- The best travel insurance plans for Canada
- Is it currently safe to travel to Canada?
- Is Travel Insurance Required by Law to Enter Canada?
- Why take out travel insurance for Canada?
- What should travel insurance for Canada cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Canada
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Canada
- Your current insurance coverage in Canada
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Canada: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Canada covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory, but vital as Australia has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Canada.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is extremely expensive; a hospital stay can easily exceed AUD $4,000 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Canada typically costs between AUD $50 and AUD $100.
5. Good to know: Australians flying to Canada must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their trip.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Canada.
The best travel insurance plans for Canada
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AU$1.6M | Highly recommended for travel to Canada. - high medical cap - repatriation included - adaptable to diverse travel scenarios |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AU$1.6M | Good option for city or wilderness stays. - 24/7 support - cancellation possible - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | AU$800k | Practical solution for tourism across Canada. - strong medical guarantee - emergency assistance - fits most travel budgets |
| Travel Pass Monde | AU$1.1M | Suits longer or multi-region travel. - hospitalisation covered - broad worldwide acceptance - weather disruption support |
| Globe Partner | AU$480k | Dependable for extended visits. - urgent care overseas - repatriation included - civil liability protection |
| Globe Traveller | AU$800k | Good for low-risk travel or short Canadian trips. - essential medical cover - prompt reimbursements - capped but sufficient for most needs |
- high medical cap
- repatriation included
- adaptable to diverse travel scenarios
- 24/7 support
- cancellation possible
- no deductible
- strong medical guarantee
- emergency assistance
- fits most travel budgets
- hospitalisation covered
- broad worldwide acceptance
- weather disruption support
- urgent care overseas
- repatriation included
- civil liability protection
- essential medical cover
- prompt reimbursements
- capped but sufficient for most needs
Is it currently safe to travel to Canada?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions when visiting Canada. The current alert level remains stable, with no general travel advisory against visiting the country.
- Security risks: Petty crime such as theft and car break-ins occurs, especially in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Take care in tourist spots and always secure your belongings.
- Health risks: While health standards are high, all visitors must pay for medical care. Treatment for injuries due to winter sports or exposure during extreme cold in Quebec and Alberta can be expensive.
- Environmental hazards: Forest fires have affected regions like British Columbia and Alberta, leading to air quality issues and possible travel disruptions. Monitor local warnings closely.
- Legal requirements: Entry to Canada requires a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Australians arriving by air. Criminal records, including for minor offences such as drink-driving, can result in refusal of entry.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Canada.
Is Travel Insurance Required by Law to Enter Canada?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens travelling to Canada.
While you are not required to purchase travel insurance to enter Canada, it is strongly advised. Canada does not cover visitors for medical expenses, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Canada. Medical care, hospital stays and emergency repatriation can result in very high costs for travellers.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Canada. This high percentage is due to the expensive health system and the need for extensive coverage in case of illness or accident.
Why take out travel insurance for Canada?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Canada.
In Canada, health care for foreigners is only provided in private clinics or public hospitals such as Toronto General Hospital or Vancouver General Hospital, with fees that can be extremely high for non-residents. A simple ER visit may cost hundreds of dollars, and hospitalisation or surgery can amount to tens of thousands.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Canada.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Toronto General Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 6,000 CAD (approx. 6,800 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 3,500 CAD (approx. 4,000 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 30,000 CAD (approx. 34,000 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 16,000 CAD (approx. 18,000 AUD) | up to 1,000,000 AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Canada cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospitalisation, outpatient care, and medical consultations for illnesses or accidents. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least AU$1,000,000 for Canada. |
| ✈️ Medical evacuation | Covers emergency air or ground evacuation to the nearest suitable hospital or back to Australia. We recommend a minimum of AU$500,000 for evacuation and repatriation. |
| 💊 Medications | Reimburses prescription drugs needed during your trip following a covered illness or accident. Look for limits of at least AU$10,000. |
| 🚑 Ambulance costs | Includes emergency transportation to a hospital in Canada. Recommended coverage: at least AU$20,000. |
| 🛄 Luggage and personal effects | Protects baggage and valuables against theft, loss, or damage. Recommended coverage: minimum AU$5,000. |
| ✈️ Flight cancellation and delay | Refunds eligible unused expenses if your trip is cancelled or delayed for a covered reason. Minimum recommended: AU$10,000. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Covers you if you accidentally cause bodily injury or property damage to a third party. Recommended limit: at least AU$1,000,000. |
| 🦷 Dental emergencies | Reimburses emergency dental care due to sudden pain or accident. We recommend a dental cover of at least AU$2,000. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least AU$1,000,000 for Canada.
We recommend a minimum of AU$500,000 for evacuation and repatriation.
Look for limits of at least AU$10,000.
Recommended coverage: at least AU$20,000.
Recommended coverage: minimum AU$5,000.
Minimum recommended: AU$10,000.
Recommended limit: at least AU$1,000,000.
We recommend a dental cover of at least AU$2,000.
Travel insurance offered by banks or local providers often comes with limited coverage, low payout limits, and significant exclusions. For better protection, choose a trusted insurer, compare the best plans on HelloSafe, and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Canada
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AU$46 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AU$78 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AU$121 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AU$213 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Canada is influenced by several factors. These typically include your age, the duration of your trip, your chosen level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Optional extras like winter sports cover also play a part. Remember these points to select a suitable policy and avoid unexpected costs.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Canada
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Canada while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Healthcare costs in Canada can be very high for visitors. Reliable coverage avoids large unexpected bills. | Adjust medical coverage to at least AU$500,000 but avoid extras you do not need to lower your premium. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group policies can be more economical than buying individual policies for each traveller. | Choose a family or group plan to receive a bulk discount and streamlined coverage for all members. |
| 🗓️ Duration of stay | Insurance price is linked to trip length. Insuring only the necessary days avoids overpaying. | Limit coverage to your exact travel dates and avoid rounded-up durations imposed by some providers. |
| 🧑 Traveller's age | Some insurers charge higher premiums for older travellers, especially over age 60. | Compare insurers. Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62 and can be a good choice. |
| 🥾 Type of activities | Skiing or adventure activities add extra cost, but not all trips require such coverage. | Exclude hazardous sports cover if you do not plan risky activities to make your policy more affordable. |
| 🌏 Geographical area | Some insurance covers all of North America, not just Canada, which can drive up costs. | Select Canada-only plans whenever possible for the best value, especially for short and focused trips. |
| 💼 Annual vs single-trip | Frequent travellers often save with annual multi-trip insurance, while one-off holidays are best single-trip. | Opt for annual policies only if you travel internationally at least twice per year from Australia. |
Your current insurance coverage in Canada
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your public health insurance, private health insurance, or credit card insurance can protect you during a trip to Canada. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Canada? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No coverage overseas. No payment for medical care, hospitalisation, or repatriation. | Travel insurance can cover up to AU$1,000,000 for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, nib) | Limited coverage | Possible small reimbursement on return, up to AU$10,000–AU$20,000. No repatriation cover. | Travel insurance covers up to AU$1,000,000+ with wider benefits and local emergency support. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Westpac Essential) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to AU$10,000, no cancellation cover, often no baggage protection. | Travel insurance covers up to AU$1,000,000+, including baggage, delays, and travel cancellation. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Platinum, ANZ Rewards Black, Mastercard Gold) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to AU$100,000, some delay or baggage loss cover, basic trip delay cover. | Travel insurance offers up to AU$1,000,000+ medical and cancellations, pre-existing illnesses, and more. |
Example
While skiing in Whistler, Liam suffered a severe concussion. The ambulance, emergency room visit, and MRI scan totalled over AUD $15,000. His standard NAB Visa Debit card offered no coverage, and his Australian health insurance was invalid in Canada, leaving him to pay the entire bill out-of-pocket.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance often won't cover trip interruptions for a relative's illness. Always check the fine print of existing policies to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In any case, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Australian citizens do not require a visa for trips to Canada of up to six months for tourism or business. However, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are flying to Canada. The eTA application costs around CAD $7 and must be completed online before departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Canada?
Start by comparing travel insurance plans with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check the specific cover and exclusions suitable for Canada, such as medical evacuation and extreme weather events. Buy your preferred policy online, then receive your certificate via email immediately after payment.
Should I include cover for forest fires and severe weather events in my Canada travel insurance?
Given the increase in forest fires and extreme winter conditions in several provinces, it is wise to ensure your policy covers natural disasters, trip disruptions, or emergency evacuation related to these events. Always review the policy exclusions and confirmation of cover for such scenarios before purchase.
What is a typical cost for travel insurance to Canada from Australia?
For a standard two-week trip, expect to pay between AU$80 and AU$175 per person, depending on age, health, and coverage requirements. Policies for older travellers or those wanting comprehensive extras like adventure sports and electronics cover can be more expensive.
Are Australian health services valid in Canada during my trip?
Australia and Canada do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. Australian Medicare and most private health insurance policies do not cover treatment or emergency care in Canada. You will need to pay all costs yourself unless you have travel insurance.
Can I drive in Canada with my Australian driver’s licence and am I covered by travel insurance?
You may use your valid Australian licence or obtain an International Driving Permit for driving in Canada, depending on the province. Most travel insurance policies exclude motor vehicle accidents unless you hire the car legally and are properly licensed. Always check your policy for specific driving coverage conditions.
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Australian citizens do not require a visa for trips to Canada of up to six months for tourism or business. However, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are flying to Canada. The eTA application costs around CAD $7 and must be completed online before departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Canada?
Start by comparing travel insurance plans with the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check the specific cover and exclusions suitable for Canada, such as medical evacuation and extreme weather events. Buy your preferred policy online, then receive your certificate via email immediately after payment.
Should I include cover for forest fires and severe weather events in my Canada travel insurance?
Given the increase in forest fires and extreme winter conditions in several provinces, it is wise to ensure your policy covers natural disasters, trip disruptions, or emergency evacuation related to these events. Always review the policy exclusions and confirmation of cover for such scenarios before purchase.
What is a typical cost for travel insurance to Canada from Australia?
For a standard two-week trip, expect to pay between AU$80 and AU$175 per person, depending on age, health, and coverage requirements. Policies for older travellers or those wanting comprehensive extras like adventure sports and electronics cover can be more expensive.
Are Australian health services valid in Canada during my trip?
Australia and Canada do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. Australian Medicare and most private health insurance policies do not cover treatment or emergency care in Canada. You will need to pay all costs yourself unless you have travel insurance.
Can I drive in Canada with my Australian driver’s licence and am I covered by travel insurance?
You may use your valid Australian licence or obtain an International Driving Permit for driving in Canada, depending on the province. Most travel insurance policies exclude motor vehicle accidents unless you hire the car legally and are properly licensed. Always check your policy for specific driving coverage conditions.
On the same topic
