Canada Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
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Reviewed By Last updated: 08/26/2025
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 get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369
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 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, but it’s strongly recommended, especially for U.S. travelers.
When planning trips to remote areas like the Canadian Rockies or Yukon, hitting the slopes at resorts like Whistler or Banff, or going on any other adventure trip north of the border, you run the risk of injury, high medical costs, and other unexpected expenses.
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 that are far from hospitals or urgent care facilities.
✅ Travel medical insurance can cover medical expenses related to unexpected injuries or illnesses incurred while hiking, skiing, or road-tripping through remote areas. A medical evacuation can cost $100,00+ in cases where air transport is necessary.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Some travel insurance companies may deem popular activities, such as skiing in British Columbia, hiking through Alberta, or kayaking in Ontario, too hazardous to cover. So read the fine print and choose the right policy with your activity listed.
✅ Travel insurance plans that include the Sports & Activities benefit are designed to cover travel accidents that occur while participating in high-risk activities.
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. Some plans feature Rental Car Damage protection, which can provide reimbursement if your rental vehicle is damaged or stolen during your trip.
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 Emergency Evacuation are common benefits found in travel insurance, and cover the cost of medical treatment in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. This coverage is essential when traveling to destinations that don’t accept U.S. health insurance, like Canada.
COVID, Illness, or Trip Disruptions
From an unexpected illness to a sudden change in weather conditions, there are a lot of ways your Canadian adventure can take a turn for the worse.
✅ Purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes strong protection against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, travel delays, missed connections, baggage loss, and more.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Canada
Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
Emergency Medical: $100,000
Medical Evacuation: $500,000
Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
Great for add-ons and coverage upgrades
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
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.
Medical-Only Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $27 | $0 / $0 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $28 | $0 / $0 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| Seven Corners | Trip Protection Choice | $57 | $0 / $1,000 | $500,000 / $1,000,000 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $113 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $160 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Choice | $88.20 | $3,000 / $3,750 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Canada?
Whether you’re road-tripping through Quebec, 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, especially if your plans include high prepaid expenses.
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 and is known around the world for providing universal medical care to Canadian residents. 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 200% 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 a top destination for adventurers, with year-round offerings like 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
There are hundreds of travel insurance products on the market today. While it’s good to have options, it can be hard to decide which plan is right for you. That’s why it helps to take your time and compare plans.
Using a comparison site, like Squaremouth, can help you see how single-trip and annual plans compete when it comes to cost and coverage. As a rule of thumb, we recommend comparing policies from at least 3-4 different insurance providers before making a decision.
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.
Factor in your Canadian itinerary
From the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec to the natural beauty of British Columbia, Canada has something in store for everyone. Having said that, your travel plans play a large role in determining what type of coverage is right for you.
Referencing your itinerary when looking for trip insurance can help you prioritize benefits and identify any potential risks that require specific attention.
Take into account the coverage you already have
It’s possible you already have some form of travel insurance without knowing it. Many travel credit cards nowadays offer a variety of travel-related benefits to cardholders.
While this protection is not a direct replacement for travel insurance, understanding what coverage you already have will make it easy to know what type of protection you still need.
For example, your travel credit card may offer Trip Cancellation, Travel Delay, and Baggage Loss protection, but not offer medical coverage. Armed with this knowledge, you can find an affordable medical plan to fill in those coverage gaps.
Determine how much travel insurance 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 plan to 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.
At less than $30 per day, the cost of travel insurance is small in comparison to the potentially high expenses that can arise if travel disruptions impact your plans. In addition, all travel insurance policies come with 24 Hour Emergency Assistance services to help you navigate tricky situations and make it home safely.
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.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Canada in 2025?
No, insurance is not an entry requirement when U.S. citizens and residents plan non-essential travel to Canada. Typically, a U.S. passport is the only mandatory document you’ll need when entering the country. However, some independent tour operators may require customers to purchase medical insurance ahead of their trips.
As with any international destination, entry requirements are always subject to change. Be sure to check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest Canada visitor information and travel advisories.
Will my U.S. health insurance work in Canada?
No, U.S. health care policies, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored policies, typically do not provide medical coverage in Canada. And while Canadian residents benefit from universal health care, those perks do not apply to foreign visitors.
Unless you have travel insurance, you’ll be financially responsible for any medical bills you rack up during your trip. Fortunately, affordable travel medical coverage is just a few clicks away.
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.
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.
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