Do You Need An Insurance Card for Travel to Canada? (2024)

FAQs

Do You Need An Insurance Card for Travel to Canada? ›

Travel to Canada Answer:

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.

The border services officer may ask you for proof of health insurance. You may be refused entry if you do not have insurance. Your insurance must cover: medical care.

Without the card, you risk being fined. Your car insurance company can issue you the ID cards, which basically provides proof that they (as your auto insurance company) have filed a Power of Attorney and Undertaking and will meet the minimum legal requirement in any Canadian province where you decide to travel.

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

An American car insurance policy works the same way in Canada as it does in the U.S. Your comprehensive car insurance coverage and auto collision coverage, for example, still apply to damage to your vehicle if you're in an accident while driving in Canada.

Depending on your immigration status, the government of Canada provides free emergency medical services, even if you don't have a government health card. If you have an emergency, it is recommended to visit the nearest hospital. A walk-in clinic may charge fees if you're not a resident of that province or territory.

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.

Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.

Can you use 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.

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an IDP for foreign drivers.

If you're a GEICO customer, your regular auto insurance policy will cover you in Canada. Just remember to bring along proof of insurance, like your standard GEICO identification card.

Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate.

If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

Enhanced driver's licenses are recognized as valid travel documents for land and sea entry into Canada. Ensure that your temporary enhanced license clearly states it's enhanced and has a machine-readable zone.

As of October 1, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada, or board a plane or train in Canada.

Foreigners will receive emergency care, but non-urgent medical treatment won't be covered. To make sure you won't have to pay for all of your medical expenses, you should sign up for an international health insurance plan.

Health care coverage in Ontario

You will need to carry an OHIP card, which is issued by the provincial government. This card shows you are eligible to receive free health care in the province.

A health card is issued by the government of Ontario to the insured person. The health card may be presented to receive an insured health service. There are two types of health cards currently in circulation: the photo health card and the red and white health card.