Canadian provincial health plans cover next to nothing once you cross the border — and US healthcare costs are notoriously high. A single ER visit can run well over $10,000, an ambulance ride $3,000+, and a hospital stay can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 per day. Travel insurance isn’t optional for a US trip; it’s the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a life-altering bill. Here’s how to choose the right coverage, and what it typically costs.
Why Canadians Need Travel Insurance for the US
Provincial health plans (OHIP, MSP, etc.) provide little to no coverage outside Canada, and most only reimburse a small fraction of costs incurred abroad — nowhere near what a US hospital actually charges. Without private travel insurance, Canadians visiting the US are financially exposed to the full cost of American healthcare, which is among the most expensive in the world.
What to Look for in a Policy
Emergency Medical Coverage
This is the core of any US-bound travel insurance policy. Look for:
- High coverage limits — ideally $1 million to $10 million, since US medical costs escalate quickly
- Direct billing with US hospitals, so you’re not forced to pay out of pocket and claim reimbursement later
- Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions — a stable pre-existing condition that suddenly flares up unexpectedly, which many standard policies exclude unless specifically included
Deductible and Copay Structure
Most plans let you choose a deductible (commonly $0–$500+), which directly affects your premium. A $0 deductible costs more upfront but avoids a surprise bill if you need care.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption (Optional Add-On)
If your trip involves prepaid, non-refundable costs (flights, hotels, tours), a comprehensive plan that bundles trip cancellation and interruption protects that investment — not just your medical costs.
Coverage Duration
Whether you need coverage for a weekend trip or several months matters — some providers cap single-trip policies at 364 days, useful for snowbirds spending winter in the US.
Best Travel Insurance Providers for Canadians Visiting the US
Based on comparisons of Canadian travel insurance providers, a few names consistently come out on top for overall value, medical coverage limits, and claims support:
Manulife — Widely regarded as one of the top overall providers, with medical coverage up to $10 million and strong comprehensive plan options.
Blue Cross — Particularly strong for seniors and snowbirds spending extended time in the US, with medical coverage up to $10 million.
Allianz — A solid option for families, offering up to $5 million in medical coverage.
TuGo — Well suited to adventure travellers, with medical coverage up to $10 million and flexibility for activity-based add-ons.
World Nomads — Popular with backpackers and younger travellers wanting adventure-activity coverage, though medical limits ($5 million) and trip cancellation limits are generally lower than the larger insurers.
GMS — A budget-friendly option for travellers prioritizing cost over the highest coverage ceilings.
For US-specific “visitor insurance” style plans (common among providers marketing directly to Canadians heading south), names like Patriot America Plus, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and Atlas America frequently appear, offering coverage from 5 days up to 2 years, $1,000,000+ medical maximums, and direct billing with US providers.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing depends heavily on your age, trip length, coverage type, and whether you add trip cancellation. Rough benchmarks for Canadians travelling to the US:
| Trip Type | Duration | Medical-Only | Comprehensive | All-Inclusive (+ Cancellation) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend US trip | 3 days | $8 – $15 | $25 – $45 | $35 – $60 |
| Extended US trip | 2 weeks | Higher, scales with age/duration | — | — |
| Snowbird / winter stay | 1–6 months | Significantly higher, especially for seniors | — | — |
Comprehensive plans — which add trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage coverage on top of medical — typically cost 50–100% more than medical-only coverage, but protect your entire trip investment, not just health-related costs.
Note on age: premiums rise noticeably for travellers over 60–65, and coverage limits for pre-existing conditions often shrink for older age brackets (commonly reduced at ages 70, 75, and 80+ depending on the provider).
Medical-Only vs. Comprehensive: Which Do You Need?
- Medical-only makes sense if your flights and accommodation are already fully refundable and your main risk is a medical emergency.
- Comprehensive coverage is worth the extra cost if you have non-refundable bookings, are travelling during unpredictable weather seasons, or simply want the trip itself financially protected, not just your health.
Tips Before You Buy
- Disclose all pre-existing conditions accurately. Non-disclosure is the most common reason claims get denied.
- Check the “acute onset” clause carefully if you have a pre-existing condition — some plans cover a sudden, unexpected flare-up; others exclude pre-existing conditions entirely.
- Confirm direct billing with US hospitals, so you’re not left negotiating a five- or six-figure bill from a hospital bed.
- Compare quotes across providers — rates for the same coverage can vary meaningfully between insurers for the same age and trip length.
- If travelling frequently, an annual multi-trip policy often works out cheaper than buying single-trip coverage every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my provincial health plan cover me in the US at all?
Minimally, if at all — most provinces cover only a small fraction of actual US medical costs, leaving you responsible for the rest without private insurance.
What’s the cheapest way to insure a short US trip?
A medical-only policy for a short trip (a few days) is generally the lowest-cost option, often in the $10–$20 range, though this varies by age and provider.
Is trip cancellation coverage necessary?
Only if you have non-refundable bookings you’d want protected. If your flights/hotels are refundable, medical-only coverage may be sufficient.
Do I need extra coverage for adventure activities like skiing?
Yes — activities like skiing, hiking at altitude, or whitewater rafting are often classified as “high-risk” and may need specialized adventure coverage add-ons, as standard plans frequently exclude them.