Travel insurance for Canada

Healthcare and insurance for visitors to Canada

Canada's public health system is for residents, not tourists. The UK government says that medical treatment can be very expensive and that there are no special arrangements for British visitors. Even dual British-Canadian citizens may have to pay if they don't meet provincial residency requirements. Other nationalities should assume the same unless their government says otherwise.

We found no general insurance requirement for ordinary visitors in the UK's advice, so the risk is financial rather than legal. Super Visa applicants are different. A recent tracker reports a requirement of at least CAD 100,000 of cover from an authorized insurer, so check the official rules if you're a parent or grandparent visiting family on one.

In an emergency, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. For emergency care, you can go to a hospital emergency room or walk-in clinic. Let your insurer or assistance company know quickly if you're referred to a medical facility.

Ski, hike and go far from help

Canada's size is the thing to plan around. A road trip can leave you hours from a major hospital, and that distance is what makes air transport costly.

• Rockies skiing and hiking. UK advice names Banff and Lake Louise as altitude risk areas. Check winter sports and hiking cover, including mountain rescue.
• Remote travel. Northern and wilderness trips deserve a higher evacuation limit.
• Driving. Winter roads, wildlife and long distances are all real concerns. Read our rental car guide.
• Wildfires. Summer fires can close roads and parks. Read about natural disaster cover, and buy early.

Entry paperwork

Most visitors need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), not both, and you must have one even to transit by air. Border officials may ask for a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. Use only the official Canadian government site, as the UK government warns about unauthorized sites that charge for visa applications.

Crossing into the US

Many trips include both countries, and this can change the price or even the validity of your cover. Some policies exclude the US or charge more for it, so tell your insurer about any US days, however short. Read our guide to visiting the USA. Canadians heading the other way should read our guide for Canadians.

Sources

• UK Government: Canada travel advice, entry requirements and health sections
• HelloSafe: Countries and visas requiring insurance