier air travel | No coverage or reimbursement for expenses resulting from air travel unless riding as a passenger on a common carrier. |
| Unapproved treatment | No coverage for medical treatment prohibited by the provincial laws of residence or the federal laws of Canada |
Note: This list summarizes the most common exclusions found across GMS travel insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan and policy wording, so it is recommended to refer to your policy for the complete list of exclusions, limitations, and definitions.
How to file a claim with GMS TravelStar travel insurance?
If you experience a medical emergency or another covered loss during your trip, contact GMS Travel Assistance as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
Here’s how you can file a claim with GMS during your trip:
- Call the assistance centre immediately: You can contact the assistance centre in Canada and the United States at 1-800-459-6604, and internationally at 905-762-5196. Failure to contact Travel Assistance within 24 hours may reduce benefits to the lesser of 70% of eligible expenses or $50,000.
- Submit a notice of claim: Once you have contacted GMS Travel Assistance, you must provide written notice of claim within 30 days.
- Gather supporting documentation: You will need to provide medical records, proof of treatment expenses (including itemized bills and payment receipts), and travel documents such as your passport, visa, or airline ticket.
- Submit proof of claim: Submit all claim documentation within 90 days of the illness or injury.
Can you cancel or get a refund on GMS travel insurance?
Yes, GMS TravelStar travel insurance allows policy cancellations and refunds under certain circumstances. Refund eligibility and amount depend on the type of policy purchased, whether coverage has started, and whether a claim has been made.
Here is the GMS travel insurance refund policy at a glance:
| Situation | Refund Eligibility and fees |
| Within the 10-day free look period | 100% premium refund if you cancel within 10 days of purchase, have not departed, and no claim is in progress. Only for Single-Trip plans greater than 190 days and all Multi-Trip Annual plans with emergency medical coverage. |
| After the effective date | No premium refund after coverage takes effect |
| Return home early (eligible Emergency Medical plans) | May qualify for a partial refund of unused coverage if no claim has been made and no assistance services were provided |
| Trip Cancellation & Interruption plans | The policy is generally non-refundable. However, if the premium exceeds $20, you may qualify for a refund if your travel supplier cancels the trip or changes the travel dates and waives all cancellation penalties. |
| Claim submitted or paid | No refund is available once a claim has been submitted or paid |
Note: Refer to the policy wording for the complete refunds terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements.
Can you extend GMS travel insurance coverage?
If your trip lasts longer than originally planned, you may be able to extend or top up your GMS emergency medical coverage before your policy expires. However, extensions are subject to approval and must meet all necessary eligibility requirements.
Here’s what you need to know about extending your GMS emergency medical travel insurance:
- You can extend your Single-Trip plan while travelling by purchasing additional coverage at least two business days before your policy expires.
- Extensions are only available if you have not made a claim or required medical treatment during your trip.
- You must purchase coverage for all additional travel days beyond your original policy period.
As for Multi-trip Annual and Trip Cancellation & Interruption plans, coverage cannot be extended. However, GMS offers automatic extension of all plans under certain situations. Coverage may automatically extend if your common carrier is delayed, you are hospitalized on your expiry date, or a covered medical emergency prevents you from returning home as scheduled, subject to policy limits.
How does GMS compare to other travel insurance providers?
While many of Canada’s leading travel insurers offer similar emergency medical and trip cancellation coverage, GMS TravelStar stands out for its flexibility, high emergency medical limits, and family-friendly benefits.
With up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage, annual multi-trip options, and free coverage for up to six children under eligible plans, GMS provides a well-rounded solution for travellers and families travelling together. The ability to bundle medical and non-medical plans alongside a 10% saving makes it attractive for travellers seeking well-rounded coverage solutions.
For a detailed comparison of the best travel insurance plans, check out our list of the Best travel insurance companies in Canada.
Our advisor’s take on GMS travel insurance
At PolicyAdvisor, we recently assisted a 62-year-old retiree planning a three-week vacation to Spain. They were seeking comprehensive travel insurance that would cover emergency medical expenses while also protecting the cost of prepaid flights, hotels, and guided tours.
Client profile
- Age: 62 years
- Destination: Spain
- Trip length: 21 days
- Primary concern: Paying out of pocket for emergency medical care and non-refundable travel bookings
Why we recommend GMS TravelStar travel insurance
We recommended this plan because it offers:
- Up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage on eligible plans
- A 10% savings when both plans (Emergency Medical and Trip Cancellation & Interruption) are purchased together in a bundle
- Multiple deductible options to help tailor coverage and premiums
- Coverage for trip delays and an optional Trip Delay Upgrade for additional out-of-pocket expenses
How to purchase GMS travel insurance in Canada
PolicyAdvisor’s licensed travel insurance advisors can help you compare GMS travel insurance plans with other leading Canadian insurers based on your destination, trip duration, age, medical history, and coverage needs.
Whether you are heading abroad for a vacation or planning multiple trips throughout the year, our advisors at PolicyAdvisor can guide you through GMS coverage options, bundle solutions, and other add-ons and riders you may need.
Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GMS travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, some GMS travel insurance plans may cover stable pre-existing medical conditions, provided you meet the applicable eligibility and 180-day stability requirements.
Does GMS travel insurance cover trip cancellation?
Yes. GMS offers Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance as a standalone plan. It can also be purchased alongside an Emergency Medical plan for broader travel protection. Benefits are payable if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, subject to the policy terms.
How much travel medical coverage does GMS travel insurance provide?
Coverage limits vary by plan. Depending on the policy you purchase, GMS offers emergency travel medical coverage of up to $5 million for eligible medical emergencies while travelling.
Does GMS travel insurance cover baggage loss or delays?
Yes, but only under plans that include travel benefits, such as the TravelStar Trip Cancellation & Interruption, or as part of a bundle with the Emergency medical plan.
Does GMS TravelStar travel insurance offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage?
No, GMS travel insurance plans do not offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage as a benefit or rider.
Does GMS offer annual travel insurance?
Yes, GMS offers Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical plans that provide unlimited trips during the policy year, with coverage options of up to 15 or 30 days per trip.
GMS TravelStar offers emergency medical and trip cancellation & interruption travel insurance for Canadians travelling within Canada or abroad. With up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage, these plans are designed for occasional travellers, frequent flyers, and families travelling outside Canada.
