Travel insurance for Canada

No, travel insurance is not a legal entry requirement for most tourists visiting Canada. However, it is strongly recommended by both the Canadian government and international travel experts.

The Canadian healthcare system is not free for visitors. Without a policy, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for any medical attention, ranging from simple walk-in clinic visits to emergency surgeries or medical evacuations from remote areas like the Yukon or the national parks.

Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. However, travelers should remain vigilant regarding petty crime in major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, where "smash and grab" thefts from parked cars can occur in tourist areas.

The most significant risks in Canada are often related to nature and weather. Winter conditions can be extreme, and if you are hiking in the Rockies or the Atlantic provinces, it is essential to follow local wildlife protocols to avoid dangerous encounters with bears or moose.

Citizens of the nited States do not need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada for tourism.

Citizens of the EU and the UK generally do not need a visa for stays of up to six months but must apply for an eTA before flying to Canada. If you are arriving by land or sea, the eTA is typically not required for these nationalities, though a valid passport is always necessary.

Medical costs for uninsured visitors are exceptionally high. A simple consultation with a doctor can cost between $100 and $600, while a stay in intensive care can exceed $10,000 per day. Even a standard ambulance ride can cost several hundred dollars depending on the province.

Because these costs are managed at the provincial level, they remain consistently expensive for non-residents nationwide. Having travel insurance with high medical assistance limits is the only way to protect yourself from these potential expenses.

es, most provinces allow you to drive with a valid foreign license for a short period (usually 60 to 90 days). If your license is not in English or French, it is highly recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license.

Keep in mind that Canadian winter driving requires specific skills. In some provinces, like Quebec, winter tires are legally mandated during the colder months. Always check provincial regulations before starting a road trip.

If you need to contact your insurance company from Canada, you simply have to call the 24-hour assistance platform. Through our exclusive app for clients, you can make free calls if you have an internet connection, chat with the medical team, or process any other incidents that occur during your trip (transport delays, baggage issues, etc.) right from the palm of your hand.