Do you need travel insurance to go to the US from Canada? 

Canada and the US share the longest international border in the world, and millions of Canadians travel to the US every year for various purposes, including vacations, business trips, and family visits. While travel between these two neighboring countries may seem straightforward, there is one important consideration that often comes up: travel insurance. 

Do you need travel insurance to go to the US from Canada? Let us find out! 

Table of Contents 

1. Understanding travel insurance 
2. Healthcare costs in the US 
3. Why Canadians need insurance in the US? 
4. Travel Insurance FAQs 
5. Conclusion 

Understanding travel insurance 

Travel insurance is a financial protection product that is designed to provide coverage for various aspects of your trip. These aspects can include: 

• Visitor insurance: This includes coverage for unexpected illnesses or injuries that occur during your trip, covering expenses such as hospitalization, doctor’s visits, COVID-19 treatment, emergency medical transportation, and more. 
• Trip cancellation insurance: It can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel your trip due to unforeseen events like illness, emergencies, or other covered reasons. 

Both plans serve different purposes. However, visitor insurance plans are designed to protect visitors coming to the US, whereas US residents and citizens are eligible for trip cancellation plans while traveling abroad or in the US. Hence, Canadians can buy visitor insurance policies during their temporary stay. 

Healthcare costs in the US 

One of the most compelling reasons to consider travel insurance when visiting the US is the country’s healthcare system. While both Canada and the US have high-quality healthcare services, there are significant differences in how healthcare is funded and delivered. 

In Canada, residents have access to universal healthcare, which means that medically necessary services are provided by the government and covered by taxpayer-funded insurance. Canadian citizens and permanent residents typically do not need to pay out of pocket for basic healthcare services. 

On the other hand, the US does not have a universal healthcare system. Healthcare is primarily provided by private institutions and is funded through a combination of private insurance, or government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and out-of-pocket payments by individuals. 

Why Canadians need insurance in the US? 

• Lack of universal coverage: Unlike Canada, there is no universal healthcare coverage in the US, and medical services are billed to patients or their insurance providers. 
• High healthcare costs: Medical care in the US can be significantly more expensive than in Canada. Even minor medical issues or emergencies can lead to substantial bills. 
• Limited coverage for Canadian provincial plans: Provincial healthcare plans in Canada may provide limited coverage or no coverage for medical expenses incurred in the US. It is crucial to check your provincial plan’s coverage and limitations. 
• Emergency medical transportation: In the event of a severe medical emergency, such as a critical injury or illness, you may need costly emergency medical transportation back to the nearest medical facility. Travel insurance can cover these expenses. 
• Emergency assistance: In unfamiliar territory, having access to emergency assistance services can be invaluable. Travel insurance often includes 24/7 assistance hotlines to help you navigate unforeseen challenges during your trip. 

Given the high healthcare costs and potential financial risks associated with medical emergencies in the US, many Canadian travelers opt for travel insurance to ensure they are adequately protected. 

Travel Insurance FAQs 

Is travel insurance mandatory for traveling to the US from Canada? 

It is not mandatory to buy an insurance plan for traveling to the US from Canada, but it is highly recommended owing to the complexity of the healthcare system in the US and the high medical costs associated with medical and emergency services. 

Can I use my Canadian health insurance in the US? 

Canadian health insurance policy may offer limited to zero coverage in the US, which may not be ideal for visitors from Canada coming to the US. Visitors may look for a robust plan that can safeguard them from hefty medical bills during the time of medical emergencies. 

Do I need travel insurance if I have existing medical coverage? 

The need to buy an insurance plan only because of an existing medical condition is a personal choice. Even if you do not have any kind of pre-existing condition, having travel insurance is essential. Typically, visitor insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. The plans offer coverage to the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which means an insured individual will be covered if there is a sudden exacerbation of a pre-existing condition and need immediate medical attention within 24 hours. It is recommended to check the policy for details. 

How much does travel insurance cost? 

The exact cost of travel insurance depends on factors such as type of plan (fixed vs. comprehensive), traveler’s age, the duration of the stay, the chosen policy maximum, and the deductible. If the insured individual adds extra benefits, the premium may increase. 

Is COVID-19 coverage included in travel insurance? 

Typically, most visitor insurance plans cover COVID-19 treatment and its related costs like any other illness. 

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking my trip? 

Yes, you can buy a visitor insurance plan after booking the trip. But it is recommended to buy a plan before your trip starts so that you get covered before you embark on a journey. 

Conclusion 

While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for Canadians visiting the US, it serves as a critical safety net. The differences in healthcare systems and the potential for unforeseen travel disruptions make travel insurance a valuable investment. Travel insurance ensures that your journey remains enjoyable and stress-free, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions of the US with confidence, knowing that you are prepared for the unexpected. 

Are you looking for a visitor insurance plan? Call us or drop us an email.