Travel Insurance for Visitors to Canada | Ratehub.ca (2024)

Canada is a fun and safe place to visit, but every trip needs coverage. In just a few minutes, get a Canadian travel insurance quote from anywhere in the world.

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What is travel insurance for visitors to Canada

Ratehub StaffNovember 21, 2023

If you’re visiting Canada on business or pleasure and no matter your length of stay, having the right travel insurance as a visitor to Canada is important. A travel medical insurance for visitors to Canada policy covers expenses related to emergency medical treatment, ambulance, and hospitalization in the event of injury or illness.

It's important to note that visitors to Canada are responsible for covering the cost of their own medical care, so having travel insurance coverage for visitors to Canada is especially recommended if you’ll be partaking in any outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, playing sports, hiking or camping.

Many travel insurance plans are also designed to meet the Government of Canada's requirements for super visas and the International Experience Canada program.

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How visitors to Canada travel insurance coverage works

Ideally, you should buy visitors travel insurance as soon as your visa, work or vacation travel plans are in place. Plus, to ensure there aren’t any gaps in your health insurance coverage, aim to have your policy in place before you leave for Canada. Some travel-focused insurance companies like World Nomad also offer the option to buy coverage while abroad, giving you the ability to access coverage from anywhere in the world, but there is a waiting period of up to 36 hours for benefits to kick in.

Canada is well known for its natural beauty and the opportunity to visit 38 national parks and more than 1,000 provincial and territorial parks. If you’re visiting Canada to enjoy outdoor activities, having coverage for emergency medical care is especially important. Along with coverage for emergency medical costs, World Nomad offers speciality coverage for more than 150 adventure activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and camping and trekking—a good idea if you’re camping by Lake Louise in Banff National Park or hitting the slopes of Whistler or Mont-Tremblant.

Travel insurance is also available for anyone working in Canada on a seasonal or temporary basis in jobs that don’t offer benefits. For example, World Nomad insurance also offers coverage for visitors to Canada working in childcare, farm work, fruit picking, teaching, hospitality, restaurants, office and administration, and ski and snowboarding instruction. Landed immigrants must wait three months after arrival before provincial health benefits kick in, and visitors insurance is also available so you’re covered during that period.

As with all types of insurance, premiums will depend on your age and any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as the total coverage and deductible amount.

How to get cheap travel insurance for visitors to Canada.

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Common questions about travel insurance for visitors to Canada

Why should I compare travel insurance quotes for visitors to Canada?

Comparing any type of insurance is always recommended. It's one of the best ways to uncover your cheapest travel insurance rate as a visitor to Canada. No two insurance companies will offer identical policies and rates.

In fact, some insurance companies are more equipped to handle your coverage needs than others, which is why it is so important to shop the market to not only find your best travel insurance rate, but also to ensure you have the proper amount of coverage to fit your travel needs.

Do I need travel insurance for visitors to Canada?

Travel insurance is never mandatory, but it is highly recommend especially if your staying at your destination for an extended period of time.

The cost for any medical expenses can be significant and having a travel policy as a visitor to Canada would cover you for any unfortunate injury, accident or ailment during your stay.

Plus, if your flying you can include more coverage options within your policy like:

  • Baggage loss/damaged or delayed insurance

Do visitors to Canada need health insurance?

Health insurance for visitors to Canada is only mandatory if you’re applying for a visa. For example, if you’re applying for a super visa, proof of valid health insurance from a Canadian company is required when you submit your application.

Travel insurance, on the other hand, isn't required but is recommended for anyone travelling outside their home country, especially if you’re a senior citizen, student or international worker, or will be travelling in Canada for long periods of time.

What is the best travel insurance for visitors to Canada?

It’s best to buy travel insurance from a Canadian company because they work with hospitals, clinics and dental offices to process your claim faster and may offer direct billing. Several major Canadian banks and insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, TD and RBC offer insurance coverage for visitors to Canada. Most policies range from $50,000 to $200,000 in coverage, and cover costs related to doctors' fees, hospital stays, prescription drugs, emergency dental care, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. Exact coverage, exclusions and limitations will vary by company and policy.

How much does a doctor's visit cost in Canada?

It varies by province and territory, but even just seeing a doctor at a walk-in clinic is going to cost around $100-$250 for non-residents, on top of any prescription medication and additional treatment. An ambulance ride can cost anywhere between $240 in Ontario and $1,099 in Nova Scotia. The national average cost of a hospital stay in Canada is $6,137, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, with intensive care costing even more. These numbers are approximates, but all things considered, the cost of travel insurance is considerably cheaper.

Do tourists get free health care in Canada?

No. Anyone who visits Canada for business or pleasure is responsible for the cost of their own medical care, according to the Government of Canada. And technically, health care isn’t “free.” Canada’s health care system is publicly funded by taxes, so while it’s true that citizens don’t pay many upfront costs when seeking treatment, it’s paid for by taxpayers. Health care costs in Canada may not be as high as in the United States, but it can still be expensive for anyone who isn’t a resident.

Does my health insurance cover me in Canada?

It varies by province and territory, but even just seeing a doctor at a walk-in clinic is going to cost around $100-$250 for non-residents, on top of any prescription medication and additional treatment. An ambulance ride can cost anywhere between $240 in Ontario and $1,099 in Nova Scotia. The national average cost of a hospital stay in Canada is $6,137, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, with intensive care costing even more. These numbers are approximates, but all things considered, the cost of travel insurance is considerably cheaper.

Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance

With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio

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Travel Insurance for Visitors to Canada | Ratehub.ca (2024)

FAQs

What travel insurance do you need for Canada? ›

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.

Does my US health insurance cover me in Canada? ›

However, U.S. government health insurance plans do not pay for hospital costs, medical expenses or prescription drugs for visitors to Canada. But if you have private insurance, you can check with your provider to see if you have coverage while abroad.

Should I get travel insurance to go to Canada? ›

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.

What insurance do I need to enter Canada? ›

Visitors traveling to Canada and to any country outside of their home country should have visitors health insurance. Most domestic policies will only cover you in your home country and have little to no coverage once you are traveling abroad. To learn more, visit Visitors Insurance and you can request a quote.

How much does travel insurance for Canada cost? ›

The cost of travel insurance Canada is around 5% of the trip cost , even for a cruise and easily provides value worth more than its cost.

Why is travel insurance to Canada so expensive? ›

Unlike India and other European countries, the countries such as the US and Canada do not have a nationally regulated medical body. They do not have a government hospital in each city. Thus, private hospitalisation, consultation, and care procedures in US and Canada are costly.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Canada? ›

If during your visit to Canada you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won't pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don't have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.

What do US citizens need to travel to Canada? ›

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Does Canada accept US Medicare? ›

Although Medicare does not directly provide benefits to Americans in Canada, there are a few exceptions based on situational challenges. Most commonly, Medicare may cover healthcare costs in Canada for recipients who experience a medical emergency that necessitates care in Canada.

Is Allianz good travel insurance? ›

Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.

What can I not bring into Canada? ›

Restricted/prohibited goods

Firearms and weapons: You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada. Food, plants, animals and related products: All food, plants, animals, and related products must be declared. Food can carry disease, such as E. coli.

How much should travel insurance cost? ›

The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles.

Is travel insurance the same as health insurance Canada? ›

While it's not technically health insurance, most travel insurance offers some coverage for medical emergencies. This cannot be used for routine care or any medical treatment related to a pre-existing condition.

Do I need international coverage for Canada? ›

There are a few places very close to the border where you will be able to pick up American cell phone towers but beware as you will be bounced from tower to tower in this area. For the most part you will need to contact your service provider and add an international plan on for the length of your stay.

What is proof of health insurance in Canada? ›

You will receive a health card as proof of your coverage. Each person receives their own health card. You must show your health card each time you get medical care. While waiting to be approved for government health insurance, it is a good idea to get private medical insurance so you are covered for any medical needs.

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