Travel Health Insurance for Canadians (2024)

FAQs

Does my Canadian health insurance cover me in the US? ›

Do you need travel insurance while travelling to the USA from Canada? Although we share a border with the States, your provincial or territorial health plan may not cover your medical fees or may only cover a small portion when travelling outside of Canada.

If you plan to travel outside Canada—even for a day in the United States—you should buy trip interruption and travel health insurance before you leave.

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

The best comprehensive plan for Canadians visiting the United States is Safe Travels Comprehensive. It uses the First Health Network (a subsidiary of Aetna) and has a $0 deductible in-network with 100% coverage up to the policy maximum you choose.

A lot of Canadians are snowbirds, spending our winter months in the US. If you get sick while there, it isn't too much different than the rest of the world. Seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of the illness, you may choose to visit an urgent care clinic or a hospital.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.

Unlike India and other European countries, the countries such as the US and Canada do not have a nationally regulated medical body. They do not have a government hospital in each city. Thus, private hospitalisation, consultation, and care procedures in US and Canada are costly.

Travel health insurance is especially important if you have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than 6 months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding. Check if your current health care covers emergencies that happen while traveling.

What happens if you have a medical emergency abroad? ›

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Trip insurance is only available to U.S. citizens and residents, but it provides coverage in the U.S. and/or abroad. Travel medical insurance provides coverage to citizens of most countries, but only for trips abroad.

The rules are slightly different if you're from Canada and driving into the United States. If you're on vacation, you don't need to take any extra steps — your Canadian license and insurance will cover you during your time in the U.S. (just like U.S. visitors to Canada are covered by their U.S. auto policy ).

Can I get healthcare in Canada as an American? Yes, you can get healthcare in Canada as an American, but it won't be free. Canada does not pay for healthcare services for visitors, so you should have health insurance before you cross the border.

If you get medical or hospital care when outside of Canada, you will be responsible for paying the difference between the amount charged and the amount the AHCIP reimburses you. If you claim coverage under the AHCIP, you still have to pay the health service provider.

Can You Use Health Insurance in a Different State? Yes, you can use your health insurance in a different state, given the procedure is for a qualified emergency. However, every insurance company has its own rules surrounding non-emergency out-of-state health coverage.