Quick Answer
Provincial health plans cap reimbursement at $75–$1,400 per day — a fraction of what US hospitals actually charge ($3,000–$15,000/day). Every Canadian visiting the US needs private travel medical insurance. Super Visa applicants must have a minimum of $100,000 in coverage from a Canadian insurer.
Why Your Provincial Health Plan Falls Short in the US
Canada's provincial health plans are excellent within Canada. Cross the border and they become almost useless. US hospitals bill at private market rates — there is no government rate, no OHIP rate, no MSP rate. You are billed at full price.
Here is what each major provincial plan actually reimburses for US emergency care:
| Province / Plan | Daily US Hospital Reimbursement | Evacuation |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario (OHIP) | $400–$1,400/day | Not covered |
| British Columbia (MSP) | $75/day emergency hospital | Not covered |
| Alberta (AHCIP) | $100/day | Not covered |
| Quebec (RAMQ) | $70–$100/day | Not covered |
| All other provinces | Similar limits | Not covered |
Compare those numbers to a real US hospital stay: $3,000–$15,000 per day for a standard room, $25,000+ for ICU, and $50,000–$200,000 for medical evacuation back to Canada. Provincial plans leave a gap of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Most Common Scenario: Cross-Border Road Trips
Millions of Canadians drive across the US border every year — for shopping trips, Sunbelt vacations, winter stays in Florida or Arizona, and family visits. A minor accident, a heart attack, or appendicitis anywhere near Buffalo, Detroit, or Niagara Falls puts you squarely in a US hospital.
A 5-day hospital stay in the US averages $35,000–$100,000. OHIP would reimburse $2,000–$7,000 of that. The remaining $30,000–$93,000 is yours to pay — unless you have travel insurance.
A travel insurance policy for a 2-week trip to the US typically costs a Canadian visitor under 60 less than $30–$60 total. The math is obvious.
Super Visa Insurance: A Special Case
The Canadian Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents stay in Canada for up to 2 years per visit (and up to 10 years total with a multi-entry visa). It is a popular option for extended family visits.
To qualify for a Super Visa, the applicant must show proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian-licensed insurer that:
- Provides at least $100,000 in coverage
- Covers hospitalization, repatriation, and repatriation of remains
- Remains valid for the entire planned stay in Canada (up to 2 years)
- Is purchased from a Canadian-regulated insurance company
Note: Super Visa insurance must be issued by a Canadian-regulated insurer. US-based plans like those listed below do not satisfy the Super Visa requirement. For Super Visa insurance, work with a Canadian insurer. The plans below are for Canadians visiting the United States (not for the Super Visa program).
Best Travel Insurance Plans for Canadians Visiting the USA
For Canadian visitors to the United States (not Super Visa), these three plans are consistently the strongest options:
IMG Patriot America Plus
Best all-around for Canadian visitors
Up to $1,000,000 coverage · Available to Canadian residents · Acute onset of pre-existing conditions · Direct billing at major US hospitals · 24/7 multilingual assistance
Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Best for visitors who also want trip cancellation
Up to $150,000 medical coverage · Trip cancellation and interruption included · Baggage coverage · COVID-19 treated like any illness
WorldTrips Atlas America
Highest available coverage limits
Up to $2,000,000 in coverage · $1,000,000 emergency evacuation · Flexible deductibles from $0 to $2,500 · Available in all provinces
How Much Does It Cost?
Travel insurance for Canadians visiting the US is priced primarily by age. Typical monthly costs for $100,000 coverage with a $250 deductible:
| Age | Monthly Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Under 40 | $25–$40/month |
| 40–59 | $35–$70/month |
| 60–69 | $80–$150/month |
| 70–74 | $140–$250/month |
| 75+ | $200–$450/month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my provincial health plan cover me in the USA?
Barely. OHIP reimburses $400–$1,400/day for US emergency hospital care. MSP pays $75/day. Alberta pays $100/day. US hospitals charge $3,000–$15,000/day. Provincial plans cover a small fraction of actual costs and do not cover evacuation. Private travel insurance is essential for any US trip.
What is Super Visa insurance?
Super Visa insurance is private medical insurance required for the Canadian Super Visa (which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs to stay in Canada up to 2 years). It must be from a Canadian insurer with minimum $100,000 coverage. It is different from the travel insurance for Canadians visiting the US described in this article.
Can Canadians buy US travel insurance online?
Yes. Plans like IMG Patriot America Plus, Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and WorldTrips Atlas America are available to Canadian residents. You can purchase online in minutes and get immediate coverage confirmation.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
Most plans offer acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage — meaning if you have a sudden, unexpected emergency related to a known condition (heart attack, stroke, diabetic crisis), it is covered up to a specified limit. This is not full pre-existing condition coverage, but it does protect against the most common emergencies.
Does travel insurance cover cross-border road trips?
Yes. Travel insurance begins as soon as you depart and covers you wherever you travel in the US (and often in other countries as well). There is no special requirement for road trips vs. flights.
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