👉 Jump to: Best Canada Travel Insurance Sites | Requirements | Why Get Insurance | Safety | Tips | Methodology | FAQ
Planning a trip to Canada and looking for the best travel insurance for Canada? In this guide, I’ll cover everything you know about finding Canada travel insurance as a visitor to our northern neighbors.
I’m a former corporate insurance lawyer who left my career in the US behind to travel the world a half decade ago. I often get asked by readers about travel insurance, and so I decided to write up this article to explain why I personally get Canada travel insurance when I visit Canada (or any other country), and which sites I search.
Disclaimers: We are not insurance brokers. This post is for informational purposes. It is not insurance advice. Links are affiliate links. Using them supports this independent blog. See our Advertising Policy.
Best Travel Insurancefor Canada
⭐ My #1 Choice
A search engine that fetches quotes from hundreds of companies. Great for comparison shoppers who want to really dig into details!
- Compares hundreds of insurers in one click
- Easy to see customer reviews
- Filters to search for CFAR & Covid-19 coverages
4.9
Comparison Site
Can pull quotes for either travel medical insurance or trip insurance. Great if you only need one type of cover!
- Super easy to customize
- Often finds cheapest policies
- Choices may be overwhelming
4.7
For Digital Nomads
Affordable medical cover targeted at digital nomads who want recurring subscription-style coverage.
- Cheap monthly travel medical insurance for digital nomads
- Not full travel insurance (only medical)
4.4
Based on my experience as a user of these sites, here are my current picks for the 5 best travel insurance for Canada sites to search:
TravelInsurance.com (#1 Overall)
#1 Comparison Site
Travel Insurance.com
4.7
This fantastic search engine fetches quotes from hundreds of insurance companies in just one minute. The intuitive interface is perfect for comparing policies & quotes.
Pros:
- Compares hundreds of insurers in one click
- Easy to see customer reviews
- Filters to search for CFAR & Covid-19
If I only had time to search one site to find the best travel insurance for Canada, I'd get a quote at TravelInsurance.com.
TravelInsurance.com is an excellent site for quickly getting a bunch of quotes from different travel insurance companies. I especially like their customer reviews feature, which lets you quickly see reviews from real customers.
The search filters also work great if you're looking for a particular type of travel insurance coverage. They have filters for CFAR ("cancel for any reason coverage"), covid-19 coverages, as well as for policies that cover seniors or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The site's slick interface also makes it easy to compare key details and pricing at a glance.
The only real downside to TravelInsurance.com is that the many options available may be overwhelming for some. But, thanks to its ease of use and handy filters, I personally think it's the single best site for comparing travel insurance for Canada (or anywhere else).
I have personally purchased cover from the site several times and will continue to do so.
VisitorsCoverage (Comparison Site)
Comparison Site
VisitorsCoverage
4.7
I love that VisitorsCoverage lets you compare quotes for either travel medical insurance or trip insurance. They are different things, so it's great if you only want one!
Pros:
- Super easy to customize your coverage
- Quotes tend to be cheaper
Cons:
- So many options & choices may be overwhelming
My second favorite current aggregator site for finding travel insurance is VisitorsCoverage.
VisitorsCoverage is very similar to TravelInsurance.com in that you enter a few details and quickly get dozens of quotes from different providers.
Although there are slightly fewer filter options, the filters that are available are very useful: CFAR coverage, Covid-19 benefits, Cancelable, Renewable, and Rental Car Coverage.
I also like that you can filter for policies that cover or exclude the United States. This is helpful if you only need insurance coverage for Canada since policies covering the US tend to be more expensive (thank the pricey US medical system!).
Another unique benefit of VisitorsCoverage is the ability to get a quote for either travel medical insurance or trip insurance. If you don't care about trip cancellation or other travel insurance benefits and are strictly looking for travel medical cover, you may find that VisitorsCoverage returns the cheapest quotes for that type of coverage only.
Lastly, I think it's worth noting that VisitorsCoverage has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on TrustPilot, which is pretty good for a travel insurance company. Overall, this site is excellent and a pretty close second place in my book.
Genki (Digital Nomad Health Insurance)
For Digital Nomads
Genki
4.5
Genki provides extremely affordable medical cover for longer stays. It's really targeted at digital nomads who want health cover as a recurring subscription.
Pros:
- Affordable monthly medical coverage
- Simple claims process
Cons:
- Only medical - not full travel insurance (no gear, theft, or trip delay coverages)
Are you a digital nomad or long term traveler looking for coverage in Canada? For the monthly medical coverage, you might look into Genki's monthly plans. I recently became a customer of Genki myself and have so far enjoyed my experience using their digital nomad health insurance.
However, it's important to understand that Genki does not sell comprehensive travel insurance.
As of now, Genki's coverage is limited solely to medical benefits and does not include things like trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage insurance, or rental car insurance. If trip cancellation or interruption is something you're worried about, you'll probably want a separate Canada travel insurance policy.
The main benefit of Genki is the relatively low price, as well as the fact that coverage can be set to automatically renew from month to month. For digital nomads like myself who are primarily concerned with emergency medical coverage, Genki is an innovative product.
For short term trips or travelers looking for more comprehensive trip insurance covering more than just emergency medical, you may be better off getting a quote from one of the other sites on this list.
Insure My Trip(Best Insurance Site for Seniors)
Best for Seniors 70+
Insure My Trip
3.9
This is the site that seems to return the most quotes for customers who can't find one elsewhere due to age or pre-existing conditions.
Pros:
- Usually finds quotes for seniors even when other sites won't offer anything past a certain age
- Also finds quotes for pre-existing conditions
Cons:
- No clearly displayed info about Covid coverages
- Clunky user experience
Insure My Trip is another site where you can shop for travel insurance for visitors to Canada from multiple providers. Based on my tests, Insure My Trip is a particularly good search site if you're looking to insure someone over 70 or individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Another unique benefit to this company is that, if you need to make a claim, you can get a representative assigned to you through their "Anytime Advocates program."
However, overall I find the Insure My Trip website clunky and more difficult to navigate compared to the other travel insurance sites above. I also do not like that it is so difficult to find covid-19 information within the policies.
Aardy (Travel Insurance Comparison Site)
Comparison Site
Aardy
3.8
Aardy is another search engine that compares quotes from many different insurers. I personally find it difficult to navigate, though.
Pros:
- Their "Best Price Guarantee" promises you won't find a lower quote
- Covid-19 coverages are clearly highlighted
Cons:
- You have to give them your email just to get a quote (very annoying!)
- Less user friendly
The final site on this list of the 5 best Canada travel insurance websites is Aardy.
Like TravelInsurance.com and VisitorsCoverage, Aardy is another comparison site that lets you instantly compare travel insurance quotes from different travel insurance companies.
The main pros of Aardy are the clearly displayed covid-19 coverages, and their "Best Price Guarantee." They also offer pretty clear information about trip cancellation coverages, making it easy to compare policies at a glance.
With that said, I personally find their user interface less intuitive. And I don't like that they require an email just to get a quote (something the other sites on this list do not require). And, although Aardy does have a comparison feature, the site lacks the same filters as the other comparison sites above.
Canada Travel Insurance Requirements
Canada does not require travel insurance for visitors to Canada. If visiting Canada as a tourist, you will not be asked for it at immigration, nor is it a condition of entry to Canada.
Nevertheless, many visitors to Canada chose to insure their trips. In particular, healthcare for foreigners can be pretty expensive in Canada (the public healthcare system only covers locals, not tourists from abroad).
Only you can make the decision whether and what cover is right for you. In this next section, I'll explain why I always choose to get at least emergency medical coverage in Canada when I visit.
Why I Get Canada Travel Insurance
Even though travel medical coverage is not an international prerequisite to enter Canada, there are some reasons why I personally choose to get insurance coverage for my trips:
Traveling is fun but not all sunshine and rainbows. Besides the Covid-19 virus disrupting plans, there are other ways a trip to Canada could go south.
Here are some of the things I look for when comparing travel insurance for visitors to Canada (again, ALWAYS check your specific policy to see what exactly is and is not covered):
- 💉 Emergency Medical Coverage: Illness can happen anywhere, even in Canada. If I suffer a covered loss, emergency medical coverage may help save thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Note that for pre-existing medical conditions, many policies have terms and exclusions that may warrant special consideration when examining emerging medical insurance coverage.
- 🚗 Rental Car Coverage: There are so many great road trips in Canada. The country has an expansive uninhabited land awaiting exploration. Depending upon whether or not you already have rental car coverage, and what your policy covers, a travel insurance policy with rental car coverage may come in handy. See our full guide to driving in Canada for more info on rules, regulations, and license requirements in Canada.
- 💻 Gear Theft Coverage: As a person who has been burglarized several times while traveling, I know firsthand how annoying it is when your cameras, laptops, smartphones, and other gear get stolen.One way to provide peace of mind is through policies with this type of coverage, though usually there are limits on how much a single claim will pay out. Read the terms closely.
- 📞 Emergency Assistance: Many travel insurance policies come with 24/7 emergency assistance, which may be helpful in times of crisis.
- ✈ Trip Interruption and Trip Cancellation Cover: Trip cancelation insurance is a benefit that may reimburse the insured for certain covered pre-paid non-refundable trip costs when they have to cancel because of a reason covered under the plan. The past few years have taught me to expect the unexpected. You never know what could come up and cancel your holiday in Canada. Of course, even the best trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance isn't going to cover every event, so be sure to check your policy closely.
- ❌ Cancel for Any Reason ("CFAR") Coverage - CFAR coverage is typically very expensive but, as the name suggests, is often the most comprehensive cover available for cancellation. I like that you can filter for CFAR policies on TravelInsurance.com.
Of course, these are just a few of the types of coverage out there, but they are the ones I personally look most closely at. In particular, I tend to focus a lot on emergency medical care benefits when comparing policies.
Remember that no policy is 100% comprehensive, and travel insurance does not protect against everything.
Always carefully read through your insurance policy's terms and conditions menu to see if it offers the coverage you need BEFORE you purchase, and consult a licensed insurance professional if you have questions.
Canada Travel Safety Information
Canada is generally very safe. In fact, the country has been ranked as the second safest country globally.
Although most visitors to Canada encounter no problems while touring its beautiful provincial attractions, it pays to be vigilant at all times and to research the latest US State Department travel advisories for Canada before your trip.
Crime in Canada
Canada's crime rates are generally very low and have been declining for decades [Source]. In most places, violent crimes against tourists are quite rare.
But just because Canada is among the safest countries abroad doesn't mean it's completely crime-free. Petty theft, such as pick-pocketing and snatch and grab theft, is common in the country's provincial urban areas.
Here are some tips for staying safe in Canada (or anywhere else you visit!):
- 👀 Always be aware of your surroundings
- 👜 Keep your belongings close
- 🚗 Drive safely and buckle up on your road trip through Alberta, Vancouver Island, or wherever else you're visiting!
- 💳 Have a backup credit card or cash
- 💻 Have a plan to protect your gear, and always back up laptops and cameras
Healthcare in Canada
Canada has universal, publicly funded national healthcare services system known as the Canadian Medicare. However, Canada's public healthcare system typically does not cover most tourists, who still have to pay out of pocket for medical care.
This is a major reason why travel medical emergency coverage to cover unexpected costs and expenses is one of the top things I consider when comparing Canada travel insurance.
Covid-19 in Canada
Covid-19 is a risk in the entire world, and Canada is no different. The situation is fluid, so be sure to check the latest Canada covid statistics before your trip.
You can also see the CDC's updates for information applicable to US outbound international travelers.
Canada Travel Tips & Info
Where to Go in Canada
Canada is filled with popular destinations. Some of the best places to go in Canada, both popular and emerging, include:
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Vancouver
- Banff National Park
- Winnipeg & Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
Check out our full article on the best places to visit in Canada for more travel-planning inspiration.
When to Visit Canada
In general, the best time of year to visit Canada is between June and October, when the weather is relatively warm.
However, when you choose to go to Canada depends upon a lot of factors, so you should check out our full guide to when to visit Canada for more detailed information about climate, weather, and festivals.
Methodology
About Nate Hake:I’m a travel blogger, recovering lawyer, and full-time world traveler for over 6 years. I have visited Canada, and purchased travel insurance for Canada, multiple times. This website, Travel Lemming, is one of the top travel guides to Canada. We love helping our readers explore the best destinations in Canada and around the world.
Methodology:Ultimately, this list is subjective, but it is based on personal experience researching and using the sites mentioned. I have personally bought policies from companies on this list, both for myself and for family members. When it comes to travel insurance Canada isn’t all that different from other countries. So I focus my efforts on assessing the factors I believe matter most: transparency, overall user friendliness, and customer reviews from policyholders who have filed claims.
FAQs About Canada Travel Insurance
Here are quick, short answers to commonly asked questions about the purchase of Canada travel insurance:
What is the best travel insurance in Canada?
The best travel insurance for Canada will depend upon several factors, including your country of origin, age, medical history, and the purpose of your trip. There are several sites you can use to find and compare hundreds of quotes. See the above section on the best sites to search for more.
How much is visitor insurance in Canada?
Based upon our sample quotes from several insurance websites, the median price of travel insurance for Canada tends to average about $10 USD per day. However, visitor insurance cost in Canada varies greatly depending on factors such as the insurance company, your age, visit duration, and even on whether you have existing medical conditions. Generally, the longer your trip is, and the more you spend on your visit, that is, flights, hotels, and pre-booked activities, the more you'll spend on Canada travel insurance.
What travel insurance do I need in Canada?
Canada does not require travel insurance to enter the country on a tourist visa. Although it depends on your situation, many visitors purchase travel insurance for Canada for benefits such as emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation and interruption protection, gear coverage, and emergency assistance.
Do I need emergency medical insurance to travel to Canada?
Canada does not require any form of insurance to enter the country. However, as mentioned earlier, the benefits of travel insurance in Canada are great. So, it’s always a good idea to get insurance before visiting the country.
***
Hopefully, this guide to travel insurance for Canada was informative. Always remember to review the terms and conditions of any coverage plan before you purchase it, and consult with a licensed insurance broker.
Enjoy visiting Canada, and while on your trips, be sure to check out all our Canada travel guides.
Other travel insurance articles:
- Best Travel Insurance for Mexico
- Best Travel Insurance for Ireland
- Best Travel Insurance for Thailand
- Best Annual Travel Insurance
I hope this guide has helped you find the best travel insurance for Canada for your situation. Have a safe trip to Canada!
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