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Are you planning a trip and wondering whether your credit card insurance is enough, or whether it is better to purchase affordable, convenient travel insurance like soNomad? We have compared them for you, and we are also giving you a chance to win $500 for your next trip.
In this article, we compare credit card travel insurance with soNomad’s offering. The verdict is clear: for a short trip, your card may be enough. For a longer stay, soNomad becomes the most cost-effective option. It is also what we use at Milesopedia.
When travelling abroad, unexpected events can happen quickly. A hospitalization, a cancelled flight, lost luggage: the bill can add up fast. Travel insurance is not mandatory in most cases, but it is still strongly recommended to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Medical care abroad generally costs much more than in Canada. In addition, RAMQ only reimburses care at the Quebec rate, which often leaves a significant difference to pay. Without private insurance, that difference can amount to several thousand dollars.
You therefore have two main options: rely on the insurance included with your credit card, or purchase dedicated insurance like soNomad. Let us look at what sets these two approaches apart.
Several Canadian credit cards include travel insurance at no additional cost. It is an attractive benefit, especially for occasional travellers. However, these policies have important limitations that you should understand before you leave.
If you travel infrequently and stay abroad for less than a month, choosing a credit card with strong travel insurance is often sufficient. Here are four cards we regularly recommend at Milesopedia for their travel coverage.
For a broader overview of options, see our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada.
For a short trip, for example a one-week stay down south, your credit card insurance may be perfectly adequate. Note: be sure to check the activation requirements and exclusions before you leave.
For a long stay, a family trip, a working holiday (IEC), a super visa, or if you travel with pre-existing medical conditions, soNomad offers much more comprehensive and flexible coverage. It is also the right choice for snowbirds who spend several months abroad.
soNomad offers three main plans, making it possible to choose the coverage that exactly matches your needs. Prices are displayed online after a few basic details: country of residence, destinations, age, dates, and the trip value to be covered.
This plan covers unexpected medical situations abroad. It is the foundation for travelling with peace of mind.
This plan protects your investment before and during your trip. Several scenarios are covered, helping you avoid losing the money you invested in the event of an unexpected situation.
The All-inclusive plan combines medical and cancellation insurance and adds baggage coverage. It is the most comprehensive option, and the one we strongly recommend for trips of a certain value.
soNomad also offers dedicated insurance for visitors to Canada. It is an affordable solution for IEC holders, super visa holders, international students, and foreign workers awaiting their group insurance.
This coverage is also useful for a Canadian returning home after several years abroad, while waiting to be enrolled in their public plan. One detail to know: coverage can be renewed for up to two years, and the unused portion can be refunded if you leave earlier.
To learn more, read our complete guide to health insurance for visitors to Canada.
soNomad prices are among the most competitive in Canada. Here are a few concrete examples to give you an idea of rates based on your profile.
Allow a few minutes to get your online quote. The form is short, and the price is displayed immediately.
You can purchase it directly online, with no intermediary. This is what allows soNomad to offer such competitive rates. Three simple steps are all it takes.
Provide a few basic details to get a personalized quote.
soNomad displays the three options (medical, cancellation, All-inclusive) with prices and coverage. You can hover over the question marks to understand each protection. The See all benefits and policies link provides access to the full contract details.
Payment is made by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. You will immediately receive your insurance certificate by email with all details and emergency numbers. Keep a copy in your luggage and give one to a loved one, in case of emergency.
What if your next trip started here? With the Win $500 for your next trip contest, you have a chance to win a $500 CAD gift card of your choice: flights, accommodation, activities—it is up to you.
Here is everything you need to know at a glance before entering.
Entry is done directly via the Gleam widget embedded in this article. Three simple steps are all it takes to validate your entry.
Sign up directly below. The form is quick to complete, and each bonus action you complete increases your chances of winning.
One (1) entry is automatically granted to anyone who signs up. You can earn additional entries by completing the following bonus actions, directly in the Gleam form.
The more entries you accumulate, the more your chances of winning increase. The exact number of entries awarded per action is indicated directly in the Gleam widget above.
The Win $500 for your next trip contest is fully administered by the Organizer (Milesopedia). The Sponsor (soNomad) has no responsibility for the conduct of the contest or the selection of the Winner. The Sponsor’s sole responsibility is to provide the Prize described to the Winner identified by the Organizer.
One (1) Winner will have the chance to win a gift card of their choice valued at $500 CAD, to be used for their next trip. No substitution or transfer of the prize will be permitted.
The contest begins on May 27, 2026 at 8:00 AM (ET) and ends on June 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM (ET). Any entry received outside this period will be rejected.
Any attempt at fraud or circumvention will result in disqualification.
By registering, the Participant authorizes the Organizer and the Sponsor to send them promotional communications, including by email. The Participant may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link included in each email.
The odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received during the contest period, including additional entries obtained by completing additional actions. One (1) entry is automatically granted to anyone who registers. Additional entries may be obtained by completing additional actions indicated in the form.
Acceptance of the prize constitutes authorization for the Organizer and the Sponsor to use the Winner’s name and/or image for advertising purposes, without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.
The Organizer will deliver the prize in the form of a digital gift card, sent to the Winner by email. The Organizer assumes no responsibility for the use, value, or restrictions applicable to the prize.
The Winner’s name will be posted on the Organizer’s website within two (2) business days following acceptance of the prize. An official announcement will be made around June 12, 2026 on social media and on milesopedia.com.
The contest is governed by the laws of Canada. Any dispute will be submitted to the competent courts located in Canada. The information provided is subject to the Organizer’s privacy policy, available at milesopedia.com/conditions.
The Organizer reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest in the event of fraud, a technical issue, or any other cause beyond its control. Any attempt to interfere with the proper conduct of the contest may result in legal action. In the event of a discrepancy between these rules and any promotional material for the contest, these rules shall prevail.
Each Participant releases the Organizer and its affiliates from any liability related to their participation in the contest or the use of the prize, including in the event of losses, damages, delays, technical errors, or any other unforeseen incident.
Before you leave this page, take 30 seconds to enter the contest. The form is right here, and the draw is approaching.
We have been using it at Milesopedia for several trips, and we recommend it without hesitation. soNomad offers affordable travel insurance that is quick to purchase, with coverage that meets a variety of needs. For a short trip in good health, your credit card insurance remains a valid option. But as soon as the trip gets longer, you get older, or medical conditions become more complex, soNomad becomes the best choice.
We strongly recommend it for long stays, snowbirds, visitors to Canada, and anyone who wants personalized coverage at a fair price. To compare with the best travel credit cards on the market, see our page on the best credit cards in Canada.
Do not forget to enter the contest to win $500 for your next trip. And subscribe to our newsletter so you do not miss any of our analyses, tips, and contests.
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