Quebecers are keener than ever to travel. CAA-Quebec surveys and flight booking data point to ten destinations standing out in 2026, and one certainty: travel insurance for Quebecers has become essential to protecting these trips.
Why travel insurance matters for Quebecers in 2026
Public health insurance through RAMQ provides very limited coverage abroad, especially outside Canada. Hospitalization can leave Quebec travellers with bills running into thousands of dollars.
As travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Morocco grows, so does exposure to health issues, transportation delays and cancelled stays. That makes destination-appropriate travel insurance increasingly important.
At Ehcover, the goal is simple: help you quickly compare emergency medical, cancellation, interruption, baggage and liability protection based on your profile, family and destination.
How this ranking was put together
- CAA-Quebec travel intention surveys from 2024–2025.
- Flight booking analyses for departures from Quebec in summer 2025–2026.
- Research on Quebecers’ travel habits, including sun destinations and Europe.
The United States and Cuba are excluded, reflecting current market conditions and fewer commercial flight options to Cuba.
Top 10 travel destinations for Quebecers in 2026, excluding the United States and Cuba
1. Mexico: the classic sunshine escape
About 10% of travel intentions.
CAA-Quebec surveys confirm that Mexico, alongside the Caribbean, remains a leading sun destination, with about 10% of respondents planning a visit in the next 12 months.
From Cancún and the Riviera Maya to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, Quebecers mainly seek all-inclusives, beaches and ideal winter weather.
Insurance considerations: high emergency medical costs, activity coverage for excursions and sports, and cancellation or interruption for tropical storms or unexpected family events.
2. Dominican Republic: easy all-inclusive holidays
Among the top three sun destinations.
The Dominican Republic consistently ranks among the top three sun destinations in travel intention surveys, almost level with Mexico.
Punta Cana, La Romana and Puerto Plata remain dependable choices for Quebec families and couples seeking all-inclusive packages.
Insurance considerations: comprehensive medical coverage, repatriation after serious illness, baggage protection and missed connections, especially on connecting flights.
3. Jamaica: a rising Caribbean favourite
A fast-growing sunshine alternative.
As interest in Cuba declines, media reports and travel agencies identify Jamaica as a fast-growing alternative for travellers departing Quebec.
The beaches of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, combined with reggae culture and all-inclusive packages, are attracting more Quebecers in 2026.
Insurance considerations: expensive private medical care, excursion coverage for waterfalls, hikes and boating, and cancellation or interruption for adverse weather.
4. France: Quebecers’ natural European choice
The most frequently named European destination.
According to CAA-Quebec, France is the European destination travellers mention most, ahead of Italy, Spain and Portugal.
From Paris and the French Riviera to Provence and Brittany, linguistic and family ties make France a natural choice for many Quebecers.
Insurance considerations: despite a developed public health system, uninsured non-residents may have to pay upfront for some care. Consider strong cancellation coverage for multi-part trips combining trains, flights and accommodation.
5. Italy: culture, cuisine and touring
About 9% of European travel plans.
Surveys place Italy just behind France in travel intentions, with about 9% of respondents including it in their European plans.
Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast make a highly sought-after itinerary for Quebecers looking for culture and cuisine.
Insurance considerations: emergency medical expenses, rental car insurance including deductibles and liability, and baggage coverage for multi-city itineraries.
6. Spain: sunshine, cities and value
About 7% of travel intentions.
Spain, including Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia, the Canary Islands and the Balearics, is among Quebecers’ most popular European destinations, at about 7% of travel intentions.
Often-competitive airfares and the blend of city and beach offer an excellent balance of budget and experience.
Insurance considerations: health coverage and cancellation for strikes or transport disruptions, which are common during Europe’s peak season.
7. Portugal: a reliable favourite for Quebecers
About 5% of travellers.
About 5% of travellers name Portugal in CAA-Quebec surveys, making it a mainstay for summer and shoulder-season trips.
Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve attract visitors with mild weather, relatively affordable living costs and excellent accommodation value.
Insurance considerations: medical expenses, cancellation for low- and shoulder-season travel with changeable weather, and lost baggage protection on connecting flights.
8. United Kingdom: London and beyond
Among the leading overseas countries visited.
National data place the United Kingdom among Canadians’ leading overseas destinations, including a significant number of Quebec travellers.
London remains the gateway, but many Quebecers also explore Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Insurance considerations: medical coverage, since not all care is free for non-residents; cancellation and interruption for complex tours; and baggage insurance for short, tightly scheduled stays.
9. Costa Rica: eco-adventure and nature
A sunshine destination for active travellers.
Research on Quebecers’ travel habits identifies Costa Rica as a popular sun destination offering beaches, jungle and ecotourism.
Itineraries combining the Pacific, Caribbean, volcanoes and national parks particularly appeal to active travellers and families.
Insurance considerations: medical coverage for hiking, ziplining and surfing, repatriation after accidents in remote areas, and weather-related cancellation or interruption during the rainy season.
10. Morocco: the breakout star of 2026
12% of international bookings for summer 2026.
FlightHub data show that Morocco became Quebec travellers’ most-booked international destination for summer 2026, accounting for 12% of bookings, ahead of the United States at 10%.
Montréal–Casablanca was also the most-booked international route out of Quebec for the second consecutive year, illustrating the country’s rapidly growing popularity.
Insurance considerations: robust medical coverage for private clinics and hospitalization, repatriation, cancellation and interruption for long itineraries and flights, and baggage protection for multi-city journeys through Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez and the desert.
How to choose travel insurance for your destination
All-inclusive sun holidays: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Costa Rica
Prioritize emergency medical care, repatriation, activity-related accident coverage and cancellation for unexpected events before departure.
European trips: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom
Focus on medical care, protection for multi-stage itineraries combining flights, trains and rental cars, and cancellation or interruption for work or family circumstances.
Extended cultural trips: Morocco and Europe–North Africa combinations
Check the maximum trip duration, conditions for extended travel or remote work, and multi-country coverage for complex itineraries.
With Ehcover, you can:
- Compare travel insurance products designed for Quebecers.
- Adjust protection to your destination, age, health and type of trip.
- Get neutral advice to include insurance in your vacation budget without surprises.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Quebecers
Does RAMQ cover healthcare abroad?
Only to a very limited extent. RAMQ reimburses just a fraction of actual expenses outside Quebec, especially outside Canada. Hospitalization in Mexico, Morocco or Europe can leave you owing thousands without travel insurance.
Do I need travel insurance for France or Italy?
Yes. European healthcare systems are well developed, but uninsured non-residents may need to pay upfront and wait for partial reimbursement. Travel insurance can also cover cancellation, interruption and baggage, depending on the plan.
Does my insurance cover excursions and adventure sports?
Not automatically. Ziplining, diving, high-altitude hiking and personal watercraft activities may be excluded or require an endorsement. Check excluded activities before booking, especially in Costa Rica, Jamaica or Morocco.
Should I buy cancellation insurance for an all-inclusive?
It is strongly recommended. Sun packages are often prepaid and non-refundable. Cancellation and interruption insurance protects your investment for covered events such as medical emergencies, a death in the family or another major unexpected event.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Ideally, on the day of your first deposit. This starts cancellation protection as early as possible and helps avoid issues involving medical conditions that arise after booking, subject to policy terms.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
Only if they are stable under the insurer’s required period, often 90 to 180 days. A medication change or pending test can make a condition unstable and lead to a denied claim.
Prepare for your next trip safely
In 2026, Quebecers are turning to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Morocco. Wherever you choose from this top ten, suitable travel insurance remains a valuable ally for peace of mind.
Explore our destination guides, review cancellation insurance or speak with an advisor at 514.700.2828.