Following are the best US travel insurance for Canadian Snowbirds.
Travel insurance for Canadians visiting the USA is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended because Canadian healthcare does not extend to cover medical expenses in the United States.
Without proper US medical insurance for Canadians, even a short hospital visit or emergency treatment in the US can result in extremely high medical bills.
Choosing an affordable travel insurance for Canadians ensures protection from unexpected costs and peace of mind during your trip.
Although the US is one of the most visited destinations for Canadians, the cost of medical care there is among the highest in the world. Your provincial health insurance from Canada provides little or no coverage outside the country, leaving you financially vulnerable during emergencies.
Comprehensive US travel insurance for Canadians protects travelers from expensive hospital bills, emergency medical evacuation, and trip interruptions while in the United States.
At American Visitor Insurance, we partner with top-rated US insurance companies to offer the best travel medical insurance for Canadians visiting USA. Travelers can compare and buy trusted plans such as Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, Patriot America Plus, and INF Elite all offering excellent coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and medical emergencies.
Whether you are a short-term tourist, long-term visitor, or Canadian snowbird, you can review and compare Canadian visitors travel insurance plans to find the most affordable and suitable option. Protect your health, finances, and peace of mind with the right Canadian visitors to USA travel insurance.
👉 We’ll help you compare plans and find the best Snowbird travel medical insurance for Canada.
Canadians traveling to the US for more than 30 days are required to register with US immigration authorities and provide fingerprints. This will be a strict enforcement of an existing law which was previously applied inconsistently and aims to improve compliance with US immigration regulations.
This new rule, issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), applies to all foreign nationals crossing the US-Canada land border who are 14 years or older and staying for more than 30 days in the USA. This will impact close to 3 million Canadians annually, including around 1 million "snowbirds" who spend extended winters in the US.
Canadian professionals on long-term assignments in the US must comply with the new registration and fingerprinting requirements. However, short-term visitors to the US, such as tourists and cross-border shoppers should not be impacted.
Many travelers wonder why travel insurance to the USA is so costly compared to other destinations. The primary reason is simple the cost of healthcare in the USA is among the highest in the world.
Since travel insurance USA costs are directly tied to medical expenses, premiums are naturally higher.
In addition, certain plans such as Canadian snowbird travel health insurance or US medical insurance for Canadians are specially designed for older travelers or long-term visitors.
These plans offer higher medical coverage and sometimes include pre-existing condition coverage for Canadians, which increases the price but provides essential protection.
The cost of even routine medical care in the U.S. can be shocking. A basic doctor’s visit can cost around $176, while an echocardiogram ranges from $1,000 in Massachusetts to $3,000 in New Jersey. More serious medical conditions can lead to huge bills for example:
Given these costs, having Canadian visitors to USA travel insurance is not just recommended it’s essential. Even affordable plans can help cover these high expenses, ensuring peace of mind while visiting the U.S.
Several factors drive up healthcare costs in America. Administrative overhead, extensive billing systems, and the litigious nature of U.S. society contribute significantly.
Hospitals and physicians must employ numerous billing staff, while private insurers manage complex claims processes. On top of that, advanced technology, high labor costs, and malpractice insurance make U.S. healthcare one of the most expensive globally.
Although travel insurance for Canadians visiting USA may seem expensive, it’s far cheaper than paying medical bills out of pocket. Having coverage through a PPO network significantly reduces treatment costs compared to being uninsured. Many plans also offer options for affordable travel insurance for Canadians and even limited pre-existing condition coverage for added safety.
In short, the best US health insurance for Canadian visitors protects you from unexpected emergencies, expensive treatments, and the financial burden of U.S. medical care. Considering the high medical costs, having visitor health insurance is a must for any Canadian traveling south of the border.
YES! Canadians can purchase US travel insurance policies from American Visitor Insurance to cover the remainder of their stay in the USA. These Canadian visitors to USA travel insurance plans are flexible and can last as long as needed.
Most policies are renewable, so if travel plans change, you can extend coverage for a minimum of 5 days and up to 12 months. Coverage limits are available up to $100,000 for travelers in their 70s and up to $50,000 for travelers in their 80s. Use our search engine to find the best travel insurance for Canadians visiting USA based on your age, deductible, and coverage preferences.
The deductible on a comprehensive US travel insurance for Canadians policy is a one-time payment applied to medical expenses such as doctor visits, ER visits, or medications. A higher deductible generally reduces your monthly or daily premium, so it’s a balance between what you can pay in an emergency and the cost of the policy.
When purchasing a US travel insurance policy, enter your Canadian address as your "home" or "residence" address. Note that the "residence" country and "destination" country cannot be the same. You can select your policy start date as the first day you need coverage, and most policies can be extended even after the originally chosen trip end date just don’t wait until the plan expires.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions on most US visitor policies for foreign visitors is limited. Some plans provide coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which typically covers life-threatening emergencies. Chronic or congenital conditions are usually excluded. For example, Safe Travels Elite and Safe Travels Comprehensive provide partial coverage for cardiac issues ($15,000–$25,000). INF Elite, Elite Plus, Elite 90, Premier Plus, and Premier are cost-effective if purchased at least 90 days before your trip.
While traveling in the US always carries some risk, Canadians have many affordable travel insurance for Canadians options to choose from. Purchasing Canadian snowbird travel health insurance or other US medical insurance for Canadians ensures protection against sudden illness, accidents, or medical emergencies during your stay.
Compare plans, choose the policy that best fits your needs, and enjoy peace of mind while visiting the USA. Compare US travel insurance for Canada today!
As always, we wish you safe and happy travels!
Canadian snowbirds need to understand that provincial health plans offer very limited protection once you are outside your home province or outside Canada.
Most provincial health plans only cover a small portion of medical costs outside Canada. In many cases, coverage is reduced or even suspended if you are away for more than six months in a calendar year.
Always confirm with your provincial health authority how long you can be away without losing eligibility for health benefits. Each province has its own rules.
If you remain in the U.S. longer than your visa or cross-border privileges allow, you may face immigration and tax-related obligations.
For longer stays, consult a cross-border legal or tax advisor to avoid issues with residency status and reporting requirements.
👉 While provincial health care offers security at home, it won’t fully protect you during extended stays in the U.S. That’s why snowbirds should plan carefully both for their health coverage and their legal stay.
While a standard vacation is often brief, snowbirds will generally spend 3-6 months outside of Canada, which means:
When Canadians are planning a trip to the USA, selecting the right travel insurance is crucial, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Among the available options, the following INF plans stand out for their comprehensive coverage and benefits:
Many Canadian frequent travelers, including business professionals and corporate employees, travel abroad multiple times each year. Popular destinations include the United States, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
For these travelers, the Patriot Annual Multi Trip Insurance is one of the best annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plans for Canadians. It provides worldwide coverage for multiple trips within a year and is ideal for corporate travelers or individuals who make frequent short visits abroad.
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American Visitor Insurance serves as a one-stop destination for Snowbird coverage. American Visitor Insurance partners with top-rated U.S. insurers including International Medical Group (IMG), Trawick International, and Global Underwriters we provide Canadians with the best Snowbird travel insurance options conveniently in one place.
Use our easy online compare engine to review several top insurance plans side by side and choose the best snowbird insurance coverage for your travel schedule, budget, and medical needs for destinations across the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and other warm-weather regions.
American Visitor Insurance has been offering Snowbird insurance for nearly two decades now providing thousands of Canadian and international snowbirds easy purchase insurance options through our platform before heading south for extended stays in Florida, Arizona, Texas, Mexico, or island getaways in the Caribbean.
Our licensed knowledgeable customer support team helps travelers understand coverage options, policy benefits, and claim procedures so you can make informed decisions with complete peace of mind.
Enjoy medical coverage for emergencies, hospital care, and evacuation, backed by leading international insurers and extensive PPO networks across North America and beyond.
Compare, choose, and buy your plan online at American Visitor Insurance in minutes with 24/7 assistance available whenever you need help during your travels.
Provides coverage for multiple trips within a specified period, typically one year.
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