What U.S. Travelers Need to Know About Health Insurance for Trips to Canada

Key Takeaways for Travel to Canada from USA 

• While health insurance is not required for entry, it is highly recommended since US citizens are fully responsible for medical costs in Canada without it. 
• US health insurance and Medicare usually don’t apply in Canada, as coverage typically ends when you leave your home country. 
• A good policy should cover emergency medical care, evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage coverage for lost or delayed luggage. 
• Reviewing policy limits, exclusions, and the claims process is key to avoiding unexpected costs. 
• Always read the fine print to fully understand all terms and conditions. 

Canada has long been a favourite destination for U.S. travellers. With its stunning national parks, European-style cities, summer cultural festivals, winter sports, and the bonus of a favourable exchange rate, it’s no wonder millions of Americans cross the border each year for short vacations, road trips, and family visits.

But while the journey north is easy, one important detail often gets overlooked: healthcare. Many US citizens assume that Canada’s public healthcare system is free for everyone, but in reality, it only covers some Canadian residents. Visitors are expected to pay out of pocket for medical services, and those costs can be surprisingly high. A single emergency room visit or ambulance ride can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Toronto, a ski trip in Whistler, or an extended stay to explore the Rockies, having the right insurance ensures you’re protected against unexpected medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or costly evacuations.  

Do US Citizens Need Health Insurance to Travel to Canada? 

While it isn’t mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Health insurance is not a requirement for US citizens to enter Canada. You can cross the border with just your valid passport, and for short visits under six months, you don’t need a visa either.   

But here’s why we recommend acquiring one: the Canadian healthcare system is not accessible to tourists. As a visitor, you’ll be billed for every medical service you use—whether it’s a doctor’s visit, prescription medication, an X-ray, or an emergency room stay. And these costs can add up quickly.

For example, an overnight stay in a Canadian hospital can exceed $3,000 USD, and an ambulance ride may cost $500–$1,000 USD. Without travel health insurance, you’ll be responsible for paying these expenses out of pocket. 

It’s also worth noting that most US-based health insurance plans and Medicare do not cover medical care outside the United States. Even if your plan offers some international benefits, the coverage may be limited, and you may still need to pay upfront for medical treatment before filing a claim. Many plans require travellers to pay upfront for certain medical services and seek reimbursement later. 

For these reasons, purchasing travel health insurance for Canada is more than just a precaution—it’s an essential step in protecting yourself financially and ensuring peace of mind during your trip. When travelling abroad, you face the risk of unexpected illness or injury, and having the right coverage is crucial. 

When choosing a policy, check if the plan includes coverage for emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, and pre-existing medical conditions. Many policies differ in what they offer, so review the details carefully. Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions should ensure their policy covers these issues to avoid exclusions and ensure comprehensive protection. 

Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: What’s the Difference?

Now, before acquiring any policy, it’s important to understand the difference between health insurance and travel insurance—two terms that are often confused but offer very different types of protection. Health insurance covers medical-related expenses, such as emergency hospital visits, prescriptions, and sometimes medical evacuation. Travel insurance, on the other hand, offers broader trip protection for issues like cancellations, lost baggage, and travel delays.

For U.S. citizens visiting Canada for less than 4 months, a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical coverage is usually the most convenient and cost-effective option. If you’re planning to stay longer than 4 months, consider an international or expat health insurance plan with extended medical coverage and access to a broader healthcare network in Canada.

Some policies also include optional add-ons, which can be especially useful for travel in Canada:

• Adventure sports coverage: Essential for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or other outdoor activities where the risk of injury is higher.

• Rental car protection: Covers damages to rental cars, which is useful if you’re road-tripping across provinces.

• Translation services: Helpful for travelers who may encounter language barriers, especially in medical settings or regions like Quebec.

Since coverage details vary widely, it’s important to review the policy wording carefully, paying attention to coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles. A cheaper plan may leave out key protections you’ll wish you had if something goes wrong.

Emergency Medical & Evacuation Coverage in Canada

One of the most important parts of any insurance plan for U.S. travelers to Canada is emergency medical and evacuation coverage. While most people don’t expect to get seriously sick or injured on vacation, accidents can happen—and costs can quickly rise. In Canada, non-residents are billed directly for medical services like hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care. A single day in the hospital can cost thousands. Comprehensive health insurance helps cover these expenses, saving you from major out-of-pocket costs. Some plans also include translation services, which are helpful in places like Quebec where language barriers may exist.

In more serious cases, you may need to be transported to another city or back to the U.S. for specialized treatment. Medical evacuation is one of the most expensive parts of emergency care, often costing $20,000 to $50,000 USD or more depending on the transport method, such as air ambulances. Insurance with evacuation coverage ensures these high costs are included, offering financial protection and peace of mind during unexpected emergencies abroad.

When evacuation moverage matters most for US visitors

• Remote destinations: Visiting Canada’s national parks, wilderness areas, or rural regions often means the nearest hospital is hours away. British Columbia, for example, is a popular region for skiing, hiking, and outdoor sports, but its remote areas can pose additional risks.

• Winter sports: Skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling are popular in Canada, especially in British Columbia, but carry a higher risk of injury. Always exercise caution when participating in these high-risk activities.

• Adventure activities: Hiking, kayaking, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits can require specialized rescue services. Travelers should exercise caution in remote or challenging environments.

Policy Differences: Not all health insurance policies include the same evacuation benefits. Some have high limits (up to $500,000 USD), while others offer only basic coverage. Always check:

• The maximum evacuation benefit.

• Whether repatriation (return to the US) is included.

• If high-risk activities are excluded.

Best Health Insurance Options for US Citizens Visiting Canada

Choosing the right health insurance depends on factors like your trip length, health needs, and planned activities in Canada. Coverage, exclusions, and benefits can vary widely between plans, so it’s important to compare your options carefully. A short weekend in Montreal might only require a basic single-trip plan, while frequent travellers could benefit more from an annual multi-trip policy. If you’re skiing in Whistler or hiking in Banff, look for policies that include adventure sports coverage.

When comparing plans, don’t focus only on price—pay close attention to coverage limits, exclusions, and how claims are handled. Comprehensive travel insurance should include essential protections like emergency evacuation, repatriation, and trip interruption coverage. Reading the fine print helps you avoid gaps that could cost you thousands if something goes wrong. The best policy is one that balances affordability with strong, reliable protection.

For US travellers, we recommend two strong options. Cigna is best suited for longer stays—particularly trips over four months or for families planning to live in Canada—thanks to its comprehensive global medical network and family-friendly plans. BestQuote, on the other hand, is ideal for shorter visits, offering the flexibility to compare policies from multiple insurers and choose the best price for your trip.

Final Thought: Health Insurance Could Save You Thousands in Canada

Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly—even on short trips. For U.S. travelers visiting Canada, being unprepared can result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, as non-residents are not covered by Canada’s public healthcare system. Having the right health insurance can make all the difference between manageable costs and overwhelming financial stress. To help highlight this, here’s a comparison of typical medical and trip-related costs with and without insurance coverage while visiting Canada:

As the table shows, health insurance isn’t just a safety net—it’s essential protection that can save you tens of thousands of dollars in the event of an emergency. From ER visits and hospital stays to medical evacuations and trip cancellations, being insured ensures you get the care you need without facing devastating financial consequences. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, having coverage in place is one of the smartest decisions you can make before traveling to Canada.

Join Moving2Canada Community

Stay informed, connected, and supported throughout your journey to Canada. When you join the Moving2Canada community, you’ll get access to exclusive resources, expert tips, personalized immigration updates, job opportunities, and tools to help you succeed in Canada—whether you’re visiting, studying, or planning a long-term move.