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Securing travel insurance is essential if you want health coverage while you’re in Canada. While it isn’t mandatory for most visitors, it’s strongly recommended. Healthcare in Canada, especially medical emergencies, can get quite costly if you are not a resident or don’t have the necessary coverage.
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In this article, we’ll walk you through Canada’s healthcare system, the types of insurance you’ll need for your trip to Canada, what travel insurance covers, and our top picks for the best travel insurance providers to match your needs.
Who Needs Travel Insurance In Canada?
You should consider getting travel insurance if you are:
- Visiting Canada for an extended period
- Applying for a Super Visa for your parents or grandparents
- In Canada, on a work visa and not eligible for provincial or territorial healthcare
- An international student enrolled full-time at a recognized Canadian institution
- A recent international graduate staying in Canada to work in their field of study
Why Travelers Should Get Travel Insurance in Canada
The cost of healthcare in Canada can add up pretty quickly if you are not a resident covered by Medicare. Take British Columbia as an example: an ambulance ride alone can cost you $848*, and if you need emergency evacuation by air, you’re looking at over $4,000 an hour.
In Ottawa, some hospitals charge non-residents up to $1,191 just to be seen in the ER, before any scans, tests, or treatment. A single night of hospital stay can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $5,700.
*Prices above are in Canadian dollars
Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Canada
VUMI, April International, Allianz Care, and GeoBlue are the best travel insurance providers for expats in Canada. Let’s look at each company in greater detail below.
1) VUMI Travel Insurance in Canada
VUMI provides a range of international health insurance plans tailored for expats, with annual coverage ranging from USD $2,000,000 to unlimited. Key benefits include unlimited outpatient visits, coverage for prescribed medications during hospital stays, and emergency medical evacuation.
VUMI also offers additional features such as access to second medical opinions and coverage for Alzheimer ’s-related care, providing comprehensive support and peace of mind for policyholders.
Here are the key benefits included in VUMI’s travel insurance plans:
- Lifetime maximum benefit of USD $5,000,000 per insured (up to age 70)
- Up to $500,000 in coverage for stable pre-existing conditions
- 100% coverage for hospitalization
- 100% coverage for outpatient care and specialist consultations
- 100% coverage for prescription medications
With over 35 years of experience, VUMI is one of our most trusted partners in providing flexible health coverage for expats. Explore VUMI’s plan details here.
2) April International Travel Insurance in Canada
April International offers flexible travel and short-term international health insurance designed for individuals and families living, working, or traveling outside their home country.
Here are the highlights of April International’s short-term and travel insurance plan:
- Coverage from 1 month up to 1 year (extendable by 1–6 months)
- Available in USD, Euros, and GBP
- Optional coverage for acute episodes of pre-existing conditions (for those under 50 with policies of 3+ months)
- Access to private medical facilities of your choice
- No upfront payment required for hospitalization
- 24/7 multilingual support and easy claims via mobile app
April International’s MyHealth plans cater specifically to expats, offering flexible coverage options from basic to premium, with annual limits ranging from USD $250,000 to unlimited. Check out more details of April International’s Expat Insurance here.
3) Allianz Care Travel Insurance in Canada
Allianz Care is a trusted name in international health insurance, offering comprehensive global coverage with benefit limits reaching up to USD $5,000,000.
Allianz Travel, a brand under Allianz Partners, offers a range of plans tailored for both occasional and frequent travelers. With over 70 million travelers served yearly, Allianz Travel is a go-to provider for safeguarding against trip disruptions, medical emergencies, and more.
Their most popular single-trip travel insurance plan OneTrip Prime offers trip cancellation up to $100,000, emergency medical evacuation up to $500,000, lost/damaged baggage coverage up to $1,000, and more. This plan even includes free coverage for the policyholder’s children under 17.
If you are a frequent traveler, Allianz’s AllTrips plans are designed just for you. These annual/multi-trip travel insurance plans come in tiers: Basic, Premier, Executive, and Prime. AllTrips Prime includes enhanced coverage compared to its single-trip version, with added benefits like rental car damage and theft protection.
Learn more about Travel Insurance Plans by Allianz Care here.
4) GeoBlue Travel Insurance in Canada
GeoBlue offers three types of international health insurance solutions for both short- and long-term travel.
- Voyager: Ideal for single trips up to 182 days
- Trekker: Short-term multi-trip plan covering unlimited trips within a year (up to 70 days per trip)
- Xplorer: Comprehensive long-term health insurance for expatriates
One of GeoBlue’s standout features is its Global TeleMD app, which allows you to book same-day virtual doctor consultations from anywhere in the world. All plans also include coordination for medical evacuation and repatriation.
U.S. citizens living abroad can also opt for USA coverage through the Xplorer Premier plan, which is a major benefit for those who want access to treatment in the States.
Explore GeoBlue’s travel insurance options here.
What to Look For in a Travel Insurance Plan in Canada
When choosing the right travel insurance plan that matches your needs and duration of stay, it’s crucial to consider these factors:
Coverage Limits
Check the maximum amount the plan will pay for medical expenses. If you anticipate needing more extensive care, opt for a policy with higher limits.
Comprehensive Benefits
Ensure the plan includes essential services like inpatient and outpatient care, preventive checkups, mental health support, maternity care, and prescription drugs.
Healthcare Network Access
A wide and reputable provider network means more hospital and clinic options, shorter wait times, and potentially better quality of care.
Insurer Credibility
Read reviews and ratings from other policyholders to gauge the company’s reliability. A trustworthy insurer is more likely to provide strong customer service and deliver on claims.
Know What’s Not Covered
Always review the exclusions. Many policies don’t cover certain pre-existing conditions, elective treatments, or alternative therapies.
Direct Billing Convenience
Seek plans that provide direct billing with medical providers to avoid paying for treatments upfront and having to wait for reimbursements.
Medical Evacuation Protection
Should you need to be transported for urgent medical treatment, this coverage helps manage both the cost and logistics of evacuation.
Canada’s Healthcare System
Canada is home to one of the world’s best public healthcare systems, known as Medicare. Medicare is a publicly funded healthcare system that enables Canadian residents to access necessary hospital and physician services without any out-of-pocket expenses.
The Canadian public healthcare system, however, does not extend free medical coverage to tourists and non-residents. If you are sick or get injured during your visit, the medical bill can be costly. That’s why having private health insurance in Canada is essential when planning your trip to Canada.
Why Work with an Insurance Broker When Choosing Travel Insurance for Canada
Working with an insurance broker when choosing Canada travel insurance can save you time, frustration, and money. That’s where a trusted insurance broker like Pacific Prime comes in. Brokers like us work for you, not the insurance companies.
We can save your time and money by comparing multiple plans without bias to any specific providers. From finding the best-fit coverage to providing support with claims, brokers act as your dedicated advocate throughout the entire process.
Let Pacific Prime help you secure the travel insurance plan that suits your needs, budget, and travel plans in Canada.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote and plan comparison!
If you’re interested in heading to other areas in the Americas, like Mexico, don’t hesitate to check out our article, A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Mexico, or see our Complete Guide to Travel Insurance in the Bahamas.
You also won’t want to miss our articles 10 Tips for Getting Travel Insurance Coverage in Costa Rica and Travel Insurance to Canada: Coverage and Options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance required for Canada?
Travel insurance is not required when visiting Canada, unless you’re applying for a super visa. But health care in Canada can get costly if you are a non-resident and don’t have insurance. Having travel insurance is highly recommended to avoid unexpected medical expenses during your trip to Canada.
What should your travel health insurance cover?
No matter where you’re traveling, your travel health insurance should always cover three things: medical evacuation to nearest place with proper medical care, pre-existing medical conditions, and repatriation in case of death.
Does travel insurance cover lost or delayed baggage?
Most travel insurance plans offer baggage loss, damage, and delay coverage. You can also select benefits or add-ons to protect any valuable items in your baggage from loss or damage. Always check the policy for full details.
With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.
In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
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