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Compare cheap  travel insurance quotes in Canada. 

Compare travel insurance quotes.

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Finding the best rates on travel insurance is easy at LowestRates.ca. We'll bring you the cheapest rates on travel insurance from all the top providers in your area.

What is travel insurance?

You’ve spent months planning for your big getaway vacation – everything from flight tickets to hotel stays have been booked. As soon as you land, however, you find that the airline lost your luggage. Losing valuable belongings and the hassle of getting new ones can put a damper on your much-awaited trip, and the loss that you incur may be a couple of hundred dollars. But you can rest assured that your insurance company will reimburse you for it if you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy.

However, the stakes could be higher. Not only does travel insurance cover you for lost or delayed baggage, but also prevents you from paying out-of-pocket for expensive health care in a foreign country. An accidental fall can lead to a dislocated shoulder or worse, a medical emergency like a stroke.

Travel insurance includes:

Medical expenses: This includes emergencies that arise during your trip. The insurer will cover hospital bills, diagnostic tests, and medication for something as minor as a fractured ankle to an emergency evacuation. It also includes ambulance costs, being airlifted out of a remote location, or repatriation back to Canada.

Baggage delay or loss of personal items: The insurance provider covers the cost of delayed baggage or damaged personal items.

Trip cancellation or interruption: This coverage reimburses you for costs if you cancel your trip or cut it short. For instance, falling ill before your trip or death of a family member back home. This coverage is usually not offered in standard travel insurance policies and can be purchased as an add-on.

Trip delay: If your flight has been delayed, this coverage reimburses you for accommodation and meal expenses. Depending on the terms of the policy, a minimum amount (six to 12 hours) of delay is required to be eligible for this coverage.

Travel insurance policies do not cover:

Pre-existing health conditions.

Routine dental or medical appointments.

Cosmetic procedures.

High-risk activities like adventure sports.

Destinations that the Canadian travel advisory lists as “Avoid non-essential travel” and “Avoid all travel,” because of the risk involved.

As a prerequisite to entry or obtaining a visa, some countries – Bhutan, Qatar, and the Schengen visa required for Europe, for example – mandate purchasing travel insurance.

The Canadian government advises all travellers to purchase travel insurance. Not only for international trips, but even within Canada, as provincial healthcare may not be sufficient to cover gaps in coverage.

Whether you are travelling for work or pleasure, are a snowbird or a digital nomad, a frequent flyer or going on your first trip, consider travel insurance as an investment in your safety. While it may not seem necessary, it’s there to protect you and provide peace of mind while abroad.

You should ideally, purchase travel insurance ahead of your trip. However, don’t just opt for the first insurance provider that you stumble across. When shopping for travel insurance, be sure to determine the type of coverage you require, policy coverage limits, inclusions and exclusions, and the policy deductible.

At LowestRates.ca, all you have to do is enter a few details about yourself and your trip, and we will find the cheapest travel insurance rates from a wide range of insurance companies.

But don’t just take it from us.

Its worth taking some time to read through the terms of the policy to make sure you are getting the lowest travel insurance quote that is best suited to your needs.

Types of travel insurance plans

In the world of insurance, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all.’ The good news is that you can customize your travel insurance policy and opt for coverage that is best suited to your needs. 

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive.

We used our travel insurance quoter to find out the cost of travel insurance. The best rate per trip for:

non-smoking,

40-year-old male traveller

on a 10-day trip to the United States

with no pre-existing health conditions,

$5 million in coverage,

and a $0 deductible

While travel insurance quotes will vary depending on the coverage one opts for, insurers use certain factors to calculate the rate. These include:

The number of people the travel insurance policy will cover

The duration of the trip

The total cost of the trip

Amount of coverage required

Amount of deductible

When compared to the hefty bills that you would be paying out-of-pocket if something one runs into a medical emergency in the US, about 30 bucks is a small amount to pay.

One way to make sure you’re getting the lowest rate available for your coverage requirements is to compare travel insurance quotes across various providers. A quick three-minute exercise can save you hundreds of dollars that you would otherwise potentially shell out on travel insurance.

Why you’ll love using LowestRates.ca to find cheap travel insurance quotes.

Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. Find the cheapest insurance rates from a wide range of insurance companies.

Our travel insurance quoter is 100% free to use. So, finding the best travel insurance quotes won’t cost you a dime.

At LowestRates.ca, we bring you the top travel insurance providers – all competing for your business on a level-playing field.

Your personal information will never be given to a third-party. We only ask for the details we need to find you the best travel insurance quotes.

There are perks to shopping for travel insurance with us. On top of getting the best rates, the process is quick – it only takes 3 minutes. And did we mention it’s free?

Comprehensive

One or two quotes won’t do. Get multiple travel insurance quotes from all the top insurers in your area.

No rocket science here – just provide us with a few quick details about yourself and type of travel you intend on doing and leave the hard part to us.

Finding the lowest rates on travel doesn’t take long. Actually, it only takes 3 minutes. All you need to do is provide a few details about yourself and your trip.

Travel Insurance checklist

Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to understand what coverage you will be receiving. Be sure to read the fine print or speak with your insurance provider to understand what may and may not be covered.

Here’s a quick checklist that can help you with the travel insurance purchase process.

What does the travel insurance policy cover?

What are the exclusions of the travel insurance policy?

What are the limitations on the policy? For instance, if opting for multi-trip insurance, what are the number of days that you will be covered for on one particular trip?

How much is the deductible on the travel insurance plan?

What are the limits on medical emergencies?

Can I extend my insurance coverage from abroad if I extend my trip?

If travelling within Canada, what is covered under my provincial health plan? And what is not covered?

Inquire about add-ons to your policy – can I get a rider or endorsement for adventure sports?

What if I have a pre-existing health condition? Does that mean I am not eligible for travel insurance?

What if someone covered under my policy has a pre-existing health issue?

Do I have to fill out a health questionnaire?

What if an epidemic breaks out in the destination? Will the plan provide coverage?

What if the government of Canada issues a travel advisory while I am in the destination? Will my travel insurance plan provide coverage?

Will the plan cover repatriation costs?

Does the insurance company offer worldwide emergency assistance 24-hours and 7 days a week? How can I reach the company if there is a medical emergency? Who do I call? Are there translation services for providers in the country you are travelling to?

How do I file a claim? Is the claims process easy and straightforward?

Does the plan have direct billing, or do I have to pay for bills upfront?

Your travel insurance questions, answered.

Why do i need travel insurance.

International travel is fun and exciting, but it can also be unpredictable.

Often times you’re operating in a different culture, in a different language, and with a different medical system. Whether it’s damaged luggage or a serious health emergency, travel insurance can help keep you safe if things go wrong while you’re away from home.

Travel insurance is likely the last thing on your mind while you’re mapping out your getaway, but medical emergencies and logistical snafus can happen anywhere. So, it’s a good idea to buy a policy that covers you. We’ll help you compare offers from Canada’s leading travel insurance providers and bring you the cheapest travel insurance possible.

Why compare with LowestRates.ca?

We bring you the best rates from the top travel insurance providers. Simply provide a few, quick details about you and your trip, then click ‘Compare’ to see the best travel insurance quotes available. And just like that, you have the cheapest rate for your travel insurance coverage requirements.

I’ve already left for my vacation. Can I still purchase travel insurance coverage?

The short answer is probably not. Most insurance companies will not allow you to purchase coverage for your vacation while you’re on said vacation.

But who decides when a vacation officially begins, anyway? If you’re travelling by plane, for instance, some insurers might say your vacation begins when you’ve gone through customs. For others, it might begin as soon as you check-in at the airport.

There’s no universal standard, so it may be worth a quick call to your insurance provider to clarify.

Most companies will let you purchase insurance up until the day before your departure – you may even be able to purchase it on the day of (in your Uber, on the way to the terminal). If you’ve already left your home province, a smattering of insurers offer after-departure insurance. But this kind of policy typically comes with a heavy list of conditions, and it can be pricey.

Generally speaking, don’t leave insurance-buying until the last minute. But if you do, call your insurer and see what they can offer you. Better late than never.

Do I need travel insurance to travel between provinces in Canada?

Yes, you need travel insurance for trips within Canada.

Why? Because while you are covered under your home province’s health care plan when you travel out of province, your coverage will be limited. Every provincial health care system is different, and the cost of medical procedures varies by province. That means if you require health care while travelling within Canada, your existing coverage will only pay the equivalent of what that medical service would cost in your home province.

For example, an Ontarian who requires emergency surgery in British Columbia will only be covered for what that surgery costs in Ontario, and you may be forced to pay thousands of dollars more to make up the difference.

Your provincial plan also does not cover the following services while you’re out-of-province: Prescription drugs Dental emergencies Medical transportation back home Emergency air or ground transportation While some provinces have billing agreements, not all of them do. That’s why it’s important to stay covered even inside Canada. Travel insurance is an affordable alternative to the costs you could incur if you experience a medical emergency.

Your provincial plan also does not cover the following services while you’re out-of-province:

Prescription drugs

Dental emergencies

Medical transportation back home

Emergency air or ground transportation

While some provinces have billing agreements, not all of them do. That’s why it’s important to stay covered even inside Canada. Travel insurance is an affordable alternative to the costs you could incur if you experience a medical emergency.

If I have personal property stolen while I'm travelling, will my travel insurance policy cover it?

The simple answer is yes: your property is covered by your insurance policy, but only up to a certain dollar amount. Even within the same policy, coverage can vary depending on the item. For example, the amount of coverage that a policy extends to electronics might be different than the coverage you’ll get for sports equipment

Keep in mind that there are often specific items that insurance companies won’t cover. Make sure to check what these items are with your insurance provider.

If you didn’t get travel insurance and your items are stolen, it becomes more challenging, but not impossible, to get reimbursed. If your belongings were stolen at a hotel, and it can be proven that the hotel was at fault, the establishment will compensate you up to a certain amount. If items are missing from your checked-in luggage after a flight, most airlines will allow you to file a claim with them.

What types of travel insurance are available?

All inclusive travel insurance.

A comprehensive policy that offers emergency medical coverage plus insurance against logistical problems, like lost or stolen baggage, trip cancellations, and travel interruptions. Since all inclusive insurance has the most extensive coverage, premiums tend to be higher than for other travel policies.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

This insurance reimburses you for your flight and travel expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Some policies also pay benefits for food and lodging costs if your trip is interrupted or delayed. Those policies may even cover you if your tour operator suddenly files for bankruptcy.

Single trip insurance

Emergency medical coverage for one trip, which you can take any time within a 365-day period.

Multi-trip insurance

Emergency medical coverage for any number of trips taken within 1 year. Also known as annual travel insurance.

Top-up insurance

Purchased by travellers who already have insurance for a portion, but not for the entire duration, of their trip. Top-up insurance takes effect after the original coverage lapses.

After-departure insurance

Few insurance companies offer insurance that covers you when you’ve already left for vacation. Why? It raises a lot of red flags for risk-averse insurers whose priority is to guard against fraudulent claims — medical costs in foreign countries can be expensive. For your application to be accepted, you must not have seen a doctor since departing, you must not be showing symptoms of illness, and you must be covered under a provincial health insurance plan.

Shaistha Khan

About the Author

Shaistha Khan is a freelance writer in the personal finance space. She is a journalist, writer, and communications specialist with 12 years of experience across the oil and gas, business and professional development, and travel and tourism industries. She has lived in Saudi Arabia for nearly three decades, and reported on some of the first-ever events in the country. She has also reported from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, India, and Houston, USA. Her work has been published in BBC Travel, USA Today, Al Jazeera, Teen Vogue, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Vogue Arabia, and several in-flight magazines. She has also worked with tourism boards and hotel chains on sponsored content.

She holds a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) and a diploma in Public Relations and Reputation Management.

For all Travel Insurance quotes you will be directed to RATESDOTCA where you will be able to compare quotes from top insurance companies.

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Canadians are optimistic about travel in 2024: Blue Cross Travel Study

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Out-of-province emergency medical expenses are not generally covered by your provincial medical plan and these expenses can be financially overwhelming.

For millions of Canadians, comprehensive emergency travel coverage offered by Blue Cross has become an essential part of their holiday plans.

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A ccording to a new study from Blue Cross , Canadians spent an average of $4,200 on their last vacation, and 94 per cent feel the cost of travelling is increasing .

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Safe Visit | Canada Travel Health Insurance - Medical Insurance Quote.

Travel Medical Insurance

Emergency medical treatment can cost thousands.

Protect yourself with unlimited coverage for eligible emergency medical expenses Disclaimer 1 and 24/7 assistance.

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Essential coverage for canadians, classic medical plan.

Single Trip: Ages 0-64 Multi-Trip: Ages 0-64

For travellers who need emergency medical coverage for trips outside their home province or territory.

• Unlimited emergency medical Disclaimer 1
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• 24-hour worldwide emergency medical assistance
• No deductible payment required

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• No health questions required
• Stable Opens in new window pre-existing medical conditions are covered Disclaimer 2
• Single trip and multi-trip annual plan options Opens in new window
• 9-, 16-, 30- and 60-day trip duration options available for multi-trip annual plans (call for 30- and 60-day options)
• Family plan pricing available

Policy Documents:

For complete coverage details, limitations and exclusions, see:

• Classic Medical (Single Trip) Opens PDF in new window
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TravelCare ® Medical Plan

Single Trip: Ages 65+ Multi-Trip: Ages 65+

For travellers age 65 and up who need emergency medical coverage for trips outside their home province or territory.

• A few health questions are required
• Stable Opens in new window pre-existing conditions may be covered depending on the TravelCare Category Opens in new window for which you qualify
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4-Day Getaway Multi-Trip Annual Medical Plan

For travellers who want the ability to take unlimited quick trips outside their home province or territory in the next year for one low price.

• No medical questions and no health exam
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Make sure you have the right travel insurance—get an online quote or talk to a licensed insurance advisor.

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Term life insurance pays out a tax free lumpsum when you pass away.

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Canadians are choosing PolicyAdvisor to help them with all their travel insurance needs. Whether vacationing abroad or visiting Canada temporarily, our advisors can help you find the right coverage.

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What is travel insurance?

There are two main types of travel insurance: travel medical insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance .

Travel medical insurance can help to cover the cost of medical care if you become sick or injured while travelling. It can also help to cover the cost of travel if you need to be transported to a hospital in another country. This is the most common type of travel insurance.

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance can help to reimburse you for the cost of your trip if you have to cancel due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as illness or bad weather, or other situations that may delay or cancel your trip (lost baggage, transportation delays, etc).

If you are planning a trip from your home in Canada, or planning on travelling to Canada, it is important to ensure you have travel insurance before you depart. This will help to protect you from unexpected costs if something goes wrong on your trip and give you peace of mind such accidents or delays will not be a financial burden.

Learn more about travel insurance

Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them.

Who needs travel insurance?

There is a wide array of insurance needs for both those visiting Canada, and travelling away from it. They include:

Inbound travellers

• Visiting Canada from another country
• Super visa applicants
• International students studying in Canada
• Foreign workers or work permit holders working in Canada
• Amateur athletes competing in Canada

Outbound travellers

• Snowbirds (seniors vacationing away from Canada for the winter)
• Canadians vacationing abroad

What are the different types of travel insurance available in Canada?

Depending on where you call home, and the reason and length of your travel, there are several different kinds of travel insurance available.

Residents of Canada need travel insurance for trips abroad. While you public healthcare or group health insurance covers medical emergencies at home, an accident or medical emergency while you are out of country can be very costly.

Those visiting Canada from outside the country also need travel medical insurance. While Canada does have a robust public healthcare system, these services do not extend to non-residents of the country. If you are ill or injured during your trip to Canada, you will be responsible for the costs of doctor's visits, emergency care, prescription, and more.

Super visa insurance

Parents and grandparents or Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a special Canadian visa called the super visa. This visa allows them to enjoy an extended stay in Canada for as long as 2 years. A mandatory stipulation of super visa approval is holding a medical insurance policy to cover and illnesses or accidents that can occur during this trip. Super visa insurance is a widely available insurance policy that caters to the specific needs and requirements for super visa eligibility.

Snowbirds are retired Canadians who spend the winter season abroad to avoid Canada’s colder months. As a snowbird, it’s important to make sure you have the right travel insurance in place before you head south for the winter, as you will not qualify for public health insurance at your destination.

International students often need emergency health insurance wherever they choose to complete their studies. This includes both Canadians studying abroad and students completing their education in Canada. Emergency travel medical insurance ensures one can focus on their studies knowing they won’t have to deal with an unforeseen medical bill.

Foreign workers visiting Canada for temporary or permanent employment will not have immediate access to public health care. Travel medical insurance will cover you if you get sick or injured while working in Canada.

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Who offers the best travel insurance in Canada?

At PolicyAdvisor, we partner with the country’s best travel insurance providers to present you with the most choice and best option for your insurance needs. Whether you are vacationing abroad, visiting Canada for an extended trip, or sponsoring a super visa application for a loved one, we’re here to help guide you to best provider.

Some of our partners include:

• Tugo (iA Financial Group)
• Group Medical Services (GMS)
• 21st Century Travel Insurance Limited
• Destination Canada

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Why should you buy travel insurance?

Whether for a vacation abroad or a visit to Canada, travel medical and health insurance is very important.

For Canadian travelling abroad

• Canadian public health care or your provincial health insurance plan may not cover medical expenses while you are outside Canada
• Your work or group benefits health plan may not cover, or only cover a portion, of the costs of your medical bills abroad
• Foreign medical facilities are generally expensive and often require immediate payment
• Some hospitals and clinics in foreign countries will refuse treatment if you do not have enough insurance coverage or funds to pay for your treatment

For those visiting Canada

• You are not covered under any of Canada's public healthcare plans
• Treatment for medical emergencies and prescriptions may require cash payments
• Your home country's public health care offering generally does not cover trips abroad
• Travel medical insurance can cover a broad range of potential situations, including emergency room visits, transportation back to your home country, and prescription drug and dental costs

Frequently asked questions

How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance is determined by many variable factors including the type of insurance you purchase, your age, the duration of the trip, and the amount of coverage you are getting. A rule of thumb is travel insurance should typically cost 5% of your trip. Of course, these costs can increase for extended stays like super visa insurance , insurance for snowbirds, and insurance for students or foreign workers.

Can't I just use credit card travel insurance?

While knowing there is a built-in insurance component to your credit card provides great peace of mind, it sometimes falls short of comprehensive travel coverage. Insurance from credit cards usually has a cap on the amount of coverage it provides and is not intended to cover you for medical emergencies that may occur on an extended trip. Moreover, credit card travel insurance is also limited in that its coverage typically only extends to those parts of your trip you paid for using that credit card.

An independently purchased travel insurance policy ensures you are covered for your entire trip and whatever may happen during its duration.

Does travel insurance cover pre existing conditions?

Most travel medical insurance policies do not cover a pre-existing medical condition by default.

In some cases, if you have shown no symptoms or diagnosis of a pre-existing medical condition for 180 days prior to the effective date of the policy and have not had treatment for the condition during that time, it will not be considered a pre-existing condition during your coverage period.

As well, some conditions may get excluded from your travel medical insurance coverage during the underwriting process. A pre-existing condition exclusion could include a heart condition, kidney condition, form of dementia,

Lastly, some providers offer policies that will cover pre-existing conditions, though the premium will be higher to compensate for the added risk.

Can you get a refund for travel insurance?

You can typically get a refund for a travel insurance policy as long as you cancel the coverage before the departure date of your trip.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Most travel insurance is not mandatory, though encouraged as foreign medical expenses can add up quickly. Without travel medical insurance you are personally responsible for any medical expenses you incur during your time away from your home country.

Some travel insurance policies are mandatory. For instance, super visa insurance is mandatory for super visa applicants to get approved for their policy, and an in-force policy is compulsory for the duration of your stay in Canada using the super visa.

Does provincial healthcare cover you when travelling abroad?

No, a public healthcare plan from your province or territory does not cover medical emergencies that happen outside of Canada. Much like how Canada’s public healthcare does not cover those who do not reside in Canada, the healthcare in countries outside of Canada has no reciprocal agreement to treat travelers. Canadians are expected to pay out of pocket for any health or medical procedures they need when outside of Canada.

Thus, it is important to have an in-force travel medical insurance policy when travelling outside of Canada and your home province.

Can I get travel insurance after I have left Canada?

Yes, it is possible to get some coverage, though there will most likely be exclusions on your policy. Many providers in Canada or abroad will offer you emergency medical travel insurance if you have already left Canada but wish to purchase coverage.

However, the policy generally will not be active until 48 hours after you purchase the coverage. This waiting period is designed to prevent someone from acquiring a policy after they have been injured or hospitalized with an illness.

Should I buy an individual policy for each trip I have planned or an annual travel policy?

If you travel abroad often (more than twice per year) it may be worthwhile to purchase an annual travel policy. Many providers offer annual options for their travel medical insurance policies, which can save you money on premiums and eliminate the need to arrange separate insurance policies for each trip you take or each leg of a multi-trip journey. Many Canadians travel during winters to warmer climates ( snowbirds ), it is advisable to buy multi-trip / annual travel insurance for such needs. Speak with our advisors to see if an annual travel insurance policy makes sense for your plans.

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Best travel insurance plans for 2024: a unique and comprehensive list for travelers from international citizens insurance.

Including the Best Plans for Seniors, Global Nomads, Visitors to the USA, Pets, Adventure Sports Addicts and More

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 2, 2024 / International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker, has announced the best travel insurance plans for 2024 summer travel. As the cost of airfare and hotels continues to rise along with the increase in flight delays and cruise cancellations, this list could not have come at a better time for travelers looking to protect their travel plans and their finances.

"This summer's travel season promises a high level of demand, increasing costs, and a strong potential for travel disruptions due to political unrest, weather, and other factors," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "Our clients want travel insurance they can trust to help them if they suffer a cancellation, a medical emergency, lost luggage, a natural disaster, or have to change plans due to unforeseen events. With this list, they will be able to find the best overall travel insurers as well as the right plans for their individual needs."

International Citizens Insurance judged each company and plan on six key criteria: the user-friendliness of their site, the ease of policy purchase, the number of countries plans are offered in, how extensive the benefits are, the ease of making a claim and the quality of the company's customer service. The most trusted insurers include WorldTrips , who made history as one of the first insurers to offer plans for purchase over the internet; GeoBlue Travel Insurance , which supports seniors with coverage for people up to 84 years old; and Trawick International, which offers coverage for over 500 adventure sports activities.

To help customers find the best insurance for their specific needs, International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best insurance for several use cases, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, travel medical plans, and insurance with coverage for pets. International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for clients with special needs, including seniors, missionaries and volunteers, U.S. citizens abroad, and digital nomads.

In today's unpredictable world, travel insurance has become the most essential accessory for any international traveler. Travelers want trip cancellation insurance to protect their trip and travel medical insurance plans to protect their health. But with so many companies out there, which ones can you trust?

Learn more about the best travel insurance companies at https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-insurance/best-companies.php .

About International Citizens Insurance

International Citizens Insurance is the insurance division of International Citizens Group. We provide educational content, reviews, and unique comparison engines that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase global life, travel, and international health insurance from various carriers.

Contact Information

Joe Cronin President [email protected] 617-500-6738

Andrew Blomberg Vice President, Global Group Benefits [email protected] (339) 221-5190

SOURCE: International Citizens Insurance

View the original press release on newswire.com.

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We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

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What Is Gap Insurance and How Does it Work?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

A new car is a big purchase, and many drivers end up making auto loan or lease payments for years. But a new car’s value can drop significantly, especially within the first year. If your new car is totaled in an accident, a full coverage car insurance policy will only cover up to the vehicle’s current market value. So how do you pay off your auto loan if you still owe more than what your car insurance will cover?

Unfortunately, you’re still on the hook for the difference between a car’s value and the amount you owe on it — unless you have gap insurance.

What is gap insurance?

Gap insurance, or guaranteed asset protection, is an optional coverage that pays the difference between what your vehicle is worth and how much you owe on your car at the time it’s stolen or totaled. This coverage supplements a comprehensive or collision car insurance payout, which can only be as high as your car’s value.

You’re responsible for paying off your car loan if your car is totaled or stolen, even if your insurance won’t cover the full amount you still owe. This is where gap insurance can come in handy.

But to be clear: If you don’t have a car loan or a lease, you don’t need gap insurance.

What does gap insurance cover?

Gap insurance covers what’s owed on a car after a total loss, whether that’s the result of an accident or vehicle theft. Gap insurance pays out after comprehensive and collision coverage, two coverage types that are typically required when you buy or lease a new vehicle. (They pay for damage to your car after things like accidents, fire or vehicle theft.)

However, comprehensive and collision insurance pay only what a car is worth at the time of a theft or accident. So when you owe more on your car loan or lease than that, gap insurance covers that amount.

In most cases, gap insurance doesn't cover your comprehensive or collision deductible. Your deductible is the amount your insurance subtracts from a claim payout.

» MORE: Why rising car prices make gap insurance worth a look

How does gap insurance work?

Let’s say someone stole your new car, and at the time it was worth $25,000. Unfortunately, you still owe $30,000 on the car. You have comprehensive insurance, which will pay for the value of your car at the time of theft. You’re responsible for your $500 insurance deductible , and then the insurance company pays $24,500 to your lender — but there’s still $5,500 due on your loan.

Gap insurance is designed to pay that final $5,500 so you don’t owe money on a totaled car. But without gap insurance, you’ll have to cover the balance on your loan as well as your insurance deductible.

Here is a visual of that example:

» MORE: What does car insurance cover?

Is gap insurance worth it?

You don’t need gap insurance unless you lease a vehicle or have a loan. You also don’t need it if your loan is paid down below the value of your car.

But if you do have a lease or loan, you may want to think about whether you can afford to pay the difference between the amount you still owe and the value of your car. If you couldn’t make that payment, or don’t want to deal with that financial stress in an emergency, then you’d probably benefit from having gap coverage.

Drop gap coverage when your car loan is less than the current value of your car. Online pricing guides like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book can give you an idea of how much your car is worth. Insurers might not drop it automatically, so you may need to remove it.

How to get gap insurance

You can generally only add gap insurance to your policy if you still owe money on the vehicle or lease. Although insurers’ guidelines vary, a company may require one or both of the following:

Your car is no more than two to three years old.

You are the original owner of the vehicle.

There are two main ways to buy gap insurance:

From your auto insurer, as part of your regular insurance policy.

Through the dealership or lender, rolled into your loan payments. With this arrangement, you’re paying interest on the cost of your gap insurance over the life of the loan, making the coverage far more expensive.

If you buy through your dealership or lender:

Check your auto loan contract to see if you’re required to have gap insurance — not all lenders require it. However, your lender will generally require you to buy comprehensive and collision coverage.

A dealer may automatically include gap insurance if you lease your car, so make sure to check your lease agreement.

If you already bought gap insurance from your dealer and want to buy it from your insurer, you may be able to remove it from your car loan contract. Make sure you have coverage during the transition if you switch providers.

NerdWallet recommends buying gap coverage through your auto insurer rather than from a dealership to avoid paying interest on it. Not all car insurance companies provide gap coverage (or an equivalent) or offer it in all states, so if you decide you want this type of insurance, you may need to switch companies .

Which insurance companies sell gap coverage?

Some of the largest insurance companies that offer stand-alone gap insurance (or an equivalent) as add-ons to car insurance policies are:

American Family.

Auto-Owners.

Liberty Mutual.

Nationwide.

» MORE: Get the cheapest car insurance

See what you could save on car insurance

How much does gap insurance cost.

Auto insurers typically charge a few dollars a month for gap insurance or around $20 a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Your cost depends on individual factors, like your car’s value. You’ll also need to buy comprehensive and collision coverage. To find the best company for you, compare car insurance rates with at least three insurers.

Lenders charge a flat fee of around $500 to $700 for gap insurance, according to United Policyholders, a nonprofit consumer group. But if you add the coverage to your loan, you’ll also pay interest on it. That means you could pay more than that $500 to $700 for three years of gap coverage from a dealer, compared with around $60 from your auto insurer for that same timeframe.

Prices and interest rates will vary, so always check with your dealer and car insurance company to accurately compare costs.

» MORE: Car insurance quotes: What you need to know

Alternatives to gap insurance

Gap insurance isn’t the only way to protect yourself if your car is stolen or totaled. Depending on your needs, you may want to add one of these coverage options instead of gap insurance:

New-car replacement insurance : If you’re more worried about buying a new vehicle than paying off your old one, new-car replacement coverage might be a better choice for you. While it is more expensive than gap insurance, this coverage helps pay for a new car of the same make and model, minus your deductible, to replace your vehicle with a new one.

Better-car replacement coverage: If your vehicle is declared a total loss, this type of coverage will give you money for a model that is newer and has less mileage.

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