The United States is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from Canada, with over 20 to 25 million Canadian visitors per year.
Whether traveling for leisure, business, to see family and friends, or escape the snow, one important thing that travelers to the US from Canada should consider is health coverage.
Travel insurance for Canadians in the US can help protect travelers from unforeseen medical events, especially in a country with no universal healthcare and extremely high medical costs.
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. Sometimes your provincial health plan may offer limited coverage credit (typically around $75-$400 per day for hospital care, depending on your province), but, unfortunately, this is a fraction of what US medical care actually costs.
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 which required emergency care.
What Is Travel Medical Insurance for the US & What Does It Do?
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 one's travels.
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
- Repatriation of remains
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 example, a 14 day trip for a 35 year old traveling from Canada to the United States with a $100,000 coverage limit and $250 deductible can cost around $35-$40 for a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan.
For a 65 year old traveling from Canada to the United States for 14 days, a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan with a $100,000 coverage limit and $250 deductible can cost around $100-$120.
For snowbirds spending extended winters in the US (3-6 months), travel health insurance policies can typically range from $800-$2,500 depending on age and coverage level. While this seems like a significant investment, it averages out to just $10-$20 per day for months of protection, and it's a fraction of what a medical emergency can cost out-of-pocket.
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.
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!
As a Canadian, you're used to the security of universal healthcare. Walking into a hospital and walking out without a bill is something most Canadians don't have to typically worry about, until you're in the United States.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my provincial health plan cover me if I get sick in the States?
Your provincial health plan offers very limited coverage when you travel outside Canada. Most provinces provide emergency medical coverage at Canadian rates, which means they might reimburse $75-$400 per day for hospital care. However, US hospital costs can easily be $10,000-$15,000 per night, leaving you responsible for the difference.
Moreover, provincial plans typically don't cover prescription medications, ambulance services, or medical evacuation.
What happens if I go to a U.S. hospital without insurance?
If you need medical care in the US without insurance, you'll be treated for emergencies but will be fully responsible for the entire bill. Moreover, many insurance policies collaborate with healthcare providers to give their patrons treatment at negotiated rates. Without insurance, patients not only pay the higher price but also must pay all of it out of pocket. Uninsured individuals may even face collection actions that could impact their credit rating, even in Canada.
How much coverage should I buy for a trip to the U.S.?
Our experts recommend at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage for basic trips, though $250,000-$500,000 provides better peace of mind. For travelers over 60, with pre-existing conditions, or planning extended stays, $1,000,000 or higher coverage is advisable. The cost difference between $100,000 and $500,000 coverage is often minimal but provides substantially better protection.
Does my credit card include travel medical insurance?
Many Canadian credit cards include some travel medical insurance, but with important limitations. Most credit card coverage is limited to 15-21 days, requires charging your trip to the card, and often has lower coverage limits ($25,000-$50,000). Coverage frequently excludes pre-existing conditions entirely and may have age restrictions (often limited to travelers under 65). Always read your credit card's certificate of insurance carefully.
Will my Blue Cross plan in Canada cover me in the U.S.?
Blue Cross coverage varies widely by policy. Some plans offer travel medical insurance, while others don't include it at all. Many Blue Cross travel benefits have trip duration limits (often 30-60 days), age restrictions, and may exclude or limit pre-existing condition coverage. Verify your maximum coverage amount, trip duration limits, pre-existing condition exclusions, and whether coverage is primary or secondary.
How do I find a doctor that accepts my travel insurance?
Call your insurance company's 24/7 assistance line and they can search their network for nearby providers. Most US-based travel insurance plans work with PPO networks that include thousands of doctors, hospitals, and urgent care centers. In true emergencies, go to the nearest hospital. Emergency care is typically covered regardless of network status, though you may have higher out-of-pocket costs.
How long can I stay in the US with travel insurance?
Most travel insurance for Canadians plans allow coverage for trips ranging from a few days to 364 days. Many insurance companies allow you to extend your policy before it expires. If you travel to the US frequently throughout the year, you can get an annual multi-trip policy covering multiple trips throughout the year, with each trip typically spanning 30-60 days.
Will the plan cover my family too?
Yes! If you are traveling with your spouse or whole family, you just need to get one policy. Travel insurance plans allow you to add your family members to the plan, just make sure to include their details when asked at the beginning of the quoting process.
Can I buy travel insurance for the US after arriving there?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance after already arriving in the United States. However, keep in mind that coverage typically doesn't go into effect until the following day after purchasing your policy, so it is best to purchase before your trip.
