Canada, known for its safety and comfortable living environment, is a popular destination for travel, studying abroad, and working holidays. However, during your stay in Canada, it’s important to consider the risk of unexpected medical expenses.
Canada has one of the highest living costs in the world, and medical expenses are no exception. Let’s take a look at some examples.
| Details of the illness | Medical expenses claimed |
| They complained of headaches, vomiting, and abdominal pain at a homestay. Diagnosed with peritonitis and underwent surgery, followed by a 10-day hospital stay. | $83,500 |
| Visited the doctor after a 40°C (104°F) fever persisted for 10 days. Diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized for 10 days. | $21,000 |
| Complained of fever and difficulty breathing. Diagnosed with pneumonia, underwent surgery, and was hospitalized for 21 days. | $85,600 |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
To prepare for unexpected situations and enjoy your time in Canada with peace of mind, enrolling in medical insurance is essential.
The following medical insurance services offer easy online registration and provide comprehensive coverage at an affordable price:
This page highlights the importance of medical insurance for your stay in Canada and introduces recommended travel insurance services that are easy to sign up for online.
Canada’s Healthcare System and Medical Costs
Canada’s healthcare system is of very high quality. Through the public system known as “Medicare,” Canadian citizens and permanent residents generally receive medical services for free.
However, this public insurance does not cover foreign travelers or those on working holidays.
Below are some examples of typical medical expenses for travelers receiving treatment at public medical institutions in Canada.
| Item | Estimated Medical Costs |
| General consultation | $100–$200 |
| Prescription costs | $15–$110 |
| Dental treatment (cavity) | $100–$300 |
| Ambulance service | $300–$800 |
| Hospitalization | Private room: $2,000–$3,000 ICU: $3,700–$7,500 |
As mentioned above, medical expenses in Canada, similar to the U.S., can be extremely high.
Travelers visiting Canada should ensure they have medical insurance before departure.
Is Medical Insurance Required During Your Stay in Canada?
In some European countries, particularly Schengen Area countries, you may be required to show proof of medical insurance upon entry.
For instance, in the Czech Republic, having medical insurance is mandatory for entry and during the stay. If you do not have insurance or cannot present proof, you may be denied entry or fined.
Reference: Which Countries Require Travel Insurance When Entering the Country?
On the other hand, Canada does not require medical insurance, but, like the U.S., medical costs can be very high. It is highly recommended to have medical insurance in case of illness or injury during your trip.
For those staying in Canada on a working holiday, having medical insurance is mandatory.
Is Insurance Required for a Working Holiday in Canada?
Yes, if you are visiting Canada on a working holiday, medical insurance is mandatory.
The insurance must meet the following conditions:
- Cover the entire duration of your stay in Canada
- Include coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical transportation
Standard travel insurance typically meets these requirements if you specify your stay duration. However, note that credit card insurance is not accepted for visa purposes.
The following three travel insurance options, introduced in this article, are also valid for obtaining a working holiday visa in Canada:
These travel insurance plans are suitable for long-term stays in Canada and offer comprehensive coverage at a good cost.
Examples of High Medical Expenses in Canada
If you fall ill or need treatment for an injury while traveling in Canada, medical expenses can be much higher than expected.
Below are examples of high medical costs experienced by travelers who received medical care in Canada.
| Details | Medical Expenses |
| Complained of severe abdominal pain and was transported by ambulance. Diagnosed with diverticulitis and hospitalized for 5 days. | $22,000 |
| Fell while cycling and was transported by ambulance. Diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and fractured scapula, underwent surgery, and was hospitalized for 27 days. | $26,600 |
| Transported by ambulance due to abdominal pain and uncontrollable shaking from a high fever. Diagnosed with cholecystitis, underwent surgery, and was hospitalized for 6 days. | $29,900 |
| Fell from a horse while riding and was transported by ambulance. Diagnosed with an acetabular fracture, underwent surgery, and was hospitalized for 13 days. A nurse accompanied the patient for medical transport. | $58,300 |
| Fainted due to anemia while sightseeing, fell, and hit my face. Transported by ambulance, diagnosed with skull and jaw fractures, underwent surgery, and was hospitalized for 3 days. | $25,600 |
| They experienced sudden chest pain at a homestay and were transported by ambulance. Diagnosed with angina, underwent surgery, and was hospitalized for 11 days. | $44,700 |
| Fell ill at a homestay and was transported by ambulance. Diagnosed with encephalitis, hospitalized for 19 days, and transported by chartered medical plane with doctor and nurse accompaniment. | $260,000 |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
As shown above, medical expenses in Canada are extremely high. To avoid situations where you have to pay these costs out of pocket, having medical insurance is essential.
Consider medical insurance now to enjoy your stay in Canada with peace of mind!
A Must-Check Before Traveling to Canada! 3 Cost-Effective Medical Insurance Options
If you need medical treatment due to unforeseen accidents or problems during your stay in Canada, you may face unexpectedly high bills. To prepare for such situations, it’s crucial to get medical insurance before traveling to Canada.
Here, we introduce three medical insurance services that are easy to sign up for online and offer great value for money.
1. Safety Wing
Safety Wing offers affordable and comprehensive coverage, making it an ideal choice for travelers to Canada. You can easily sign up even while in Canada, ensuring you’re prepared for sudden emergencies or illnesses.
Features of Safety Wing
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- The coverage period starts from as short as 5 days
- No waiting period if you sign up from abroad
- 24/7 live chat support
- Includes coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- Easy to get a quote and apply, with a simple registration process
The specific insurance coverage details are as follows.
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 | Covers hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnosis, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, and pregnancy complications. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $1,000 | Covers emergency dental treatment to resolve the sudden and unexpected onset of acute pain. |
| Emergency Transport | $100,000 | Covers the cost of emergency transportation to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Medical Repatriation | $5,000 | Covers the cost of emergency repatriation for medical reasons. |
| Emergency Return | $5,000 | Covers transportation costs in case you must return home due to a family member’s death. |
| Lost Baggage | $3,000 | Covers lost baggage if it is not found within 10 days (maximum of $500 per item). |
| Flight Delay | $200 | Covers meals and accommodation costs in case of a delay of over 12 hours (up to 2 days, $100 per day). |
| Passport Theft | $100 | It covers the cost of replacing your passport or visa if they are stolen. |
| Car Accident | $250,000 | Covers accidental car accidents if you have a valid driver’s license and are using safety equipment. |
| Trip Interruption (Return Home) | $250,000 | Covers forced to return home due to reasons such as the death of a family member. |
| In the Case of Death | $20,000 | The Covers transportation costs to repatriate the body to Japan (or $10,000 for local burial). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
Additionally, you can customize the insurance duration according to your travel days, making it easy to choose a plan that perfectly fits your travel style.
Check out the official Safety Wing website now for a premium quote!
Nomad Insurance for $56.28/month
* Easy estimate of insurance premiums according to your travel plan!
2. World Nomads
World Nomads is a highly popular overseas travel insurance for travelers to Canada. It offers very comprehensive coverage and provides high limits to accommodate adventures in activity-rich Canada.
Features of World Nomads
- Insurance costs vary depending on the destination
(e.g., for a 4-week insurance period including the U.S., the monthly premium is $265.07) - Medical coverage limit is $5 million (or unlimited)
- Includes coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support available (phone/email)
The specific insurance coverage details are as follows.
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Applicable for hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance transport for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Applicable for: emergency dental treatment to resolve the sudden and unexpected onset of acute pain. |
| Medical Transportation | $500,000 | Applicable for: emergency transportation costs to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Medical Return | $500,000 | Applicable for: costs incurred when returning home due to sudden illness or injury. |
| Emergency Return | $5,000 | Applicable for: costs incurred when returning home due to sudden illness or injury. |
| Baggage Coverage | $2,500 | Applicable for: theft, damage, or loss of baggage that occurs during travel. |
| Flight Delay | $500 | Applicable for: additional accommodation and transportation costs incurred due to flight cancellations or delays of over 12 hours. |
| Trip Interruption (Return Home) | $3,500 | Applicable for: costs associated with returning home due to family illness or death. |
| In the case of Death | $15,000 | Applicable for: transportation costs to repatriate the body to Japan, or costs for local burial. |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
It offers medical coverage of up to $5 million or unlimited, featuring comprehensive insurance options. In case of an emergency during your stay in Canada, you can receive medical services with peace of mind.
Additionally, the insurance premium for World Nomads varies depending on the destination country, making it easy to check tailored premiums on World Nomads website. Check it out now to prepare for a worry-free trip!
3. Hymondo
Heymondo is a highly cost-effective overseas travel insurance option for travelers planning to stay long-term in Canada.
By enrolling in the three-month plan, you can reduce the monthly premium, ensuring you are well-prepared for Canadian medical expenses even during an extended stay.
Features of Heymondo
- Cost-effective three-month plan for long-term travelers
- Insurance premiums vary depending on the destination country
- Medical coverage limit is $5 million (or $10 million)
- Includes coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support available (phone/email)
The specific insurance coverage details are as follows:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnosis, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Extended Stay Cost | $1,800 | Costs for an extended stay at a well-equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Medical Transport | $5 million | Emergency return costs for medical reasons. |
| Baggage Coverage | $1,700 | Transportation costs for emergency return due to family death. |
| Flight Delay | $450 | Meal and accommodation expenses for delays over 12 hours (maximum $100 per day for 2 days). |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $3,500 | Costs for return due to family death or similar circumstances. |
| In the Case of Death | $100,000 | Costs for transporting the body back to Japan (guarantee of $10,000 for local burial). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
While the insurance premiums vary by plan, you can choose a plan that includes an impressive $10 million in medical coverage, giving you peace of mind for overseas medical expenses.
Check out the Heymondo website now to get a quote for the plan that’s perfect for you!
Thank you for reading until the end!
If you’re looking for the best travel insurance, please check the details through the link below: The Best Nomad Insurance; We highly recommend Safety Wing [$56/month].
This page carefully selects popular travel insurance services and provides detailed explanations of each feature and benefit. You’re sure to find the perfect insurance plan for you, so be sure to take a look!
