- The best travel insurance plans for USA
- Is it currently safe to travel to USA?
- Is Travel Insurance Required to Enter the USA?
- Why take out travel insurance for the USA?
- What Travel Insurance for the USA Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for USA
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to USA
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in the USA?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for USA: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the USA covers unexpected medical expenses, repatriation, and other travel-related emergencies.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is crucial to cover extremely high US healthcare costs.
3. Healthcare cost: US healthcare is extremely expensive, with a single hospital night often costing thousands of Canadian dollars.
4. Price: For a one-week trip, travel insurance for the USA typically costs between $30 and $60 CAD.
5. Good to know: Your provincial health plan provides very limited coverage for medical emergencies in the United States.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the USA.
The best travel insurance plans for USA
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | Excellent for USA trips due to high ceiling and broad coverage. - unlimited hospitalisation - repatriation - suitable for families or long stays |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Robust all-round offer for USA with direct 24/7 medical helpline. - no deductible - covers emergencies - quick assistance |
| Tourist Card | 0.8M CA$ | Balanced choice for USA, covering main risks at a reasonable price. - core hospital costs - emergency transport and repatriation - well-suited to tourists |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | Good for USA travel, especially for multi-destination trips. - suitable for long or multi-country stays - good for medical evacuation - cancellation included |
| Globe Partner | 0.5M CA$ | Functional coverage for basic protection in the USA. - medical expenses - civil liability - straightforward claims process |
| Globe Traveller | 0.8M CA$ | Sensible pick for short city breaks in the USA. - suitable for low-risk trips - essential guarantees - fast online management |
- unlimited hospitalisation
- repatriation
- suitable for families or long stays
- no deductible
- covers emergencies
- quick assistance
- core hospital costs
- emergency transport and repatriation
- well-suited to tourists
- suitable for long or multi-country stays
- good for medical evacuation
- cancellation included
- medical expenses
- civil liability
- straightforward claims process
- suitable for low-risk trips
- essential guarantees
- fast online management
Is it currently safe to travel to USA?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada maintains a level of “take normal security precautions” for travel to USA, reflecting a generally stable environment, but with some risks for travellers.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: crime rates are higher in some urban areas, and gun violence remains a concern across certain US cities. For example, mass shootings have occurred in public spaces in places like Chicago and Philadelphia, and pickpocketing is reported in major tourist locations such as Times Square in New York.
- Health risks: healthcare in USA is extremely expensive and foreign visitors must pay for all treatment. Even simple hospital emergencies, such as an ankle fracture in Los Angeles, may cost tens of thousands of CA dollars out-of-pocket, and there are no reciprocal health agreements.
- Environmental risks: hurricanes are frequent in Florida and the Gulf Coast from June to November, and California experiences regular wildfires and occasional earthquakes. Travellers may face flight cancellations or road closures in affected regions.
- Legal and entry constraints: cannabis is illegal federally, even if permitted at state level. Canadians with past criminal convictions may be refused entry, and electronic devices may be searched at the border.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in USA.
Is Travel Insurance Required to Enter the USA?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter USA.
Travel insurance is still highly recommended because the United States has one of the most expensive health care systems in the world. Without proper coverage, even basic hospital care or emergency services can result in bills of several thousand Canadian dollars. Travel insurance helps manage these unexpected and significant costs.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to USA. This high rate is due to the expensive health system and potential risks during travel.
Why take out travel insurance for the USA?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to USA.
In the USA, healthcare costs are extremely high, even for brief or routine care. Canadian travellers needing treatment at facilities such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York or Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles can face bills of tens of thousands of US dollars for emergency services, surgery or hospitalization.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in USA.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cleveland Clinic | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 12,000 USD (16,400 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 7,800 USD (10,700 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 55,000 USD (75,300 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 26,000 USD (35,600 CA$) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for the USA Should Cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for USA.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Covers hospital fees, doctor visits and urgent care including COVID-19 and accidents. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for ambulance or air evacuation to Canada or the nearest appropriate hospital. Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$500,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Covers return to Canada for serious illness, injury or death. Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$300,000. |
| 💊 Medication expenses | Reimburses prescription drugs and emergency pharmaceuticals. Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$25,000. |
| 🏨 Hospitalization | Covers overnight stay and related hospital services. Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$5,000,000. |
| 🧳 Lost or delayed baggage | Pays for lost, stolen or late luggage. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,500–CA$2,500. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Reimburses non-refundable travel costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason. Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$10,000. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance | Access to multilingual helpline for medical or legal emergencies. Recommended reimbursement limit: no fixed limit, but always check for worldwide availability. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$500,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$300,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$25,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$5,000,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,500–CA$2,500.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$10,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: no fixed limit, but always check for worldwide availability.
Travel insurance from local banks or credit cards often has low reimbursement limits and many exclusions. It is safer to opt for a trusted insurer offering full coverage. Compare the best plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant coverage confirmation.
The cost of travel insurance for USA
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$28 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$47 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$72 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$165 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance depends on several key elements: your age, the duration of your stay, the amount of coverage, and optional add-ons like trip cancellation. Considering these factors is crucial for Canadians to select a suitable plan and avoid potentially massive healthcare bills while visiting the United States.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to USA
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to USA while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Longer visits increase total insurance costs, especially in the USA where healthcare is expensive. | Choose only the actual trip duration and avoid rounding up, as policies are priced per day. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Higher coverage means better protection against high US medical costs, but can also increase the price. | Assess your needs: consider genuine healthcare risks, but avoid unnecessary add-ons like luxury plans. |
| 👨👩👦 Number of travelers | Group or family coverage is often more economical than purchasing separate policies for each person. | Opt for a family plan if traveling with others, as some insurers offer discounts or free coverage for children. |
| 🌍 Geographic scope | Policies covering multiple countries or wider regions increase the premium for USA-specific trips. | Select only the USA as your coverage area to avoid surcharges for other destinations. |
| ⚕️ Pre-existing conditions | Declaring health conditions can affect price in the USA, as medical care is very costly for chronic illnesses. | Check exclusions before purchase and look for insurers with manageable surcharges on declared conditions. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | A higher deductible (amount paid out of pocket) lowers the premium, but increases what you pay if you need care. | Raise your deductible smartly—choose an amount you could reasonably afford in case of a claim. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Pricing increases significantly with age, especially for seniors in USA due to risk premiums. | Compare age bands and note Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which is rare among insurers. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in the USA?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether public or private health insurance, or insurance from a credit card, will cover you during your trip to USA. Unfortunately, these protections are often limited or insufficient, especially for serious illness or hospital stays.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in USA? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health Transfer, provincial plans) | Never | No coverage for medical care, hospitalization or repatriation abroad | Travel insurance covers CA$1,000,000+ for medical care, hospital, and emergency evacuation |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | Some emergency care and medical fees; usually low limits (under CA$25,000), no baggage or trip delay | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+, with baggage, trip interruption, and 24/7 assistance |
| Classic credit card (RBC Visa Classic, TD Green Visa, BMO Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical care, usually under CA$50,000, strict age and trip length limits; no cancellation | Travel insurance may cover CA$1,000,000+ and include trip cancellation, delay, and lost items |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum, CIBC Aventura Gold) | Limited coverage | Medical expenses up to CA$5,000,000, trip delay or baggage usually capped at CA$1,000–CA$2,500 | Travel insurance adds full repatriation, trip interruption, higher non-medical limits, and global support |
Example
During a Florida vacation, a sudden appendicitis attack resulted in an emergency surgery bill of CA$75,000. Maya's provincial health plan only covered CA$1,200, and her premium Visa card's insurance had a low cap. Without dedicated travel insurance, she was left personally liable for over CA$70,000 for a common medical emergency.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan may not cover key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print to understand exclusions and avoid surprises. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to USA?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit the USA for tourism or business stays of up to six months. You will need a valid Canadian passport or, in some cases, a NEXUS card or Trusted Traveler Program card for entry. Certain other purposes, like studying or working, may require a visa.
How do I purchase travel insurance for USA?
To purchase travel insurance for USA, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review the policy, paying attention to guarantees and exclusions, especially regarding medical coverage for USA. Buy your chosen plan online and receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should bring when you travel.
Are medical costs really that high in the USA for Canadians?
Yes, medical costs in the USA are substantially higher than in Canada. A single emergency room visit can easily cost over CA$1,000, and a hospital stay can reach CA$10,000 or more. This is why travel insurance with high medical coverage is highly recommended.
Does travel insurance for USA cover COVID-19-related healthcare?
Most travel insurance plans now cover emergency medical care related to COVID-19, such as hospitalization and testing, if you get sick while in the USA. However, make sure to check policy wording, as some plans exclude pandemic-related coverage or have restrictions.
Can I buy travel insurance for USA after my departure from Canada?
Most insurers require that you purchase and activate your travel insurance before leaving Canada. Some international providers may allow purchase after departure, but benefits can be limited and waiting periods may apply. Always check policy details before you travel.
What documents should I carry to prove my travel insurance in the USA?
You should carry a copy of your insurance certificate and keep emergency contact numbers for your insurer handy. It’s also a good idea to have your policy details saved digitally on your phone so you can access them quickly in case of an emergency.
Do I need a visa to travel to USA?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit the USA for tourism or business stays of up to six months. You will need a valid Canadian passport or, in some cases, a NEXUS card or Trusted Traveler Program card for entry. Certain other purposes, like studying or working, may require a visa.
How do I purchase travel insurance for USA?
To purchase travel insurance for USA, start by comparing plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully review the policy, paying attention to guarantees and exclusions, especially regarding medical coverage for USA. Buy your chosen plan online and receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should bring when you travel.
Are medical costs really that high in the USA for Canadians?
Yes, medical costs in the USA are substantially higher than in Canada. A single emergency room visit can easily cost over CA$1,000, and a hospital stay can reach CA$10,000 or more. This is why travel insurance with high medical coverage is highly recommended.
Does travel insurance for USA cover COVID-19-related healthcare?
Most travel insurance plans now cover emergency medical care related to COVID-19, such as hospitalization and testing, if you get sick while in the USA. However, make sure to check policy wording, as some plans exclude pandemic-related coverage or have restrictions.
Can I buy travel insurance for USA after my departure from Canada?
Most insurers require that you purchase and activate your travel insurance before leaving Canada. Some international providers may allow purchase after departure, but benefits can be limited and waiting periods may apply. Always check policy details before you travel.
What documents should I carry to prove my travel insurance in the USA?
You should carry a copy of your insurance certificate and keep emergency contact numbers for your insurer handy. It’s also a good idea to have your policy details saved digitally on your phone so you can access them quickly in case of an emergency.
