The Best Travel Insurance Plans for USA in 2025

A. Fruchard
A. Fruchard updated on June 26, 2025
Table of Contents
  • 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
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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.

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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 recommendMedical reimbursement limitOur view
HelloTravel Premium1.5M CA$Excellent for USA trips due to high ceiling and broad coverage.
- unlimited hospitalisation
- repatriation
- suitable for families or long stays
Cap Assistance 24/241.5M CA$Robust all-round offer for USA with direct 24/7 medical helpline.
- no deductible
- covers emergencies
- quick assistance
Tourist Card0.8M CA$Balanced choice for USA, covering main risks at a reasonable price.
- core hospital costs
- emergency transport and repatriation
- well-suited to tourists
Travel Pass Monde1.0M CA$Good for USA travel, especially for multi-destination trips.
- suitable for long or multi-country stays
- good for medical evacuation
- cancellation included
Globe Partner0.5M CA$Functional coverage for basic protection in the USA.
- medical expenses
- civil liability
- straightforward claims process
Globe Traveller0.8M CA$Sensible pick for short city breaks in the USA.
- suitable for low-risk trips
- essential guarantees
- fast online management
Comparison of recommended travel insurance contracts for the USA.
HelloTravel Premium
Medical reimbursement limit
1.5M CA$
Our view
Excellent for USA trips due to high ceiling and broad coverage.
- unlimited hospitalisation
- repatriation
- suitable for families or long stays
Cap Assistance 24/24
Medical reimbursement limit
1.5M CA$
Our view
Robust all-round offer for USA with direct 24/7 medical helpline.
- no deductible
- covers emergencies
- quick assistance
Tourist Card
Medical reimbursement limit
0.8M CA$
Our view
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
Medical reimbursement limit
1.0M CA$
Our view
Good for USA travel, especially for multi-destination trips.
- suitable for long or multi-country stays
- good for medical evacuation
- cancellation included
Globe Partner
Medical reimbursement limit
0.5M CA$
Our view
Functional coverage for basic protection in the USA.
- medical expenses
- civil liability
- straightforward claims process
Globe Traveller
Medical reimbursement limit
0.8M CA$
Our view
Sensible pick for short city breaks in the USA.
- suitable for low-risk trips
- essential guarantees
- fast online management
Comparison of recommended travel insurance contracts for the USA.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compare

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 treatmentCost at Cleveland ClinicCovered by travel insurance
I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection12,000 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 repatriated55,000 USD (75,300 CA$)up to 100%
I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery)26,000 USD (35,600 CA$)up to 100%
Examples of medical treatment costs and travel insurance coverage.
I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection
Cost at Cleveland Clinic
12,000 USD (16,400 CA$)
Covered by travel insurance
up to 100%
I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental)
Cost at Cleveland Clinic
7,800 USD (10,700 CA$)
Covered by travel insurance
up to 100%
I need to be repatriated
Cost at Cleveland Clinic
55,000 USD (75,300 CA$)
Covered by travel insurance
up to 100%
I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery)
Cost at Cleveland Clinic
26,000 USD (35,600 CA$)
Covered by travel insurance
up to 100%
Examples of medical treatment costs and travel insurance coverage.

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 coveragesExplanations and recommendations
🏥 Emergency medical expensesCovers hospital fees, doctor visits and urgent care including COVID-19 and accidents.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000,000.
🚑 Medical evacuationPays for ambulance or air evacuation to Canada or the nearest appropriate hospital.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$500,000.
✈️ RepatriationCovers return to Canada for serious illness, injury or death.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$300,000.
💊 Medication expensesReimburses prescription drugs and emergency pharmaceuticals.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$25,000.
🏨 HospitalizationCovers overnight stay and related hospital services.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$5,000,000.
🧳 Lost or delayed baggagePays for lost, stolen or late luggage.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,500–CA$2,500.
❌ Trip cancellationReimburses non-refundable travel costs if you need to cancel for a covered reason.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$10,000.
📞 24/7 assistanceAccess to multilingual helpline for medical or legal emergencies.
Recommended reimbursement limit: no fixed limit, but always check for worldwide availability.
Main travel insurance coverages, with explanations and recommended reimbursement limits.
🏥 Emergency medical expenses
Explanations and recommendations
Covers hospital fees, doctor visits and urgent care including COVID-19 and accidents.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000,000.
🚑 Medical evacuation
Explanations and recommendations
Pays for ambulance or air evacuation to Canada or the nearest appropriate hospital.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$500,000.
✈️ Repatriation
Explanations and recommendations
Covers return to Canada for serious illness, injury or death.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$300,000.
💊 Medication expenses
Explanations and recommendations
Reimburses prescription drugs and emergency pharmaceuticals.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$25,000.
🏨 Hospitalization
Explanations and recommendations
Covers overnight stay and related hospital services.
Recommended reimbursement limit: up to CA$5,000,000.
🧳 Lost or delayed baggage
Explanations and recommendations
Pays for lost, stolen or late luggage.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$1,500–CA$2,500.
❌ Trip cancellation
Explanations and recommendations
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
Explanations and recommendations
Access to multilingual helpline for medical or legal emergencies.
Recommended reimbursement limit: no fixed limit, but always check for worldwide availability.
Main travel insurance coverages, with explanations and recommended reimbursement limits.

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 durationTraveler’s ageIndicative price per person
1 week25 years oldCA$28
2 weeks45 years oldCA$47
1 month35 years oldCA$72
1 month70 years oldCA$165
Indicative travel prices based on trip duration and traveler's age.
1 week
Traveler’s age
25 years old
Indicative price per person
CA$28
2 weeks
Traveler’s age
45 years old
Indicative price per person
CA$47
1 month
Traveler’s age
35 years old
Indicative price per person
CA$72
1 month
Traveler’s age
70 years old
Indicative price per person
CA$165
Indicative travel prices based on trip duration and traveler's age.

These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.

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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 compare

How 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:

CriteriaWhy it mattersExpert tip
🗓️ Trip durationLonger 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 coverageHigher 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 travelersGroup 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 scopePolicies 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 conditionsDeclaring 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 amountA 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 agePricing 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.
Key factors that influence the cost of travel insurance.
🗓️ Trip duration
Why it matters
Longer visits increase total insurance costs, especially in the USA where healthcare is expensive.
Expert tip
Choose only the actual trip duration and avoid rounding up, as policies are priced per day.
🏥 Level of coverage
Why it matters
Higher coverage means better protection against high US medical costs, but can also increase the price.
Expert tip
Assess your needs: consider genuine healthcare risks, but avoid unnecessary add-ons like luxury plans.
👨‍👩‍👦 Number of travelers
Why it matters
Group or family coverage is often more economical than purchasing separate policies for each person.
Expert tip
Opt for a family plan if traveling with others, as some insurers offer discounts or free coverage for children.
🌍 Geographic scope
Why it matters
Policies covering multiple countries or wider regions increase the premium for USA-specific trips.
Expert tip
Select only the USA as your coverage area to avoid surcharges for other destinations.
⚕️ Pre-existing conditions
Why it matters
Declaring health conditions can affect price in the USA, as medical care is very costly for chronic illnesses.
Expert tip
Check exclusions before purchase and look for insurers with manageable surcharges on declared conditions.
💳 Deductible amount
Why it matters
A higher deductible (amount paid out of pocket) lowers the premium, but increases what you pay if you need care.
Expert tip
Raise your deductible smartly—choose an amount you could reasonably afford in case of a claim.
👤 Traveller’s age
Why it matters
Pricing increases significantly with age, especially for seniors in USA due to risk premiums.
Expert tip
Compare age bands and note Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which is rare among insurers.
Key factors that influence the cost of travel insurance.

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 insuranceValid in USA?What it coversWhy Travel Insurance is better
Public health insurance (Canada Health Transfer, provincial plans)NeverNo coverage for medical care, hospitalization or repatriation abroadTravel insurance covers CA$1,000,000+ for medical care, hospital, and emergency evacuation
Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross)Limited coverageSome emergency care and medical fees; usually low limits (under CA$25,000), no baggage or trip delayTravel 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 coverageEmergency medical care, usually under CA$50,000, strict age and trip length limits; no cancellationTravel 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 coverageMedical expenses up to CA$5,000,000, trip delay or baggage usually capped at CA$1,000–CA$2,500Travel insurance adds full repatriation, trip interruption, higher non-medical limits, and global support
Comparison of Canadian Insurance Options for Travel to the USA
Public health insurance (Canada Health Transfer, provincial plans)
Valid in USA?
Never
What it covers
No coverage for medical care, hospitalization or repatriation abroad
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance covers CA$1,000,000+ for medical care, hospital, and emergency evacuation
Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross)
Valid in USA?
Limited coverage
What it covers
Some emergency care and medical fees; usually low limits (under CA$25,000), no baggage or trip delay
Why Travel Insurance is better
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)
Valid in USA?
Limited coverage
What it covers
Emergency medical care, usually under CA$50,000, strict age and trip length limits; no cancellation
Why Travel Insurance is better
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)
Valid in USA?
Limited coverage
What it covers
Medical expenses up to CA$5,000,000, trip delay or baggage usually capped at CA$1,000–CA$2,500
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance adds full repatriation, trip interruption, higher non-medical limits, and global support
Comparison of Canadian Insurance Options for Travel to the USA
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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.

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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.

A. Fruchard
A. Fruchard
Insurance expert
HelloSafe
Co-founder of HelloSafe and an experienced entrepreneur in the insurance and personal finance sector, Antoine uses his experience and in-depth knowledge of the market to help Internet users make the right choices. With an MBA in economics, he is a committed expert whose mission is to make personal finance and insurance issues simple and understandable. With a rich career marked by the creation of innovative companies, Antoine's ambition has always been to bring transparency to complex issues and to give power back to consumers. With HelloSafe, he continues to translate this vision by providing accurate advice, impartial comparisons and detailed explanations of travel insurance. He has analysed hundreds of contracts to reveal the best options available on the market.

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