With major landmarks including Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains and amazing cities to discover such as Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and more, it’s obvious why Canada broke their record of 20.8 million tourists in 2017.
The West coast is steeped in some of nature's most beautiful wonders, where temperatures hang at a luxurious 23c with a light breeze straight off of the Pacific. Or visit the East coast with its vibrant culture of live music, summer festivals and historic architecture complimented by the incredible wildlife this side of the country has to offer.
Whichever part of Canada you're planning on visiting, having travel insurance which covers you for essentials such as medical expenses, cancellation, personal possessions and legal expenses is paramount.
Canada is one of the most expensive places in the world to receive medical care, so should you require medical treatment, travel insurance could quickly become the most important thing in your luggage.
Why choose Alpha?
We are travel insurance specialists, and believe that our policies can offer the best cover to suit your needs at a budget-friendly price. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about looking through hundreds of options – our policies all offer the same great levels of cover, all you have to do is choose the excess you would like to pay in the event of a claim. Please see just some of the benefits that we offer:
- 24/7 Emergency Medical Helpline
- Cover for 100's of sports and activities free of charge (with the option to extend and include many more);
- Discounts for couples and families;
- 14 day cooling off period;
- Cover includes cancellation, emergency medical expenses, personal belongings, cash and travel documents and much more;
- Optional Gadget Extension.
- Access to our Free Customer Area!
What to do in Canada
There is so much to see and do in Canada you will be spoilt for choice! Below are a few of our favourites and we hope you enjoy them as much as we have.
Niagara Falls
- One of the highlights and I’m sure on many of our bucket lists.
- There are boat tours ranging from £20-£100, as well as observation deck views from the Skylon Tower that costs roughly £10 per adult.
- Most tours only run between April-October due to the weather, so bear that in mind.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
- This is for those daredevils out there who aren’t fazed by heights!
- Unobstructed views of the canyon make for amazing Insta snaps.
- Climb through the treetops and explore the rainforest as well as the stunning cliff walk all for £28 per adult.
Ice Explorer Glacier Tour
- Another Insta worthy trip, for £62 per adult.
- 3-hour ride on the ‘Ice Explorer’ taking in the stunning surroundings with a glacier walk to top things off.
- Tours run between 10am-5pm and depart every 15-30 mins.
*Prices and information correct as at August 2018
Advice for travelling to Canada
Medical
Although you don’t need any vaccinations to get into the country, it may be worth discussing the below with your doctor:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Influenza
They have had bouts of both Measles and Mumps in western Canada, so we would advise ensuring you are up to date with these before travelling also. For more information please click here.
Entry Requirements
eTA
Visitors to Canada are now expected to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in order to enter.
The only times this is exempt is if you have a valid Canadian visa or permanent resident card. If you have dual nationality you will be expected to use your Canadian passport.
It costs $7 per eTA and you can apply for yours here.
If only one parent is travelling, ensure that you have a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent to ensure smooth sailing through immigration.
Useful Info:
| Currency | Canadian Dollar – notes range from $5-$100 and coins include $1 and $2. $1 are referred to as ‘loonies’ and $2 are referred to as ‘toonies’
Click here for the current exchange rate. |
| Capital City | Ottawa |
| Population | Over 36,000,000 |
| Emergency Info | For emergencies, call 911 |
| Tipping Protocol | This depends on the service: Cabs – Generally between 10-20% Doorman - $2 if he hails you a cab Bellman – Up to $5 per bag Chambermaid – Up to $5 a day or a lump amount at the end of your trip Valet – $5-$10 when picking up the car Bar/Wait Staff – Not as strict as in the US, between 10-20% is acceptable. |
| Drinking Age | Each province sets its own age. However, the legal age is 19 years old unless you are in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec where it is 18 years old. |
| Weather | Hurricanes in coastal areas are more likely between July – November whereas Tornados are more likely between May – September in southern Canada. During the winter months, highways can be closed due to snowfall and/or avalanches. Ensure you check before leaving your accommodation |
| Seasons | Spring – March 20th - June 20th Summer – June 21st – September 21st Autumn/Fall – September 22nd – December 20th Winter – December 21st – March 19th |
| Languages spoken | English and French |
| Plug Type | 110-120 V - 60Hz |
| Driving Side | Right Hand side |
| Local Laws/Customs | Local laws can vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting. For more information on customs regulations in Canada visit the website of the Canadian Border Services Agency |
FAQs
The Breakdown: The Average Travel Insurance Cost Based on Coverage Type
| Coverage Type | Average Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| Basic (Trip Cancellation & Interruption) | 50-100 |
| Comprehensive (Including Medical Expenses) | 120-250 |
| Medical Only | 70-150 |
| CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) Add-on | Additional 40-60% on Base Premium |
Mar 7, 2024
To visit Canada, you need worldwide travel insurance to cover you for loss, damage and theft of your belongings, cancellation or curtailment of your trip, and public liability if you should cause accidental damage or injury. You'll need to choose worldwide travel insurance including Canada, USA and the Caribbean.
Do I need travel insurance while travelling to Canada? ›
You don't have to have travel insurance when visiting Canada, unless you are applying for a super visa. But health care is expensive in Canada if you don't have coverage.
Who has the best travel insurance in Canada? ›
- Best for thrill seekers: World Nomads. ...
- Best for families: CAA Travel Insurance. ...
- Best for seniors and retirees: Blue Cross. ...
- Best for budget travellers: Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance. ...
- Best for Canadians with pre-existing medical conditions: Manulife CoverMe. ...
- Best for emergency medical assistance: Medipac Travel Insurance.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Canada? There are no requirements for U.S. citizens to have travel insurance coverage as a condition of entry to Canada. However, most Canadian hospitals do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare.
What is the best cheapest travel insurance? ›
How We Chose the Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies
| Company | Average Plan Cost | Cheapest Plan |
|---|
| Seven Corners Travel Insurance Compare Plans | $216 | Trip Protection Basic |
| Generali Global Assistance Compare Plans | $255 | Standard Plan |
| AIG Travel Guard Compare Plans | $251 | Essential |
| Faye Compare Plans | $298 | Travel Insurance Plan |
3 more rows4 days ago
Unlike India and other European countries, the countries such as the US and Canada do not have a nationally regulated medical body. They do not have a government hospital in each city. Thus, private hospitalisation, consultation, and care procedures in US and Canada are costly.
Can I travel to Canada without health insurance? ›
Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.
Do I need special car insurance to go to Canada? ›
Canadian law requires U.S. citizens driving into Canada to provide proper proof of motor vehicle insurance. The good news is that both your IMT Insurance Policy includes Canada as part of your coverage territory.
Can I use my American health insurance in Canada? ›
Even though Canada is just over the border, your U.S. health insurance plan will not be accepted there unless it specifically provides global coverage. American Medicare also is not accepted in Canada. It's important to purchase travel medical insurance in case you suffer an injury or fall ill while in Canada.
The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles.
Is Allianz travel insurance good? ›
Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.
Who is cheaper than travelers insurance? ›
Of the 10 largest car insurance companies, only Geico and USAA are cheaper than Travelers, on average.
What insurance do you need to travel to Canada? ›
Visitors traveling to Canada and to any country outside of their home country should have visitors health insurance. Most domestic policies will only cover you in your home country and have little to no coverage once you are traveling abroad. To learn more, visit Visitors Insurance and you can request a quote.
Does my visa card have travel insurance? ›
Use the Visa insurance service for safe and comfortable travels. Holders of Visa Platinum, Visa Signature, Visa Infinite, Visa Platinum Business and Visa Signature Business premium cards will be automatically insured when traveling.
Is Canada expensive for travel insurance? ›
Medical care and treatment in Canada is of high quality, however, it is also very expensive. As a result, travel insurance for Canada often costs more as insurers will take the higher cost of healthcare into consideration if you have to make a claim.
How much does travel insurance typically cost? ›
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? According to our research, the average cost of travel insurance is $204, but you could pay anywhere between $14 and $765 for travel insurance. While this may seem like a wide price range, it's important to understand that travel insurance is not a “one price fits all” purchase.
Do I need insurance to travel within Canada? ›
Not all Medical Expenses are Covered by OHIP
The fact is provincial health insurance plans will only cover some medical expenses. Therefore, you should always protect yourself by purchasing medical insurance when travelling within Canada.
How much does Canadian insurance cost? ›
In 2023, preliminary estimates suggest the average payment for public health care insurance ranges from $5,373 to $17,039 for six common Canadian family types, depending on the type of family.
