A medical emergency in a foreign country can be financially devastating. This is where travel insurance becomes an essential safeguard for your health and finances when travelling abroad.
Manulife, as one of Canada’s largest travel insurance providers, offers a suite of products designed to mitigate these risks. This review examines Manulife’s plan options, coverage, cost, pre-existing condition rules, and claims process. We’ll also compare it to key competitors to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your next trip.
Overview of Manulife Travel Insurance
Manulife CoverMe Travel Insurance is a comprehensive travel protection product offered by Manulife Financial Corporation, one of Canada’s oldest and most established financial services companies. Manulife has been serving Canadian families for over 135 years, building a reputation for financial stability and customer service.
Key facts about Manulife Financial
- Established: 1887
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
- Global presence: Canada, USA, Asia
- Financial strength rating: A+
- Customers worldwide: 35+ million
- Travel insurance brand: CoverMe Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance policies underwritten by Manulife and FNAIC
The key value of Manulife travel insurance over your provincial plan is threefold:
- Comprehensive Cost Coverage: It covers the full eligible cost of emergency medical care abroad.
- 24/7 Assistance: It provides a global assistance network to coordinate care, arrange payments, and manage logistics.
- Non-Medical Protection: It includes benefits like trip cancellation and baggage loss, which provincial plans never cover.
What Travel Insurance Coverage Does Manulife Offer?
Manulife offers five primary types of coverage that are bundled into various plans: emergency medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage, and accident insurance.
Emergency Medical Insurance
This is the core of most travel insurance policies, offering up to $10 million in coverage per insured person. It pays for unforeseen medical and hospital expenses if you get sick or injured during your trip, including:
- Hospital accommodation (in a semi-private room).
- Services from a physician or surgeon.
- Diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRIs.
- Prescription medications for the emergency.
- Ambulance transportation (ground and air).
- Paramedical services, such as physiotherapy (up to 70 visits, with a maximum of 70 per injury).
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if you have to cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason, such as a medical emergency or a flight cancellation due to weather.
Trip Interruption Insurance
This covers the costs of returning home early or staying longer than planned due to a covered event during your trip. It also reimburses non-refundable costs for the unused portion of your trip.
For example, if your mother is hospitalized three days into your vacation, this benefit covers your last-minute flight home plus the unused, prepaid hotel nights and activities you’ll miss.
Baggage Insurance
Manulife’s plans typically compensate up to $1,500 if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged by the carrier.
Baggage delay coverage is up to $500, covering the cost of purchasing essential items like clothing and toiletries if your bags are delayed for more than 10 hours.
Flight and Travel Accident Insurance
This provides a lump-sum payment in the event of accidental death or dismemberment during a flight or while on your trip. Coverage can be up to $100,000 for flight accidents and $50,000 for other travel accidents.
Manulife Travel Insurance Plan Categories
Manulife organizes its coverage into several distinct plan structures to suit different travel needs.
| Plan Type | Emergency Medical | Trip Cancellation | Baggage Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Trip All-Inclusive | $10 million | Up to the sum insured | Up to $1,500 | Comprehensive one-time trip protection |
| Single Trip Emergency Medical | $10 million | Not included | Not included | Medical coverage only, lower premium |
| Multi-Trip All-Inclusive | $10 million | $1,500 – $2,500 per trip | Up to $2,000 per trip | Frequent travellers (3+ trips yearly) |
| Multi-Trip Emergency Medical | $10 million | Not included | Not included | Frequent travellers needing only medical |
| Trip Cancellation/Interruption | Not included | Up to the sum insured | Not included | Those with medical coverage elsewhere |
Does Manulife Offer Travel Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Yes. Manulife will cover pre-existing medical conditions only if they are considered stable for a specific period before your policy’s effective date.
A condition is only stable if, during the stability period, there has been:
- No new treatment prescribed or recommended.
- No change in any existing treatment or medication (including dosage changes).
- No worsening of the condition.
- No new, more frequent, or more severe symptoms.
- No hospitalization or referral to a specialist.
- No tests, investigations, or treatments recommended that have not yet been completed, nor any outstanding test results.
Manulife TravelEase for Unstable Conditions
Manulife offers the TravelEase plan for travellers with unstable pre-existing conditions. This specialized plan is designed to provide emergency medical coverage for pre-existing conditions that do not meet the standard stability criteria mentioned.
Applying for TravelEase requires completing a detailed medical questionnaire and undergoing medical underwriting, where the insurer assesses your health risks to determine eligibility and pricing.
Certain conditions are explicitly excluded from standard coverage, such as a heart condition requiring nitroglycerin for angina pain or a lung condition requiring home oxygen within the stability period. Travellers aged 60 and over are required to complete a medical questionnaire for most plans, which helps determine their rate category and stability period requirements.
Does Manulife Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19 Related Costs?
Manulife offers specific coverage for pandemic-related issues, primarily through its COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan and by including COVID-19 treatment in its standard emergency medical plans. This plan provides emergency medical coverage for COVID-19 and related complications that may arise during your trip.
- Single Plans (Emergency Medical and TravelEase) and All-Inclusive Plans: COVID-19 is treated like any other illness and is covered under the standard $10 million emergency medical benefit, without separate vaccination verification.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan (Standalone): A separate, lower-cost plan with specific limits:
- Emergency Medical (COVID-19): Up to $5 million for fully vaccinated travellers; $1 million for unvaccinated travellers.
- Quarantine Subsistence: If forced to quarantine, this provides up to 200/day per person (2,800 max) or 400/day per family (5,600 max) for meals and accommodation.
- Trip Interruption: This benefit can be triggered if you test positive within 72 hours of departure, reimbursing non-refundable trip costs.
Furthermore, if you have a plan that includes trip cancellation and you test positive for COVID-19 within 72 hours of your departure, you may be covered for non-refundable trip costs. It is essential to note that for standard plans, COVID-19 is considered a “known event,” and trip cancellation is typically only covered if you contract the virus, not due to travel advisories or fear of travel.
Who Should Consider Manulife Travel Insurance?
Manulife provides a diverse range of plans tailored to specific traveller profiles:
- Travelling Canadians: This is Manulife’s primary audience. A 50% premium discount on Emergency Medical plans makes it affordable for domestic travel.
- Visitors to Canada: Manulife offers three plans (Basic, Standard, Enhanced) for non-residents visiting Canada. All plans meet the insurance requirements for the Super Visa program for parents and grandparents, which requires at least $100,000 in medical coverage.
- Students: Specific plans are available for international students studying in Canada, Canadian students studying abroad, and Canadians studying in another province. These plans offer up to $2 million in coverage that includes both emergency and some routine health expenses like annual check-ups.
- Seniors and Snowbirds: While there is no specific “snowbird” plan, seniors can purchase standard single-trip or multi-trip plans. Travellers aged 60 and over must complete a medical questionnaire, and the TravelEase plan is a critical option for those with pre-existing conditions.
- Youth Travellers: Manulife offers discounted Youth All-Inclusive and Youth Deluxe All-Inclusive plans for travellers 29 and under. These plans provide comprehensive coverage with slightly lower benefit limits compared to standard all-inclusive plans.
- Families: Family coverage is available on many plans, typically covering the applicant, their spouse, and their unmarried dependent children under 21 years old (or under 26 if a full-time student).
- Frequent Travellers: The Multi-Trip (Annual) plans are cost-effective for individuals who take several trips per year. These plans cover an unlimited number of trips up to a pre-selected duration (e.g., 10, 18, or 30 days per trip).
Manulife Travel Insurance Cost and Pricing Factors
The cost of Manulife travel insurance premiums is calculated based on several key factors, including your age, trip destination, trip duration, the type of coverage you select, and your answers to the medical questionnaire, if applicable. Premiums for trips including the U.S. are typically higher than for other international destinations due to higher healthcare costs.
Multi-Trip Annual plans cost more upfront but provide better value for frequent travellers. Comparing single-trip to multi-trip costs for 18-day coverage shows:
| Traveller(s) | Single Trip All-Inclusive | Multi-Trip All-Inclusive (18 days/trip) | Single Trip Emergency Medical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couple, age 28 | $300 – $450 | $500 – $600 | ~$50 |
| Individual, age 50 | $170 – $250 | $250 – $300 | ~$40 |
| Couple, age 65 | $700 – $800 | $800 – $1,000 | ~$270 |
You can reduce your premium by selecting a deductible on emergency medical plans. A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. Manulife offers deductible options of $500, $1,000, $5,000, or $10,000.
Manulife also offers two primary discounts:
- Costco Partnership: Costco Executive members can save up to 5% on the premium for most Manulife travel insurance plans.
- Travel Within Canada: You can receive a 50% discount on the premium for Emergency Medical plans if your travel is exclusively within Canada.
To get an accurate price for your trip, you must obtain a personalized quote through the Manulife website or by phone.
How to Purchase Manulife Travel Insurance
You can purchase Manulife CoverMe travel insurance directly through their website or by phone. The process is straightforward and begins with providing essential information to generate a quote.
The online purchase process is available on the Manulife website. You will need to provide the following information:
- The type of plan you need (e.g., for Travelling Canadians, Visitors).
- Your travel destination(s) and trip dates.
- The age of each traveller.
- Your desired coverage type (e.g., All-Inclusive, Emergency Medical).
After entering these details, you will be presented with a quote. If you are 60 years or older, you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire to determine your eligibility and premium.
Upon purchase, your trip cancellation coverage begins immediately. Your emergency medical and other in-trip coverages become active on your departure date. Manulife provides a 10-day “Free Look” period, during which you can review your policy and cancel for a full refund, provided you have not departed on your trip or initiated a claim.
Filing a Claim with Manulife Travel Insurance
To file a claim with Manulife, you must contact the Manulife Assistance Centre, which is available 24/7, 365 days a year. It is a critical policy requirement that you or someone on your behalf must call the Assistance Centre before receiving any medical treatment, except in life-threatening situations where it is not possible. Failure to do so may limit your reimbursement to only 80% of eligible medical expenses.
The claims process can be initiated through the Manulife online claims portal or the TravelAid mobile app. After creating an account, you can start a new claim, upload required documentation, and track its progress.
Manulife policyholders with medical coverage also have access to the StandbyMD medical concierge service, which can arrange physician teleconsultations and referrals to in-network clinics.
There are specific timelines for filing a claim:
- You must notify Manulife of a claim within 30 days of the incident.
- You must submit all required documentation and proof within 90 days.
- Approved claims are typically paid within 60 days of receiving all necessary documentation.
Pros and Cons of Manulife Travel Insurance
A balanced evaluation of Manulife’s advantages and disadvantages is essential to determine if it aligns with your travel needs and risk tolerance.
What we like about Manulife Travel Insurance
- High Emergency Medical Coverage: The standard $10 million limit for emergency medical expenses is among the highest in the Canadian market, offering substantial protection against catastrophic events.
- Comprehensive COVID-19 Coverage: Manulife provides dedicated plans and integrated coverage for COVID-19 related medical emergencies and quarantine costs, a critical feature for modern travel.
- Excellent Pre-Existing Conditions Options: The TravelEase plan offers a pathway to coverage for individuals with unstable pre-existing medical conditions who would otherwise be denied.
- Variety of Plans: With plans tailored for students, visitors, youth, and frequent travellers, as well as medical-only and all-inclusive options, there is a high degree of customization available.
- Discounts Available: The 50% discount for travel within Canada and the Costco member discount provide tangible cost savings.
- 24/7 Travel Assistance: The Assistance Centre and StandbyMD service provide round-the-clock access to medical referrals, direct billing arrangements, and physician teleconsultations worldwide.
Limitations to consider
- No “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) Coverage: Manulife does not offer a CFAR add-on, which provides reimbursement if you cancel for a reason not listed in the policy. This is a significant gap for travellers wanting maximum flexibility.
- Strict Pre-treatment Contact Requirement: You must contact the Assistance Centre before receiving medical treatment (whenever possible). Failure to do so can result in a 20% penalty, meaning you would only be reimbursed for 80% of eligible expenses.
- Lower Baggage Coverage Limits: The standard baggage loss limit of $1,000 to $1,500 may be insufficient for travellers with expensive electronics, equipment, or personal items.
- Lengthy Medical Questionnaire for Seniors: Travellers aged 60 and over must complete a detailed and complex medical questionnaire, which can be difficult to navigate and may result in higher premiums or denial of coverage.
Manulife Travel Insurance vs Competitors
Manulife’s offerings are best understood in comparison to other major Canadian travel insurance providers like World Nomads, CAA, Blue Cross, and TD Insurance. The main differentiators are emergency medical limits, the availability of “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, and the approach to pre-existing conditions.
| Feature | Manulife | CAA | Blue Cross | TD Insurance | World Nomads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Max | $10 million (Standard) | $5 million | $5M – $10M (Upgrade req.) | $5 million (or card limit) | Limited Often for an acute onset only |
| Pre-existing Conditions | TravelEase™ for unstable | Medical questionnaire | Varies by province | Very limited on credit cards | Limited Often for acute onset only |
| Cancel For Any Reason | No | No | Yes (as an add-on) | No | Yes (Explorer Plan / Add-on) |
| Trip Cancellation Max | $3,500 (standard) – $20,000 | Varies | Up to $25,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 (card) | Varies |
| Best For | High medical limits, national consistency, travellers with stable conditions | CAA members, bundled benefits. | CFAR flexibility, high trip cost coverage. | Short, simple trips covered by a premium credit card. | Digital nomads, long-term travellers, adventure sports |
| Membership Required | No | Yes (CAA Member, $60-$120/yr) | No | TD customer preferred | No |
The Bottom Line: Is Manulife Right for You?
Manulife CoverMe is a top-tier choice for Canadian travellers who prioritize a very high emergency medical limit and the security of a large, established provider. Its TravelEase plan is a standout feature for those with complex medical histories. However, it is not the perfect fit for everyone. Before purchasing, obtain personalized quotes, carefully review the stability requirements for your pre-existing conditions, and, most importantly, read the full policy document during the Free Look period. Your best protection is being a well-informed traveller.
FAQs
Does Manulife pay medical costs upfront?
The Assistance Centre arranges direct billing with many hospitals, especially in major centres. However, in some locations, you may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement.
What is the medical questionnaire like for seniors?
It is a detailed, multi-page form asking about specific conditions, medications, and recent treatments. Answering accurately is crucial, as errors can void your policy.
Does Manulife cover rental car damage?
No. Standard plans do not include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for rental cars.
Is there a Costco Manulife travel insurance discount?
Yes, Costco Executive members can receive a discount of up to 5% when purchasing through Costco’s portal.