Travel Insurance for Canada and Safety Tips for Visitors

Find the Best Coverage for Your Canadian Adventure

Planning a trip to Canada? Whether you’re exploring Toronto’s vibrant neighborhoods, trekking through the Rocky Mountains, or enjoying the coastal charm of Nova Scotia, having the right travel insurance is essential to protect against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, interruptions, and lost baggage.

This article outlines the best travel insurance for Canada, what to expect in terms of costs, and how to tailor a plan to suit your specific activities.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Canada?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for entering Canada, but it is highly advisable for all visitors. Canada’s healthcare system is universal, but it only covers residents. Therefore, non-residents need travel insurance to avoid potentially high medical costs if they fall ill or get injured.

Moreover, foreign health insurance is typically not accepted in Canada, making it even more crucial to secure travel medical insurance before departure.

Some travelers also opt for additional protection, such as trip cancellation insurance, which isn’t mandatory but can be valuable, especially for expensive trips. It helps recover costs if you must cancel unexpectedly. Many travel medical plans also include benefits such as coverage for lost luggage.

When choosing a policy, it’s essential to consider your trip length, any pre-existing conditions, and planned activities to ensure you have the right coverage and peace of mind throughout your trip.

Coverage for Common Risks in Canada

In addition to protecting against common travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage, travel insurance also covers risks specific to each destination.

Canada is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers. Whether you’re skiing in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, kayaking in British Columbia, rock climbing in Quebec, or camping in the Yukon, these thrilling activities come with unique risks.

For instance, skiing accidents or a kayak capsizing in swift currents can result in serious injuries, and the cost of medical treatment can quickly become overwhelming without proper coverage.

Emergency room visits in Canada can exceed CAD $1,000, and inpatient care can cost over CAD $4,000 per day. Without travel insurance, you would be left to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Standard travel insurance may not cover high-risk activities, such as extreme sports or wilderness adventures. Therefore, you may need an “extreme sports” rider or an adventure travel plan that provides additional coverage for activities not included in regular policies.

Canada’s harsh winter weather and remote wilderness areas also present unique risks. Driving on icy roads or being involved in an accident in isolated regions can be particularly dangerous. Travel insurance can provide coverage for car rental damage, roadside assistance, and emergency evacuation, which can be especially costly in remote locations.

Given these factors, it’s essential to carefully review your policy to ensure it offers the right coverage for your planned activities. With the right plan, you can enjoy all of Canada’s outdoor adventures and natural beauty with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected throughout the entire trip.

What Does Canadian Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance for Canada helps protect against unexpected disruptions and expenses that may arise during your trip. Depending on your chosen policy, coverage typically includes medical emergencies and travel-related incidents.

Core benefits often include medical treatment if you become ill or injured while traveling, as well as emergency evacuation or repatriation if local care is inadequate or you need to return home for medical reasons. Many plans also reimburse non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason and may compensate for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage.

Optional add-ons, such as coverage for adventure or extreme sports, extend protection to higher-risk activities like skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving, or bungee jumping. These riders may also cover related medical care and equipment loss.

Common Exclusions

However, most Canadian travel plans exclude pre-existing conditions, elective treatments, routine care, and injuries from high-risk activities, unless you’ve added an adventure sports rider. Claims may also be denied if incidents involve alcohol, drugs, reckless behavior, or illegal acts.

Understanding what your policy covers, and what it doesn’t, will help you choose a plan that provides the right protection for your trip. Be sure to read the fine print carefully to make sure it meets your specific needs.

Read more about the benefits of travel insurance, including medical care, trip cancellations, and more.

How Much is Travel Insurance for Canada?

The cost of travel insurance for Canada is generally affordable, though it varies depending on factors such as age, trip length, coverage level, and provider.

Prices can also increase if you choose a low- or zero-deductible plan, add coverage for adventure sports, or require protection for pre-existing health conditions.

Age is one of the most significant cost drivers. For example, a 25-year-old traveler might pay between $10 and $20 for a 10-day travel medical plan from the U.S., while a 60-year-old would typically pay between $40 and $60 for the same coverage.

Other key factors that influence the cost include premiums (paid upfront or in installments), deductibles (out-of-pocket expenses before coverage starts), co-pays for certain services, the scope of coverage for emergencies and travel disruptions, and any policy exclusions.

How to Choose the Right Travel Plan for Canada

Choosing the right travel insurance can feel overwhelming, but following these steps will help guide your search:

• Assess Health Needs: Consider your health needs before purchasing a plan. Who’s traveling with you? What are their ages, and do they have any medical conditions? If you’re older, take regular medications, or need ongoing treatments, ensure your plan covers pre-existing conditions. Even if you’re young, healthy, and traveling solo, make sure your policy covers emergency medical care.
• Consider Activities: Are you planning high-risk activities, such as skiing, parasailing, ziplining, or rock climbing? Look for adventure sports coverage, or add an appropriate rider to your policy to ensure you are protected.
• Plan for Your Trip Length: If you’re traveling for just two weeks, you can likely rely on your prescription medications from home. However, longer trips may require more comprehensive coverage. For extended stays (three months or more), you might need a policy that allows for routine medical visits. A more extended trip may also benefit from trip cancellation coverage.
• Know the Destination-Specific Risks: Canada presents unique risks, including cold exposure, drowning, falls, wildlife encounters, and other dangers associated with outdoor activities. While urban areas are generally safe, petty crimes such as theft can still occur. Understand the risks related to your specific destination in Canada and ensure your coverage adequately addresses them.
• Understand Coverage Limits: Carefully review the policy’s coverage limits, including emergency evacuation, medical treatment, and exclusions. Be sure it provides adequate protection. Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best value for the coverage you need.

The Best Travel Insurance for Visitors

Below are our top recommended travel insurance plans for Canada, each offering unique benefits tailored to different needs, including medical emergencies, trip protection, and additional coverage options.

The Best Travel Health Insurance for Travel to Canada

The IMG Patriot Platinum plan is one of the most comprehensive travel medical insurance options available, offering top-tier medical coverage, global emergency services, and valuable travel benefits for travelers to Canada.

Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a long-term stay, this plan provides reliable protection for medical emergencies, the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and unexpected travel disruptions.

For U.S. citizens visiting Canada, the BCBS Global Solutions Single Trip Platinum plan is an excellent choice. It is affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield and provides access to a premium network of doctors and hospitals worldwide.

BCBS Global Solutions also offers 24/7 customer support, telemedicine, and prescription drug coverage, which is a crucial consideration in Canada, where Medicare doesn’t cover outpatient medications. The plan is especially ideal for older U.S. citizens, offering the highest level of coverage for seniors traveling abroad.

The Best Trip Cancellation Insurance for Canada

With Trawick Safe Travels AnyReason, U.S. citizens and residents can visit Canada, knowing they have both flexibility and financial protection against unexpected changes to their trip itinerary.

This plan offers one of the best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) benefits at no additional cost. Trawick will reimburse you for up to 75% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel your trip for reasons beyond the standard covered events.

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a top choice for non-U.S. citizens seeking a travel plan with trip cancellation coverage. Policyholders can recover non-refundable expenses such as flights, accommodations, and prepaid activities.

Beyond trip cancellation coverage, World Nomads also provides coverage for over 200 adventure activities, emergency medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and protection against loss or theft of baggage and personal belongings.

Preparing for Your Trip

Canada is generally a safe country, with a violent crime rate lower than that of the U.S. However, it’s still important to exercise caution, especially when walking alone at night in urban areas.

While drug-related crime can occur in specific neighborhoods of major cities, it’s usually not random. As a tourist, it’s wise to be aware of common risks such as pickpocketing, smash-and-grab thefts, and street scams.

The country maintains a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation, ensuring that food and water are safe to consume wherever you are. Medical care is excellent and readily accessible, though it may be less available in rural areas compared to larger cities.

If you plan to engage in high-risk activities, keep in mind that even an extreme sports rider won’t cover you if you don’t follow safety rules. For example:

• Hiking, skiing, or climbing in non-designated areas
• Participating in outdoor activities while intoxicated
• Ignoring provincial or territorial safety restrictions (e.g., fire bans or warnings about dangerous conditions)

Outside of Canada’s major cities, the main dangers come from nature. Winters can be extremely cold, so it’s essential to pack proper clothing to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.

Winter sports are popular but carry inherent risks, and outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, and waterskiing – especially on the coasts – can be dangerous in the summer as well.

Traveling in remote areas can also be risky. With Canada’s vast wilderness, it’s easy to get lost, and help may take longer to arrive. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider emergency evacuation insurance before heading into more isolated regions.

If you encounter an emergency while in Canada, dial 911 for assistance.

Medical Preparation for Travel to Canada

Before leaving your home country, ensure you have sufficient medications and any other necessary medical equipment for the duration of your stay.

It’s also a good idea to visit your healthcare provider for a checkup to ensure you’re fit for travel and that your vaccinations are up to date.

Additionally, securing travel insurance is essential to protect you in the event of unforeseen medical emergencies, such as illness or injury, during your trip.

What Vaccinations Do I Need to Travel to Canada?

Canada does not require specific vaccinations for entry. However, it is recommended that travelers are up to date on routine vaccines, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, and polio. Seasonal vaccines, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, are also advised.

Although the risk of rabies is low for most travelers, it can still be found in bats and other mammals in Canada. Adventure travelers engaging in activities like caving or rock climbing in remote areas may want to consider the rabies vaccine if they’re at risk of animal bites.

How to Bring Medications to Canada

When bringing prescription medications to Canada, it’s essential to carry a copy of your prescription and keep the medication in its original packaging. If you’re unsure about whether your prescription is legal in Canada, contact your country’s embassy for clarification.

Don’t forget to bring any birth control prescriptions with you. While condoms and other barrier methods of birth control are widely available at drug stores, grocery stores, and corner stores, oral contraceptives require a prescription and can only be obtained at pharmacies.

Most over-the-counter medications are also available in Canada, but it may be helpful to bring some from home to avoid potentially higher prices. Be aware that some medications commonly found in the U.S. may be kept behind the counter in Canada and vice versa.

How to Access Medical Care in Canada for Visitors

While anyone can receive emergency medical care in Canada, you’ll be billed if you don’t have a Canadian health card. When selecting your travel plan, check which healthcare providers it covers. In many cases, you may need to pay upfront for services and seek reimbursement later.

Canada has an abundance of doctors, clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms, especially in larger cities. It’s wise to research and compile a list of doctors and specialists at your destination and keep this information with you during your trip.

Note that Canada’s public health insurance may not cover certain services, such as emergency services, optometry, dentistry, fertility treatments, and outpatient prescription medications. Review your travel insurance policy to ensure it covers the healthcare providers and services you may need.

Some travel insurance plans offer telemedicine visits, which can help reduce upfront costs if you don’t require in-person hospital care. Many plans also offer translation services, which can be particularly useful in Quebec, where most residents speak French.

Travel Warnings and Alerts for Canada

Various government agencies provide travel advisories and alerts for Canada. The official Canada Travel and Tourism page offers comprehensive safety and travel advice for those traveling to or within the country.

Depending on where you’re traveling from, you can also check the following resources for up-to-date advisories and alerts for Canada:

• US Department of State: Official travel advisory page for Canada.
• Australian Government Smartraveller: Safety and security information for Australian travelers.
• Gov.UK Foreign Travel Advice: Travel advice for UK citizens traveling to Canada.
• Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Travel Advisories and Safety Tips for Singaporean Travelers.

Emergency Contact Information for Canada

Knowing which numbers to call in case of an emergency is crucial when traveling abroad. It’s a good idea to keep a list of emergency contacts both digitally and on paper, and always carry it with you in a secure location while traveling.

Emergency Assistance Numbers in Canada

• 911 is the main emergency number in Canada for police, fire, or medical assistance.
• 112 will also forward to 911 if dialed.
• If you are deaf or speech-impaired, you can text 911.
• You can dial 311 in many regions to access non-emergency city services, report issues, or ask for general information.
• To anonymously report a crime when the emergency has passed, dial 1-800-222-TIPS to contact Canadian Crime Stoppers.

For local, non-emergency police, fire, or medical services, you can search the internet for the province or city and the specific service, such as “police” or “fire.”

Here are a few examples:

• Ontario Provincial Police: 1-888-310-1122
• Toronto Police Service: 1-416-808-2222
• Vancouver Police Department: 1-604-717-3321

Embassies and Consulates in Canada

U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Canada

• Ottawa: 1-613-688-5335
• Calgary: 1-403-266-8962
• Halifax: 1-902-812-0049
• Montreal: 1-514-398-9695
• Quebec: 1-418-692-2095
• Toronto: 1-416-595-1700
• Vancouver: 1-604-685-7175
• Winnipeg: 1-204-940-1800

British Consulates in Canada

• Click on the link above for a directory of all British consulates in Canada.
• To get help, use their contact form

French Embassy in Canada

• Ottawa: 1-613-789-1795
• Consulates are located in Moncton, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver (specific contact numbers can be found on the embassy website).

Australian Embassies and Consulates

• High Commission in Ottawa: 1-613-236 0841
• Australian Consulate in Toronto: 1-416-323-4280
• Australian Consulate in Vancouver: 1-604-694-6160

New Zealand High Commission in Ottawa: 1-613-238-5991

10 Safety Tips for Traveling to Canada

While Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, it’s still essential to remain vigilant and take precautions when traveling.

Here are some ways to avoid common risks and ensure a smooth trip:

1. Carry Vital Health Information

In the event of a medical emergency, keep an identification card that lists your blood type, chronic conditions, severe allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.

This helps emergency responders treat you quickly, especially if you’re alone or unable to communicate.

2. Prepare for Travel in Winter Storms

Canada is known for its harsh winter storms, including ice and blizzards. Driving in these conditions can be dangerous. If you must drive, go slow, stay alert, and be mindful of other drivers.

Keep an emergency kit in your car, including food, water, and blankets, in case you get stranded. A 4-wheel-drive vehicle or snow tires are advisable if you’re driving in rural areas.

3. Bundle Up to Avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia

If you’re hiking or sightseeing on foot, wear multiple layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite. Thermal underwear, heavy socks, and insulated gloves are essential for comfort and safety.

Hypothermia can set in quickly, so be aware of symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, or an inability to stay warm.

4. Understand the Risks of Winter Trails

If you’re skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, be cautious. Though not frequent, Avalanches can occur in mountainous regions, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia.

Stay on marked trails, obey avalanche advisories, and avoid restricted areas.

5. Stay Aware of Wildfires

Wildfires have become more common across Canada in recent years. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System tracks fire activity and offers hotspot maps from May to September.

If you’re traveling to Canada to hike, camp, or otherwise spend time in the wild, keep a close eye on wildfire alerts for your destination. Consider trip cancellation insurance in case of fire disruptions to your travel plans.

6. Respect Nature and Wildlife

Canada is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bears, moose, wolves, and many other species. While majestic, these animals can be dangerous if approached.

Follow safety guidelines in national parks, stay alert, especially at dawn and twilight, and never approach wildlife, particularly mothers with cubs.

Store food in animal-proof containers or hang it in trees while camping. In bear country, carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprise encounters.

Spring is a sensitive time, as bears emerge from hibernation and may be more aggressive

7. Mind the Moose

Moose are also common throughout Canada. While they are generally not interested in people, they are enormous and will stand in the middle of the road.

If you see a sign with a moose on it, keep your eyes open while driving and be ready to stop. As with bears, if you see young moose while in the forest, stay clear, as the mother will be nearby and can charge if she feels threatened.

8. Don’t Leave Anything In the Car

Smash-and-grab thefts from cars are relatively common in major cities. In Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto, you may even be fined for leaving your vehicle unlocked or valuables in view.

If you’re driving in the city, always double-check that you’ve locked your car, and don’t leave anything in it that you can’t do without – not even in the glove box or trunk.

9. Be Cautious Around Tent Encampments

Homelessness has been increasing in Canadian cities, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver, leading to more tent encampments in public spaces.

While many unhoused individuals are simply seeking shelter, some encampments may have higher crime rates or unpredictable activity. As a precaution, it’s best to avoid these areas, especially at night.

10. Know the Rules on Cannabis

Cannabis is legal to consume in Canada, but it is illegal to bring it across international borders. Do not travel to Canada with cannabis, even if it’s for personal use, as you risk arrest or being denied entry.

If you wish to purchase cannabis while in Canada, it is available at licensed dispensaries in most provinces.

Your Canadian Adventure Awaits – Travel Smart and Stay Safe!

Canada is an extraordinary destination, offering stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences.

While it’s one of the safest places to visit, being prepared and taking the necessary precautions ensures you can fully enjoy all it has to offer.

From securing the right travel insurance to staying alert to your surroundings, a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth, memorable trip.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Montreal, skiing the slopes of Banff, or hiking through British Columbia’s lush rainforests, Canada promises an adventure like no other.

Are you ready to explore the Great White North? Get a free quote to find the best coverage for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions