canada travel insurance for visitors

Canada Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for canada: a guide for us travelers .

From exploring Banff National Park's breathtaking landscapes to experiencing Toronto's vibrant culture or the historic sites of Quebec City, Canada offers a wide range of popular locations and activities. However, before you dive into your adventure, there's a crucial detail to address: securing your travel insurance. 

Discover all the ins and outs of travel insurance for Canada in this guide.   We've got you covered with details on costs, requirements, essential coverage, COVID-19 restrictions, and some handy tips for your trip. 

What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Canada? 

How does travel insurance work for canada, do i need travel insurance for canada , how much does travel insurance cost for canada .

• Travel Insurance Requirements for Canada 

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for US Visitors? 

Are there any required travel vaccinations for canada , traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , our suggested axa travel protection plan .

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Canada should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. Regarding international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.   AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.    

• Medical Coverage – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Canada.

Let’s say you’re exploring Ottawa's stunning architecture or skiing down Banff's slopes with AXA Travel Protection. If you were to fall ill or face an unexpected travel hiccup, AXA Travel Protection steps in to help support you. Whether assisting in medical transportation or finding the best alternative for a trip delay, AXA Travel Protection ensures you’re supported in your time of need.  

How AXA Travel Protection Can Benefit Visitors to Canada 

Here’s the entire list of benefits travelers can have access to with an AXA Travel Protection Plan: 

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms.   

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings.   

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations.   

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures.   

Americans aren't required to purchase domestic or international travel insurance to visit Canada. But it’s still highly recommended to have a travel insurance plan before embarking on your next trip.  

Why? There are several reasons: 

• Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in Canada, travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.    
• Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.   
• Flight Delays: Travel disruptions like flight delays can happen. If you miss a connecting flight or incur additional expenses due to delays, travel insurance can help cover the costs. 

In general, travel insurance to Canada costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost: The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc.   
• Age: Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Canada will be offered three tiers of insurance: Silver, Gold , and Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

Travel Insurance requirements for Canada 

Travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers coming to Canada, but having coverage for medical emergencies is a smart move. It's also worth checking if your visa, entry requirements, or tour operator call for extra coverage.   

As of October 2023, Canada has eliminated all COVID-19 entry requirements. However, it's crucial to be mindful of your health. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms before your trip, consider postponing your travel plans to Canada. Having Cancel for Any Reason as part of your travel insurance plan becomes invaluable in such a scenario. This optional benefit provides the flexibility to cancel your trip, even for a reason beyond standard coverage.   

Canada does not have specific vaccine requirements for travelers. However, due to COVID-19, travel requirements may change from time to time. Stay up-to-date on vaccine requirements and recommendations by consulting official sources such as the Government of Canada's website.   

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plans with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation.   

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the Silver Plan , Gold Plan , and Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Canadian hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.  

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage aligned with the Canadian experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the " Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) " offers assistance when you're out exploring Canada's stunning landscapes in a rental car. 

Additionally, part of the Platinum Plan is the " Lost Skier Days " benefit, offering potential reimbursement if ski resorts unexpectedly close due to ever-changing snow conditions. These perks make the Platinum Plan an excellent option for anyone seeking comprehensive protection during their exciting Canadian adventures. 

FAQs about Canada Travel Insurance   

1. can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight .

Absolutely, travelers have the option to purchase travel insurance for Canada after they've booked their flights.  

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.)   AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip.   Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit. 

2. Do US citizens need travel insurance to Canada? 

Travel insurance to Canada from the USA is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. While Canada’s healthcare system is fantastic, it might not cover all your medical expenses as a non-resident and medical bills can add up fast.  

3. What type of medical conditions does AXA Travel Protection cover?  AXA covers three types of medical expenses: 

• Emergency medical expenses 
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation 
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation 

Emergency medical expenses are unexpected incidents that arise, such as broken bones, burns, unexpected illnesses, and allergic reactions.  Emergency evacuation and repatriation can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness.     Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation can cover evacuation assistance when you immediately leave a destination for non-medical-related events. These could be things like natural disasters or civil unrest.   

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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Be ready for Canada

Arriving in a new country can be as daunting as it is exciting. To prevent any unnecessary anxiety, Pacific Blue Cross offers a Visitors to Canada Travel plan to ensure that your stay here is worry-free.

Our Visitors to Canada Travel plan provides protection against the high cost of emergency medical care for foreign visitors entering Canada for pleasure or business reasons, for foreign students, for immigrants or foreign workers entering Canada to lawfully seek permanent residence.

When this coverage is purchased prior to arrival in Canada, coverage becomes effective on the day you arrive. The plan is also available for purchase within 30 days of arrival, and coverage commences 72 hours following the date of application.

For returning Canadians awaiting eligibility for the Government health insurance plan to begin.

Pacific Blue Cross has you covered.

What coverage is available?

When Visitors to Canada coverage is purchased prior to arrival in Canada, coverage becomes effective on the day you arrive. The plan is also available for purchase within 30 days of arrival, and coverage commences 72 hours following the date of application.

Our Visitors to Canada travel plan covers costs related to emergency medical care resulting from an accident or sudden illness. The plan pays for expenses necessary for the stabilization of the medical condition that are over and above any benefits granted by the government programs of the person's country of residence.

Plan Highlights:

Hospitalization, medical and paramedical expenses.

• Hospitalization:   Hospitalization expenses for ward accommodation. Semiprivate or private accommodation are not covered.
• Physician fees:   The medical and surgical charges for the services of a physician, surgeon or anesthetist, up to the amount payable under the government fee schedule in the area where services are rendered.
• Medical appliances:   The purchase or rental cost of crutches, canes or splints, and the rental cost of wheelchairs, orthopedic corsets and other medical appliances when prescribed by the attending physician.
• The fees of a registered nurse (other than a relative) for private care while hospitalized and when medically necessary and prescribed by the attending physician.
• Diagnostic services:   The charges for laboratory tests and x-rays when prescribed by the attending physician.
• Drugs (when required as part of emergency treatment):   The cost of drugs requiring a physician's prescription, except when they are required for the continued stabilization of a chronic medical condition.
• Accidental Dental Care:   The fees of dental surgeons for treatment necessitated by an external injury (not as a result of deliberate introduction of food or an object into the mouth), only when natural and healthy teeth, which have had no previous treatment, are damaged, or to reduce a fracture or dislocation of the jaw.

Transportation Expenses

The following services must be approved and planned by Medi-Assist.

• Ambulance service:   We cover the cost of local ambulance or air ambulance service to the nearest accredited medical facility, including inter-Hospital transfer when the attending physician and Medi-Assist determine that existing facilities are inadequate to treat or stabilize the patient's condition.
• Repatriation to the residence:   Covers the cost of repatriation to your country of residence by means of appropriate transportation in order to receive immediate medical attention, following the authorization of the attending physician and Medi-Assist.
• Return of the vehicle:   We;ll cover the cost of returning a your vehicle, either private or rental, by a commercial agency or by any person authorized by Medi-Assist to your residence or nearest appropriate vehicle rental agency, when you are unable to return the vehicle due to Illness or accident.
• Return of the deceased:   The plan pays up to $5,000 for the cost of preparation and transportation of the deceased person (excluding the cost of a coffin) to the place of residence, or up to $3,000 for the cost of cremation or burial at the place of death.
• Subsistence allowance:   Covers up to $1,000 ($100 per day for a maximum of 10 days) for the cost of accommodation and meals in a commercial establishment, when a Covered person's return must be delayed due to Illness or bodily injury to himself or to an accompanying Member of the immediate family of the Covered person or Traveling companion.

Failure to contact Medi-Assist in the event of medical consultation or hospitalization following an accident or sudden Illness could result in refusal of the compensation requested.

Call us if an emergency strikes

Medi-Assist   is our 24/7 medical travel assistance line that will help you locate medical care, provide advisory services, refer you to interpreters, assist with transportation, contact relatives and more. It means you can focus on getting healthy and leave it to us to manage your care while in an unfamiliar environment.

If you do experience an unexpected emergency while travelling, we are here to help.

During your trip, you can call our   Medi-Assist   service to determine your level of coverage and receive help:

• In Canada or the U.S., call toll-free:   1-888-699-9333
• Outside of Canada or the U.S. or where toll-free is unavailable, please call collect to   1-604-419-4487   and we will pay for the call.

Claims Process

Out-of-Province Emergency Medical Claims  — Four simple steps

Trip Cancellation / Baggage Claim Form — Form for claiming Trip Cancellations or Lost Baggage [pdf]

Visitors to Canada Travel Plan Claim Form — Form for claiming against a Visitors to Canada Travel Plan contract [pdf]

Safe Visit | Canada Visitors Travel Health Insurance - Medical Insurance Quote.

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Personal Insurance > Travel Insurance > Visitors to Canada Insurance

Emergency medical coverage and more

Visit, work or study in Canada—with emergency medical and dental insurance for up to a year.

Visitors to Canada insurance

When you’re visiting, immigrating to or studying in Canada and need emergency medical coverage.

Essential coverage for visitor s

Visitor to canada, visitors plan iii.

Ages: 1 month to 69 years

Up to $150,000 1 in emergency medical/dental

24-hour worldwide emergency medical assistance

No deductible payment required for claims

Additional features

No medical questions asked

Coverage for a single trip lasting up to 365 days

Coverage for travel accidents 2

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Most popular

Visitors Plan II

Ages: 1 month to 84 years

Up to $50,000 1  in emergency medical/dental

Low $50 deductible payment required for claims

Visitors Plan I

Up to $25,000 1  in emergency medical/dental

Policy document

For complete coverage details, limitations and exclusions, see:

Visitors to Canada Plan

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Need help now? Call 1-866-896-8172

View Legal Disclaimers Hide Legal Disclaimers

This is the aggregate limit of all benefits under the emergency medical portion of this policy. Please read the policy for complete details.

The insured person is entitled to a maximum of the largest amount specified for one of these three Travel Accident Insurance benefits: 1) Death ($25,000), 2) Double dismemberment, loss of sight in both eyes, or complete and irrevocable loss of speech or hearing ($25,000), or 3) Single dismemberment or loss of sight in one eye. ($12,500). Please read the policy for complete details.