Canada Travel Insurance Requirements
Last updated: 04/18/2025
Key Takeaways
- Our analysis shows that Travel Insured International, Tin Leg, and IMG offer the best travel insurance for Canada.
- Canada is known for its vast wilderness, making emergency Medical Evacuation essential for travelers who wish to explore this area.
- Outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing are popular, and many plans require adventure sports coverage to insure them.
- U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, is generally not accepted in Canada, which means travelers should consider a travel medical plan with at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.
- Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to compare plans and prices from over 20 providers, or speak to an advisor toll-free at 800-240-0369.
Our Top Recommended Canada Travel Insurance Plans
- Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX because it offers strong all-around coverage with customizable medical benefits, meeting our recommendations for cruises.
- Tin Leg – Gold because it offers high medical limits, cancellation coverage, and protection for 250+ activities, which is ideal for cruisers and water and winter sports.
- IMG – iTravelInsured Choice because it meets our recommendations for cruisers because it offers extensive medical coverage for international travel and the option for Non-Medical Evacuation.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Canada?
Travel insurance is not required to enter Canada in 2025, but it’s strongly recommended, especially for U.S. travelers.
Think about it: if you’re planning to explore remote areas like the Canadian Rockies or Yukon, hit the slopes at resorts like Whistler or Banff, or go on any other adventure trip, you run the risk of injury and expensive treatments.
While the Canadian healthcare system is public and highly rated, it does not provide free care to tourists, and out-of-pocket costs for foreign visitors could dampen your vacation experience.
Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Canada
Medical Emergencies in Remote or Rural Areas
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and it features numerous must-see destinations far from hospitals or urgent care facilities.
✅ Travel medical insurance covers injuries or illnesses incurred while hiking, skiing, or road-tripping through remote areas. Medical Evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars in cases where air transport is necessary.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Some insurance companies may deem popular activities, such as skiing in British Columbia, hiking through Alberta, or kayaking in Ontario, too hazardous and expensive to cover. So read the fine print and choose the right policy with your activity listed.
✅ Select a plan with Sports & Activities coverage to explore Canada’s outdoors outdoors.
Road Trip Accidents or Weather Delays
Road-tripping is one of the best ways to explore Canada, but long distances, wildlife crossings, icy roads, and snowstorms increase the risk of travel disruptions.
✅ Travel insurance can cover costs related to accidents, delays, or needing to cancel hotel bookings.
Cold Weather Risks and Winter Sports
Canada is a prime destination for winter sports. Slips falls, and hypothermia-related injuries are common among tourists not accustomed to cold weather.
✅ Emergency Medical and Evacuation coverage can be crucial, especially for travelers without international health insurance.
COVID, Illness, or Trip Disruptions
Illnesses happen,, and weather can cause all kinds of disruptions, but under most plans, these are covered reasons valid for reimbursement or protection if they need trip delays or cancellations
✅ Look for policies that include Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption protection to get reimbursed for prepaid expenses.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Canada
Best Overall Travel Insurance
Travel Insured International
- Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Great for add-ons and coverage upgrades
Best Luxury Travel Insurance
Tin Leg
- Recommended Plan: Gold
- Emergency Medical: $500,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Covers a wide-range of adventure sports & activities
Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
IMG
- Recommended Plan: iTravelInsured Choice
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Reliable coverage for pre-existing conditions
How Much Does Canada Travel Insurance Cost?
According to internal data from Squaremouth travelers over the last year, comprehensive travel insurance to Canada will average $27.52 per day, which is typical for most destinations. For context, these plans and daily rates were based on a policy of $330.14 for a 12-day trip to Canada and approximately $4,684.73 in trip costs. That said, a Medical-only plan that excludes cancellation benefits averages $5.24 daily.
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Canada?
Whether you’re road-tripping through Banff, skiing in Whistler, or exploring the vibrant city life of Toronto or Vancouver, we recommend purchasing travel medical insurance at a minimum when visiting Canada. However, a comprehensive travel insurance policy is your safest bet for the best protection—mainly if your plans include outdoor adventures or winter sports.
Here are the main benefits you should look out for when buying travel insurance for Canada:
Travel medical coverage
Canada has an excellent healthcare system, but it does not offer free medical care to foreign travelers. If you get injured hiking in Jasper or catch the flu during a city stay, you must pay out-of-pocket unless you have travel medical insurance.
✅ A travel medical policy can cover hospital visits, prescriptions, and emergency treatment. We recommend at least $100,000 in medical coverage, especially if you’re venturing outside major metro areas.
Medical evacuation coverage
Many of Canada’s most iconic destinations—like the Rocky Mountains, Yukon, or the Cabot Trail—are far from hospitals. In case of a serious injury, an air ambulance or medevac may be required.
✅ Look for a plan with at least $250,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage, especially if you’re exploring national parks or backcountry trails.
Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance
Several things could derail your Canadian vacation, from winter storms to unexpected illnesses. If you’ve prepaid for train tickets, lodges, ski passes, or city tours, travel insurance protects your investment.
✅ Many comprehensive plans reimburse 100% of your trip costs if you cancel before departure and up to 150% if you’re forced to come home early.
Insurance for baggage and personal items
Whether flying into Montreal or road-tripping from the U.S., there’s always a risk of lost or delayed luggage. This means you could be without your electronics or your warmest coat, and such travel essentials can be expensive to replace.
✅ Baggage protection can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or delayed items and help replace essentials like medications or winter clothing.
Sports and activities coverage
Canada is an adventure – think skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, canoeing, and hiking. However, insurance providers consider many activities hazardous and exclude them from standard coverage.
✅ If your trip includes outdoor excursions or winter sports, ensure your policy includes Sports & Activities coverage or offers it as an upgrade.
What Isn’t Covered by Canada Travel Insurance Plans?
Like all insurance policies, travel insurance for Canada comes with limitations. Understanding what’s not covered can help you avoid surprises if you need to file a claim. Here are common situations that your policy may not cover:
Incidents involving alcohol or drug use
Après-ski drinks or local craft beer are part of the Canadian travel experience, so suppose an accident occurs while you are under the influence. In that case, your claim may be denied by insurance companies that do not accept claims related to excessive alcohol consumption or illegal drug use.
Pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart issues, you might not be covered for related complications unless your plan includes a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver. Without this waiver, any flare-up of a known condition may be deemed excluded.
Adventure sports or winter activity injuries
Skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, and even guided hikes can be hazardous. If your plan does not include Sports & Activities coverage, injuries from these activities may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Travel against government advisories
Your coverage may be void if you travel to a region with a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the U.S. Department of State or the Canadian government. Always check travel advisories before you depart.
Non-covered cancellation reasons
Not all reasons for canceling a trip are covered. For instance, changing your mind, fear of snowstorms, or simply wanting to postpone your trip are typicallyn’t valid reasons. Consider purchasing a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy for coverage in these situations.
Tips for Finding the Best Travel Insurance for Canada
Use a comparison Tool
Canada provides a variety of travel experiences, ranging from urban getaways to remote wilderness adventures. A travel insurance comparison tool like Squaremouth allows you to view policies from more than 20 providers side-by-side, assisting you in finding the best coverage for your specific itinerary, whether skiing in Whistler or road-tripping through Alberta.
Read the fine print and policy exclusions
Not all travel insurance plans offer the same benefits. For example, winter sports and backcountry travel are sometimes excluded from basic policies unless you opt for adventure or hazardous activity coverage. Take the time to read the Certificate of Insurance to understand what’s included and what isn’t—especially if your plans involve snowmobiling, hiking, or long drives through rural areas. Also, check for exclusions related to pre-existing conditions and whether your plan includes a waiver.
Consider your specific travel risks when buying coverage
Canada’s beauty brings unique risks: icy roads, blizzards, wildlife encounters, and vast distances to medical facilities. Your destination, activities, and travel time dictate your insurance needs. For winter trips, include coverage for weather delays. If visiting national parks, ensure coverage for emergency evacuation and outdoor injuries. Choose a plan based on your itinerary for optimal protection.
Determine how much coverage you need
We recommend that travelers buy at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage when visiting Canada, especially in remote or mountainous areas where air ambulance services may be necessary. Canada’s public healthcare does not cover foreign visitors; hospitals often require upfront payment. Travel insurance helps cover these costs to avoid large medical bills after your trip.
Is Travel Insurance for Canada Worth It?
Yes—especially if you hike, ski, take road trips, or visit rural areas. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection for a few dollars daily against medical emergencies, weather delays, or trip cancellations. Enjoy Canada’s breathtaking landscapes when protected from the unexpected.
FAQ: Canada Travel Insurance
Is Canada safe to visit?
Yes, Canada is among the safest countries in the world; however, outdoor travelers should exercise caution in remote areas and during winter. Always check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Canada in 2025?
No, but it is recommended. Without travel insurance, you’ll be responsible for any medical expenses during your trip.
Will my U.S. health insurance work in Canada?
Generally, no. Most U.S. insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover care abroad. You may have to pay upfront for any medical care in Canada.
What documents are required to travel to Canada?
U.S. citizens need a valid passport. No visa is required for stays under 180 days. Learn more at the Canada Border Services Agency.
Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Canada?
If you’re a U.S. citizen staying under 180 days, you need a valid passport but not a visa.
Does travel insurance cover hiking in Canada?
Most travel insurance covers hiking on marked trails or guided tours; however, backcountry or high-altitude hikes may require Sports & Activities coverage. For remote or multi-day treks, choose a policy with Medical Evacuation coverage for injuries or rescues.
Does Canada require COVID insurance?
No. As of 2025, there’s no COVID-specific insurance requirement. However, many travel insurance policies include COVID-related trip cancellation, treatment, and quarantine coverage.
Canada Articles and Press Releases
- Summer Travel Recap: Latest Trends Reveal Rise in International Travel, Last Minute Trips and Young Travelers
- How Top Travel Destinations Were Impacted By the Coronavirus Pandemic
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