Icon/Desktop/Search Created with Sketch.

Canada

Travel Insurance for Canada

Protect Your Journey Today

Get protected With the Best Trip Insurance for Canada

America's relatively quiet neighbor to the north is a powerhouse destination. From its world-class cities, like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, to its stunning and expansive wildlife preserves, there's a ton to see and do. Plus, there's no shortage of regional culture and unique culinary experiences to explore.

If you plan to travel to Canada, insurance is a must — as it is with any destination. While it consistently ranks as one of the safest countries to visit, you'll still want to be prepared if anything goes wrong on your trip, from flight delays to needing to seek medical care.

Health & Safety in Canada

As the United States’s North American neighbor, Canada is considered a very safe destination to visit.

Crime is generally low, though petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in major cities and transport hubs, such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. There are no infectious disease concerns that travelers need to be aware of, and fortunately, no vaccinations are required for entry.

Still, for travel tips and the most up-to-date information on Canadian health and safety, you should always consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Canada and the CDC’s health recommendations for U.S. travelers before an upcoming trip, just to cover your bases.

A significant amount of Canada’s land is considered a conservation or protected area, so if you’re venturing into Canada’s vast wilderness or going out on the water, you’ll want to make sure you’re adequately prepared, particularly in the winter months.

Canada can experience extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters and, in some regions, natural disasters, like wildfires and ice storms. Travelers should prepare accordingly, dress appropriately for the season, be aware of potential wildlife encounters, and follow local guidelines for outdoor activities to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Since it’s possible to go very off the beaten track in Canada, you may want to consider a more extensive travel insurance plan, such as Redpoint’s Ripcord policy, which provides maximum coverage for emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue, and other premium benefits.

Insurance Benefits and Coverage for a Trip to Canada

 

The components of any good travel insurance policy are the same. You want to make sure you have each type of coverage below so that you’re covered for any unexpected events, no matter what happens on your next trip to Canada.

  • Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel your trip or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. For extra coverage, you can tack on cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance for an additional cost.
  • Travel medical insurance: This covers medical expenses for illness or injury during your trip. While Canada has excellent medical services, your health insurance from the U.S. is unlikely to cover you if you fall ill while you’re there. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, consider getting a waiver added to your medical coverage.
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance: This coverage reimburses you for emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility in Canada or back to the U.S. if needed. It’s especially important to buy travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation if you plan to participate in any adventure sports or backcountry exploring.
  • Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers lost luggage, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip.
  • Trip delay insurance: Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

For adventure travelers looking to conquer the Canadian Rockies or the glaciers of Banff National Park, Ripcord is an extensive travel plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage.

If you’re sticking with urban adventures in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler interested in worldwide cultural exploration.

Both include a generous array of covered reasons for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, plus lost baggage, primary medical expense coverage, pandemic coverage, and emergency medical evacuation.

You can buy a policy for one trip to Canada, or purchase an annual policy for multiple trips. Check out our purchase page for a quote today.

FAQs for Canada Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for Canada?

While travel insurance is not a requirement for entering Canada, it is highly recommended, as it is for any destination.

How much is travel insurance for Canada?

Most of Redpoint's insurance plans for travel to Canada range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs.

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Canada?

When buying Canada travel insurance, essential coverage should include coverage for a medical emergency; trip cancellation, trip delay, and trip interruption; baggage protection, and emergency evacuation coverage. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, like Redpoint's.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or an unpredictable work schedule, you might want to consider additional coverage — a pre-existing condition waiver and cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, respectively.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Canada?

As of now, there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for travelers to Canada. However, if you are worried about a coronavirus infection upsetting your travel plans, it may be a good idea to add CFAR coverage to your travel insurance policy.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Canada?

You'll be able to access medical care in Canada if you become sick or have an accident, but you'll likely need to pay out of pocket for treatment and medical bills. Travel insurance can help cover or reimburse you for these expenses, ensuring you get the care you need without worrying about financial strain.

In case of emergencies in Canada, dial 911 for emergency services. Redpoint can also be reached for round-the-clock assistance at +1-415-481-0610..

Are the hospitals good in Canada?

Yes, Canada has a very high-quality healthcare system, with hospitals and clinics staffed by well-trained professionals who maintain high standards of care. However, wait times in emergency rooms can sometimes be longer than in the U.S., particularly for non-life-threatening issues.

What documentation is needed to visit Canada?

When traveling for a vacation, U.S. citizens only need a valid passport to enter Canada. If flying, you may also require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). No visa is needed for short tourist stays, but travelers should ensure their passport is valid for the entire duration of the trip.

Is Canada safe to visit?

Canada is generally considered a safe destination with low crime rates. Most travelers have a trouble-free experience, but it is still wise to take standard safety precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas and transport hubs.

Is Canada safe for female travelers?

Yes, Canada is considered one of the safest countries for female travelers. Solo female travelers should feel comfortable exploring most areas while exercising normal precautions.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Canada?

The U.S. has several diplomatic offices in Canada, including an embassy in Ottawa and consulates in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. In an emergency, the embassy can assist with lost passports, medical emergencies, and other urgent matters. You can contact the Ottawa Embassy via the following address and telephone number:

490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1G8

Tel: +1-613-688-5335

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

No matter what type of trip you’re planning to Canada, Redpoint has a plan to keep you totally covered. Check out our three comprehensive and easy-to-understand coverage options — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote today.