Updated on - 24 Oct 2025
Canada is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of international visitors each year. If you are planning a trip to Canada, you might be wondering if travel insurance is required as part of preparation.
This blog answers whether a travel insurance plan is mandatory for visitors to Canada.
Canada’s travel insurance requirements
Travel insurance is not mandatory for regular tourists and short-term visit visas. However, it is strongly encouraged for all travellers visiting the nation. Canada's healthcare system does not give free medical coverage to overseas tourists. If you are sick or sustain any injury during your stay in the country, the price of your medical care could be exorbitant. Travel insurance delivers safety and peace of mind by covering various unexpected scenarios like hospitalisation during your trip to Canada.
Benefits of having travel insurance for Canada
The following are some advantages you can consider if you’re still undecided about investing in travel insurance before your trip to Canada.
- Travel insurance can cover unforeseen medical costs, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and medication.
- If your trip to Canada gets cancelled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, it provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses such as air fare, accommodation and tours.
- It compensates you for lost, stolen or delayed baggage, helping you replace essential items during your trip.
- In the event of a severe illness or injury requiring specialised care, it can cover emergency medical evacuation expenses to the nearest suitable medical facility or back to India.
- Many travel insurance policies offer round-the-clock assistance services, including emergency medical assistance, travel information and support in case of any travel-related issues or emergencies, such as misplacing important documents like your Passport.
- It provides peace of mind, knowing that you are financially protected against unexpected events and have access to support services when needed.
It is essential to carefully review the policy details and exclusions of your chosen travel insurance, ensuring it meets your specific needs and covers the activities you plan to engage in during your trip to Canada. A single-trip travel insurance, for example, is a better option for a one-time, short journey, since it provides all the coverage needed without the commitments of a multi-trip travel insurance.
Types of travel insurance coverage recommended
If you are travelling to Canada, having comprehensive travel insurance guarantees financial protection against a wide range of unexpected events. Here are the main types of coverage you should consider:
- Comprehensive medical coverage: It includes medical treatment, consultation, surgery and sometimes dental emergencies.
- Trip cancellation coverage: Reimburses pre-paid expenses if you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons like illness, injury or emergencies.
- Trip delay cover: Provides financial assistance for additional accommodation and travel costs caused by delayed departures.
- Baggage and personal belongings cover: Compensates for loss or significant delay of your checked-in luggage. It also covers the cost and assistance for obtaining replacements in case of lost personal belongings.
- Adventure sports cover: This is an optional cover, which is recommended to anyone planning to participate in kayaking or skiing or any other such sports.
Conclusion
While travel insurance is not necessary for travelling to Canada, it is essential if you plan on enjoying your trip without unexpected financial worries. It protects you from the high cost of medical care, trip disruptions or lost belongings that could otherwise turn a dream vacation into a costly ordeal.
If you are unsure about the type of travel insurance to invest in, simply fill out the form on this page to get personalised advice. Our experts will help you figure out how you can use a single trip travel insurance or comprehensive cover to fully protect your trip and memories.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.