IMG Patriot America Plus
Best overall for Canadians. Largest PPO network, multilingual support, trusted at every major US hospital.
Best for: First-time visitors, families
WorldTrips Atlas America
Best for seniors and maximum protection. $2M coverage, $1M evacuation, highest pre-existing limit.
Best for: Seniors 65+, long stays
Trawick Safe Travels USA
Best budget option. Lower premiums at all ages, free telehealth, flexible deductibles to $5,000.
Best for: Budget buyers, under 65
Your Provincial Health Plan Likely Covers Nothing in the USA
Canada's provincial health plans — OHIP in Ontario, BC Medical Services Plan, AHCIP in Alberta, RAMQ in Québec, and others — cover medically necessary care within each province only. They provide minimal out-of-province coverage (up to a low daily cap) and virtually no US coverage. Canada and the US have no bilateral healthcare agreement for visiting tourists or short-term visitors. A US ER visit averages $3,100; one hospital night costs $11,700. Canadian snowbirds and visitors in Florida, Arizona, and Texas face enormous out-of-pocket exposure — a single cardiac event can exceed $80,000 with no provincial plan reimbursement.
Most Canadian provinces now pay $0 toward out-of-country medical emergencies. You're on your own in the USA.
Why Visitors Insurance Matters in the USA
The United States has the most expensive healthcare system in the world. A single emergency room visit costs $3,100–$8,000 on average. One night of hospitalization runs $11,700. A cardiac event with ICU care can exceed $150,000. Your home country's health insurance covers exactly $0 of these bills in the USA.
Visitors insurance is specifically designed to fill this gap. It's short-term US health coverage that you purchase before or immediately after arrival. Plans are issued by A-rated US carriers, accepted at any US hospital, and typically cost $1–$3 per day depending on age and coverage level.
Complete Plan Comparison
| Feature | IMG Patriot Plus | WorldTrips Atlas | Trawick Safe Travels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Coverage | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Deductible Options | $0–$2,500 | $0–$5,000 | $0–$5,000 |
| Acute Onset Pre-Existing (under 70) | Policy maximum | Policy maximum | Policy maximum |
| Acute Onset Pre-Existing (70–79) | Not covered | $100,000 | $35,000 (USA) / $25,000 (Elite) |
| Emergency Evacuation | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | $500,000 |
| PPO Network | UHC Choice Plus | First Health/Cofinity | First Health PPO |
| Telemedicine | Available | Available | Included free |
| Prescription Drugs | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Emergency Dental | Up to $250 | Up to $500 | Up to $250 |
| Repatriation of Remains | Included | Included | Included |
| Maximum Age | 99 years | 99 years | 89 years |
| Coverage Periods | 5 days–1 year | 5 days–364 days | 5 days–364 days |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $5,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| In-Network Coinsurance | 80% after ded. | 80% after ded. | 80% after ded. |
| Coinsurance Cap | $5,000 max OOP | $5,000 max OOP | $5,000 max OOP |
Monthly Cost by Age — $100K Coverage, $250 Deductible
| Age | IMG Patriot Plus | WorldTrips Atlas | Trawick Safe Travels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 30 | $28/mo | $26/mo | $23/mo |
| Age 40 | $38/mo | $35/mo | $32/mo |
| Age 50 | $52/mo | $48/mo | $45/mo |
| Age 60 | $78/mo | $72/mo | $68/mo |
| Age 65 | $105/mo | $95/mo | $88/mo |
| Age 70 | $145/mo | $130/mo | $120/mo |
| Age 75 | $195/mo | $175/mo | $158/mo |
| Age 80 | $265/mo | $240/mo | Not available |
Representative rates — exact pricing varies by exact age, trip dates, and deductible. Get a live quote for Canadians above.
Which Plan is Best for Your Situation?
| Situation | Best Plan |
|---|---|
| First-time visitors / tourists | IMG Patriot America Plus |
| Seniors 65–69 | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Seniors 70–79 | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Trawick Safe Travels USA |
| Pre-existing conditions (under 70) | All three plans tied |
| Pre-existing conditions (70–79) | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Maximum possible protection | WorldTrips Atlas America |
| Families with children | IMG Patriot America Plus |
How to Get Covered in Minutes
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Enter the traveler's date of birth, travel dates, and destination. No personal information or account required — just basic trip details.
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See real-time pricing from IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick side-by-side. Filter by deductible, coverage limit, or price. Read full benefit details.
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Complete your purchase online in minutes. Policy documents and insurance ID cards are emailed immediately — coverage starts your selected start date.
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Compare IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick live. Enter the traveler's date of birth and trip dates — no account needed. Coverage can start today.
Compare Plans — 🇨🇦 Canada →Frequently Asked Questions — Canadians Visiting the USA
Does my province's health card cover me in the USA?
Almost certainly not. Most Canadian provinces have reduced out-of-country emergency health benefits to zero. Ontario eliminated its Out-of-Country Travellers Program in 2020. BC, Alberta, and most other provinces now reimburse either nothing or a negligible amount (sometimes as little as $75/day toward a $11,700/day hospital bill). You should assume your provincial health card provides zero US coverage.
What about my credit card travel insurance for the USA?
Credit card travel insurance has significant gaps: maximum benefits are usually $50,000–$100,000 (a US cardiac event can exceed $200,000), coverage is often capped at 15–21 days, and eligibility requires charging the full trip cost to the card. Age cutoffs (often 65–75) may disqualify seniors. A dedicated visitor plan provides higher limits with clearer terms at a similar or lower cost.
How much does US visitor insurance cost for Canadians?
Plans typically start around $1.50–$3.00 per day CAD depending on age and coverage amount. A healthy Canadian adult under 60 visiting for 30 days usually pays $55–$100 CAD. Snowbirds and seniors over 70 will see higher rates but still far less than the risk of a single uncovered US hospitalization. Get an exact quote instantly — no personal information required.
Do Canadians need a visa to enter the USA?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the USA for visits under 6 months. However, visitor insurance is strongly recommended regardless of trip length — your provincial health card provides zero US medical coverage, leaving you fully exposed.
What is the best visitor insurance for Canadian snowbirds in Florida or Arizona?
For Canadian snowbirds, we recommend WorldTrips Atlas America for its high coverage limits (up to $2,000,000) and long-stay options. IMG Patriot America Plus is also popular for its acute onset pre-existing condition coverage — essential if you have heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension. Both are A-rated carriers designed for the US healthcare system.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions for Canadian visitors?
Most plans include acute onset coverage — meaning if you have a known condition like heart disease or COPD and you experience a sudden unexpected emergency related to it, the plan can cover that emergency treatment. Routine follow-up care, medications, or elective procedures for stable conditions are not covered. This benefit is especially important for older Canadian visitors.
Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in the USA?
Yes — most plans can be purchased after arrival in the USA. However, there is typically a short waiting period (24–72 hours) before coverage begins for non-emergency conditions. For emergencies, coverage usually starts immediately. We recommend buying before you depart Canada whenever possible to avoid any waiting period gaps.
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Written by Ty Taylor, TX #2608479TX · Tower Hill Travel Insurance · Updated May 2026