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Travel insurance for Canada isn't a legal requirement, but taking out a policy when you book your trip is worth considering.

Travel insurance can help to cover you against unforeseen circumstances. So, if you fall ill or your flights are delayed, for example, you're not left with huge bills to pay. Phew.

If you're ready to compare quotes, click the 'Get a quote' button. Or, read on to learn more about travel insurance for your Canadian holiday.

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Important information

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t currently have any travel advisories in place for Canada*. So, you should be able to get travel insurance for your trip.

But you should stay up-to-date with any extreme weather warnings that could affect your travel plans. If you travel against FCDO advice, or you don’t meet Canada’s entry requirements, you may not be covered by your travel insurance policy.

*Correct as of June 2024

Do I need travel insurance for Canada?

Though it's not a legal requirement, travel insurance for Canada could be a great safety net for your holiday. Here's why:

  • Skiing and other popular activities in Canada can come with an increased risk of injury. There's no special medical arrangement for British Citizens. This means that, without insurance, you could face hefty medical bills if you need to receive treatment during your stay.
  • Flights from the UK to Canada are long-haul and often involve interconnecting flights with long layovers. This can increase the chances of cancellations, delays, or other travel disruptions there and back. But, if you have an appropriate insurance policy in place, you could be covered financially.
  • Canadian weather can be extreme. Some areas can be cold with heavy snowfall, and others can be very warm. Extreme weather can cause unexpected cancellations or changes to your travel plans. But, insurance could cover the costs if this happens.

Choosing the right policy for your trip

If you're buying single-trip travel insurance, you can select Canada as your destination. If you're buying an annual policy, you'll need a worldwide policy that includes Canada, the USA and the Caribbean.

Having the appropriate policy can help cover you financially if you experience an unexpected situation. For example, needing emergency medical treatment, or losing your luggage. Let's take a look at some of the different types of travel insurance you might consider:

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Single-trip travel insurance

Single trip insurance is a policy that can cover you for one trip, from when you leave your home until you return.

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Annual travel insurance

Annual travel insurance is also known as multi-trip insurance. This type of insurance covers you for multiple trips within a 12-month period.

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Backpackers travel insurance

Backpackers insurance can provide cover for a trip lasting for an extended period of time, usually up to 18 months.

What our travel insurance expert says

"Popular activities in Canada aren't usually covered by a standard travel insurance policy, like skiing. But, that doesn't mean that you need to change your holiday itinerary.

Instead, just make sure you read the policy details carefully before buying. That way, you'll know if you need to take out additional cover for any activities you plan to do."

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert
Travel insurance expert Confused.com logo

What does travel insurance for Canada cover?

Canada travel insurance can vary and certain activities you plan to do may need extra cover. Read the policy wording to know what you're getting, and you'll be all set for your Canadian adventure.

A standard travel insurance policy usually covers and excludes the following:

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What's typically covered:

  • Emergency medical expenses: if you need to receive emergency medical treatment while you're abroad.
  • Repatriation: if you need to return home to receive emergency medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
  • Cancellation and curtailment: this applies if you need to cancel your trip before departure, or come home early for an unexpected reason listed in the policy. 
  • Baggage cover: if your luggage is stolen, damaged, or accidentally lost. Many standard worldwide policies generally cover personal items, like your passport, too.
  • Travel disruption: if your flights are delayed or cancelled for an unexpected reason.
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What's typically excluded:

  • Winter sports: many insurers see winter sports, such as skiing, to be high-risk. So, additional winter sports travel insurance may be required for an additional cost.
  • Undeclared medical conditions: if you need treatment for a pre-existing medical condition that you didn't tell your insurer about when taking out a policy. 
  • Illegal or malicious activity: if you've caused harm to yourself or others by behaving recklessly or breaking the law.
  • Drugs and alcohol: if illness, injury, or death occurs due to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Travelling against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice: If the FCDO advises against travel, but you go anyway.

How much does travel insurance for Canada cost?

The price of travel insurance is generally dependent on personal circumstances and any pre-existing conditions you may have. Here's how much you might pay:

Policy type Price
Single-trip travel insurance
£18.651
Couples travel insurance
£27.302
£49.303

1The cheapest price for a single-trip travel insurance policy. Based on a 30-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling to Canada for 6 nights. Confused.com data, May 2024.
2The cheapest price for a single-trip travel insurance policy. Based on 2 adults aged 30 with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling to Canada for 6 nights. Confused.com data, May 2024.
3The cheapest price for a single-trip travel insurance policy. Based on 2 adults and 2 children with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling to Canada for 6 nights. Confused.com data, May 2024.

Medical care in Canada

Canada has no special arrangements for British travellers. So, medical care can be expensive.

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you won't be able to use them in Canada. This means you won't get essential medical care for the same price as citizens in Canada, or get any emergency treatment for free.

This is why it can be beneficial to have an insurance policy in place. Most travel insurance policies provide cover for emergency medical care if you need it.

You should also make sure you have enough money. It should cover any medical treatment you may get. This is because Canadian hospitals and clinics may ask for payment upon arrival. If this happens, you'll be able to claim on your insurance afterwards. But, it's important to let your insurer know you're receiving treatment as soon as possible.

Keep in mind, dual citizens may have to pay for medical treatment if they don't meet the requirements for Canadian Medicare.

If you have a medical emergency, the number to call Canadian emergency services is 911 or 0.

Travel insurance for popular activities in Canada

There's a variety of activities you can do in Canada, but some might not be covered by standard travel insurance.

Let's take a look at some popular activities that people do when visiting Canada, and what type of cover you might need for them:

  • Winter sports travel insurance. Whistler is a world-class skiing destination. It offers more than 8,000 acres, 200+ marked ski trails, and plenty of powdery snow. If you're planning to make a visit there during your trip to Canada, you should look into ski insurance.
  • Water sports cover. Tofino is a coastal town on Vancouver Island and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and surfers. Besides whale watching, many people visit Tofino to surf or go white-water rafting. If that's the case for you, you may need water sports cover.
  • Adventure travel insurance. If you're thinking of going hiking or trekking in places like Banff National Park or Jasper National Park, you might need adventure travel insurance.

Do I need a visa for Canada?

This generally depends on the length of your trip.

British citizens don't need a visa to enter Canada for short trips. But, they may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for a small price.

If you're planning to visit Canada for a period of 6 months or longer, you'll need to have a valid visa to travel.

If you're unsure whether you'll need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada, you can check on the Government of Canada website.

Helpful hint: British-Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to travel, and may not be eligible to apply for an eTA.

Travel tips for Canada

  • Language: English is the first language in Canada, but French is also widely spoken.
  • Money: the money used is the Canadian dollar, and it's available in 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar notes.
  • Time difference: there are 6 time zones. These are Newfoundland, Central, Atlantic, Mountain, Pacific, and Eastern Standard Time.
  • British embassy: the British High Commission is in Ottawa if you need help while abroad. There are other UK consulates in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
  • Safety: it's worth checking official FCDO travel advice in the run-up to and during your trip. You should also be mindful of adverse weather or any potential terror threats, too. 
  • Driving in Canada: if you want to drive while in Canada, you can usually do so as long as you have a full UK driving license. But, depending on your car hire company, you may need to get an International Driving Permit.
  • Arctic travel: be wary of winter weather conditions. In provinces like British Columbia, heavy snowfall and avalanches can cause travel disruptions like road closures. These areas can also be quite remote, with limited access to places like hospitals.
  • Tipping customs: it's normal in Canada to tip after receiving a service. In restaurants, it's usually 15-20% of the sale before tax. The tip should be at least 10% if the service was below standard. It's also common to tip 10% to taxi drivers for longer journeys and if you were helped with luggage. The same amount is expected as a minimum to hotel staff.
  • Onward travel: if you're planning to travel to the USA from Canada, check the entry requirements of the USA to make sure you won't be denied entry.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Travel insurance guides

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