US Travel Insurance for Canadians, Travel Insurance Canada to US

The Canadian government advises purchasing US travel insurance for short visits to the US to ensure protection against unexpected medical costs.

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.

• ❤️ Heart attack treatment including ambulance, ER, ICU, EKG, MRI, and ongoing cardiac care may reach about $20,000.
• 🧪 The average treatment cost for acute kidney failure exceeds $22,000.

The main reasons for these high medical costs include significant administrative expenses, the litigious nature of U.S. healthcare, and the need for numerous billing staff by hospitals and insurance companies. Advanced medical technology, costly labor, and expensive malpractice insurance further increase costs.

For Canadians traveling to the USA, being uninsured is risky. In U.S. hospitals, treatment costs are far lower when you have visitor insurance and the hospital is part of a PPO network. Even beyond coverage benefits, simply having travel medical insurance can substantially reduce your medical bills.

The premium cost of travel medical insurance for Canadians in the USA isn’t fixed. It varies based on several important factors such as the age of the individual, duration of travel and stay, coverage needed, policy maximum amount chosen, and deductible selected. Each of these factors plays a major role in determining your total insurance cost.

• 🧓 Age of the traveler – Older travelers usually pay higher premiums.
• 📅 Length of stay – Longer trips increase the overall insurance cost.
• 💵 Coverage amount – Higher policy maximums mean better protection but higher premiums.
• 📜 Deductible chosen – Lower deductibles result in higher plan premiums and vice versa.

Plan Types

• ✅ fixed benefit plan → Specify set charges for each medical service (lower premiums, limited coverage).
• ✅ comprehensive plan → Broader protection, extending coverage up to the policy maximum limit (higher premiums, better coverage).

• Premiums typically range from $71 to $353 per month
• Pricing depends on:
  • 👤 Traveler’s age
  • 💰 Policy maximum (coverage limit)
  • 🧾 Deductible chosen (average example: $250)

Best US health insurance for Canadian citizens offers essential protection against unexpected medical and travel emergencies while visiting the USA. It provides peace of mind and financial security by covering a wide range of benefits, including:

Can I Get US Insurance When I Am Already in the US?

Can I Use Canadian Health Insurance While Living in the US?

Note: Our policies are generally renewable. If plans change (as they often do), you can extend policies from a minimum of 5 days up to 12 months. Coverage is available up to $100,000 for persons in their 70s and up to $50,000 for persons in their 80s. Use our search engine to find the best prices based on age and deductible.

The deductible on a comprehensive travel insurance USA policy is generally a one-time payment for any medical expenses (doctor visit, ER visit, medications, etc.). A higher deductible results in a lower premium cost, so balance what you can pay in case of medical attention versus monthly/day cost.

When purchasing US travel insurance, use your Canadian address as your "home" or "residence" address, regardless of owning a US home. The "residence" country and "destination" country CANNOT be the same. Choose a start date as the first day you need coverage. Even if you select a "trip end date," most policies can be extended without issue.

Important: Coverage for pre-existing conditions is very limited on most US visitor policies for foreign visitors. Some policies cover the "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions (life-threatening emergencies), but most chronic and congenital disorders are excluded. For cardiac coverage, consider:

Other affordable plans include Elite, Elite Plus, Elite 90, Premier Plus, and Premier, especially if purchased for 90+ days initially.

While traveling in the US always carries some risk, travelers do have travel insurance options. Compare US travel insurance for Canada and select a plan that best fits your needs.

The cost of travel insurance from Canada to the USA varies significantly depending on several key factors. These factors influence premiums and what plan will suit you best.

1. Coverage Types: Basic emergency medical coverage costs less than a comprehensive travel insurance plan (medical + trip cancellation + baggage + extras).
2. Trip Duration: Longer trips typically have higher premiums than short trips.
3. Age: Older travellers often pay higher premiums due to increased health risk.
4. Destination: Plans for travel to the USA often cost more because U.S. healthcare is expensive.
5. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: Pre-existing conditions usually increase cost or require specialised coverage.
6. Coverage Limits: Higher medical limits and more benefits raise the premium.
7. Deductibles: Higher deductibles lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs when claiming.
8. Add-Ons & Optional Coverage: Options like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) or adventure activity coverage increase the cost.
9. Provider: Different insurers price plans differently — comparing quotes is essential.
10. Number of Travellers: Family or group policies may reduce per-person cost.
11. Frequency of Travel: If you travel often, an annual multi-trip policy can be more economical.

Approximate cost ranges:

1. Emergency medical coverage only: CAD $25 to $50 or more per person for a one-week trip.
2. Comprehensive coverage (medical + trip cancellation + baggage, etc.): CAD $100 to $300 or more per person for a week-long trip.
3. Annual multi-trip policies: From a few hundred CAD to over CAD $1,000, depending on coverage and number of trips.

Tips to get the best value

• Compare quotes from several insurers — don’t assume the first price is the best.
• Confirm the policy explicitly covers travel to the USA and includes emergency evacuation/repatriation.
• Read the fine print for definitions of “pre-existing condition” and “acute onset.”
• Decide on a deductible you can afford — raising it lowers the premium.
• Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you make multiple trips each year.

The best health insurance for visitors to USA with pre-existing conditions is listed here:

Travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing conditions is essential to ensure peace of mind during your travels. A pre-existing condition refers to any medical issue that existed before your travel insurance policy became effective. This includes conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and neurological disorders. Understanding how these conditions affect your coverage is crucial.

Many insurance providers offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but the terms vary. Typically, insurers require that your condition be stable for a certain period before your policy's effective date. This stability period can range from 90 to 180 days, depending on the insurer and your age. For example, some policies may require that your condition has been stable for 150 days if you are 65 or older on your policy's effective date.

It's important to note that not all travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions. Some may exclude coverage for chronic illnesses or may have specific clauses that limit coverage. Therefore, it's vital to read the policy details carefully and ensure that your condition is covered before purchasing a plan.

For seniors over 70, finding comprehensive coverage can be challenging. However, some providers offer travel insurance for seniors with pre-existing conditions, even for those over 80, though coverage may be limited. For instance, certain plans offer up to $1,000 in coverage for pre-existing conditions without limitations on chronic illnesses.

Before purchasing a policy, consider the following:

• Disclosure: Always fully disclose your medical history to the insurer to avoid claim denials.
• Stability Period: Ensure your condition meets the insurer's stability requirements.
• Policy Terms: Read the fine print to understand exclusions and limitations.
• Age Considerations: Some policies have age-related restrictions or premiums.

If you're a Canadian snowbird heading to the U.S. for an extended stay, choosing the right travel insurance is crucial. Your decision largely depends on whether you require coverage for unexpected issues related to pre-existing medical conditions.

✅ Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plans

For those seeking extensive coverage, including protection for pre-existing conditions, consider the following options:

• Patriot America Plus – Offers comprehensive coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, including acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Plans range from 5 days to 364 days and can be renewed for up to 2 years.
• Safe Travels USA Comprehensive – Provides up to $1,000,000 in coverage, including medical benefits, emergency evacuation, and trip interruption. Available for durations from 5 days to 364 days, with extensions possible.

💰 Budget-Friendly Options Without COVID-19 Coverage

• Patriot America Lite – A cost-effective plan that excludes COVID-19 coverage, making it more affordable for travelers not requiring this protection.
• Safe Travels USA Cost Saver – Designed for budget-conscious travelers, offering essential medical coverage without the added cost of COVID-19 protection.

❤️ Cardiac & Stroke Coverage Plans

• Safe Travels Elite – Provides coverage up to $25,000 for cardiac conditions and strokes for individuals under 70, and up to $15,000 for those aged 70-89.
• Safe Travels USA Comprehensive – Includes similar coverage for cardiac and stroke conditions, ensuring peace of mind during your stay.

🏥 If you're a Canadian snowbird planning an extended winter stay in the USA, securing travel health insurance is crucial. The following plans offer comprehensive coverage including protection for pre-existing conditions, emergency medical evacuation, and COVID-19 treatment.

For travelers with pre-existing medical conditions, securing appropriate coverage can be challenging. While we always recommend consulting with your doctor before traveling, it's reassuring to know that some of our plans cover the "acute onset" of pre-existing conditions.

It's important to note that these plans do not cover ongoing treatment or medication for pre-existing conditions. Instead, they provide coverage if there's an unexpected recurrence of a condition. For instance, our plans covering acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions offer peace of mind during your travels.

We encourage you to compare our rates and coverage options with those offered by your Canadian provider. If your travel plans change or if you need assistance in selecting the best policy for your needs, don't hesitate to call us. We're here to help you navigate your options and ensure you have the right coverage for your journey.

Find and buy a student health insurance plan USA to get comprehensive coverage while studying in the United States.

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The I-20 Visa for Canadian Students in the USA

The U.S. enjoys a special relationship with Canada. Canadian students coming to a U.S. college or university can obtain an I-20 visa. Some institutions provide health coverage for students, while others require students to purchase their own plan. Choosing the right US student insurance ensures peace of mind and compliance with visa requirements.

Given the geographical proximity between the U.S. and Canada, the long land border, and the many economic opportunities the U.S. offers, it is attractive and easy for Canadians to move south to the United States.

Historical Migration of Canadians to the U.S.

In 1867, many Eastern Canadians migrated to the U.S. and began working in the flourishing manufacturing industry. According to the U.S. Census, there were 747,000 English-speaking and 440,000 French-speaking Canadian immigrants in 1900.

These migrants settled along the U.S. borders, facilitating travel between the two countries. Between 1990 and 1930, French Canadian migration increased due to poor economic conditions in Quebec. By the 1980s, Los Angeles had the fourth-largest Canadian population in North America.

Modern Canadian Migration to the U.S.

After NAFTA in 1994, Canadian migration expanded significantly. Migrants included highly educated academics, technology professionals, students, retirees seeking warmer climates, and families for reunification. As of the 2016 U.S. Census, about 783,000 Canadians lived in the United States, nearly 2% of the total 44 million U.S. immigrants, with 47% becoming naturalized citizens.

Why U.S. Immigrant Medical Insurance is Essential

Migrating to the U.S. involves risks due to differences in weather, culture, food, and healthcare. The U.S. healthcare system is private and expensive. A short-term U.S. immigrant insurance plan provides coverage for illness or injury until eligibility for domestic U.S. health insurance.

At American Visitor Insurance, Canadian immigrants can purchase affordable U.S. immigrant medical insurance tailored to their needs, ensuring peace of mind and financial protection while relocating.