soNomad travel insurance: $500 contest and comparison
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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.
This applies as much to a long stay abroad as to a major road trip across the country: see how to properly insure yourself when traveling from one province to another in Canada.
Why travel insurance is essential
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.
soNomad vs credit card insurance
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.
Detailed comparison
| Criteria | Credit card | soNomad |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Period | From 3 to 100 days depending on the card (15 to 60 days depending on age for the NBC World Elite Mastercard, no coverage at 76 and over; 31 days for the RBC Visa Infinite Privilege) | Flexible, up to 365 days depending on your dates |
| Activation requirements | Often: pay part of the trip with the card | No activation requirements |
| Medical coverage | Up to $5M for most premium cards | Up to $5M in medical expenses |
| Cancellation and interruption | Not always included; varying limits ($1,500 to $2,500/person) | Included in the all-inclusive plan |
| Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage | Limit is often low ($500 to $1,000) | Included in the all-inclusive plan |
| Maximum age | Coverage limited or excluded after age 65 | No age limit |
| Pre-existing conditions | Restricted coverage, long stability period | Covered under certain conditions |
| Cost | Included with the annual fee ($120 to $799/year depending on the card) | About $1.50/day for a healthy 35-year-old traveller; $7 to $9/day for a 65-year-old snowbird |
Best cards with travel insurance
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.
- National Bank World Elite Mastercard: travel insurance up to 60 days for travellers aged 54 and under (31 days at 55 to 64, 15 days at 65 to 75, no coverage at 76 and over), medical coverage up to $5M per person, cancellation and interruption included. One of the best travel coverages in Canada for its annual fee;
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege: coverage up to 31 days, emergency medical expenses up to $5M, cancellation up to $2,500/person, access to Visa Airport Companion lounges;
- Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card: no out-of-province emergency medical insurance (it includes flight and baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, hotel burglary, travel accident and car rental theft and damage insurance instead), annual free night, ideal if you combine travel and hotel programs;
- CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card: coverage for 15 days, $5M emergency medical insurance, cancellation up to $1,500/person, moderate annual fee.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $399 | |||
| $120 | |||
| $0 |
For a broader overview of options, see our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada.
When a credit card is enough
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.
- Short trip: less than 15 to 35 days depending on the card
- Healthy traveller: no complex pre-existing medical condition
- Under 65: most cards restrict coverage after this age
- Activation requirements met: often, you must pay part of the trip with the card
When soNomad Becomes Relevant
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.
- Long trip: beyond your credit card’s limit
- Snowbirds: long-term coverage at an affordable price
- Visitors to Canada: IEC, super visa, international students, foreign workers
- Stable pre-existing conditions: covered under certain conditions
- Cancellation and interruption: death, airline bankruptcy, weather delay, job loss
soNomad plans in detail
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.
Emergency medical insurance
This plan covers unexpected medical situations abroad. It is the foundation for travelling with peace of mind.
- Medical and hospital care: doctors, tests, X-rays
- Emergency dental care: in case of an accident
- Ground or air ambulance: medical transport included
- Paramedical treatment: chiropractor or physiotherapist at your destination
- Plane ticket for a loved one: if they need to come to your bedside
- Pet boarding: if you are hospitalized while travelling
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
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.
- Death: of a loved one or a pet
- Airline bankruptcy: reimbursement of your ticket
- Incidents at home: fire, vandalism, disaster, or break-in
- Uninhabitable hotel at destination: coverage of additional expenses
- Lost or stolen passport: included
- Weather delay: covered
- Job loss or school exam: covered
All-inclusive plan
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.
- Comprehensive medical insurance: all the benefits of the medical plan
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: all scenarios covered
- Lost, stolen, and delayed baggage: added coverage
soNomad for visitors to Canada
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.
- Emergency medical and hospital care: doctors, tests, X-rays
- Prescription medications: covered
- Up to three follow-up visits: with a doctor
- Evacuation and repatriation: included
- Emergency dental expenses: covered
- Trips outside Canada: up to 30 days or 49% of the stay
To learn more, read our complete guide to health insurance for visitors to Canada.
How much does soNomad cost?
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.
| Profile | Duration | Coverage | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| French citizen, 20 years old, IEC | 1 year | $25,000 medical | About $1 per day |
| Canadian traveller, short stay | 1 week | Medical + cancellation | About $1.50 per day |
| Snowbird, winter stay | 5 months | Comprehensive medical | About $7 to $9 per day |
| Indian citizen, 65 years old, super visa | 1 year | $100,000 minimum | Varies by profile |
Allow a few minutes to get your online quote. The form is short, and the price is displayed immediately.
How to purchase soNomad
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.
Step 1: Your information
Provide a few basic details to get a personalized quote.
- Country of residence: to determine your eligibility
- Destinations: where you will be travelling
- Age of the people to insure: individual or group
- Trip dates: start and end
- Trip value: to adjust cancellation coverage
Step 2: Choose a plan
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.
Step 3: Payment and confirmation
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.
Milesopedia x soNomad contest: $500 to win
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.
Contest basics
Here is everything you need to know at a glance before entering.
- Prize: one (1) $500 CAD gift card of your choice (no substitution or transfer)
- Contest period: from May 27, 2026 (8:00 AM ET) to June 2, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- Draw: June 3, 2026
- Winner announcement: around June 12, 2026, on our social media and on milesopedia.com
- Eligibility: Canadian residents who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory
- Limit: one (1) entry per person
- Cost: 100% free entry, no purchase required
How to enter the contest
Entry is done directly via the Gleam widget embedded in this article. Three simple steps are all it takes to validate your entry.
- 1. Fill out the form: first name, last name, email address, and postal code (to confirm your residence in Canada)
- 2. Validate your entry: one (1) entry is automatically granted to you
- 3. Increase your chances: complete the optional bonus actions in the Gleam form to earn additional entries
Entry form
Sign up directly below. The form is quick to complete, and each bonus action you complete increases your chances of winning.
✈️ CONTEST – Milesopedia x soNomad
Increase 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.
- Subscribe to our newsletter: additional entries
- Follow @milesopedia on Instagram: additional entries
- Follow @milesopedia on TikTok: additional entries
- Follow Milesopedia on Facebook: additional entries
- Share the contest on your social networks: additional entries
- Visit the soNomad website: additional entries
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.
Official contest rules
Organizer and sponsor
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.
The price
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.
Contest Period
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.
Eligibility
- Residence: Residents of Canada who have reached the legal age of majority in their province or territory before the contest period
- Verification: Valid email address and answers to all mandatory questions on the form
- Limit: One (1) entry per person
- Not eligible: Employees, contractors, interns, officers, directors, and agents of the Organizer, as well as members of their immediate family or anyone residing in the same household
Any attempt at fraud or circumvention will result in disqualification.
Implied consent (CASL)
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.
Odds of winning
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.
Winner selection and notification
- Draw: June 3, 2026, by random draw among all eligible entries
- Notification: The Winner will be contacted by email within 24 hours of the draw
- Confirmation: Five (5) days to confirm acceptance of the prize
- Release form: To be returned signed with a portrait photo within three (3) days
- New draw: If the Winner cannot be reached, is ineligible, or does not claim the prize within the prescribed timeframe
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.
Prize delivery terms
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.
Winner announcement
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.
Governing law and privacy
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.
General terms and limitation of liability
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.
Last chance to enter
Before you leave this page, take 30 seconds to enter the contest. The form is right here, and the draw is approaching.
✈️ CONTEST – Milesopedia x soNomad
Our verdict on soNomad
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.
This choice is particularly important for young travelers: 58% of travelers who leave without insurance are under 35, even though they remain among the most exposed to accidents while traveling.
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.
soNomad travel insurance – Frequently asked questions
What is soNomad?
soNomad is a personal insurance firm based in Canada. soNomad offers user-friendly and fast travel insurance, directly on its website and without intermediaries. This approach helps reduce costs for consumers. soNomad covers all types of travelers: families, individuals, visitors to Canada, foreign workers, international students, and snowbirds.
Is my credit card insurance enough?
For a short trip of less than 15 to 35 days, in good health and under 65, your credit card insurance may be enough. However, be mindful of activation requirements and exclusions. For a long trip, a snowbird stay, or a pre-existing medical condition, soNomad offers much more suitable coverage.
What is the price of soNomad insurance?
The price depends on the length of stay, the traveller’s age, and the coverage selected. For example, a 20-year-old French citizen on an IEC in Canada for one year can purchase basic medical coverage for about $1 per day. A 35-year-old Canadian traveller pays around $1.50 per day for a short stay. A 65-year-old snowbird can expect $7 to $9 per day for a winter stay. To get an exact price, request an online quote on the soNomad website.
Who can purchase Visitors to Canada insurance?
soNomad’s Visitors to Canada insurance is intended for people visiting Canada, international students, super visa holders, working holiday permit (IEC) holders, foreign workers, future residents awaiting official documents, and even Canadians returning home after several years, while they re-establish their public coverage.
What is soNomad’s phone number?
To purchase soNomad travel insurance or for any questions, call 1-855-360-7225, Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. For claims, the number is 1-833-945-9201.
How do I enter the $500 contest?
To enter, fill out the Gleam form available in this article between May 27, 2026 (8:00 AM ET) and June 2, 2026 (11:59 PM ET). You must be a Canadian resident and have reached the age of majority. Only one entry per person is permitted. Increase your chances by completing the optional bonus actions indicated in the form (newsletter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, sharing).
When will the contest winner be announced?
The draw will take place on June 3, 2026. The Winner will be contacted by email within 24 hours of the draw. The official announcement will be made around June 12, 2026 on social media and on milesopedia.com.
Is the contest open to Quebec residents?
Yes, the contest is open to Quebec residents who have reached the age of majority (18), as well as residents of the other provinces and territories of Canada. The full contest rules are available above in this article. If you have any questions regarding contest administration in Quebec, you can contact us at the address indicated in our privacy policy.
