cheapest travel insurance canada

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Compare cheap  travel insurance quotes in Canada. 

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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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HelloSafe » Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance in Canada for 2024

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Travel, whether for leisure, business, or work, has become integral to our modern lives. While it opens doors to diverse experiences, travel insurance is crucial in providing peace of mind against unforeseen expenses like medical emergencies and trip disruptions, particularly during unpredictable events.

But choosing the right travel insurance can be a challenge and demands careful consideration of factors like coverage, individual needs, exceptions, and more. We've got you covered.

In this guide, we take you through everything from coverage types and costs to the best plans and how to find cheap travel insurance. You can use our comparator at the top of this page to compare plans, get free quotes , and find a policy that truly fits your needs.

Top 10 travel insurance Canada plans

• soNomad travel insurance: Straightforward and affordable
• Allianz travel insurance: Affordable Plans Starting At $27
• Tugo travel insurance: Tailored solutions
• Destination travel insurance: Specialized coverage
• Manulife travel insurance: Flexible policies
• Blue Cross Travel Insurance Canada: Flexible plans for every need
• CAA travel insurance: Best for CAA members
• RBC travel insurance: Coverage from a reputed bank
• TD travel insurance: High coverage limits
• BCAA travel insurance: Budget-friendly options

Before we explore the best plans in the market, let's look at the basics of this coverage first.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a policy that protects your investment in a trip. It reimburses for financial losses of a canceled or interrupted trip, as well as emergency medical care during travel, emergency evacuation, damage to a rental car, lost luggage, and more. The medical care component is critical in a country like Canada. Out-of-province care costs more and offers less than in patients' home province.

It takes different forms. You can purchase it as an individual policy or as an add-on to a travel purchase like a flight. It may even be included as a credit card benefit when you use yours to make a travel purchase.

What is international travel insurance?

International travel insurance is a subset of travel insurance, specifically tailored for trips abroad, while the latter can cover domestic and international trips. The key difference is that international coverage is designed to address the unique challenges and risks associated with international journeys, such as medical emergencies, visa issues, and currency exchange, in addition to covering the same aspects as standard travel coverage, like trip cancellations and lost baggage.

How does travel insurance work?

Here's how it typically works:

• Purchase a Policy: Before your trip, you buy a policy, specifying the coverage, trip duration, and other relevant details.
• Traveling: During your trip, if you encounter covered events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or other unexpected issues, you can contact your insurance provider or its 24/7 assistance line.
• Claim Submission: Submit a claim with the required documentation, such as medical bills or receipts for lost items, to your insurer for reimbursement.
• Reimbursement: If your claim is approved, the insurance provider reimburses you for eligible expenses, helping you manage unexpected costs and disruptions during your travels.

What does travel insurance cover?

What is covered depends on the insurer and the level of coverage you choose. It commonly covers emergency medical care, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and lost or damaged baggage.

Travel insurance is customized based on the needs of your specific trip. A basic plan covering just flight cancellation may be fine if you already have supplemental individual medical coverage and are traveling within Canada. On the other hand, if you are planning a ski trip to the French Alps, a comprehensive plan with emergency medical care and evacuation back home could help set your mind at ease if you experience a bad fall on the slopes.

Manulife’s CoverMe is one of the most popular providers in Canada, and here is what their Single Trip All-inclusive plan offers:

What does it not cover?

Common exclusions typically include:

• Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Coverage may not extend to pre-existing medical conditions without a specific waiver or rider.
• High-Risk Activities: Activities like extreme sports or dangerous hobbies may require additional coverage or be excluded.
• Traveling Against Advisories: Trips to countries under travel advisories or travel restrictions may not be covered, depending on the policy.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

The most common categories are:

• Baggage insurance - Did you make it to that Caribbean island or European capital, but your luggage did not? It does not have to ruin your trip. This insurance will give you some spending money to get essentials due to a delay or replace it in case it is lost.
• Emergency medical insurance - You cannot put a price on your health. This protects you if you get injured or sick while away.
• Trip cancellation - Have an emergency back home before your trip? If you are unable to travel, this coverage will reimburse what you spent on nonrefundable travel.
• Trip interruption - Miss a connection flight? Maybe you need to return home early? That is okay, you are covered. This is similar to trip cancellation insurance but covers you during a trip rather than before it.
• All-inclusive policies - Want to be prepared for anything? These policies include all of the above insurance types.

Finally, consider how much you will be traveling in the year. Single-trip and annual coverage options exist. Annual plans may save you money if you intend to travel two or more times per year.

What is travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies during your trip, including doctor's visits, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation. It is a subset of travel insurance, which covers a wider range of risks such as trip cancellations, lost baggage, and non-medical aspects of travel. You can often purchase stand-alone medical coverage if you primarily need health-related coverage for your trip.

How much is travel insurance?

A basic plan for a 30-year-old single traveler could be as little as $26 for a week, while a comprehensive plan could cost that same traveler $125.

How much travel insurance costs depends on the length of your trip, the destination, the desired coverage, and your age. We recommend plans that include emergency medical coverage.

How much is travel insurance in Canada?

On average, a basic single-trip policy for a one-week trip may cost around $25 to $50 CAD for an individual, while an annual multi-trip policy can range from $100 to $300 CAD. More comprehensive coverage or longer trips can increase the cost. Seniors and individuals with pre-existing conditions may pay higher premiums.

It's essential to compare quotes from different providers to find a policy that suits your needs and budget. Try our comparison tool below to get free personalized travel insurance quotes for your upcoming trip. Compare rates, explore options, and find the best policy for you in just seconds.

Prepare for your trip Compare. Choose. Save.

What does travel insurance for seniors cover?

Travel insurance for seniors offers increased medical coverage over other plans and coverage for stable pre-existing conditions. It works like any other emergency medical insurance plan but is adapted to the needs of senior travelers.

Leading plans medical travel insurance for seniors Canada plans offer:

You can use our comparator at the top of this page to find the best Canadian travel insurance for seniors based on their unique needs. It only takes a few steps and you have free quotes in seconds.

How much is travel insurance for Canadian seniors?

The cost of travel insurance for Canadian seniors can vary based on factors like age, health, destination, and trip duration. On average, a comprehensive single-trip policy for a senior traveler may range from $50 to $200 or more, while an annual multi-trip plan could cost approximately $300 to $1,000 or higher, depending on coverage limits and individual circumstances. Pre-existing conditions may also alter the coverage you can access.

What is the best travel insurance for visitors to Canada?

Leading Canadian travel insurance companies offer medical travel insurance to visitors. These can be perfect for non-residents in the country on vacation, business, or visiting family. These plans can be a lifeline for people living in Canada who have not yet qualified for public healthcare.

The best travel insurance for visitors to Canada depends on the traveler’s needs. Additionally, plans may be available to them from their home country.

Is it mandatory to have travel insurance to visit Canada?

No, you do not need private travel coverage to visit Canada. It is not mandatory for all visitors to Canada, but it is highly recommended. Canada's public healthcare system does not cover visitors, and some provinces may require health insurance for entry. Having travel coverage provides financial protection and peace of mind for medical emergencies and unexpected events. Policies and requirements can change, so check with Canadian authorities for the latest information.

Good to know

If you are sponsoring a parent or grandparent to visit you in Canada, did you know that you are required to purchase super visa insurance? Learn more and compare the best super visa insurance plan in Canada in our super visa guide .

How to get the cheapest travel insurance Canada plans?

So how to get travel insurance? Most importantly, how to get the most affordable plans? Follow these 5 steps to get the best deals.

• Compare Multiple Quotes: Obtain quotes from various insurance providers to find the best price for your desired coverage.
• Choose Essential Coverage: Select coverage that matches your specific travel needs, avoiding unnecessary add-ons.
• Consider Annual Policies: If you travel frequently, annual policies often offer more value than single-trip coverage.
• Review Deductibles: Higher deductibles can lower your premium, but be prepared to pay more in case of a claim.
• Utilize Membership Discounts: Check if your memberships or affiliations offer discounted coverage options.

While finding the cheapest travel insurance Canada plan or to other regions may seem like a daunting process, we've got you covered. You can simply use our free comparator below to compare plans, and coverage, check on discounts, and get free quotes in no time.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be purchased anytime between booking and departure, but we recommend buying a plan at the same time that you book your trip.

Booking as soon as possible ensures greater protection. The ideal time to purchase is right after making your initial trip payment, typically within 10-21 days. Buying it early allows you to access coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and other benefits . You can often obtain last-minute insurance up to the day before departure, but some coverages may be limited.

But when is it too late to buy travel insurance? Once you've begun your trip or used any part of it, you generally cannot purchase coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions. However, annual multi-trip policies can be purchased at any time, with coverage beginning from the policy's start date.

What are the best travel insurance plans in 2024?

Please note that the specific coverage, terms, and pricing may vary based on individual circumstances and plan options. It's essential to review the policies in detail and obtain personalized quotes to make an informed decision for your needs. You can do that using our comparator below. Compare multiple plans and get free quotes in no time right here.

Other popular companies include the following :

You can find more on these options by clicking on them:

• AMA travel insurance
• CIBC travel insurance
• Costco travel insurance Canada
• BMO travel insurance (also includes BMO World Elite Mastercard travel insurance)
• Medipac travel insurance
• Medoc travel insurance
• World nomads travel insurance
• Scotiabank travel insurance

What are the FAQs on travel insurance Canada plans?

How does credit card travel insurance work.

Travel coverage is a benefit on many credit cards. It is worth checking what your card includes before purchasing a separate policy. You may already have sufficient coverage.

Credit cards with travel insurance usually only cover expenses purchased on that card. Buy your plane tickets on one card, but the hotel on another? The first company will not reimburse you for a hotel issue. Additionally, terms and exclusions may be more restrictive than a standalone plane. Credit card travel insurance is a wonderful benefit, but weigh whether its coverage is sufficient for you and your trip.

The best travel insurance credit cards have offerings like this:

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Many plans now specifically cover COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses or offer stand-alone COVID travel insurance. They may reimburse costs incurred from a mandatory quarantine, COVID-19 medical expenses, and trip interruption and cancellation . Some specific COVID plans only cover COVID-19 expenses and do not automatically include coverage for other medical needs.

It is worth verifying details carefully before deciding on a Covid-19 travel insurance policy. Covid-19 coverage and news change frequently, so check with your service providers for the latest information.

There are a few important points to consider:

• Coverage may be explicitly excluded in your policy if the destination countries or regions are under an “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” advisory at the time of purchase.
• Your Covid-19 vaccination status may affect your coverage. If you are unvaccinated by choice, your insurer may declare your claims ineligible.

Do I need private health care coverage when travelling outside Canada?

Yes, we always recommend travel medical insurance when travelling abroad. Healthcare prices and standards can be very different while travelling. Some public provincial plans offer some coverage, but it may be insufficient. Your provincial plan covers may only pay what the cost would be back at home, not the actual price at your destination. Even then, you likely have to pay out-of-pocket and request reimbursement later. 

In some countries, healthcare facilities may request payment upfront. They may refuse treatment if you are unable to pay. This alone makes emergency medical insurance extremely valuable.

Do I need travel insurance to USA from Canada?

Getting a private travel protection plan is highly recommended when travelling from Canada to the USA, as it provides essential medical coverage. Medical expenses in the USA can be exorbitant, and without insurance, a simple hospital visit can lead to substantial bills, potentially running into thousands of dollars.

For example, a basic emergency room visit for minor treatment might cost around $1,000 to $2,000 , while more serious medical procedures or surgeries can lead to bills that range from $10,000 to tens of thousands of dollars, or even more for complex surgeries or prolonged hospital stays.

Do I need travel insurance within Canada?

We recommend getting medical travel insurance Canada plans while traveling within the country. Specific plans are available for domestic travelers. While Canadian citizens and residents are guaranteed basic emergency care by the Canada Health Act, this does not include prescription drugs and ambulance services. Your OHIP coverage from Ontario will not cover you for a private hospital, laboratory, or paramedic services while visiting British Columbia.

Additionally, payment for medical services may be required upfront, leaving you responsible for seeking reimbursement from your home province upon your return. Canadian residents traveling within Canada may qualify for a discount on their medical travel insurance.

When traveling outside of your province or territory without adequate coverage, you assume risk. Note that you may already have sufficient coverage if you have a supplemental individual or group private health insurance policy.

Want to protect yourself while traveling in Canada? Compare the best travel insurance medical plans anonymously today using our comparator at the top of this page.

What does travel insurance for snowbirds cover?

Travel medical insurance for snowbirds commonly covers the following medical expenses:

• Medical treatments
• Prescription medications
• Paramedics and ambulance rides
• Repatriation to Canada
• Emergency dental care

Snowbird insurance policies do not usually cover elective treatments. Those should wait until you have returned to Canada.

But who are Snowbirds? Snowbirds are people who travel to warmer climates during the cold Canadian winter. They are usually retirees. Therefore, getting adequate protection for their travels is particularly important for these groups. Many of them go to warm parts of the United States, the country with the world’s highest medical care costs.

Snowbirds may be more at risk for a medical emergency while away due to the length of their trips and underlying health conditions.

To learn more, see our guide to snowbird travel insurance.

How do I buy travel insurance online?

The easiest way to purchase a travel plan is by using an online comparison tool like ours. See rates and coverage options quickly without giving up personal data. Alternatively, you may purchase it through an agent, a broker, your private individual or group health insurer, or a travel credit card.

How much travel insurance do I need?

The amount of coverage you need depends on various factors, including the destination, duration, and activities of your trip. As a general guideline, consider coverage for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.

Aim for a coverage amount that provides financial protection for potential unexpected costs while keeping your budget and specific travel plans in mind. It's essential to balance adequate protection with affordability.

What is the best travel insurance for cancer patients?

The best protection plan for cancer patients depends on individual circumstances, including the stage of cancer and current health. It's advisable to look for insurance providers that specialize in covering pre-existing medical conditions, offer comprehensive coverage, and have experience handling cancer-related claims.

Companies like Allianz and IMG Global among others often provide options for travelers with pre-existing conditions, including cancer*. However, it's essential for cancer patients to compare policies, disclose their medical history accurately, and consider consulting their healthcare providers when selecting the most suitable coverage.

Does travel insurance cover cruises?

Yes, travel coverage plans frequently cover cruises. When shopping for a plan, be sure to verify that yours offers cruise coverage. To give an example, RBC offers two popular examples, their Deluxe and TravelCare (for seniors) packages.

They cover:

• Cruise cancellation or interruption due to mechanical failure or weather
• Catch-up costs for a missed departure due to a canceled flight
• Unused shore excursion tickets (due to illness or injury)
• Last-minute cancellations due to a covered reason
• Lost luggage, passports, and medications
• Eligible emergency medical expenses
• 24-hour worldwide emergency medical and travel assistance
• Repatriation costs

See our guides on travel insurance in Canada:

• Is soNomad insurance best for you? Review 2024
• Is Red Cross Travel Insurance Good in 2024?
• Best Travel Insurance South Africa Plans 2024
• Expat Travel Insurance: A Complete Guide (2024)
• What is the best Travel Insurance Hong Kong for 2024?
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• What are the Best Travel Insurance BC Plans in 2024?
• Best Travel Insurance Dubai Plans for Canadians (2024)
• What is the best group travel insurance in 2024?
• Best Travel Insurance for Backpackers 2024
• Travel Insurance UK: Complete Guide (2024)
• Annual Travel Insurance Canada: Full Guide 2024
• Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: 2024 Guide
• How does Multi Trip Travel Insurance work? Full guide 2024
• How does student travel insurance work? A full guide 2024
• Is CoverMe Travel Insurance worth it? Review 2024
• Is Air Canada travel insurance worth it? 2024 Review
• Is Cooperators Travel Insurance worth it? Review 2024
• How to get the best European travel insurance in 2024?
• Is Sun Life Travel Insurance the best in 2024? Review
• Is Canada Life Travel Insurance worth it? Review 2024
• How to get travel insurance for visitors to Canada in 2024?
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• Is World Nomads travel insurance the best in 2024?
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• Is RIMI travel insurance the best in 2024?
• Is MEDOC Travel Insurance the best in 2024?
• Is Travel Guardian insurance the best in 2024?
• Is Costco Travel Insurance worth it? Review 2024
• Is WestJet Travel Insurance the Best in 2024?
• How to get the best travel Insurance for seniors in 2024?
• Is Blue Cross Travel Insurance in Canada worth it? 2024 Review
• How does trip cancellation insurance work in Canada in 2024?
• Should you buy travel insurance to the USA?
• Is RBC travel insurance the best in 2024?
• Is AIG Travel Insurance Canada Good? Review 2024
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• Is PC Financial travel Insurance good? Review 2024
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Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications.

I have had BCAA travel insurance in the past and nothing has changed regarding my medical needs. Am I able to apply for insurance without having to go through all the questions again?

Hi Marylou, Thank you for reaching out to us. You should be able to renew your policy without having to go through the whole process again. Here is a link to help you with the same. https://www.bcaa.com/Apps/Travel/FullTravelMedical/Renewal Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any further doubts. Thank you!

I am wanting a quote for travel/medical insurance

Hi Patricia, You can use the comparator tool at the top of the page to find the perfect insurance policy for you. You can then contact the company of your choice directly to get a quote.

Have a nice day, The HelloSafe team

If we go to Portugal for one week and France for another, do we buy separate insurance?

Hi Julie, It depends. Some insurances contracts cover any trips in a given period, while others are meant to cover a specific destination. You can use the comparison tool at the top of the page to find the perfect contract for you and ask for a quote.

Hello, how are you? Does travel insuance covering breast biospys overseas?

Hi Nour, Each travel insurance covers different medical services. Please contact the insurer of your choice for more detail about a potential contract.

Does anybody ever answer the phone at caa Ins. Tried several times and waited half hr or more with no response. I am member but find this very irritating.

Hi Brian, We are not related to CAA Insurance and therefore we cannot help you.

By Lisa Jackson

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Best travel insurance in Canada

Day Of Victory Studio / Shutterstock

You’ve packed your bags, mapped your itinerary, and set your “out of office” message – it’s vacation time! But what about travel insurance?

According to a 2019 study by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, 13% of Canadians aren’t sure if they have travel insurance before they go on vacation. Of those who have bought insurance, 17% don’t know what their policy covers.

As a professional travel writer, I find this rather alarming. Canadian health insurance is not valid outside Canada, and your provincial or territorial health plan may not cover all the costs even if you’re travelling domestically. If you suffer an accident or get sick abroad, unexpected medical bills can bankrupt you. It’s why the Canadian government  advises all travellers to buy travel insurance , and I never leave the country without it. Whether you’re taking a two-week trip or a gap year abroad, every one needs the best travel insurance in Canada, regardless of age, health status, destination, or length of vacation.

Best for thrill seekers: World Nomads

Designed for adrenaline lovers with wanderlust, World Nomads insures a long list of adventure sports, activities and volunteer/work experiences, as well as sporting equipment delay/loss/theft. You also get access to a 24/7 hotline that provides information that adventure travellers may need: weather reports and travel advisories, assistance locating the nearest trail, and finding a gear shop.

The standard policy covers emergency medical expenses up to $5 million, emergency dental, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, baggage delays/theft/damage, and more. The downside: you must be under 66 years of age to qualify.

Best for families: CAA Travel Insurance

A long-trusted Canadian institution, CAA travel Insurance offers flexible travel plans to suit every type of traveller and vacation, but their policies are particularly great for families. Their stand-alone emergency medical policy of up to $5 million in health coverage is extremely comprehensive, even including medical repatriation, emergency dental, and reimbursements for pet care and kenneling.

The Vacation Package Plan provides full cancellation/interruption insurance – ideal for prepaid, all-inclusive vacation packages – as well as family transportation and escort of children during emergencies. Anyone can buy CAA travel insurance, but members get a 10% discount.

CAA’s emergency medical plans also now include coverage for COVID-19-related illnesses for vaccinated customers. Coverage is up to $2.5 million if partially vaccinated and up to $5 million if fully vaccinated.

Best for seniors and retirees: Blue Cross

Blue Cross has been around for more than 70 years, and 1 in 4 Canadians utilize its travel insurance. Blue Cross’s emergency medical covers up to $5 million. It has special “snowbird” travel insurance packages designed for Canadians who head to warmer climates each year, making Blue Cross ideal for retirees.

Part of the package is the recently launched Serenity Service. This free perk provides a range of benefits if your flight is delayed, including access to an airport lounge or even a hotel room (depending on the length of the delay). Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered.

Best for budget travellers: Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance

Starting at only $1.36 a day, Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance offers very affordable travel insurance packages, and it’s personally been my “go-to” travel policy for years. Yes, it’s geared toward students (e.g., you can swap your travel dates at no charge due to an exam schedule conflict), but anyone between 15 and 50 years of age can purchase a policy.

The standard package includes hospital and medical up to $1 million, dental care, air ambulance evacuation, flight accident, accidental death or dismemberment, and trip interruption/cancellation insurance. Adventure and extreme sports are also covered.

Best for Canadians with pre-existing medical conditions: Manulife CoverMe

Manulife CoverMe offers highly comprehensive Canadian travel insurance packages for those travelling as a family, a visitor to Canada, or a student. You also get access to the TravelAid mobile app, which provides directions to the nearest medical facility and local emergency telephone numbers.

However, the stand-out feature is arguably TravelEase – a special policy designed to cover fully disclosed medical conditions. For travellers with pre-existing conditions, it insures a bunch of expenses for health services and transportation. It provides up to $10 million in emergency medical benefits – a unicorn in the travel insurance world.

Best for emergency medical assistance: Medipac Travel Insurance

Medipac is one of the only travel insurance companies out there that is staffed by their own team of trained medical professionals, via their Medipac Assistance hotline. Medipac’s medical professionals are your first point of contact in an emergency medical situation. This service is also helpful for dealing with foreign medical systems and helping to prevent unnecessary expenses when dealing with a large deductible.

Medipac offers several competitive features for their travel insurance plans, including no age limits, a claim-free discount, and a 90-day stability period for most pre-existing conditions. If your pre-existing medical condition isn’t covered by a standard Medipac insurance plan, Medipac also offers personalized, underwritten insurance policies to help you meet your needs.

Medipac is offering a 5% Vaccine Discount to clients who have received a minimum of one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the new MedipacMAX option. This COVID insurance option provides maximum coverage of up to $5 million USD for COVID-19, in addition to its other benefits.

Best for frequent travellers: Allianz Travel Insurance

Touted as a world leader in the Canadian travel insurance and assistance industry, Allianz Travel Insurance is a major provider of travel insurance, corporate assistance, and concierge services. It seeks to help its customers find solutions to various travel-related problems. Allianz Travel has partnered with many reputable companies, including travel agencies, airlines, resorts, websites, event ticket brokers, corporations, universities and credit card companies.

Allianz Travel Insurance is a great choice for anyone looking for travel insurance. Its single-trip plans are perfect for those leaving home and visiting another destination (or destinations) before going back home. Its parent company, Allianz Global Assistance, has five plans to choose from, all offering different levels of protection and coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance’s annual/multi-trip plans are perfect for both personal and professional travelers who take multiple trips in a year. It offers four distinct options to choose from.

Will my provincial insurance be valid overseas?

No! If you get sick or injured overseas, the Canadian government will not cough up a dime to cover your medical costs. Here are the sobering facts:

• Canadian public health insurance is not valid outside of Canada.
• Foreign hospitals can be extremely expensive and may demand payment before treating you.
• The Canadian government will not pay a Canadian’s medical bills for an illness or accident suffered abroad. You’re on the hook for footing the bill!

Will my provincial insurance work in another province/territory?

Flash your valid provincial health card in another part of Canada, and you’ll likely be covered for some of the same services insured by your home provincial plan. This is because the provinces and territories (except Quebec) signed an agreement whereby the host province foots the bill for any medically necessary health care services and gets reimbursed by the home province later.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the woods. Depending on your destination, a slew of other services may not be covered, such as an ambulance, hospital transfer, prescription drugs, transportation back to your home province, and procedures not currently approved by your home plan.

Plus, since Quebec wasn’t a signatory to the interprovincial billing agreement, you’ll likely be charged for any medical bills incurred there. For this reason, it’s recommended that you buy extra travel insurance (or verify your  credit card’s travel insurance coverage ) to cover any uninsured health care services that may crop up during your trip.

What does the best travel insurance in Canada cover?

Every travel insurance policy is different and what’s covered depends on how much you’re willing to pay for coverage. Typical medical services that you can expect to be covered include:

• Emergency hospital and medical costs
• Ambulance and air ambulance costs
• Outpatient services
• Physician and laboratory costs
• Prescription drugs
• Direct payment to the hospitals and doctors caring for you
• Assistance with bringing a family member to your bedside
• Air ambulance or commercial repatriation home
• Return of your vehicle if you are ill and have to come home

Additional benefits may include:

• Trip cancellation for non-refundable monetary losses
• Trip interruption
• Baggage loss, rental car damage, out-of-pocket expenses
• Accidental death and dismemberment

How much coverage do I need?

Securing a policy with a minimum of $1M maximum payable is a safe bet. But don’t just look at the numbers when choosing a policy – read the fine print. Every insurer has a list of situations in which coverage is not provided, otherwise known as “exclusions.” Check whether your provider includes coverage or has provisions for the following:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: According to the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, a pre-existing condition is “something that happened (or started to happen) before you were insured.” Some policies may cover claims relating to pre-existing conditions that are “stable and controlled,” but read the definitions carefully. If you don’t declare a condition, the entire policy could be invalidated!
• Medical evacuation: Ensure the policy covers medical evacuation to the nearest hospital and/or to Canada and the costs of a medical escort to accompany you to your final destination.
• Repatriation in case of death: On the grim side, ensure that your plan covers the preparation and return of your remains to Canada.
• Adventurous Activities: If you plan on engaging in “high-risk” activities on your trip, you may need to shell out extra dough for a more comprehensive plan. Many policies don’t cover “risky” activities, such as skiing or snowboarding “out of bounds,” skydiving, scuba diving, white-water rafting, mountaineering, or participation in any rodeo activity. To cover your bases, ask questions and get specifics before purchasing a policy.

You may have to pay more to have these things included, but a few extra bucks may be worth it for peace of mind.

Should I buy “a la carte” travel insurance or get a travel credit card with free insurance?

A credit card with travel insurance is always a good thing to carry in your wallet. The  best travel credit cards in Canada  usually cover everything from emergency medical costs to trip cancellation/interruption to flight delay to rental car insurance, which could save you a wad of cash.

The  Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card  has saved my butt a few times, and I’ve filed several travel-related claims through my card. I cancelled my trip to Portugal a few years ago due to a death in the family, and I got a full refund on my hotel deposit and flights for myself, my husband, and my baby. It totally justified the $120 annual fee.

That being said, don’t rely on your credit card to take care of all your travel insurance needs. It usually includes a basic policy, meaning it offers low (or no!) travel medical insurance as part of the package. Like any travel insurance company policy, you’ve really got to read the fine print and understand the conditions of your policy to avoid sticky situations.

For instance, the Scotiabank Gold American Express ® Card requires a cardholder to have charged at least 75% of trip expenses to make a trip cancellation/interruption insurance claim. So if you book an all-inclusive vacation for $5,000 and then cancel due to illness, at least $3,750 must have been charged onto your AMEX to qualify for a claim. If you didn’t do that, you’re out of luck.

Can I still purchase insurance if i’ve already started my vacation?

The short answer: most insurance providers won’t cover you after your departure date. However, a handful of insurers (such as World Nomads) will allow you to purchase a policy while already overseas. Just know that it can come with sky-high costs and/or conditions: World Nomads has a 48-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in. The bottom line? It’s always best to buy travel insurance before leaving the country.

Can I get travel insurance for part of a trip?

Some plans offer insurance coverage options that will allow you to customize your coverage, but you’ll have to research to find one that works for your unique circumstances. Alternatively, you could take out an insurance policy for each destination and/or segment of your trip.

For instance, you could get a World Nomads policy for the two weeks you’re scuba diving in Australia, followed by a basic Travel CUTS Bon Voyage insurance to cover a month-long trip to Europe. However, when you buy Canadian travel insurance, you must select a trip start and end date – meaning you must know the exact dates for travelling to those places.

Should I carry a printout of my policy with me at all times?

I recommend carrying the travel insurance card in your wallet and locking it up in the hotel safe with other important travel documents like my passport. But don’t rely totally on paper: Wallets get lost or stolen, luggage can be delayed or M.I.A., and papers are easy to misplace when you’re on the road. My advice is to send a copy of the policy to your email and save it on your iCloud or another storage system that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

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• The Best Travel Rewards Programs in Canada
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Lisa Jackson is a freelance personal finance and travel journalist, editor, and blogger who contributes to various online and print media outlets in Canada and abroad, including The Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Islands Magazine, Fodors, BRIDES, Huffington Post Canada, CAA Magazine, The Food Network, West Jet Magazine, NUVO Magazine, and many others. When she's not writing from her home office, she's busy globe-trotting to new destinations in search of her next story.

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Why buy travel insurance.

• If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason , travel insurance may reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Without insurance, you may lose your vacation investment.
• If you experience a covered medical emergency abroad , travel insurance can help ensure you get the care you need and reimburse you for covered medical costs. Without insurance, any medical expenses outside of Canada will be your responsibility.
• If you have a covered travel delay , travel insurance may reimburse you for necessary, eligible expenses like hotels and meals. Without insurance, delays may be expensive.
• If you face an unexpected crisis , travel insurance gives you access to 24/7 Assistance Worldwide. Without insurance, you’re on your own.

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We're all looking forward to traveling again, or some of you might already be traveling now for work. We all know how important it is to get travel insurance, and especially now that we've been through a pandemic. If you are leaving the country then getting extra protection is smart, and some countries even require you to have travel insurance before entering.

Booking your vacation probably took some preparation; you probably took a lot of time looking up great flights, reviewing the best hotels, restaurants, and experiences. And now you want to find the best travel insurance for your trip! The right travel insurance can protect you at every point during your holiday. We specialize in providing Canadians with a fast and easy online process.  We can help you find just the right fit for your situation through our multiple carriers, talk to a Surex Advisor today.

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Travel Insurance FAQs

Is getting travel insurance a good idea.

Travel insurance helps protect against the unexpected. A primary incentive to get travel insurance can be for emergency medical assistance. Without these benefits, you can easily spend over $5,000+ out-of-pocket for treatment and transportation expenses if something were to happen when you were out of the country.

Travel insurance can cover disruptions to your trip that may end up costing you a small fortune such as delayed flights, or an emergency trip home. You could lose the money you've already paid for the trip, and would have the added costs of paying for new bookings that having insurance could help with. It is even highly recommended if you go across the border for the weekend or even one day.

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance (typically) will not cover you if try to make a claim resulting from a sport or activity that isn't covered by your policy. This can apply to cover for injuries and illness (medical), as well as equipment loss/damage and any personal financial losses. Make sure you go over your policy especially if you plan on doing some excursions or other outdoor activities that you think the insurance coverage might be questionable on.

How do I choose travel insurance?

• Never buy from a travel agent, tour operator or airline speak to a licensed insurance advisor - like us! 
• Decide on the cover you need before shopping around and we can help you determine what you need.
• Be sensible about the excess.
• Check what is already covered by your home insurance policy or bank.
• Choose annual cover if you travel more than three times a year, as this is typically less expensive.

Do I need travel insurance when I travel within Canada, between provinces?

Yes, it is always recommended to get extra travel insurance. Provincial government health plans recommend additional travel insurance for out-of-province expenses they don't cover. You might be covered for some of the same services, but most likely not all of them . And, as a precaution, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Canadian provinces and territories have an agreement where the "host" province foots the bill for any necessary medical health care services and then gets reimbursed by the home province later - except in Quebec. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't get your own extra travel insurance, because depending on where you are, some services are simply not covered at all. Such services as: ambulance, hospital transfer, prescription drugs, transportation back to your home province and procedures not approved by your healthcare plan at home may not be covered. So, to be safe, it is recommended that you buy extra travel insurance even traveling within Canada because you just never know!

What factors can affect your travel insurance?

There are four important factors that can contribute to increasing your travel insurance premium. They include your age and health, the destination and length of your trip.

What does travel insurance typically cover?

Like home and auto insurance, every insurance policy is different and what's covered depends on the product and how much insurance you want to buy. Here is what medical services would typically be included:

• Emergency hospital and medical costs
• Ambulance and air ambulance costs
• Outpatient services
• Physician and laboratory costs
• Prescription drugs
• Direct payment to the hospitals, whenever possible
• Assistance with bringing a family member to your bedside
• Return of your vehicle if you are ill and have to come home

These additional benefits may be included, but its best to check with your provider first, otherwise, it could be extra and not included:

• Trip cancellation for non-refundable monetary losses
• Trip interruption/disruption
• Baggage loss, rental car damage, out-of-pocket expenses
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Car rental insurance

How much coverage do I need?

Everyone is different and each policy is too, which is why it's important to know what you have coverage for. This will help you to avoid large expenses such as hospitalization and medical treatments needed outside of Canada. Here are some things you can check to see if your coverage includes, or has provisions for:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation in case of death
• Adventurous and Extreme Activities: this is a tricky one as you may need to get more comprehensive coverage if you plan on taking part in high-risk activities while on your trip. Many policies don't cover "risky" activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, mountaineering or rodeo activities. It's best to check with your insurance provider if you plan to do any of these things.

So, it all depends on what you are traveling for and what you plan to do that would determine the amount of coverage you need. Talk to a Surex insurance advisor who can help you choose what is right for you and make you sleep easier at night knowing you are covered while away from home.

Where can I get travel insurance?

There are many different insurance providers and some are better for certain things, such as CAA being a good choice for families, or Blue Cross is good for seniors and retirees. You can generally go to your bank, CAA, Blue Cross or your credit card may offer travel insurance. Contact a Surex insurance advisor, we also offer travel insurance, so if you are already a client we can look into bundling it with your other services to save you more money.

You can buy travel insurance through your:

• travel agent
• insurance broker
• employer’s insurance provider
• credit card company

Is travel insurance on your credit card a good idea?

It's always a good idea to carry a credit card in your wallet for emergencies and most credit cards in Canada have some form of basic travel insurance coverage but it most likely won't be enough if anything were to happen. Different credit cards vary in what they cover, so you'd have to inquire about what they offer. It may only be for trip cancelation/disruption or lost luggage. That being said, it's best to get separate insurance for all your travel insurance needs (mostly coverage that includes medical because again, it's highly unlikely that your credit card has any sort of medical travel insurance coverage) and keep your credit card insurance as extra bonus. It's advised to not rely solely on your credit card to take care of all your travel insurance needs. Talk to a Surex dedicated insurance advisor who can get you the right coverage for your next trip!

Some credit cards, for example, only offer coverage when you pay for your trip on your card, or charge a certain percentage of trip expenses to the card for them to take action and consider a claim. Always read the fine print to be sure what you are getting before you leave on your trip.

How often should I check for travel advisories?

It is recommended that you check the trace advisories website at least twice - when you are planning your trip and just before you go. But, if you have booked a long way in advance, it is always good to check again in between for any changes! (for example, if you booked 12-months in advance check every few months as well). Your insurance company will not pay for any medical claims if the government has issued a travel advisory for your destination.

COVID-19 and travel insurance, what should I know?

If you have to travel abroad during the pandemic, it is best to check with your insurance provider to go over your coverage as many rules and regulations have changed to reflect the Covid-19 situation that we are facing right now. Things will continuously change and be edited, so make sure to stay current with the travel regulations on an ongoing basis while you travel during this time. Here are some items you can go over and check off your list:

• Make sure you are covered for Covid-19 related medical expenses (as well as other non-covid-19 emergency-related expenses.
• Trip interruptions
• Find out if you are covered for the entire length of the trip, that there are no limitations after departure (could have extended costs)
• Find out if you are covered for any quarantine costs if you happen to get infected with the virus while on your trip
• Find out if you are covered for extended stays outside of Canada - if something were to happen and you couldn't leave at your original date

*And always be aware at this unstable time that there are limited flights should you need to return to Canada for medical care.

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Do You Really Need Travel Insurance?

How do travel and medical travel insurance work, what factors affect travel insurance rates.

Like other types of insurance, rates will vary by provider and the type of coverage you need. Some factors that play a role in your travel insurance rate are:

• Where you are traveling to
• The kinds of activities you will be doing
• How many people are traveling with you
• How many past claims you have filed, if any
• Your desired coverage

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for Canada

Mandy Sleight

Alyce Meserve

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Heidi Gollub

Updated 5:04 a.m. UTC Jan. 25, 2024

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• Travel insurance can cover injuries or illnesses while you’re traveling in Canada, as your domestic health insurance may not travel with you across the border.
• The best travel insurance for Canada will also cover costs associated with trip cancellation, delay and interruption.
• If you plan to travel with high-value items like a laptop, smartphone or camera, ensure the travel insurance you buy has enough per-item coverage for lost, damaged or stolen belongings.

Many U.S. travelers flock to our northern neighbor to take in Canada’s cultural experiences and stunning remote landscapes. While travel insurance isn’t a requirement to enter Canada, it may be worth purchasing for the benefits, like medical insurance, trip cancellation and baggage coverage.

“Even if Canada doesn’t feel too far from the U.S., being out of the country can be stressful, and any unexpected costs that get in your way, from lost baggage to getting sick or injured, can make any mishaps even more upsetting,” said Daniel Durazo, spokesperson for Allianz Global Assistance. “With the right travel insurance policy, you can ease your mind from unexpected travel scenarios or outrageous out-of-pocket bills.” 

Here’s what you should consider when buying travel insurance for Canada.

Understanding travel insurance for Canada 

Understanding Canada travel insurance can make choosing a policy easier. Compare plans to see which policies meet your travel needs. For example, some plans have exclusions for adventure activities, such as rock climbing without equipment, but may offer an adventure sports bundle as an upgrade. 

There are also various limitations on medical coverages, trip delay, trip interruption and trip cancellation benefits that could make one policy better than another for your Canada trip.

It’s best to buy travel insurance soon after making your first trip deposit. This way you’re covered for a longer period, at no additional cost. 

“Travel insurance policies typically only cover unknown and unforeseen situations, from unexpected injuries or illness to flight cancellations and weather-related events,” said Durazo. “If you wait until you have a problem, you likely won’t be covered.”

Buying travel insurance coverage within 14 days of your first trip deposit ensures you get the most benefits. Depending on the plan, buying early could also make you eligible for a pre-existing condition waiver. This means the insurance provider won’t look back at your medical records if you file a claim for a medical condition you already had before buying the policy.

But if you have a trip coming up soon, don’t worry — you can buy a travel insurance policy up to 24 hours before your departure date.

Key coverage considerations for travel insurance in Canada 

The best travel insurance plans bundle together several types of insurance, from trip cancellation insurance to travel medical insurance. No matter what your plans are once you enter Canada, consider these key coverages when researching travel insurance to Canada. 

Trip cancellation insurance  

Sometimes, things happen that require you to cancel your trip. Maybe a family member was going to watch your kids while you’re gone, and they’re now too sick to take care of them. Or severe weather impacts the airline, grounding your flight for the days you planned to be in Canada.

Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse up to 100% of prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, like a flightseeing tour in the Yukon or a Johnston Canyon tour in Banff, if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Other reasons you might have to cancel include family emergency, job loss, severe injury or sickness, terrorism or military deployment. 

However, you can’t cancel for any reason — like a falling out with your travel companion — and get reimbursed, unless you upgrade your travel insurance plan to “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. Although CFAR can add around 50% to your travel insurance costs, the ability to cancel for any reason and receive up to 75% of your nonrefundable expenses can make the extra expense worth it. Just make sure you cancel at least 48 hours before your departure date and time to get this benefit.

Delays in your Canada trip  

If you’re headed to Canada during winter, severe weather could shut down the airport or cause flight delays. If you’re flying from Baltimore to Whistler with a connection in Chicago, but a winter storm causes delays in Baltimore, you might miss your connecting flight to Vancouver.

Most travel insurance plans will reimburse for meals and hotel accommodation expenses you incur from a travel delay. But to be eligible, the delay usually has to be at least six hours, with some policies requiring 12 consecutive hours before trip delay coverage kicks in. Seven Corners, for instance, will reimburse up to $250 per day per person to a maximum of $2,000 for a delay of at least six hours.

Trip insurance with delay benefits will also reimburse for prepaid expenses you miss out on because of a covered delay. So, if you miss out on your first two days at the ski lodge and can’t transfer or exchange prepaid snowboarding lessons, you can file a claim.

Tackling trip interruption  

The last thing you’d expect while taking in the Halifax, Nova Scotia sites is to have a family emergency back home. If you get a call that your mom fell down the stairs and is in the hospital with a broken leg, you’ll probably be ready to catch the next flight home to be with her.

Luckily, travel insurance includes trip interruption benefits, which can help you get there without a large out-of-pocket expense. Trip interruption coverage will pay for your one-way ticket back home and cover any prepaid accommodations and tours you’ll miss from having to shorten your trip.

Dealing with lost bags and belongings  

Travel insurance will also cover baggage loss and personal items that get damaged, stolen or lost while you’re traveling. So if you check your hiking poles and boots and they get damaged or lost during the flight, your travel insurance will reimburse you for the depreciated cost of those items.

You’ll also have coverage if someone steals your backpack while you’re sightseeing in Toronto. If you’re traveling with high-value items, make sure you have enough coverage. Many travel insurance plans have a $500 to $1,000 cap on certain items like cameras, watches and computers. Some policies also exclude coverage for smartphones.

Making plans for medical bills in Canada

Don’t be surprised if your health insurance provides little to no coverage in Canada or requires you to pay a large out-of-pocket deductible, said Carol Mueller, spokesperson for Berkshire Hathaway. Canada doesn’t accept Medicare from the U.S., and your health insurance won’t cover you unless you have global coverage. The Government of Canada will also not cover hospital and medical expenses for visitors, including American tourists.

Whether you’re planning to hit the slopes, go hiking or just take advantage of what the swanky resort you splurged on has to offer, you never know when you might fall ill or get hurt. This is where travel medical insurance can help. 

Allianz’s OneTrip Prime single-trip plan will pay up to $50,000 for your medical expenses, such as X-rays, prescriptions, doctor’s visits or a hospital stay. Other plans, such as as some in our rating of the best travel insurance for seniors cover up to $500,000.

Even if you’re up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, you might still want to consider a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-related medical treatment, like those in our rating of the best COVID-19 travel insurance .

Evacuation for serious medical issues   

Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is critical if you plan to travel to remote areas of Canada. The nearest trauma facility equipped to treat your medical emergency might be hundreds of miles away, requiring a medevac to get you there.

If you don’t have medical plan coverage, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical costs and private medical transportation. Travel insurance provides emergency medical evacuation coverage . 

The Allianz OneTrip Prime and Berkshire Hathaway’s ExactCare travel plans will cover up to $500,000 for emergency medical transportation and repatriation of remains. Travel Guard and Seven Corners plans will each provide up to $1 million. 

What is the cost of Canada travel insurance? 

There are several factors insurers use to determine the cost of a travel insurance policy , including age, trip cost, destination and length of the trip. In general, you can expect travel insurance to cost about 5% to 6% of your total trip cost.  

When calculating the trip expenses to insure, only include those that are nonrefundable. If your prepaid, nonrefundable flights, accommodations and tours total $5,000, you can expect to pay around $275 for travel insurance. You may pay more if you choose a plan with higher coverage limits and upgrades.

Companies use different criteria and weigh factors differently than other providers, so comparing travel insurance policy quotes can help you find the most comprehensive plan for the best price. You can use travel insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth to compare coverage limits and add-on coverage such as rental car, “cancel for any reason” and adventure sports. 

Key benefits of having travel insurance for your Canada trip  

Even though you’re not flying across an ocean, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a travel insurance plan. Some of the key benefits of having travel insurance for your Canada trip include:

• Not stressing or worrying about not having government health insurance plan coverage since you’re not a Canadian resident.
• Not losing out on your nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs if something unforeseen occurs and you have to cancel your trip or head home early.
• Knowing that if your trip is delayed or canceled, or you lose a bag or get something stolen, you have coverage to recoup at least some of your out-of-pocket costs.

The right travel plan can provide peace of mind, and many policies will pay for themselves if you need to make a claim for a covered reason.

Tips for choosing the best travel insurance provider for your Canada trip  

Comparing travel insurance companies can help you make the right choice when choosing a travel insurance product. Check customer reviews and complaints on websites like Trustpilot. Travel insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip can also help you identify the best travel insurance company and most generous policy.

Don’t be afraid to call an insurance company to ask them “what if?” questions to ensure you’re getting the right policy. “You should feel confident in the coverage you purchase and trust you will receive the level of claims service you deserve if you need to file a claim,” said Mueller.

You should always read the fine print to know your policy’s limitations and exclusions. This includes restrictions on trip delay, cancellation and interruption benefits, and understanding what you’ll need to file a claim for baggage damage, loss, or medical care. 

Tip: Most travel insurance companies offer a 10 to 15 free look period, which allows you to review the policy and cancel it for a full refund if you decide it’s not the best choice.

Other insurance considerations for Canada 

If you’re planning to participate in adventure activities, like dogsledding in the Yukon, kayaking the Johnstone Strait to see orcas or surfing and hiking in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, you want to make sure you’re covered. 

World Nomads Explorer travel insurance plan covers more than 200 adventure activities. You can also get extreme sports coverage, license fees and equipment delay coverage with Berkshire Hathaway’s AdrenalineCare travel plan. Travel Guard offers an Adventure Sports Bundle optional upgrade, which waives benefit exclusions for adventure and extreme activities.

We mentioned CFAR coverage above, but some policies also offer optional “interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage. It works like CFAR, allowing you to end your trip early for any reason, not just those listed in your policy. Seven Corners offers a CFAR and IFAR upgrade for up to 75% of nonrefundable trip costs as long as you purchase it within 20 days of your first trip payment.

Road trips are also a popular way to see Canada’s beauty. If you plan to rent a car, it may be worth getting rental vehicle coverage if your credit card doesn’t offer it. World Nomads will cover up to $35,000 in collision damage waiver, while Travel Guard’s rental vehicle damage coverage will pay up to $50,000 in damage to your rental vehicle. Note that this coverage does not include liability insurance , if you are at fault for an accident that results in injuries or damage to others’ property. Check with your car insurance company to make sure your U.S. auto insurance coverage extends to driving in Canada. 

Travel insurance for Canada FAQs

Travel insurance is not a requirement to travel to Canada. However, travel insurance will provide travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage, as well as benefits for lost or delayed baggage, trip delay, cancellation or interruption and sometimes missed connections. 

The average cost of travel insurance is around 5% to 6% of your travel costs to Canada. Your age, trip cost and other factors determine how much you’ll pay for travel insurance.

To find the best travel insurance for Canada, fill out a brief online form on an insurer’s website with your name, age, address and details about your trip, like the total cost and number of travelers. A travel insurance comparison site like Squaremouth allows you to fill out one application and get multiple quotes at the same time. 

The best travel insurance in Canada depends on where you’re going, what activities you’re doing and the types of coverage you need. After comparing dozens of providers, we found WorldTrips , Travel Insured and TravelSafe are among the best travel insurance companies .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Alyce Meserve is an experienced insurance, personal finance and travel writer. Alyce is a licensed insurance professional in life, health and property and casualty, and holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duke University.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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On This Page

• Key takeaways

Does US health insurance work in Canada?

Why should i get travel insurance for my trip to canada, our best travel insurance for visitors to canada, how much does travel insurance for canada cost, what types of travel insurance do i need for canada, what doesn’t travel insurance for a trip to canada cover, tips for choosing the best travel insurance for canada, canada entry requirements & travel information, canada travel insurance faqs, related topics.

Travel Insurance to Canada: Plans for US Visitors

• Despite having a robust public health system, there is no free health insurance in Canada for visitors, and most US health insurance will not work in Canada.
• You’ll have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment you receive while in Canada unless you have a travel insurance policy.
• Based on our research, our top picks for Canada travel insurance come from Tin Leg, Seven Corners, Generali Global Assistance, Travel Insured International, and IMG . ( skip ahead to view these insurance plans )
• To help you find the right travel insurance for your trip to Canada, try using an online comparison tool . This way you can get multiple quotes and compare your options easily in one place.

Our top picks for the best canada travel insurance

• Tin Leg: Best for High Medical Coverage
• Seven Corners: Best Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
• Generali Global Assistance: Best Basic Coverage
• Travel Insured International: Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage
• IMG: Best for Travelers Aged 80+

Our top picks for the best travel insurance for Canada

Seven Corners

Generali global assistance.

US government health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program will not pay for health care while in Canada . This includes treatment such as hospital visits and the supply of prescription drugs.

The only exceptions to these rules are where you require emergency medical treatment within the US and the closest hospital is across the Canadian border. Also, if you are passing through Canada between Alaska and a US state and a medical emergency arises.

When planning your visit to Canada, insurance may not be top of mind. However, an emergency can happen at any time, making travel insurance helpful in the following situations:

• Accidents: If you’re in a car accident, fall down the stairs at your hotel, or injure yourself while sightseeing, travel medical insurance will cover the cost of diagnosing and treating your injuries.
• Illnesses: Even if you’re healthy, there’s a chance you could come down with food poisoning, develop appendicitis, or display symptoms of another serious illness while you’re in Canada. If this happens, your American health insurance won’t foot the bill, nor will Canada’s publicly funded health care system. Travel insurance will cover your medical expenses, including X-rays, blood tests, CT scans, physical exams, and medications.
• Cancellations : No matter how much planning you do, there’s always a chance that you’ll have to cancel your trip due to an emergency. If you don’t have travel insurance, you may not be able to get any of your money back.
• Medical evacuation : If your travel plans include rural areas with limited access to health care services, you may need to be evacuated to another area. Travel insurance often includes coverage for medical evacuations.

Best for High Medical Coverage

Why we like it.

Editor's take

Tin Leg’s Gold policy is renowned for offering top-quality travel insurance at reasonable prices and at a competitive rate.

AM Best rates all of Tin Leg’s policies at A- or higher when it comes to their financial strength and Tin Leg’s Gold plan is no different. What makes this policy stand out is its great medical and evacuation coverage limits, all offered at an affordable price.

With both trip cancellation and interruption coverage offered for numerous instances, including COVID-19, you will covered should the worst happen while visiting Canada. The high coverage of $500,000 for emergency medical expenses and up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage both make the Tin Leg Gold policy a popular travel insurance choice.

Read our full review

• Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
• High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
• Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
• Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
• Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Best Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

This Trip Protection Choice plan from Seven Corners offers great all-around coverage at a competitive price. Although at the lower end of the price spectrum, Trip Protection Choice provides travelers to Canada with a reassuring $500,000 in primary medical coverage. To match this high level of coverage, this plan from Seven Corners also offers $1 million in medevac and repatriation coverage, which is some of the highest around.

Further popular additions include trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage, accidental death & dismemberment coverage, baggage damage and loss coverage, and a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Trip Protection Choice is a great choice for those with pre-existing conditions. The pre-existing conditions waiver stipulates you can be covered if:

• The policy payment & enrollment form is received within 20 days of the initial trip payments/deposits and within 15 days of payment for any subsequent travel arrangements added to your trip
• You or your traveling companion are medically able to travel and at the time your premium is paid based on the assessment of a physician.
• Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Money-back guarantee
• Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
• Covers action sports & equipment
• Cancel for any reason not included standard
• Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best Basic Coverage

Generali Global Assistance offers high coverage limits for medical expenses, emergency dental expenses, emergency medical evacuation coverage, and so much more for your visit to Canada. With an A rating from AM Best, it is no wonder that Generali Global Assistance is one of the more popular choices when it comes to travel insurance.

Generali Global Assistance’s Standard plan is fantastic for those who are looking for basic coverage at an affordable price. Offering both trip cancellation and interruption, this standard plan is perfect for countering those unforeseen circumstances.

Other Standard plan perks include $1,000 per person in baggage coverage, up to $50,000 in medical coverage, and $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

• Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• Telemedicine included
• Lower coverage than other Generali plans
• Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
• No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel

Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage

Travel insured international.

Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector offers superior coverage and is ideal for those looking to take a trip over the border to Canada. This plan covers 100% of the insured trip cost due to cancellation, 150% of the insured trip cost due to interruption, and $1,500 for trip delays.

A popular perk is the Worldwide Trip Protector $500 coverage for baggage delays after only 3 hours. When it comes to medical coverage, Worldwide Trip Protector provides $100,000 of secondary medical coverage and $1 million of evacuation coverage - ideal if the worst should happen in the Canadian wilderness.

• Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
• CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
• No rental car coverage

Best for Travelers Aged 80+

IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel LX Basic is a great plan for travelers of all ages and offers fantastic coverage for surprisingly low prices. For example, with this plan, you will be covered for up to $500,000 of primary emergency medical coverage - meaning you won’t be out of pocket and waiting for a reimbursement while traveling.

This plan also comes with travel cancellation, interruption, and travel delay coverage as well as $40,000 in rental car damage protection included. Protection for baggage delays and baggage loss also comes standard.

Elderly travelers to Canada will also see the appeal of the iTravelInsured Travel LX Basic’s ‘look-back period of 60 days’ This means it only considers pre-existing conditions as “an illness, disease, or other condition during the 60-day period immediately prior to the date your coverage begins.”

• 10-day money back guarantee
• Generous limits for trip delays, emergency evacuation, and more
• Coronavirus-related medical expenses covered
• Rental car coverage included
• Recently developed pre-existing conditions may not be covered
• CFAR and IFAR coverage only available as an add-on with premium plans

According to official sales data from Squaremouth , travel insurance for Canada averages at around $238.46.

Based on our official sales figures over the past year, our customers’ average travel insurance costs for Canada are £221.97.

Comprehensive travel Insurance for Canada costs around $8 to $10 per day. That said, you can usually find plans that cost as little as around $1 per day for the cheapest, most basic coverage .

To give you some examples of the travel insurance costs for Canada, we got price quotes from a few popular companies.

The table below shows quotes for basic travel insurance plans.

Cost Example Where Travel Insurance Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

While searching for a travel insurance plan, you may wish to have more comprehensive protection for your trip to Canada. To give you an idea of how much this costs, we compared quotes for plans that reimburse the full cost of a trip for the table below.

Cost Example Where Travel Insurance Plan Reimburses the Full Trip Cost

The above quotes were for a 35-year-old going on a 7-day trip to Canada in September 2024 that cost a total of $2,000. When searching for travel insurance, keep in mind that several factors impact how much you’ll pay.

Factors that influence the cost of travel insurance include:

• Your age: Even if you’re in good health, your risk of developing medical problems increases as you age. Insurance companies charge higher premiums for travel insurance for seniors to account for their increased risk.
• The cost of your trip: The more you spend on your trip, the more an insurance company is likely to owe you if you have to file a claim. Therefore, insurers charge more to cover expensive trips.
• The length of your trip: The longer you plan to travel, the more you can expect to pay for travel insurance.
• Your destination: Your insurance company may charge more for some destinations than others, increasing your cost of coverage.

Travel insurance plans are typically divided into two distinct categories:

Medical-based travel insurance

• Comprehensive travel insurance

What is included in your overall coverage depends on the type of policy you purchase.

The most basic level of travel insurance for Canada visits should be a policy that is medical-based. Medical insurance for Canada is often the cheapest level of insurance you can buy. Medical insurance will cover you should you experience any illness or accidents during your vacation.

As noted above, Medicare and other US private insurers won’t cover you while you are in Canada, so those without medical-based travel insurance will be left out of pocket should the worst happen. Therefore, when visiting Canada, health insurance should be at the top of your travel checklist.

Medical-based travel insurance policies usually cover two separate coverage limits for medical emergencies and emergency medical evacuations:

• Emergency medical insurance : At a minimum, we recommend getting a plan that provides health insurance for visitors to Canada. Travel medical insurance covers a wide range of health care expenses. For example, if you develop a health condition after eating contaminated food, travel medical insurance should cover the cost of blood tests, IV fluids, and other types of medical care.
• Medevac insurance: You may be used to having a hospital within just a few miles of your home. When you’re traveling, that’s not always the case, especially if you plan to spend time in a national park or hunt in the Canadian wilderness. Medical evacuation insurance , or medevac, pays to transport you to the nearest suitable medical facility if you develop a serious illness or injury during your trip.

Medical plans will not include far more in-depth travel insurance add-ons such as trip cancellations or trip cost reimbursement. If you require this additional coverage, you will need to purchase a more comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Comprehensive travel coverage

When selecting a travel insurance policy, you have the option of purchasing plans that reimburse you for non-refundable prepaid trip expenses and plans that don’t. You may want to be insured for things such as trip cancellations, trip interruptions, travel delays, and the loss of personal items. If this is the case, you will need to select an insurance policy that covers you for trip cost reimbursement.

Some medical-based plans may reimburse you for a canceled or interrupted trip if it is the result of a pre-covered illness or injury. However, your trip may be interrupted or canceled based on unforeseen events such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster. In this case, you will need to purchase a policy that covers cancellation and interruption coverage for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses to make a claim.

Further below , you will see a cost example that shows the difference in prices of medical-based plans versus comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

Optional Add-ons

Some travel insurance plans will also offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance . With this type of coverage, you can cancel your travel plans for any reason at all and still get back around 50% to 75% of your prepaid travel expenses. Including this will allow you far more flexibility should you change your Canadian vacation plans.

Generally speaking, most travel insurance policies exclude coverage for the following scenarios:

• Claims resulting from illegal activities
• Claims related to medical tourism
• Injuries resulting from intoxication from drugs or alcohol
• Cancellations due to fear COVID-19 (See COVID-19 travel plans)

Aside from the highly obvious reasons, some travel insurance providers will also include restrictions are the following situations :

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Unless you have a waiver, most travel insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions . To qualify for a waiver, you typically must purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 to 15 days of making your initial trip deposit.
• Adventure sports : Standard travel insurance plans won’t usually cover injuries associated with skiing, rock climbing, and other adventure activities you may do on your Canadian vacation. If you plan to do these types of activities, make sure to purchase coverage that includes these types of sports.
• Pregnancy-related care: Regular wellness care and normal delivery are not covered by travel insurance. However, emergency care that you require while traveling while pregnant may still be covered.
• Non-emergency medical care : Non-emergency procedures that can wait until you return home are not covered by travel insurance.

Before you purchase travel insurance for your trip to Canada, follow these tips to find the best plan :

Shop around and compare

Just because a plan has the highest premium doesn’t mean it offers the best coverage. Use the LA Times Comparison Tool to determine which company offers the most benefits at the lowest price.

Think about additional coverages you may need

Travel insurance doesn’t usually cover injuries associated with skiing, rock climbing, and other adventure activities. If you plan to do one of these activities, look for a plan that includes extra coverage.

Adjust your transportation plans

Travel insurance doesn’t cover trip delays unless you’re traveling via a common carrier. You may want to adjust your transportation plans to ensure that you’re eligible for this type of coverage.

Purchase a policy early

You may be able to get a better deal on travel insurance if you purchase a plan as soon as you make your initial trip deposit.

Buy coverage based on seasonal risks you face

The season in which you visit Canada can greatly influence the risks you face. Apart from this, some travel insurance plans may not cover certain sports or seasonal activities. It’s important to consider things like winter or summer sports and look for plans that offer adequate coverage. Below are some common examples of seasonal risks.

Hazards in Canada’s national parks

Canada is home to 38 national parks. These great expanses of wilderness are incredible places to explore and are populated with wildlife of all kinds. These parks offer great opportunities to hike, ski, climb, and camp. As we can see from the official Canadian National Park website , they are also volatile regions, susceptible to extreme weather fronts and close encounters with potentially dangerous animals.

Travel insurance for emergency medical evacuation, medical coverage, and adventure sports coverage are a must while exploring the vastness of the Canadian wilderness. However, not all plans automatically cover adventure activities, so it is important to compare plans before purchasing.

Wildfire season

Wildfire season in Canada typically runs from May through to October. In recent years, particularly in the west of the country, Canada has begun to experience far more extreme and prolonged wildfires. While predicting the movement of wildfires and their effects can be difficult, downloading local alert apps and keeping yourself updated via government websites all help avoid any disastrous situations.

Ensure your travel insurance policy has high-quality emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance. This will allow you to be far more prepared and flexible should wildfires affect your vacation plans.

Winter weather

Canada’s winter weather can be some of the most extreme in all of North America and the beginning of 2024 brought one of the worst snow storms of recent years . Having high-quality emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance will ensure you are covered should your trip be hit by heavy snow storms and adverse weather conditions.

Winter sports

Canada is famous the world over for its winter sports. Numerous tourists come to Canada every year to experience the thrill of skiing, snowboarding, and riding snowmobiles on its many trails. As highlighted in Canada’s official government website on the issue, you should take extreme caution by avoiding closed trails and keeping up-to-date with local weather reports, especially where there is a risk of avalanches and winter storms.

Similarly to those exploring Canada’s grand national parks, it’s advisable to ensure your policy offers adventure sports coverage and emergency medical evacuation coverage, should the worst happen during your trip.

The table below provides an overview of entry requirements and travel information for your trip to Canada from the United States, according to the US Department of State .

Do I need a passport to visit Canada?

Yes. Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , all U.S. citizens must present a valid passport when crossing the US-Canada border.

Do I need to be vaccinated to go to Canada?

No. Canada travel restrictions don’t include any vaccine-related requirements for American citizens .

Do Americans need travel insurance in Canada?

You may not have to use your travel insurance in Canada, but, it’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t be financially covered for medical expenses if you require emergency care.

That means that the Canadian government will charge you for any treatment received and you could be left out of pocket should anything unexpected happen. This is also the case even if the services or medications provided would normally be covered in the United States.

Do I need travel insurance to visit Canada?

You are not legally required to buy travel insurance to visit Canada, but it should be a top priority. You should always purchase travel insurance before you travel outside the United States. This type of insurance reimburses you for expenses associated with trip cancellation, trip delays, and other travel issues, limiting your losses.

Can I use my US health insurance in Canada?

No. Both private and government-sponsored health insurance plans only cover expenses incurred in the United States.

Do I need travel health insurance for Canada?

It’s a good idea to purchase travel medical insurance before you go abroad. This type of insurance covers emergency transportation, physical exams, diagnostic tests, medications, surgical procedures, and other health expenses. Most travel insurance plans will also include coverage for COVID-19 as standard.

Can Americans travel to Canada without a COVID-19 test?

No. Canada no longer requires tourists from the United States to take a COVID-19 test or quarantine before entering the country.

What happens if I get sick in Canada?

If you get sick in Canada and don’t have travel medical insurance, you will have to pay for your own hospital or medical services. This is why it’s so important to purchase travel insurance with medical coverage before you embark on your trip.

Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.

With more than a dozen years of writing experience, Sarah has tackled niches that range from technical advances in fintech to personal budgeting challenges. She has covered topics such as insurance and the economics of private healthcare, small business management and accounting, and credit and savings. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful and relevant resources for readers.

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Travel Insurance For Canada: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Updated: Apr 30, 2024, 1:13pm

Table of Contents

Do you need travel insurance for canada, what type of travel insurance do you need, what does travel insurance for canada cover, what does travel insurance exclude, best travel insurance for canada, frequently asked questions (faqs).

From hiking trails in Ontario to traversing the slopes of the famous ski resort town of Whistler, there is no shortage of places to visit in Canada.

The vast North American country is a popular destination for travel-loving Aussies. In addition to a growing share of business travelers, more than 350,000 Australian tourists typically visit Canada each year.

While visitor numbers faded during the Covid-19 pandemic, the multitude of Australians heading to the Great White North has picked up in the last two years, particularly to experience the country’s stunning landscape.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t compulsory, but it’s highly recommended to cover for any lost or stolen baggage, the possibility of your trip getting cancelled due to an emergency, illness such as Covid-19 or bereavement, and to cover medical expenses.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website recommends that travellers purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip.

As in any foreign country, medical care in Canada can be expensive for visitors, with a visit to a doctor potentially setting you back by hundreds of dollars.

The Australian government won’t cover these costs, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Canada, so you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare either.

In addition, given the large geography of the country covering a variety of destinations from beaches to mountains to national parks, it is wise to hold insurance cover for a multitude of events and a variety of potential risks including natural disasters, crime or other types of emergencies.

International travel cover for Canada is generally available in the following ways:

Basic travel insurance

This type of policy is broadly focused on cover for unlimited overseas emergency medical expenses, but also includes insurance for luggage, personal liability and other essential benefits. It is usually the cheapest option available and is suitable for those traveling on a budget or for single trips.

Comprehensive travel insurance

This type of insurance typically includes higher amounts of cover for the essentials benefits such as medical expenses, luggage, personal liability, and so on. In addition, it includes cover for travel delays, rental vehicle excess, loss of passports and credit cards, hijacking, disability, accidental death, and more, depending on your policy.

Some insurers offer variations of the comprehensive policy that are suitable for multiple trips within a 12-month period.

Optional add-on policies

Given the growing number of Australians heading to Canada for cruises, road trips or to the ski slopes, some insurers have come up with add-on policies specifically tailored for a variety of adventure sports and transport options available. These include cruise packs, winter sports packs and even higher cover for rental vehicles.

Related: How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Most international travel insurance policies will cover medical and hospital expenses, ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, as well as personal liability if you injure someone, or damage property while you’re in the country.

Policies will also cover, within limits, lost or delayed luggage and possessions, the costs of trip delays, interruptions or cancellations, and lost or stolen travel documents.

Comprehensive policies usually offer a broader cover to include personal accident cover in case of an injury during your trip that leads to permanent disability or death, and insurance excess payment if your rental car meets with an accident.

If you are planning to take advantage of Canada’s vast offering of adventure sports and activities, make sure these are covered by your policy—or that there is an option to add it on.

Most comprehensive policies will include popular sporting and leisure activities such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and so on. However, more extreme activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, snow skiing or snowboarding will generally require an additional adventure sports cover at extra cost.

Most travel insurance policies to Canada will not provide cover in the following cases:

• Illegal activities: Insurers will reject any claims arising if you knowingly act illegally or dangerously.
• If you are under the influence: Insurance cover is specifically void if you cause a disturbance through drunken behaviour or under the influence of drugs.
• Unattended luggage: Insurers will ignore any claim for loss if your luggage is stolen while it was left unattended in public.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Insurers can avoid claims for any major medical conditions, if they have not been made aware of these before taking out a policy.
• Extreme sports: International travel insurance policies generally don’t provide automatic coverage for things like extreme sports, snowboarding or surfing. An optional add-on cover is required for these activities.

Most travel insurers in Australia offer insurance policies for travel to Canada. What policy suits you best will depend on your requirements including duration, age, and the type of cover.

It will also be determined by your specific needs, such as whether you are taking part in snow sports or other adventure activities.

An easy way to compare travel insurance policies is to use an online comparison tool, or read through our leading picks of travel insurance policies for Australians . However, always consider whether or not they include the extras you will require for your trip, and any pre-existing medical conditions you would require cover for.

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Do I need travel insurance to travel to Canada?

Travel insurance for Canada isn’t mandatory, but is highly recommended.

The Australian Government urges travellers to purchase travel insurance before any overseas trip, especially for medical cover.

Medical costs can be extremely expensive in a foreign country, especially if you have to visit a doctor, dentist or hospital in an emergency, so travel insurance is very handy.

Does my visa card have travel insurance?

Not every credit card comes with travel insurance. Complimentary travel insurance is typically offered on premium credit or rewards cards that have higher annual fees. In addition, this may not cover all circumstances or emergencies. By comparison, a travel insurance policy will offer more comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses.

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Ask the Expert: What you need to know about travel insurance before you go on a trip

Canadians looking to ditch the cold this winter for a sunny destination may want to be prepared in case something goes awry.

While most of the travel issues from the pandemic aftermath are mostly resolved, the industry is still working out the kinks and travel insurance can provide protection in case things don’t go as planned, according to Matt Hands, vice-president of insurance at Ratehub.ca.

“The travel industry is still in a state of flux. It's in a much better position today than it was a year ago, but flight delays will happen,” Hands said in a recent interview with Yahoo Finance Canada.

“There’s a lot of baggage loss that happens. So having that peace of mind in coverage, which isn't quite expensive to add on to a policy – the most expensive part is obviously travel medical — is just something to give peace of mind in case something goes wrong.”

Despite this peace of mind, not everyone buys a travel insurance package before their trip. A 2022 survey from insurance software firm Ancileo found about 68 per cent of Canadians planned to buy travel insurance, while Baby Boomers (73 per cent) were most likely to purchase travel insurance.

Still, there are some tricks to travel insurance that can ensure you’re covered in case your dream trip doesn’t go as smoothly as you envisioned. Yahoo Finance Canada spoke to Hands and Suzanne Morrow, senior vice-president at InsureMyTrip.ca, to discuss all things travel insurance.

What kind of travel insurance plan do I need?

Both experts say a base travel insurance package is appropriate for a short road trip or weekend getaway in the U.S., but anything longer or further may need a more comprehensive plan.

“If you're doing any sort of risky activity, maybe you're going skiing overseas, or maybe you’re going paragliding … this is where it gets a little bit more complex,” Hands said. “You'll want to have a specific type of policy that covers more risky activities and medical coverage because standard policies won't do that.”

Additionally, pre-existing health conditions, the cost of the trip, the modes of transportation you will be using and your destination are things to consider before choosing the level of coverage you may need.

Morrow says any trip with a non-refundable portion that has already been paid is a candidate for insurance as a means to protect against cancellation or interruptions.

“If they're planning a trip and they've put money on the line, they may want to have coverage should something happen to cancel their trip,” she said

Read the fine print and check your credit card insurance

Many Canadians will have some level of travel insurance coverage through either their credit card plan or employer, but it’s important to check exactly what level of coverage these plans provide.

“With credit card (travel insurance), anything you want coverage for has to be purchased through your credit card, which makes sense,” Morrow said.

“If it's limited coverage for things that you're concerned about, you may want to look into buying something in the retail market.”

Morrow adds that many employers only offer emergency medical insurance through company benefits, meaning travellers will likely need to look elsewhere for trip cancellation insurance.

“Know what you have so that you can plan for what you may need to buy,” she said.

“The biggest mistake that we hear about is people assume that they are covered. They don't check, they don't verify, they just assume they're good.”

What snowbirds need to know

Snowbirds, or older Canadians who spend their winters in a warmer climate, should consider their own type of insurance package, Hands says. These packages offer multi-trip coverage over an extended stay and include robust coverage for medical expenses, he adds.

“They're all-inclusive, they include a lot of travel medical coverage, because they're designed with an older clientele in mind, so they're expecting them to need potentially hospital treatment, medical supplies, ambulance services, or physician services, or even as much as emergency dental work, or emergency return to Canada,” Hands said.

According to Statistics Canada , as many as 375,000 Canadians spend at least part of their winter in the U.S. or Mexico. The number of snowbirds may soon rise as well, as Canada’s population ages and U.S. officials consider loosening restrictions on snowbird travel.

Hands says snowbirds considering spending more than a month away from home should tell their home insurance provider about their travel plans.

“If you were to leave, and you had nobody checking on your house, or you didn't do the proper precautions in terms of pipes freezing someone and something happens, they can easily reject your claim,” he said.

Ben Cousins is a freelance journalist based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter @cousins_ben .

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Five affordable Canadian places worth exploring this summer

With the cost of travel skyrocketing over the past few years because of inflation, more people are choosing to vacation closer to home. But even travelling domestically can still be expensive in Canada, where a return ticket across the country can cost $600 to $800, not to mention springing for a rental car when you land.

If you’re willing to skip the flight and drive your own vehicle, some cities and regions are cheaper than others. The five destinations below are rich in experiences that don’t require spending a fortune.

For an outdoors adventure: Charlevoix, Que.

Glamping has taken off with domes and yurts in Charlevoix, Que. Supplied

Glamping – camping with luxury accommodations and facilities – has taken off with domes and yurts in this region, an hour’s drive from Quebec City.

A five-kilometre-wide meteorite crashed here 400 million years ago, forming rolling mountains in a landscape that also includes fjords and numerous bays. Today, you can hike, bike, swim and kayak at popular spots such as Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and Parc national des Grands-Jardins. (Make your way to the Observatoire de l’Astroblème de Charlevoix to learn about the region’s history.)

To keep your energy up, indulge in local delicacies directly from farmers, cheesemongers, distillers and more on the Flavour Trail , a self-guided tour. Or explore artisan shops and boulangeries as you take in 360-degree landscapes at L’Isle-aux-Coudres, a 23-kilometre island in the Charlevoix basin that can only be reached by a free ferry.

How to stay within budget: Domaine à ciel ouvert (DACO) offers cabins starting at $130 a night, but you can also tent camp for as little as $40. Some travellers will splurge for one or two nights on luxury accommodations while camping for the rest of their time to keep costs down. Cooking your own meals with food from regional producers can save you a fair amount too.

For the culture: Surrey, B.C.

Surrey was the only Canadian destination recently featured in Food & Wine magazine as one of the next great food cities in the world. Supplied

Don’t sleep on Vancouver’s suburban neighbour. British Columbia’s second-largest city by population offers the perfect mix of urban and nature, with incredible culinary experiences: It was the only Canadian destination recently featured in Food & Wine magazine as one of the next great food cities in the world. Start your flavourful journey by checking out Surrey’s Spice Trail , which highlights foods available at restaurants and grocery stores from Colombia, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Nepal, West Africa, Mexico and more.

For even more of an up-close look at the local community, head to the Clayton Market , a biweekly pop-up (May to October), or take a fun and educational train ride on a restored heritage car with the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Adventure ($28.83 with taxes). If you time your visit right you can also catch some summer festivals like the free Fusion Festival, which celebrates cultures from around the world.

How to stay within budget: Many hotels in Surrey, such as Best Western, Ramada and Comfort Inn & Suites, cost $200 or less a night and offer free breakfast and a kitchenette. Short-term rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo can be even cheaper. Sticking to free attractions such as the Museum of Surrey, the Historic Stewart Farm and the Surrey Nature Centre will ensure you keep costs down.

For fun with fewer crowds: Edmonton

Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton. Supplied

This must-go destination in Alberta offers a city trip with lower costs.

A good starting point is Fort Edmonton Park , which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. There, live actors and recreated historical buildings allow visitors to immerse themselves in history, from First Nations to fur trading . The Alberta Legislature, a stunning example of beaux arts architecture that sits on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River, offers free guided tours if you register in advance. The Art Gallery of Alberta is always free for those under the age of 18, or for all visitors from 4 to 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month. And the University of Alberta Observatory has free viewings on Thursdays.

Festivals are serious business in the city and most are free to attend. For fire-eaters, magicians, musicians and more, head to the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival , which runs July 5 to 14. Many of the performances are interactive and great for kids. From Aug. 15 to 25, the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival puts on more than 200 shows at dozens of locations.

How to stay within budget: Edmonton has some great hotels that cost around $200 a night. Downtown, try the Matrix Hotel; in the historic district of Old Strathcona, the Metterra Hotel is a hidden gem. The city has great public transportation, so you don’t need a car. That said, you can rent electric scooters for two hours for $35. This is a great way to get the lay of the land quickly and dip down into the River Valley.

For wine and waves: Annapolis Valley, N.S.

Fort Anne National Historic Site in the town of Annapolis, N.S. Wally Hayes/Supplied

About an hour north of Halifax, this region is famous for its tides, wine industry, whale watching and seafood.

On your way to Annapolis Valley, first make a stop at Burntcoat Head Park : Arrive during low tide to walk the ocean floor. Then, if you stick around for a few hours (pass the time with a picnic, walking trails or interactive exhibits) you’ll be able to watch 40 to 50 feet of water – the highest tides in the world – roll in. Another option: Cape Split, ideal for a worthwhile hike with epic coastline views.

Throughout the region you’ll find historic sites that shouldn’t be missed. The Fort Anne National Historic Site was once a centre of European colonization and an important gathering place for the Mi’kmaq people. For a recreation of early colonial settlements, head across the bay to the Port Royal National Historic Site . The Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum is also worth a stop to see a collection of more than 150 antique clocks and watches, some dating back to the late 17th century.

Wine drinkers will be spoiled for choice with more than a dozen vineyards in the valley. Many wineries, including Luckett, Grand Pré, Benjamin Bridge and Planters Ridge, offer tastings from $12 to $40 in picturesque surroundings.

How to stay within budget: Stay at a vacation home or bed and breakfast. In downtown Kentville , you’ll find the Yellow House on the Hill , which has rooms starting at $115 a night. The town is small, diverse and energetic, making it an ideal place to stay and meet locals. While there, check out the Kings County Museum and Tides Contemporary Art Gallery; both have free entry.

For walkable history: Kingston

Guards at Fort Henry, Kingston. Dwayne Brown Studio/Supplied

Though it often flies under the radar for travellers, this city is for people of all ages – with historic sites, dozens of museums and memorable shopping experiences.

A stroll through the Princess Street Promenade and Springer Market Square will give you a quick feel for what the historic downtown is all about: small artisan shops, quaint vibes and community events. Visiting during one of the Doors Open Kingston & Area events (July 20, Aug. 24 and Sept. 28) can be well worth your while for a behind-the-scenes look at Kingston City Hall, Babcock Mill, the Perth Museum and several other sites. The city’s arts and culture scene is surprisingly vast, and visitors can learn about it through self-guided tours that explore film, literary and musical landmarks, including ones connected to the Tragically Hip.

How to stay within budget: Kingston is easily accessible by Via Rail from Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal. Once there, the city is easy to get around by foot, bus or the Kingston Trolley. The latter is part of the K-Pass ($109 to $159), which is a great way to reduce costs. It includes admission to some of the top attractions, such as Fort Henry, the Great Lakes Marine Museum, 1,000 Islands cruises and the Kingston Penitentiary. For more savings, Visit Kingston offers various getaway packages that feature accommodations, entertainment, spa treatments and meals.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated The Heritage Train is free, and that the price of a ticket to FVDED In The Park festival is $29.99. This version has been updated and the mention of FVDED has been removed. This article has been updated to correct the location of Burntcoat Head Park. It is outside the Annapolis Valley.

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