California continues to be one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States for visitors from around the world, including a large number of Canadian travelers to California. The state is renowned for its beautiful surfing beaches, world-famous vineyards, towering redwood forests, exciting theme parks, vibrant Hollywood entertainment scene, and diverse cultural attractions. Many Canadians live in the U.S., particularly in California, and thousands of others travel from Canada to California to enjoy vacations, road trips, sightseeing, business, or to reunite with friends and family.
While exploring California is thrilling, it is also important to be mindful of the differences in climate, environment, and health care systems. The Canadian universal health care system is not accessible in the United States, and healthcare services in California, although excellent, can be very expensive without proper insurance. Unexpected medical situations, accidents, injuries, and travel disruptions can occur at any time. Therefore, securing travel insurance for Canadians visiting California is strongly recommended to avoid financial stress, especially in the context of ongoing global health concerns.
American Visitor Insurance provides some of the best options for US travel medical insurance for Canadians, offering plans tailored to the unique needs of travelers to California. Whether you are planning a short getaway, extended stay, family visit, or multiple trips throughout the year, you can compare affordable plans based on coverage, benefits, and whether they include pre-existing condition travel insurance coverage if needed.
The cost of emergency medical care, hospitalization, doctor visits, or diagnostic tests in California can be extremely high. Travel health insurance for California from Canada ensures that you can access quality medical care without facing overwhelming expenses. Plans often include emergency hospitalization, urgent care treatment, medical evacuation, accidental injury coverage, and 24/7 travel assistance services.
For older travelers and snowbirds, choosing a policy that offers pre-existing medical condition coverage is particularly important to ensure seamless protection while staying in California.
Canadians can easily compare travel insurance plans for California on American Visitor Insurance to find the best plan for their travel duration, budget, and health needs. Comparing plans helps identify the most affordable travel insurance for Canadians traveling to California with strong medical coverage and access to a U.S. PPO network, which can significantly reduce hospital and clinic expenses.
With the right Canadian travel insurance for USA, travelers can enjoy peace of mind and focus on experiencing California’s sun, culture, and iconic destinations.
Before you travel, ensure you carry both printed and digital copies of your California travel insurance policy along with emergency contact information. Whether you're planning a coastal road trip, wine country tour, or theme park vacation, having the best travel insurance for Canadians visiting California helps safeguard your health and finances.
Pack for variable temperatures, stay hydrated, and take your time exploring California's beaches, national parks, and vibrant urban centers like San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles.
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.
The cost of US visitor health insurance in 2025 has increasingly impacted disposable income, with a major portion going towards healthcare deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. Routine physician visits in the U.S. can cost around $176, while specialized procedures such as an echocardiogram may range from $1,000 in Massachusetts to $3,000 in New Jersey, depending on the provider. Common medical emergencies, such as a Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperglycemia visit to the ER, could cost between $2,500 and $5,000. A stroke requiring ICU care for 10 days could cost $120,000, while heart attack treatment—including ambulance, ER, ICU, EKG, MRI, and ongoing cardiologist care—can cost approximately $20,000. Acute kidney failure treatment averages over $22,000 in the U.S.
Several factors contribute to these high healthcare costs, including significant administrative expenses, advanced technology reliance, labor costs, and the expensive malpractice insurance required in the U.S. system. Hospitals and private insurance companies employ numerous billing clerks to manage the complex billing and insurance processes, adding to overall expenses.
Despite the complexity of costs, it is crucial for Canadian travelers visiting the USA to have visitors medical insurance in the USA. Insurance significantly reduces medical bills if the hospital is part of a PPO network compared to paying out-of-pocket without coverage. Simply having US visitor health insurance substantially lowers the cost of care, providing financial protection during your trip. For Canadians visiting the U.S., having proper health insurance for visitors to the USA is essential to avoid overwhelming medical expenses.
If you are looking for affordable travel insurance for Canadians visiting Hawaii, some of the best options include Patriot International Lite by International Medical Group and Travel Medical Global Basic from Seven Corners. These plans provide essential coverage at budget-friendly prices, making them ideal for Canadian travelers to Hawaii who want reliable protection without overspending.
Age: 40 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
Planning a trip from Canada to Hawaii? Choosing the best travel insurance for Canadians traveling to Hawaii ensures peace of mind, financial protection, and coverage for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and other unexpected events. Top recommended plans include:
These Canada travel insurance plans for Hawaii are designed to cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel risks. By selecting one of these top-rated plans, Canadian travelers to Hawaii can enjoy a safe and worry-free journey with complete protection during their trip.
Age: 40 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
Age: 40 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $250
Age: 40 years | Plan: $2,000,000 | Deductible: $250
The average cost of Hawaii travel insurance from Canada ranges between $55 and $320. Pricing depends on factors such as the traveler’s age, trip duration, coverage limits, deductible amount, the type of health insurance selected, and whether pre-existing conditions are included. For most Canadian travelers to Hawaii, there are affordable travel insurance options available for less than a dollar per day, making it easy to protect against unexpected medical emergencies during your trip.
Comprehensive plans typically cost more but provide higher coverage limits, stronger benefits, and additional features like emergency evacuation and repatriation. These plans are ideal for Canadian visitors to Hawaii seeking peace of mind and full protection while traveling.
The international travel insurance cost per month with a deductible of $250 offers an excellent balance between affordability and extensive protection—perfect for Canadian snowbird travel health insurance or long-term stays in Hawaii.
| Insurance Plans | Plan Max Range | Provider Network | Age 40 | Age 60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot International Lite | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | IPA Network | $55 - $74 | $121 - $144 |
| Travel Medical Global Basic | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | Visit Wellabroad.com | $56 - $77 | $121 - $159 |
| Safe Travels International Cost Saver | $50,000 - $1,000,000 |  |
$73 - $122 | $159 - $235 |
| Travel Medical Global Choice | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | Visit Wellabroad.com | $84 - $113 | $190 - $253 |
| Safe Travels International | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | |
$107 - $151 | $233 - $346 |
| Patriot International Platinum | $2,000,000 - $8,000,000 | IPA Network | $116 - $158 | $247 - $294 |
Source: American Visitor Insurance®
🌞 California, located on the West Coast of the United States, is one of the most visited regions in the country. Known for its sunshine, beaches, national parks, and diverse culture, California is a dream destination for travelers from around the world.
🌴 From the bustling tech city of San Jose, to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to the glamorous streets of Los Angeles, California offers a blend of nature, entertainment, and urban exploration.
🤝 With its friendly locals, multicultural communities, and endless attractions like Napa Valley, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe, California promises something memorable for every traveler.
Known for its granite cliffs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and scenic valleys, Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.
An iconic landmark of San Francisco, offering stunning views, bicycle paths, and scenic photo spots.
A spectacular freshwater lake surrounded by mountains, known for year-round outdoor activities such as skiing and boating.
One of Los Angeles’ most popular beaches, famous for its boardwalk, street performers, and surf culture.
When Canadians are planning a trip to Hawaii, choosing the right travel insurance is crucial, especially for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions. Among the available options, the following INF plans stand out for their comprehensive coverage and benefits, offering peace of mind while exploring Hawaii’s islands:
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:
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.
Travel tips for international travelers – Safety, Comfort and Wellness.
Many U.S. citizens and American expats living in Canada frequently travel back to the United States for family visits, vacations, business, or seasonal stays. While visiting, it is important to have medical insurance for U.S. citizens visiting the USA to avoid the high cost of unexpected healthcare expenses.
At American Visitor Insurance, we offer some of the best short-term travel medical insurance plans designed specifically for U.S. expats who need temporary health coverage while in the United States.
Top-rated U.S. visitor health insurance plans from IMG include: Patriot America Lite, Patriot America Plus, and Patriot Platinum America. Another widely recommended plan is Diplomat America Insurance offered by Global Underwriters.
The cost of health insurance for U.S. citizens visiting the USA from Canada depends on age, duration of stay, deductible choice, and policy maximum. Typically, temporary U.S. travel medical insurance ranges between $45 and $320 per trip depending on the plan and benefit level.
Comprehensive options like Patriot America Plus and Diplomat America cover hospitalization, emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation — ideal for U.S. expats returning to the U.S. who want full protection.
Budget-conscious travelers can lower premiums by choosing a moderate deductible such as $250, offering excellent value while still maintaining strong protection.
Even though you are a U.S. citizen, your Canadian health coverage or Medicare typically does not apply when living outside the U.S. Therefore, when returning, having visitor medical insurance protects you from the high cost of U.S. healthcare.
You can compare and purchase U.S. travel health insurance easily online at American Visitor Insurance to find affordable and reliable U.S. expat insurance plans.
Many Canadian seniors and winter travelers spend extended time in California for its mild climate, beaches, and lifestyle. When planning your stay, an important factor in choosing Canada snowbird medical insurance for California is whether you need coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Popular plans for California travel insurance for Canadians include Patriot America Plus and Safe Travels USA. These plans offer flexible coverage up to 12 months and can be purchased from Canada before travel.
If you do **not** require COVID-19 coverage, more affordable options such as Patriot America Lite and Safe Travels USA Cost Saver provide essential protection at a lower cost.
For those requiring coverage for cardiac or stroke conditions, there are comprehensive and fixed-benefit options like Safe Travels Elite and Safe Travels Comprehensive. These cover cardiac/stroke services up to $25,000 for travelers up to age 69, and $15,000 for ages 70–89.
With many choices available, selecting the right California visitor medical insurance for Canadian snowbirds can be overwhelming. If you need help, call our licensed experts at +1 (877) 340-7910 for personalized guidance.
A couple from Canada, aged 64 and 61, were visiting family in California with travel insurance purchased from their home country. Their policy was about to expire, but they decided to extend their stay by another 20 days and needed continued medical coverage during that period.
Since their Canadian insurance could not be extended from abroad, they needed a short-term U.S. visitor insurance plan that:
We recommended three popular comprehensive visitor insurance plans suitable for travelers already in the U.S.:
California is home to many popular colleges and universities, attracting a large number of Canadian students each year. Since healthcare in the United States is expensive, it is important for students to have the right student health insurance USA plan. Many California university health insurance plans can be costly, so Canadian students often look for affordable student medical insurance alternatives that still meet university requirements.
We offer Student Health Advantage and Patriot Exchange insurance plans which are designed for international and Canadian students studying in the USA. These plans are often more affordable compared to university-sponsored student health plans while still providing the required coverage.
Canadian students enrolling in a U.S. college or university receive an I-20 Visa form from their institution. Some California schools include student health insurance within tuition costs, while others require students to purchase their own U.S. student insurance. Choosing the right plan ensures peace of mind, compliance with school policies, and access to medical care when needed.
Canadian students cannot enroll in regular U.S. domestic health insurance plans. However, we offer specialized student health insurance USA options through our website.
University-provided insurance plans are often very comprehensive, covering wellness, maternity, mental health, and pre-existing conditions. However, they tend to be more expensive.
For students looking for affordable options, we recommend international student medical plans designed specifically for study abroad.
IMG and Global Underwriters offer some of the most popular and reliable plans for Canadian students studying in the U.S.
Global Underwriters is the best choice for students involved in college sports teams or athletic clubs, as it allows optional collegiate sports riders (except U.S. football).
IMG student health insurance options include:
Plans must be purchased for full monthly durations. If your stay overlaps months, the policy will round to the next full month. Plans can be cancelled when the student returns home.
Many Canadians travel frequently to the United States and to other international destinations throughout the year. These travelers may be business professionals, cross-border commuters, corporate executives, snowbirds, or simply Canadians living close to the US border who make multiple trips abroad. For such frequent travelers, a regular single-trip travel insurance plan may not be convenient or cost-effective.
To meet the needs of Canadians who travel several times a year, there are excellent annual multi-trip travel health insurance plans that provide worldwide coverage. One highly recommended option is the Patriot Annual Multi Trip Insurance. This plan is specifically designed for Canadian travelers making multiple journeys.
Each trip can be covered for up to either 30 days or 45 days, depending on the selected option, with a strong medical coverage maximum of up to $1 million.
The Patriot Annual Multi Trip insurance plan is available for travelers up to the age of 76 years and is renewable for up to 3 years, making it an excellent choice for long-term or frequent travel needs. It also provides coverage for pre-existing conditions (conditions and limits apply), which is especially important for older Canadian travelers and those with ongoing medical concerns.
Key Benefits of Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance for Canadians:
This plan is an excellent solution for Canadians looking for affordable and reliable travel medical insurance for multiple trips throughout the year. It is especially useful for Canadians who regularly travel to the US for business, leisure, or family visits.
The best health insurance for visitors to USA with pre-existing conditions is listed here:
International travel insurance plans covering pre-existing conditions which many older travelers look for.
Learn More »There are many cheap international insurance plans also known as visitor insurance plans.
Learn More »Coinsurance & Deductible - How visitor travel insurance works.
Learn More »
👉 Learn more about how to protect yourself while traveling as a Canadian Snowbird: Know more »
Provides coverage for multiple trips within a specified period, typically one year.
Read more »Travel insurance designed for older individuals, often referred to as "snowbirds".
Read more »Provides coverage for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly for "snowbirds".
Read more »Snowbird travel insurance
Canadians to USA
Canadians student insurance
Canadian Seniors travel insurance
Expatriate insurance
Canadian Annual travel insurance
Pre-existing conditions
Green Card holders insurance
Canada Cruise insurance
INF Elite X Insurance
Safe Travels USA Comprehensive Insurance
Patriot America plus Insurance