Every year, Canadians head to the United States for all kinds of reasons: a weekend getaway, a visit to family, a business trip, or a winter spent somewhere warm. Whatever the reason, it is important to know that your health coverage does not travel with you the way you might expect.
The United States has no universal healthcare system, and medical care there is among the most expensive in the world. A trip to the emergency room, a short hospital stay, or an ambulance ride can turn into a bill that leaves a financial burden. Travel medical insurance is what stands between a Canadian traveler and that bill.
This page compares US travel medical insurance plans available to Canadian residents, shows real premiums by age and trip length, and explains what to look for before you buy.
- Provincial health plans cover very little outside Canada. Reimbursement is typically capped at a set daily rate for hospital care, which is a small fraction of a real US bill.
- A single night in a US hospital can run $10,000 to $15,000 USD, and an air ambulance back to Canada can exceed $25,000 USD.
- A 14-day plan with a $100,000 USD limit costs about $39 to $47 USD for a healthy 35-year-old and about $123 to $131 USD at age 65.
- Snowbirds spending four months south pay roughly $10 to $12 USD per day for comprehensive coverage.
- Age drives both price and eligibility. Coverage for the sudden worsening of a pre-existing condition is usually capped or removed once you pass 70.
Does Canadian Health Insurance Cover You Abroad?
While Canada boasts a publicly funded universal healthcare system to provide medical services to Canadian residents, unfortunately this coverage does not extend beyond Canada’s borders.
When traveling outside of Canada, Canadian residents will not be covered by their home country's universal healthcare. We break down what each provincial plan pays outside Canada in a separate guide.
Do Canadians Need Travel Insurance for the US?
Do I really need travel insurance to visit the United States? The short answer is yes, and here's why:
Traveling to the United States without health coverage can be very risky, as the US has some of the highest medical costs in the world. Without proper coverage, a medical emergency can quickly add up to thousands of dollars, which can be financially devastating and stressful for travelers.
Here are some numbers to know:
- Emergency room visit: $1,500-$3,000
- Ambulance transport: $2,000-$6,000
- One night hospital stay: $10,000-$15,000
- Major surgery: $50,000-$200,000+
- Medical evacuation back to Canada: $25,000-$100,000+
With travel insurance for the US, Canadians can travel confidently, knowing that they have the vital medical coverage they need if an injury or illness were to occur during their travels that required emergency care.
What Is Travel Medical Insurance for the US & What Does It Cover?
Travel medical insurance for Canadians visiting the United States offers coverage for emergency medical expenses in the event of an unexpected illness or injury during a trip.
Travel medical insurance can include coverage for:
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Urgent care
- Prescription medication
- Emergency medical evacuation (medical transportation back to Canada)
- Repatriation of remains
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions (depending on the plan, exclusions and age limitations may apply)
- Accidental death & dismemberment
- Lost luggage
- Lost or stolen passport
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance for US
When selecting the best travel insurance for Canadians traveling to the United States, looking out for good coverage and benefits are important to ensure the ultimate protection for your trip.
- Your age - Older travelers are encouraged to select a plan’s highest available policy maximum for their age since the risk of injury or illness is higher. Some plans may restrict policy maximums for travelers over a certain age.
- Pre-existing conditions - If you are traveling with pre-existing conditions, you may want to consider getting a plan that covers the worsening of pre-existing conditions or the acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
- Comprehensive vs limited coverage plans - When selecting a travel medical insurance plan, you may find that there are comprehensive and limited (or fixed benefit) plans available. Comprehensive plans offer better overall coverage and less potential out-of-pocket costs than limited plans.
- Add-on coverage - Depending on your travel plans, you may want to look into which plans offer additional riders such as coverage for adventure sports.
A good plan will offer a balance between cost and the coverage you need to be fully protected during your travels.
How Much Does US Travel Insurance Cost for Canadians?
If you're used to Canada's universal healthcare system, the idea of paying for medical insurance might feel like an unwelcome expense. But here's the reassuring truth: travel insurance for Canadians is surprisingly affordable, especially when you compare the modest premium to the potentially catastrophic costs of US medical care.
The cost of US travel insurance from Canada will depend on a few factors, including your age, the plan you select, the length of your trip, policy maximum, deductible, and more.
For a short, 14-day trip, $100,000 USD policy maximum, $250 USD deductible:
| Plan | Age 35 | Age 65 |
|---|---|---|
| CoverAmerica-Gold | ~$45.60 | ~$130.95 |
| Patriot Plus | ~$38.70 | ~$123.00 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | ~$47.10 | ~$127.00 |
For a long, 120-day trip, $50,000 USD policy maximum, $250 USD deductible, age 70:
| Plan | Total premium | Roughly per day |
|---|---|---|
| Patriot Plus | ~$1,183.38 | $9 |
| Safe Travels USA Comprehensive | ~$1,195.48 | $9 |
| CoverAmerica-Gold | ~$1,416.91 | $11 |
At age 70, the higher limit of $100,000 is not offered with a $250 deductible on every plan. On CoverAmerica-Gold, a $100,000 maximum at that age is only available with a deductible of $1,000 or more. To quickly understand exactly how much travel insurance will cost you, get a custom quote and compare policies in minutes.
Best US Travel Insurance for Canadians
The following travel medical insurance plans are best suited for visitors to the United States from Canada.
Best Travel Medical Insurance Coverage for Visitors to the US with Border Entry Protection: CoverAmerica-Gold
Best Medical Coverage Limits for Canadians Visiting the US: Patriot America Plus
Best Travel Insurance for Both Medical and Travel Coverage: Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Why Purchase Travel Insurance from a US Provider
Purchasing your travel insurance through a US provider can give you a number of added benefits, including:
- Access to a PPO network which means preferred pricing
- The option for direct billing/cashless pay
- Your insurance will be recognizable by major healthcare providers
- Easier communication with assistance while in the US
A US-based travel insurance plan will be the easiest to use and work with during your trip. Plus, purchasing through VisitorsCoverage gives you access to excellent customer service, claims assistance, and the best top-rated travel insurance plans on the market.
Secure Protection Through VisitorsCoverage!
Whether you're planning a quick shopping trip to Seattle, visiting family in Florida, or spending the winter as a snowbird in Arizona, the safety that comes with proper coverage is invaluable.
If you feel like you're ready to start looking for a plan, don't forget to compare the available US travel insurance plans for Canadians to make sure you're getting the best and budget-fitting option. Still have questions or hesitations? Our team of licensed insurance experts are here to walk you through the whole process and even help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
