It is recommended for Canadian citizens/ residents to buy travel insurance when visiting to the USA. The USA has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. A simple hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars. Travel insurance for Canadians visiting USA provides coverage for emergency medical expenses arising from unexpected illnesses or injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, and urgent care visits.
Insure the health of the traveler due to accidental injuries or illness.
Know more »Insure your vacation expenses along with health of traveler.
Know more »Insurance required while applying for Schengen visa for Canada.
Know more »Insures hospitalization expenses, doctor visits while in USA.
Know more »Many Canadians travel to the US for various reasons, such as escaping the winter, visiting family, studying, or working. Health or travel insurance is a crucial requirement when traveling outside of Canada. The Canadian government advises purchasing US travel insurance for short visits to the US to ensure adequate coverage.
We often get queries from many Canadian residents particularly from Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, in particular from the cities of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary,
Vancouver, Ottawa and Edmonton who visit the southern states of the US (Florida, Texas, California, Arizona ...) to enjoy warmer climes during the winter months.
Whether you are visiting for a few days, staying as a student for several years, or spend part of the year in a winter home, we can find the perfect US travel insurance from Canada plan for you!
Canadians coming to the US regularly, or living either in the US or Mexico for part of the year might want to consider our Global medical plans. The applications for travel insurance for Canadians visiting USA are however reviewed by an underwriting team and applications can have riders or exclusions for certain existing ailments.
These global plans offer superior coverage including preventive care and pre-existing condition coverage and can be renewed for longer periods compared to the shorter-term visitor insurance plans. These global insurance plans can be purchased annually, with payment options available on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
Long term insurance - Get Quotes »Given their geographical proximity and shared border, travel between the U.S. and Canada has been ongoing since the 19th century. The United States, with its multicultural society, iconic monuments, and natural wonders, remains one of the most desired tourist destinations. It continues to be a significant destination for work and leisure for Canadian emigrants. According to the 2022 U.S. Census data, over 821,322 Canadian-born individuals live in the United States, with many becoming naturalized US citizens.
Given this strong and long-standing relationship between the citizens of both countries, we often have family members of naturalized Canadian-Americans visiting the United States. Along with reuniting with family members, millions of tourists also travel to the United States from Canada.
In 2019, there were approximately 23.41 million visits to the US from Canada. After a decline during the pandemic, the travel numbers rebounded to 20.4 million in 2022, generating $20.5 billion in tourism spending and supporting over 140,000 jobs in the US.
Meeting family, friends, and relatives in the US is always thrilling and pleasing. However, one must note that the US healthcare system is not government-supported and is very expensive. Traveling to the US with long travel hours and in different weather conditions, food, and culture can be risky. This is particularly true for older travelers as it increases the risk of unforeseen medical emergencies.
Starting April 11, 2025, Canadians traveling to the US for more than 30 days are required to register with US immigration authorities and provide fingerprints. This will be a strict enforcement of an existing law which was previously applied inconsistently and aims to improve compliance with US immigration regulations.
This new rule, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), applies to all foreign nationals crossing the US-Canada land border who are 14 years or older and staying for more than 30 days in the USA. This will impact close to 3 million Canadians annually, including around 1 million "snowbirds" who spend extended winters in the US.
Canadian professionals on long-term assignments in the US must comply with the new registration and fingerprinting requirements. However, short-term visitors to the US, such as tourists and cross-border shoppers should not be impacted.
US visa medical insurance cost is has increasingly reduced the disposal income with a major portion of the income going to health care deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance. The cost of a routine physician's visit is significantly higher in the U.S., where it might be $176. An echocardiogram can cost around $1,000 in Massachusetts and around $3000 in New Jersey depending on the provider.
The cost of common ailments like Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperglycemia admitted to an emergency room would cost around $2,500 -$5000. Stroke resulting in ICU for about 10 days would cost $120,000, Heart attack treatment with medical bills for ambulance, hospital emergency room, ICU, EKG and MRI heart scans and continuing care from cardiologists would cost about $20,000, the average treatment cost of acute kidney failure in the USA was over $22,000.
While there's no simple explanation for the high costs, an important contributing factor is the significant administrative expenses in healthcare and given the litigious nature of US society, the cost of medical-malpractice legal expenses. Employing numerous billing clerks by both hospitals and physicians, as well as by private insurance companies is a requirement in the US insurance system. In addition to that, the system's reliance on advanced technology, costly labor and the steep price of malpractice insurance in the US also contributes to the overall expenses.
While there are several reasons for high healthcare costs, the fact remains that one cannot afford to be uninsured while visiting the US. In US hospitals the cost for any treatment is much lower if you have insurance and the hospital is part of the PPO network when compared to getting the same treatment without any insurance. This is beyond the actual insurance coverage itself, so simply having visitors insurance reduces the bill substantially. This high price without insurance is unimaginable for visitors to pay out of their pocket. It is important for Canadians to realize the importance of health insurance while visiting the US.
The premium cost of the travel medical insurance for Canadians in USA isn't fixed and varies based on several factors like the age of the individual, the duration of the travel and stay, coverage needed, policy maximum amount chosen, deductible chosen and hence is a variable factor. Each plan offers different benefits. Travel Insurance plans come in two types. One is a fixed benefit plan and the other is a comprehensive plan. Fixed benefit plans specify the charge for the specific limit while the comprehensive plans extend the coverage to policy maximum limit.
The cheapest Canadian medical insurance in USA starts from $20 per month with options up to $155 per month. The cost depends on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage and deductible. The average cost of fixed benefit visitors travel insurance for USA is based on quotes for one month.
| Plan Name | Plan maximum | Deductible | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels Advantage | $25,000 - $150,000 | $0 | $20 - $58 | $39 - $102 | $60 - $166 |
| Visitors care | $25,000 - $100,000 | $100 | $21 - $45 | $40 - $75 | $66 - $148 |
| Safe Travels Elite | $25,000 - $175,000 | $0 | $26 - $76 | $50 - $134 | $109 - $155 |
Source: AMERICAN VISITOR INSURANCE®
The best travel insurance cost for USA ranges from $71 to $332 per month. The cost depends on the age of the visitor, medical maximum coverage and deductible. The average cost of comprehensive travel insurance for USA is based on quotes for one month with $250 deductible.
| Plan name | Plan maximum | Age 40 | Age 60 | Age 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Travels USA Cost Saver | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $71 - $117 | $139 - $250 | $237 - $299 |
| Visitors Preferred | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $77 - $144 | $148 - $301 | $253 ($50,000) |
| Patriot America Lite | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $78 - $146 | $137 - $274 | $234 ($50,000) |
| Patriot America Plus | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $78 - $147 | $177 - $307 | $355 ($50,000) |
| Safe Travels USA | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $80 - $157 | $147 - $295 | $252 - $332 |
| Diplomat America | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | $125 -$214 | $229 - $301 | $353 ($50,000) |
Source: AMERICAN VISITOR INSURANCE®
Given the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., it's important to choose a plan with comprehensive medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and benefits for pre-existing conditions. The best medical insurance for visitors to USA from Canada are:
Medical maximum
$50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000
Period of Coverage
5 days to 364 days
Deductible options
$0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000
Medical maximum
$50,000, $100,000, $500,000, $1,000,000
Period of Coverage
5 days to 12 months
Deductible options
$0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500
Medical maximum
$50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1,000,000
Period of Coverage
15 days to 365 days.
Deductible options
$0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000
Medical maximum
$50,000, $100,000, $250,000
Period of Coverage
90 days up to 12 months.
Deductible options
$250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000
Best US health insurance for Canadian citizens is designed to cover unexpected medical expenses if you fall ill or get injured while traveling to the USA. It provides peace of mind by offering a range of benefits, which can include:
A fixed benefit or scheduled benefits travel insurance plan is the cheapest US travel insurance plan, however this is because the Fixed benefit travel insurance have a fixed limit of coverage for different medical benefits. Fixed benefit international travel medical insurance works well for small ailments but can be inadequate for more serious medical conditions involving hospitalisation.
Comprehensive travel insurance provides flexible coverage for medical expenses up to the policy medical maximum limit compared to a fixed benefits medical expense as it is much more expensive when compared to fixed benefit plans but also provides significantly superior coverage especially in case of a serious medical emergency or hospitalisation.
Complete the travel insurance quote request form by providing details of the traveller and insurance requirements.
Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget best by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Review the international travel health insurance policy for coverage details and relevant contact numbers
For minor illness or injury, $50,000 might be enough coverage. However, if you are concerned about an (albeit unlikely) stay at a hospital, those expenses can run up quickly beyond $100,000 in a few days. When asked, I typically recommend at least $100,000 maximum. If a person is at risk for multiple fractures or a longer hospital stay (they are older, perhaps?), then I would go as high as I could. Often, the age of the insured will limit the maximum allowed.
The cheapest $50,000 travel insurance with deductible $250 for 65 years old traveler is Safe Travels USA insurance whose cost starts from $160 per month, then is the Patriot America Plus insurance cost starting from $173 per month.
During the winters the US welcomes many Canadian snowbirds to travel to the US to enjoy the summer months and many of these live in the US. According to the Statistics of Canada there are at least 375K Snowbirds who go to the US each year. Often these family members of these Canadian–Americans visit the United States to meet their closed ones. Along with reuniting with family members millions of tourists arrive in the US from Canada.
An good international travel insurance plan provide one with the coverage required for any unexpected medical and travel emergencies. It is therefore of vital importance for Canadian travelers to buy good travel insurance USA from Canada offered by some of the finest US insurance providers offered by American Visitor Insurance. For any assistance travelers can call the customer service or email us and we will be glad to help you.
U.S. health insurance for Canadian snowbirds»At American Visitor Insurance, we offer travel health insurance plans for Canadian snowbirds coming to the US enduring harsh winter conditions keeping in mind the important list of factors mentioned above. Customers can visit our visitor medical insurance where you can find pre-existing travel health insurance and senior travel insurance pages to get good insight on the travel medical insurance plans including annual multitrip plans for Canadians visiting the US during Winters.
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive: The plan provides a policy maximum up to $1,000,000 starting from $20,000 and deductible options are available from $0 to $5000. Co-insurance is covered up to 100% by the company. Plan provides coverage for ages 14 days to 89 years of age. Plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and is renewable up to 364 days. The plan provides coverage of $20,000 for acute onset of pre-existing conditions up to age 64, $10,000 coverage for age 65- 69 and not available for 70+.
Emergency medical treatment of pregnancy is available up to $1000. One wellness doctor visit per period of insurance for $125 is available with this plan. Cardiac conditions and stroke expenses are covered up to $25,000 for age up to 69 per period of insurance and $15,000 for ages 70+. For further benefit details, please check out the brochure of the plan. Covid-19 is covered under this plan.
Patriot America Plus: The plan provides policy maximum up to $1,000,000 and deductible options available from $0 to $2500. The plan provides necessary coverage for acute onset of preexisting condition coverage for the individuals under 70. Covid -19 is covered under the plan as any other illness. Emergency Medical Evacuation is covered up to $1,000,000.
Political Evacuation and Repatriation is covered up to $100,000. Coverage for Dental Treatment, Personal Liability, Eye Examination... is covered under this travel health insurance plan. For further information, please take a look at the brochure of the plan.
Safe Travels USA: Policy provides a medical maximum up to $1,000,000 starting from $50,000 and deductible options up to $5000 starting from $0. For unexpected recurrence of pre-existing conditions, the plan pays $1000 up to age 69. Plan provides coverage for ages 14 days to 89 years of age. Plan is available from 5 days to 364 days and is renewable up to 364 days. Covid-19 is covered with this travel medical insurance plan.
Cardiac conditions and stroke expenses are covered up to $25,000 for age up to 69 per period of insurance and $15,000 for ages 70+. Emergency medical treatment of pregnancy is available up to $1000. One wellness doctor visit per period of insurance for $125 is available with this plan. For further benefit related information , please have a look at the brochure of the plan.
Diplomat America: The policy maximum options for this plan is available up to $1,000,000 starting from $50,000 and the deductible options are available up to $5000 starting from $0. The Co-Insurance of the plan is 80% of the incurred expense is covered by the plan up to $5000 of the expense and then the plan pays 100% after the deductible.
Additional $250 deductible will be applicable for each emergency room visit as a result of an illness. Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation is covered up to $250,000 with this comprehensive visitor health insurance plan from Global Underwriters. For further information on the plan, please check the brochure of the plan.
No. Visitor policies do not cover wellness visits and routine checkups. So, vaccinations, for example, will not be covered, nor an annual ob-gyn exam. Also, there is often limited or no coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (check carefully on the policy if these are a major concern). Also, all policies have exclusions of particular illnesses. For example, maternity is specifically excluded from most policies as are UTI’s and other diseases (particularly sexually transmitted diseases and issues or expensive and lengthy ones, like cancer treatment). Also, if a person is traveling to get a particular medical treatment, that will not be covered nor any issue arising therefrom.
The travel health insurance plans which cover pre-existing conditions have clear definitions of what is a pre-existing condition, the look back period for pre-existing condition, whether the travel insurance coverage is limited to acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and if it provides full coverage for pre-existing conditions the coverage limit within the policy for pre-existing conditons. Any travel health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions will depend on all these.
Unfortunately, this simple question has a fairly complicated answer. The answer is: it depends. Firstly, it depends on whether you are a US resident traveling outside the US or a visitor to the US. US residents can purchase trip cancellation insurance that can cover pre-existing conditions and even plans that are travel medical only without cancellation often are more generous in their coverage of pre-existing conditions. These plans may have specific requirements in order to waive the usual exclusion of coverage for pre-existing conditions (like purchase them within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit or that you have a primary domestic insurance plan in the US), so you should check these details carefully if this is important to you.
Non-US residents or US residents traveling into the US have much more limited options to insure their pre-existing conditions are covered. Some plans offer coverage for "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions. However, this is misleading, since a careful look at their definition excludes chronic or congenital disorders from such coverage. Chronic illnesses are those that worsen over time and congenital disorders are issues one is born with. They exclude emergencies due to chronic illness because they will say that is not "acute" it is simply a worsening of your condition.
Compare and buy best pre-existing plans
A pre-existing condition is a medical ailment that existed before the start of the visitors insurance cover. One of the biggest concerns for travelers is to buy travel health insurance for pre-existing conditions. Good visitor insurance with Pre-existing conditions coverage is particularly important for older travelers and parents. Only some visitors insurance offer coverage for pre-existing ailments and even there the coverage is mainly for acute onset of pre-existing ailments. Some other international travel insurance with pre-existing conditions coverage will pay for medical expenses after the first year of coverage or a waiting period.
Some travel health insurance plans like Atlas America, Patriot America Plus offer coverage for the acute onset of a pre-existing conditions, ie, when there is a sudden medical emergency without any prior symptom that needs to be treated immediately. The coverage typically includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation expenses related to the acute onset of the pre-existing condition. INF insurance however has the INF Elite insurance plans which cover pre-existing conditions going beyond the acute onset coverage. It is important to compare visitors insurance for pre-existing conditions both for the price as well as the specific details for pre-existing conditions coverage as well as review the policy brochures for exclusions and coverage limits before making a decision.
International travel insurance to USA from Canada plans never cover regular, required medical care for a chronic condition. For example, if a traveler takes medication regularly or requires treatment like dialysis, those things will have to be paid for out of pocket by the traveler and should be calculated into the cost of their trip. If medications are lost or stolen and need to be replace, that will require a doctor visit to get a prescription and then the purchase at the pharmacy all of which would have to be paid for by the insured. If the concern is for a sudden, unexpected flare up with a chronic, pre-existing condition, then there are a few plans which will cover that, but they are quite expensive and must be purchased for at least 90 days. Note also, that those plans also must be purchased BEFORE the travel begins and cover only travel to the US.
INF offers visitors from Canada excellent travel medical insurance in the United States which includes adequate coverage for dental, loss of checked luggage, medical emergencies and accidents incurred while traveling. Buying health insurance for Canadians in the United States works ideally for Canadian Snowbirds during their travel to the USA. Following are the best US travel insurance for Canadian Snowbirds.
| Compare INF Canadian travel insurance to USA |
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| Compare INF visitor insurance |
| Compare pre-existing coverage |
Compare and buy best US Single trip insurance for travel within the US and overseas
Know more »Compare Single trip vs multi trip insurance plans offered by US insurers.
Know more »There are many Canadians who travel to the US and elsewhere outside Canada regularly. These travelers can be businessmen or corporate travelers or those who live close to the US border and travel overseas often.
While there are many top rated travel health insurance plans for multiple trips worldwide, the Patriot Annual Multi trip insurance is an ideal plan for Canadian travelers. Every trip duration can be limited to either 30 days or 45 days with a medical coverage maximum of $1 million. Travelers up to the age of 76 years can buy this plan. The plan is renewable up to 3 years and also offers coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Confused whether to buy trip, travel or global health insurance? Understand the differences!
Click here to read more »There are over 25K Canadian students studying in US universities, make Canada the fifth highest source of international students in the country. Nearly half the Canadian students are in undergraduate programs, while the other half are in Graduate programs and in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. The number of Canadian students in the US has remained for nearly a decade now.
Canadian students in the US should buy proper student medical insurance given the high cost of healthcare in the US. While most Universities insist that students buy the University insurance, some universities allow students to buy insurance outside the college as long as it satisfies certain guidelines.
The international student insurance plans that we offer are cheaper than most University plans while being comparable in coverage. Canadian students on the OPT status will find our OPT student insurance plans particularly attractive given their affordability and coverage.
Canadians are having their health covered by the country’s universal healthcare and supplemental insurance. However, when moving abroad, this coverage expires after 6-8 months. Depending on the length of stay, Canadians need either supplemental or replacement health insurance. This ensures protection from high medical costs in the USA without universal healthcare. It’s important to have the right expat health insurance. For more details on coverage options, check US expat health insurance plans tailored to Canadians living abroad.
There are different factors for buying best health insurance for USA visitors. Visitors should compare fixed benefits and comprehensive visitor insurance plans. Foreign visitors to USA travel insurance customers should understand the concepts of deductibles and co-insurance and Pre-existing conditions travel health insurance. A prudent and well informed traveler will make the correct choice while buying tourist insurance in USA for his or her unique needs.
There are many international health insurance for Canadian travelling to US plans for coverage both in the USA as well as around the world. Given the several international travel insurance options, it can be confusing to find the best health insurance for international travel. What is very useful in making this decision is to compare US visitor travel insurance available on American Visitor Insurance.
The compare Canada to USA travel insurance tool allows travelers compare prices as well as coverage benefits in an objective manner.The traveler can change relevant factors like the medical maximum coverage and the deductible and coverage for pre-existing ailments or hazardous sports. After finding the best health insurance for travel to USA for your needs, travelers can buy it by completing an online application and paying using a credit card. One completing the purchase the travel insurance plan is emailed to the customer.
There is no denying that travel insurance for Canadians in USA is unfortunately very expensive. The main reason for this is simply because the cost of healthcare in the USA is very expensive and the travel insurance USA costs are directly related to the healthcare costs. Additionally, some US travel insurance plans for older travelers tend to be more expensive due to higher medical coverage as well as some plans with coverage for pre-existing ailments.
The best travel health insurance Canada to US depends these factors:
Canadian insurance may provide limited coverage in the USA, but most plans do not fully cover medical expenses incurred abroad. It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for comprehensive protection during your stay in the US. Please free to contact us at (877)-340-7910 or email and one of our licensed agents to get help finding travel insurance for Canadians to USA.
Some specific travel insurance plans offers limited coverage pre-existing conditions and the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. It’s important to read the policy details and understand any exclusions, limits, and eligibility requirements related to pre-existing conditions. Here are some of Canada to US travel insurance plans that covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions are Patriot Platinum, Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive and Visitors Protect.
Travel medical insurance to emergency medical expenses
Comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions/ailments
Travel insurance for Canadian seniors visiting USA
International student insurance for Canada students in USA
Travel health insurance for frequent travelers
Find out the best insurance for your budget and needs
Know more »Claims process for expenses due to injury or sickness
Know more »Compare the best travel insurance plan for your needs
Know more »Travel medical insurance USA resources
International travel insurance resources for USA visa holders.
Factors for travel insurance USA online
Factors for the best health insurance for travel to USA.
Types of USA tourist insurance online
Different types of tourist insurance for USA.
USA Vacation insurance claims procedure
Trip insurance claims process for getting medical care.
Fixed benefit or scheduled benefit plans are the most affordable travel insurance plans.
Click here to read more »International travel insurance plans covering pre-existing conditions which many older travelers look for.
Click here to read more »Compare quotes online for best travel insurance online, Fixed vs comprehensive travel insurance USA.
Click here to read more »Compare and buy the best travel medical insurance plans online.
Click here to read more »There are many cheap international insurance plans also known as visitor insurance plans.
Click here to read more »Coinsurance & Deductible - How visitor travel insurance works.
Click here to read more »Compare and buy best pre-existing plans
Know more »Compare and buy international travel insurance USA
Know more »These travel insurance to USA from Canada plans have limitations for travelers or students located in Canada:
LIMITATION: These plans are not available to individuals who are physically located in Canada at the time of purchase. However, you can buy this plan or arrival in the US (if for example, you stay longer than expected, the Atlas plan can be purchased to cover you until your return to Canada).
LIMITATION: If physically located in Canada, you are prohibited to purchase these plans.
LIMITATION: Seven Corners offers these plans. However these plans do not accept an address in Canada. Customer may use overseas home country address.
Snowbird travel insurance
Canadians to USA
Canadians student insurance
Canadian Seniors travel insurance
Expatriate insurance
Canadian Annual travel insurance
Pre-existing conditions
Green Card holders insurance
Canada Cruise insurance
