Best Travel Insurance for Canada: Top Plans Compared in 2025
- The best travel insurances for Canada
- Is it currently safe to travel to Canada?
- Travel insurance requirements for Canadian visas
- Why take out travel insurance for Canada?
- Travel insurance coverage in Canada
- The cost of travel insurance for Canada
- How to pay less for your travel insurance in Canada
- Will my current insurance cover me in Canada?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Canada: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Canada covers emergency medical expenses, repatriation, trip interruption, and lost luggage.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens visiting Canada but is highly recommended for unforeseen medical expenses.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare in Canada is expensive for non-residents; one-night hospital stay may cost $1,000 to $4,000.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Canada typically costs between $30 and $60 USD per person.
5. Good to know: Your US health insurance, including Medicare, usually does not cover medical costs incurred while in Canada.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in travel insurance comparison, helping more than one million travelers every month. After reviewing 39 travel insurance policies available in the US, our specialists share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Canada.
The best travel insurances for Canada
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0M USD | Our main pick for Canada. A solid plan suitable for the cost of care in Canada. - high medical ceiling - covers hospitalization - repatriation included |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M USD | Designed for frequent and short US-Canada visits, covering key emergencies. - 24/7 medical helpline - trip cancellation - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 0.5M USD | Efficient coverage for tourism in Canada, offering a balance of price and protection. - good medical reimbursement - emergency assistance - quick claims |
| Travel Pass Monde | 0.7M USD | For travelers seeking both medical and practical guarantees in Canada. - repatriation covered - hospital expenses covered - broad worldwide scope |
| Globe Partner | 0.3M USD | A basic but reliable option for Canada trips, with core guarantees. - essential medical care - repatriation - civil liability coverage |
| Globe Traveller | 0.5M USD | Good value for lower-risk and short-term travel to Canada. - essential coverage - quick reimbursement - limited ceiling |
- high medical ceiling
- covers hospitalization
- repatriation included
- 24/7 medical helpline
- trip cancellation
- no deductible
- good medical reimbursement
- emergency assistance
- quick claims
- repatriation covered
- hospital expenses covered
- broad worldwide scope
- essential medical care
- repatriation
- civil liability coverage
- essential coverage
- quick reimbursement
- limited ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Canada?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State maintains a Level 1 travel advisory for Canada, advising normal precautions for American visitors.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Canada is generally safe with a low crime rate, but petty theft can occur, particularly in large cities like Toronto or Montreal. Always keep valuables secure and remain vigilant in tourist areas.
- Health risks: No specific vaccinations are required. Medical services are of high quality, but US Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted. A hospital visit in Vancouver or Ottawa can become very costly without adequate insurance.
- Legal constraints: Canadian law requires all firearms to be declared in writing at entry. Non-compliance can result in legal action, even for hunting rifles or ammunition. Cannabis is legal in Canada but must not be transported across borders.
- Environmental conditions: Severe winter weather, especially outside major cities, can cause travel disruptions and hazards such as icy roads or flight cancellations. Always check weather alerts before road trips in regions like Quebec or Alberta.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Canada.
Travel insurance requirements for Canadian visas
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from the US to obtain a visa or enter Canada for short tourist stays.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because US Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage in Canada, and healthcare costs can be very expensive for non-residents. Unexpected incidents, such as accidents or emergency medical care in Canada, may result in significant out-of-pocket expenses without insurance.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Canada. This high percentage reflects the expensive health system and the need for repatriation or advanced medical care in case of an emergency.
Why take out travel insurance for Canada?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Canada.
Healthcare costs can be very high in Canada, with foreigners having to pay the full price for treatment at hospitals such as Toronto General Hospital or Vancouver General Hospital. In cities like Montreal or Calgary, a visit to a private clinic can be extremely costly, and US health insurance is not accepted. Medical costs add up quickly, especially in emergencies or if hospitalization or specialized treatment is needed.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medications, ambulance transportation, and emergency repatriation to the United States in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Canada.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Toronto General Hospital (CAD) (USD) | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 4,000 CAD (2,900 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,500 CAD (1,800 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 30,000 CAD (21,800 USD) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 12,000 CAD (8,700 USD) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel insurance coverage in Canada
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Canada.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, surgery, consultations and prescriptions. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least USD 100,000 due to the high cost of healthcare in Canada. |
| 🛌 Hospitalization | Pays for stays in public and private hospitals. Recommended limit: at least USD 50,000 for unforeseen serious incidents or accidents. |
| ✈️ Medical evacuation/repatriation | Pays for emergency return to the US or transfer to a specialized facility. We recommend a minimum of USD 150,000 coverage to cover costly air transport and medical escorts. |
| 💊 Medications | Refunds prescription drugs needed after an illness or injury. Recommended limit: at least USD 2,500 for medication expenses abroad. |
| 🚑 Ambulance transport | Covers ambulance or air ambulance fees in case of an emergency. Recommended reimbursement: at least USD 5,000. |
| 🧳 Baggage and personal effects | Reimburses lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Recommended limit: USD 2,000 minimum per trip. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation/interruption | Covers non-refundable expenses if your trip is cut short or canceled due to illness, accident, or emergencies. Reimbursement: at least USD 5,000. |
| ⚖️ Civil liability overseas | Covers injury or damage to third parties caused during your stay. Recommended minimum coverage: USD 250,000 for legal and compensation costs. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least USD 100,000 due to the high cost of healthcare in Canada.
Recommended limit: at least USD 50,000 for unforeseen serious incidents or accidents.
We recommend a minimum of USD 150,000 coverage to cover costly air transport and medical escorts.
Recommended limit: at least USD 2,500 for medication expenses abroad.
Recommended reimbursement: at least USD 5,000.
Recommended limit: USD 2,000 minimum per trip.
Reimbursement: at least USD 5,000.
Recommended minimum coverage: USD 250,000 for legal and compensation costs.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited coverage, with low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Canada
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | USD 19 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | USD 36 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | USD 58 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | USD 140 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance is influenced by several factors: traveler's age, trip duration, destination, level of coverage, and specific options like trip cancellation. Premiums can also vary based on your health status and chosen deductibles. It’s important to consider these when selecting insurance, so you can get the best coverage at a fair price for your US trip.
How to pay less for your travel insurance in Canada
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Canada while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | Insurance is priced according to the length of your stay. Shorter trips usually cost less. | Prefer shorter coverage periods, only insure for the actual travel dates you need. |
| 📅 Purchase timing | Early purchase locks in your rate and covers unforeseen events before departure. | Buy as soon as your trip is booked to avoid last-minute price increases. |
| 🧒 Traveler’s age | Premiums can be higher for older travelers. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which helps some save. |
| ⛑️ Level of coverage | Higher coverage limits increase the premium but are important given Canada’s high medical costs. | Choose realistic coverage amounts tailored to your actual risk and needs. |
| 🚶 Activities covered | Certain adventure sports or activities may increase prices if you add them to your policy. | Exclude unnecessary extra activity coverage you know you won’t use in Canada. |
| 👨👩👦 Family/group plans | Group plans can be less expensive per person compared to individual plans. | Choose a group or family plan to lower the individual price for everyone. |
| 🏦 Deductible amount | A higher deductible usually reduces the cost of your insurance premium. | Opt for a higher deductible if you are comfortable covering minor initial costs. |
Will my current insurance cover me in Canada?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—like credit card insurance or your public health insurance—can protect you during a trip to Canada. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Canada? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage outside the US. Hospitalization and medical bills are not reimbursed. | Travel insurance covers over USD 100,000 for medical, evacuation, and hospital care. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | May cover emergencies, usually with low limits (often USD 5,000–10,000), no repatriation. | Travel insurance provides USD 100,000+ and full repatriation or urgent evacuation cover. |
| Classic credit card (Wells Fargo Platinum, Chase Freedom, Citi Double Cash) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical only, often with limits under USD 5,000. No medical repatriation or trip issues. | Travel insurance pays up to USD 100,000, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and 24/7 assistance. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) | Yes, partly | Medical expenses up to USD 100,000, some delay/cancellation, limited lost luggage coverage. | Travel insurance adds unlimited medical evacuation and stronger trip protection benefits. |
Example
While skiing near Whistler, Mark fractured his pelvis. Emergency airlift and hospital care totaled $72,000 USD. His premium bank card paid just $2,500 and his US health insurance reimbursed $4,000 due to out-of-country limits. Mark was forced to cover the $65,500 balance out-of-pocket, drastically impacting his finances.
Expert advice
Always review your current insurance’s terms, exclusions, and limitations. Essential events—like trip interruption due to a family member’s illness or passing—may not be covered. Carefully read all conditions to avoid surprises when traveling. For peace of mind, it’s best to purchase dedicated travel insurance designed for your specific trip and destination.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
US citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada for stays up to 180 days for tourism or business purposes. You will, however, need a valid US passport. For trips longer than 180 days or for other specific reasons, you may need to apply for a visa.
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
US citizens do not need a visa to visit Canada for stays up to 180 days for tourism or business purposes. You will, however, need a valid US passport. For trips longer than 180 days or for other specific reasons, you may need to apply for a visa.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Canada?
Start by comparing offers using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Review the coverage and any exclusions, especially those relevant to Canada such as emergency medical expenses and pre-existing condition clauses. Purchase your chosen policy online and you will receive your insurance certificate by email for your records.
What should I look for in a travel insurance policy for Canada?
It is important to look for high medical expense limits, support for medical evacuation, and robust coverage for theft or loss. Canada has excellent healthcare, but it is very expensive for visitors. Make sure your policy does not exclude common risks like winter sports or pre-existing conditions if they apply to you.
Will my US health insurance cover me in Canada?
US health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, does not usually provide coverage for medical expenses incurred in Canada. You may be responsible for all costs if you need emergency care. Supplemental travel insurance ensures you have coverage for doctor visits, hospitalization, or medical evacuation.
What if I need medical attention or hospitalization while in Canada?
If you need emergency medical care in Canada, you may go to any hospital or clinic, but you must pay for services upfront unless you have travel insurance. Travel insurance can reimburse you or pay directly for covered medical expenses up to the policy limits, often $100,000 or more.
Are adventure or winter sports covered by travel insurance in Canada?
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or adventure sports unless you add specific coverage. Confirm with your chosen insurer whether these activities are included or available as an optional add-on if you plan to participate in them.
