Canada may be known for its friendly faces and stunning scenery, but even the smoothest trip can hit a bump or two. Whether you’re heading north for a quick weekend escape or a longer stay, travel insurance can help protect you from unexpected medical bills, trip delays, and other costly travel surprises. Below, we answer some of the most common questions travelers ask before visiting Canada.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Canada?
Travel insurance isn’t required to visit Canada, but it’s strongly recommended. Canada’s healthcare system does not cover visitors, and most U.S. health plans won’t cover medical bills abroad. Travel insurance can help pay for medical care, emergency evacuation, trip delays, lost baggage, and cancellations.
Is Canada Part of the Schengen Zone?
No, Canada is not part of the Schengen Zone. Schengen-compliant insurance is not required for entry. However, travel requirements can change, so it’s always smart to review current entry rules and insurance recommendations before your trip.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover in Canada?
Coverage varies by plan, but many policies include travel medical benefits, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, and baggage coverage. Some travelers choose to add “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, while others focus on medical-only plans. The right coverage depends on your trip, activities, and budget.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Visitors to Canada?
There’s no single “best” plan for everyone. The best travel insurance for Canada depends on your needs, travel style, and budget. Our recommendation tool and customer care team help match travelers with plans that fit their trip – without paying for coverage they don’t need.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Canada Cost?
Travel insurance costs vary based on your age, trip length, coverage type, and whether you insure prepaid trip expenses. Plans with medical-only coverage typically cost less, while plans that include trip cancellation or pre-existing condition coverage may cost more. The easiest way to find pricing is to compare quotes.
Travel Tips & Safety for Canada
Money & Currency Exchange in Canada
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD), and U.S. dollars are not widely accepted. Prices are similar to the U.S., but sales tax is added at checkout.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but travelers should carry some cash and bring more than one card. Tipping in Canada is customary in the hospitality industry, with 15–20% standard for restaurants and hotels.
Transportation in Canada
Canada offers extensive transportation options, including public transit, trains, buses, ferries, and domestic flights. Major cities have reliable public transportation, while rural areas may require advance planning.
Because of Canada’s size, domestic flights are common. Travel insurance with trip delay or interruption coverage can help protect against flight delays, cancellations, and missed connections caused by weather or mechanical issues.
Driving to Canada
U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Canada, making driving a convenient option. Travelers should confirm that their auto insurance provides coverage in Canada before crossing the border.
Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for trip delays or interruptions caused by road closures or traffic accidents, but eligibility may depend on distance from home. Always review your policy carefully for coverage details. Rental cars are also widely available, though serious driving offenses may affect entry into Canada.
Risk & Crime in Canada
Canada is one of the safest countries for travelers, but basic precautions are still important. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so stay alert and avoid sharing personal information. Check current travel advisories before departure.
Alcohol laws vary by province, with legal drinking ages of 18 or 19. Drink responsibly, as alcohol-related incidents may not be covered by travel insurance.
Natural risks are more common than crime. Wildlife encounters, especially in national parks, and extreme weather conditions can pose safety risks. Pack appropriate cold-weather clothing and follow local safety guidelines when hiking or driving in remote areas.
U.S. / Canada Embassy and Consulate Locations
U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Canada
- U.S. Embassy Ottawa
490 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 1G8 Canada
Phone: 613.238.5335 - Calgary, Canada – U.S. Consulate General
615 MacLeod Trail SE
Rocky Mountain Plaza Building
Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 Canada
Phone: 403.266.8962 - Halifax, Canada – U.S. Consulate General
1973 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 0A9 Canada
Email: [email protected]
Emergency Phone: 902.429.2480 - Montreal, Canada – U.S. Consulate General
1134 Sainte-Catherine Street West
Montréal, Québec H3B 1H4 Canada
Phone: 514.398.9695 - Quebec, Canada – Consulat Général des États-Unis d’Amérique
2, rue de la Terrasse-Dufferin
Quebec, Québec G1R 4T9 Canada
Phone: 418.692.2095 - Toronto, Canada – U.S. Consulate General
360 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4 Canada
Phone: 416.595.1700 - Vancouver, Canada – U.S. Consulate General
1075 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 2M6 Canada
Phone: 604-685-4311
Canadian Embassy and Consulate in USA
- Washington DC – Embassy of Canada
501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington DC 20001 United States
Phone: 1.202.682.1740 - Los Angeles, California – Consulate General of Canada
550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071-2327 United States
Phone: 1.213.346.2700 - Miami, Florida – Consulate General of Canada
200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1600
Miami, FL 33131 United States
Phone: 1.305.579.1600 - Atlanta, Georgia – Consulate General of Canada
1175 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30361 United States
Phone: 1.404.532.2000 - Honolulu, Hawaii – Consulate General of Canada
1000 Bishop Street, Penthouse Suite
Honolulu, HI 96813-4299 United States
Phone: 1.808.524.5050/5054 - New York, New York – Consulate General of Canada
466 Lexington Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10017 United States
Phone: 1.844.880.6519 - Dallas, Texas – Consulate General of Canada
500 N. Akard Street, Suite 2900
Dallas, TX 75201 United States
Phone: 1.214.922.9806
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article serves as a general overview of benefits and should only be used for informational purposes. Refer to your individual certificate of insurance for specific coverages, exclusions, and benefits. When in doubt, please contact one of our licensed agents for additional assistance.
