Single-Trip Emergency Medical
Emergency medical protection for one specified trip.
- Up to $5 million per insured person
- Trip duration up to 365 days
- Four deductible options
- Possible early-return refund when conditions are met
GMS TravelStar® travel insurance
GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance for Canadians
Compare Emergency Medical and Trip Cancellation coverage, understand the 180-day stability rule, and continue to an instant travel insurance quote.
✓ Up to $5 million emergency medical✓ Single-trip and annual options✓ Policy-based guidance
Quick answer: What is GMS TravelStar?
GMS TravelStar is travel insurance for eligible Canadian residents travelling outside their home province or territory. Emergency Medical Coverage may help pay eligible costs caused by a sudden medical emergency, while optional Trip Cancellation Coverage may protect qualifying non-refundable travel expenses when a listed insured risk disrupts the trip.
Coverage snapshot
What are the main GMS TravelStar plan features?
The figures below are a quick summary. Your application, confirmation and policy wording determine the coverage issued.
$5 millionEmergency medical maximum
24 benefitsEmergency medical benefits listed in the policy
Up to 365 daysSingle-Trip plan duration
15 or 30 daysAnnual maximum per trip
Choose by coverage need
Which GMS TravelStar plan may fit your trip?
Start with how often you travel and whether you need only emergency medical protection or broader trip-cost protection.
Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical
Annual emergency medical coverage for multiple eligible trips.
- 15- or 30-day maximum per trip
- Unlimited eligible trips in the policy year
- Applicants age 80 or older are not eligible
- Non-refundable after the effective date
Trip Cancellation Coverage
Coverage for eligible trip cancellation, interruption, delay and baggage losses caused by listed insured risks.
- Single-Trip: up to $20,000 per person
- Annual: $1,500, $2,500 or $5,000 per trip
- $10,000 aggregate interruption and delay limit
- Optional Trip Delay Upgrade
Side-by-side overview
Single-Trip, Multi-Trip Annual or Trip Cancellation?
| Feature | Single-Trip Emergency Medical | Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical | Trip Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Emergency medical expenses on one trip | Emergency medical protection for repeated short trips | Eligible non-refundable trip costs and baggage risks |
| Maximum | Up to $5 million per insured person | Up to $5 million per insured person, per policy year | Up to $20,000 single-trip; annual options of $1,500, $2,500 or $5,000 per trip |
| Trip length | Up to 365 days | 15 or 30 days per trip | Matches the insured trip or annual policy terms |
| Purchase timing | Before departure, except eligible GMS top-up | Before departure | Before departure and subject to booking/purchase-date rules |
| Refund after effective date | Possible partial early-return refund under conditions | Non-refundable | Generally non-refundable, with limited policy exceptions |
This table is an educational summary. Coverage is subject to eligibility, stability requirements, benefit limits, exclusions and the issued confirmation.
Eligibility matters
Who may qualify for GMS TravelStar?
Eligibility is assessed at application and may be affected by health changes before departure.
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Canadian residency: You must be a Canadian resident with valid provincial or territorial government health coverage.
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Purchase timing: Coverage normally must be purchased before departure, except an eligible top-up of an existing GMS policy.
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Medical eligibility: Detailed restrictions apply to certain cardiac, vascular, lung, cancer, diabetes and other medical histories.
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Activities of daily living: Applicants age 70 or older cannot require another person's assistance with listed daily activities.
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Annual age rule: Applicants age 80 or older are not eligible for Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical coverage.
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Children: Listed dependants under 16 travelling with paying adults may be covered at no additional cost.
Health changed after you applied?
Contact GMS before departure. A new diagnosis, treatment, medication change, symptom, test, referral or other health change may affect eligibility, premium or pre-existing-condition coverage.
Pre-existing medical conditions
How does the 180-day stability period work?
For Emergency Medical Coverage, a pre-existing condition generally must be stable for 180 days immediately before departure. Different dates apply to top-ups.
No new treatmentNo new, changed, stopped or recommended medical treatment during the required period.
Medication stabilityNo unpermitted medication start, stop or dosage change. The policy allows specified exceptions for some routine adjustments.
No worseningThe condition has not worsened and there are no new, more frequent or more severe symptoms.
No referralNo hospitalization or referral to a specialist during the stability period.
No pending testsNo recommended test or investigation remains incomplete and no result is outstanding.
Emergency medical benefits
What can GMS TravelStar Emergency Medical cover?
These highlights are subject to reasonable and customary charges, the selected deductible, pre-approval rules and all policy conditions.
Hospital and physician care
Ward or semi-private hospital accommodation, hospital services, medical treatment and one qualifying follow-up visit within 14 days of discharge.
Diagnostic services
Basic diagnostic tests. MRI, CAT scans, sonograms, ultrasounds and biopsies require GMS pre-approval.
Prescription drugs
Up to a 30-day supply per prescription; up to $50 per prescription for covered lost, stolen or damaged medication.
Emergency dental
Up to $2,000 for accidental dental injury and up to $250 for emergency relief of other dental pain.
Private duty nursing
Up to $5,000 when ordered by the attending physician and pre-approved by GMS.
Health practitioners
Up to $300 per specialty for listed osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropractor, chiropodist or podiatrist services.
Ambulance and evacuation
Licensed road ambulance, up to $20,000 for qualifying helicopter air ambulance, and up to $20,000 for remote evacuation.
Repatriation
Return to the home province or territory for further in-hospital treatment when medically recommended and approved.
Family support
Selected benefits for return of an insured family member, escort of a dependant child and a family member or friend to the bedside.
Return of remains
Up to $7,000 for preparation and transport of remains, or up to $3,000 for cremation or burial at the place of death.
Vehicle and pet return
Up to $2,000 for eligible vehicle return and up to $300 to return a cat or dog.
Out-of-pocket expenses
Up to $1,000 for qualifying expenses incurred by an insured travelling companion while you remain hospitalized on the return date.
Trip cancellation and baggage
What non-medical travel protection is available?
Benefits are payable only when the loss is caused by a listed insured risk and the expense is non-refundable, non-transferable and not recoverable elsewhere.
Up to $20,000Single-Trip cancellation per person
$10,000Aggregate interruption and delay maximum
$1,500Baggage maximum per trip
$400Delayed baggage essentials
Trip cancellation
Eligible non-refundable prepaid transportation, travel arrangements and cancellation penalties before departure.
Trip interruption and delay
Eligible return transportation, unused arrangements, tour rejoining expenses and out-of-pocket delay costs.
Baggage loss, damage and delay
Up to $500 per item or set, replacement of selected documents, limited stolen cash and delayed baggage essentials.
Optional Trip Delay Upgrade
When purchased with Trip Cancellation Coverage, the upgrade may provide up to $500 per day to a maximum of $1,500 for qualifying delays of 12 hours or more, up to $200 for a ticketed event, and qualifying same-class transportation to rejoin the trip.
Stay longer or fill a coverage gap
Can you extend or top up GMS TravelStar while travelling?
The answer depends on whether you are extending a GMS Single-Trip policy, topping up another insurer or topping up an existing GMS policy.
Existing GMS Single-Trip extension
You may request extra days while outside your home province or territory when:
- GMS receives the request before the existing policy expires
- No claim has been incurred
- No medical treatment has been required during the trip
- You continue to meet all eligibility and policy requirements
Review current coverage
Confirm the exact expiry date, trip limit and top-up permission of the first plan.
Avoid a coverage gap
The GMS top-up must begin the day after the existing coverage ends.
Cover all remaining days
Purchase the full number of trip days not insured by the first policy.
Confirm medical stability
Top-ups are new policies and pre-existing-condition rules apply.
Example: You have a 30-day GMS plan but decide to stay another 10 days. Contact GMS or your advisor at least two business days before the current GMS coverage expires. The extension is not available when a claim was incurred or medical treatment was required during the trip.
Read before buying
What is commonly not covered?
The complete exclusion sections control. The examples below do not replace the policy.
Unstable conditionsPre-existing medical conditions that do not satisfy the applicable 180-day stability rule.
Expected or ongoing careNon-emergency, elective, chronic, rehabilitative or delayable treatment, and ongoing care after the emergency ends.
Unapproved servicesAdvanced diagnostics, transfers, repatriation or other benefits requiring approval when GMS did not pre-approve them.
Risky activityProfessional sports, motorized racing and listed extreme activities, subject to policy wording.
Travel advisoriesLosses at destinations subject to qualifying Canadian government advisories under the applicable coverage.
Other recoveriesGMS generally pays after other insurance, credit-card coverage, government plans, supplier refunds, vouchers and responsible parties.
Emergency assistance and claims
What should you do during a GMS medical emergency?
Contact GMS Travel Assistance before treatment whenever medically possible. Save the emergency numbers before leaving.
If you do not call before treatment—or within 24 hours when calling first was medically impossible—the maximum benefit may be reduced to 70% of covered medical expenses, to a maximum of $50,000.
Toll-free within Canada and the USA1-800-459-6604
Collect from other locations905-762-5196
GMS Travel Assistance can confirm coverage, coordinate treatment, monitor care, arrange interpretation, and manage eligible transportation or repatriation.
How do you submit an emergency medical claim?
Contact GMS
Call the Assistance Centre before treatment whenever possible. Contacting GMS about a medical emergency constitutes a claim even if GMS makes no payment.
Collect complete records
Keep original itemized bills, payment proof, final diagnosis, medical records, travel-date evidence and historical records when requested.
Submit within 90 days
Provide the completed claim form and supporting records within 90 days of the illness or injury. Costs to obtain documents are not covered.
How do you submit a trip cancellation, interruption or baggage claim?
Reduce the loss
Notify the travel supplier on the day you learn of the cancellation cause or the next business day, and request all available refunds or credits.
Document the reason
Obtain the required physician confirmation, supplier invoices, unused tickets, travel-agent statements, police report or proof of ownership and value.
Submit within 12 months
Send the completed claim with all required evidence within 12 months after the loss occurred.
General GMS inquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-667-3699
Email: info@gms.ca
Refunds differ by plan
Can you cancel or receive a refund?
Do not apply one refund rule to every TravelStar product.
Single-Trip Emergency Medical
- Full refund before the effective date
- Possible partial refund for unused days after early return
- No applicable claim under the policy
- Written notice and supporting documents within 30 days
Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical
- Full refund before the effective date
- Non-refundable after the effective date
Trip Cancellation Coverage
- Generally non-refundable
- Limited exception when premium exceeds $20 and the supplier cancels or changes dates with all penalties waived
Minimum premium clarification
The reviewed wording does not specify a general minimum premium for TravelStar Emergency Medical Coverage. The reference to a premium over $20 appears only in a limited Trip Cancellation refund provision.
Instant online quotation
Ready to see your GMS TravelStar price?
Continue to the PankajBhatia.ca travel quotation page. Enter your trip details once, review available GMS pricing and compare other insurers when useful.
- Fast self-serve quote for straightforward applications
- Single-trip and annual emergency medical options
- Deductible and trip cancellation selections where available
- Advisor help for eligibility, stability, extensions and top-ups
Secure quote journeyContinue to Instant Travel Quotes →
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You will be directed to the travel quote page to enter your province, traveller age, destination and travel dates.
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2Review GMS pricing
3Compare and apply
ⓘWhy compare? GMS may be a strong fit, but age, medical history, destination, trip length and required benefits can make another available plan more suitable.
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Frequently asked questions about GMS TravelStar
All answers remain visible in the page HTML for accessibility, search engines and AI systems.
What is GMS TravelStar travel insurance?
GMS TravelStar is travel insurance for eligible Canadian residents travelling outside their province or territory. It offers Emergency Medical Coverage and optional Trip Cancellation Coverage in Single-Trip and selected Multi-Trip Annual formats.
How much emergency medical coverage does GMS TravelStar provide?
The reviewed policy provides up to $5,000,000 CAD in emergency medical coverage. Single-Trip coverage is per insured person, while the Multi-Trip Annual wording applies the maximum per insured person, per policy year, subject to all terms and limits.
How long can a GMS Single-Trip plan cover me?
The policy overview states that Single-Trip Emergency Medical coverage is available for one trip up to 365 days, subject to eligibility and approval.
What GMS Multi-Trip Annual options are available?
The reviewed policy offers 15-day or 30-day maximum trip options for an unlimited number of eligible trips during the policy year.
What deductible options are available with GMS TravelStar?
The reviewed policy lists $0, $250, $1,000 and $5,000 deductible options. The selected deductible is shown on the TravelStar confirmation and applies according to the plan terms.
Who is eligible for GMS TravelStar Emergency Medical Insurance?
Applicants must generally be Canadian residents with valid provincial or territorial government health coverage and must satisfy the detailed medical eligibility requirements. Most coverage must be purchased before departure, except an eligible top-up of an existing GMS policy.
Is there an age limit for GMS TravelStar?
The reviewed Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical section states that applicants age 80 or older are not eligible. The Single-Trip section contains detailed medical eligibility rules but does not state the same general age-80 maximum in the reviewed wording.
Are children covered under GMS TravelStar?
Dependants under age 16 travelling with paying adults may be covered at no additional cost when they are listed on the application and all policy requirements are met.
What medical conditions can make me ineligible for GMS TravelStar?
The policy contains detailed restrictions involving certain heart and vascular conditions, congestive heart failure, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, insulin-treated diabetes combined with certain heart medication, home oxygen or oral steroids for a lung condition, active cancer treatment, specified recent procedures and other conditions. The complete eligibility section must be reviewed.
Do I need to report a health change after buying GMS travel insurance?
Yes. The policy requires GMS to be notified if your health changes after application. A health change may affect eligibility, premium or the stability of a medical condition.
What is the pre-existing-condition stability period?
For Emergency Medical Coverage, medical conditions generally must be stable for 180 days immediately before departure. Different measurement dates apply when the policy is used as a top-up.
What does stable mean under GMS TravelStar?
Stable generally requires no new, changed or stopped treatment, no unpermitted medication changes, no worsening condition, no new or more severe symptoms, no hospitalization or specialist referral, and no incomplete recommended tests or outstanding results. The policy contains specific exceptions for certain medication adjustments.
Does GMS TravelStar cover prescription drugs?
Eligible emergency prescription drugs are covered up to a 30-day supply per prescription. Over-the-counter medication is not covered, and lost, stolen or damaged prescription drugs are limited to $50 per prescription.
Does GMS cover emergency dental treatment?
The reviewed policy provides up to $2,000 for treatment required after an accidental blow to the mouth and up to $250 for emergency relief of dental pain from another covered dental emergency.
Does GMS cover air ambulance or remote evacuation?
The policy provides up to $20,000 for qualifying helicopter air ambulance expenses and up to $20,000 for qualifying remote evacuation expenses. Approval and other conditions apply.
Does GMS TravelStar include trip cancellation insurance?
Trip Cancellation Coverage may be purchased as a Single-Trip Plan or, with a GMS Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical Plan, as a Multi-Trip Annual Plan. Coverage applies only to listed insured risks and non-refundable, non-transferable eligible expenses.
How much trip cancellation coverage can I buy?
Single-Trip Trip Cancellation coverage can be selected based on trip value up to $20,000 per person. Multi-Trip Annual options are $1,500, $2,500 or $5,000 per person, per trip.
What does GMS Trip Interruption and Delay cover?
The reviewed policy provides an aggregate maximum of $10,000 for trip interruption and delay benefits. Standard trip-delay out-of-pocket expenses are limited to $150 per day up to $500, subject to insured risks and all policy conditions.
What does GMS baggage coverage include?
Baggage loss or damage is limited to $500 per item or set, with an overall maximum of $1,500 per trip. The policy also provides up to $400 for essential items when checked baggage is delayed more than 12 hours at the destination.
Can I extend my GMS Single-Trip plan while travelling?
You may request additional days while outside your home province or territory if GMS is notified before the policy expires and you have not incurred a claim or required medical treatment during the trip.
Can I buy a GMS top-up after departure?
Only some GMS top-ups may be arranged after departure. A top-up of an existing GMS policy must generally be requested at least two business days before the current GMS policy expires, and the traveller must remain eligible with no claim or required medical treatment. A top-up of another insurer's policy must be purchased before departure.
Can GMS top up credit card travel insurance?
A GMS Single-Trip policy may top up other limited travel insurance when extra days are required, but a non-GMS top-up must be purchased before the contracted departure date. The first policy's terms should also be reviewed.
Who should I call during a GMS medical emergency?
Call GMS Travel Assistance at 1-800-459-6604 from Canada or the United States, or call 905-762-5196 collect from other locations. Contact the Assistance Centre before treatment whenever medically possible.
What happens if I do not contact GMS Travel Assistance?
Unless it was medically impossible to call before treatment and contact was made within 24 hours, the maximum benefit may be reduced to 70% of otherwise covered medical expenses, to a maximum of $50,000.
How do I file a GMS emergency medical claim?
Submit the completed claim form within 90 days of the illness or injury with original itemized bills, proof of payment, complete medical records, proof of travel, historical records if requested and any other relevant documentation.
How do I make a GMS trip cancellation or baggage claim?
Notify the travel supplier as soon as you become aware of the need to cancel and seek available refunds or credits first. Submit the GMS claim within 12 months of the loss with the claim form and all required medical, supplier, travel, baggage or police documents.
Can I get a refund on GMS Single-Trip Emergency Medical coverage?
A full refund is available before the effective date. After the effective date, a partial refund for unused days may be available after an early return when the applicable insured has not incurred a claim and written notice with supporting documents is provided within 30 days.
Can I get a refund on a GMS Multi-Trip Annual plan?
A full refund is available before the effective date. The reviewed Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical wording states that the policy is non-refundable after the effective date.
Is there a minimum premium for GMS TravelStar?
The reviewed policy wording does not state a general minimum premium for Emergency Medical Coverage. A separate Trip Cancellation refund exception refers to premiums over $20, but that is not the same as a minimum premium.
Where is GMS TravelStar available?
The reviewed policy states that the products are not offered in Quebec, New Brunswick or Nunavut. Availability should be confirmed at the time of quotation.
Who provides GMS TravelStar insurance?
Group Medical Services is the insurer. The policy states that Group Medical Services is the operating name of GMS Insurance Inc. in provinces outside Saskatchewan.
How can I get an instant GMS TravelStar quote?
Select the instant quote button to continue to PankajBhatia.ca's travel insurance quotation page. Enter your trip information to review available GMS pricing and compare other available options. For medical or top-up questions, contact Pankaj Bhatia.
Sources, accuracy and independent-advisor disclosure
This is an independent educational page prepared for PankajBhatia.ca. It is not the official GMS website and does not replace the application, purchase confirmation, medical questionnaire or insurance contract.
Document reviewed:
- GMS TravelStar Travel Insurance Policy Wording, form 1911CA2024, effective November 19, 2024.
Last reviewed: July 26, 2026. Before publication, confirm that the quote engine still uses this wording and update the policy and claim-form download links. The contract issued at purchase always controls.