Travel insurance for Canada

Do you need travel insurance for Canada?

Yes, travel insurance is essential for anyone visiting. Canada has a world-class healthcare system, but it’s not free for tourists. Without cover, even a short hospital stay or medical emergency can become very expensive.

Irish holidaymakers are advised to take out travel insurance as Canada doesn’t have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Ireland. That means you’ll be paying full private healthcare costs if something goes wrong. A one-night hospital stay in Canada can cost over $3,000 CAD (approx. €2,000). 

Travel insurance also protects you from trip cancellations, lost luggage, and delays. All are common when flying long-haul.

Getting the right cover for your trip to Canada

Canada offers everything from vast mountain ranges to vibrant cities, but making sure you’re covered for the type of trip you’re planning is key. Here’s what you need to think about before buying your policy.

Make sure your policy includes Canada

When buying travel insurance, you’ll be asked whether you need worldwide cover with or without Canada, the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. If your trip includes Canada, you must select the option that includes Canada.

There are two main types of worldwide travel insurance:

• Worldwide, including Canada, the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. For trips that include any of these higher-cost destinations.‍
• Worldwide, excluding Canada, the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. Often cheaper, but not suitable if you’re visiting Canada.

This is an easy mistake to make! But choosing the wrong type could mean you’re not covered if something goes wrong during your trip. Always double-check your destination list when buying your policy.

Declare any pre-existing medical conditions 

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must declare it when getting a quote. If you don’t, it could invalidate your cover. And this can become very expensive, very quickly, if you need private medical care. 

We cover over 1,300 conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and even terminal diagnoses. Make sure to review your medical history and be honest during the application to avoid issues if you need to make a claim.

Activities and sports 

Canada’s great outdoors attracts holidaymakers keen to experience some of the country’s great adventures. These could include:

• Hiking in Banff, Jasper, or along British Columbia’s coastline.
• Kayaking and canoeing on lakes like Lake Louise or in the Bay of Fundy.
• Bungee jumping and ziplining in Whistler or on Vancouver Island.
• Wildlife tours – bear watching, whale spotting, or moose tracking.

For these kinds of activities, you’ll likely need adventure cover. Standard travel insurance covers many of these activities, but more adventurous or high-risk sports may require optional add-ons. Always check your policy documents before setting off.

Winter sports 

Resorts like Whistler Blackcomb, Banff, and Lake Louise are famous for skiing and snowboarding. If you’re hitting the slopes, you’ll need to add winter sports cover to your standard policy.

Canada’s international ski visits totalled 1.8 million in 2023. Between October 2016 and January 2024, there were 5,434 alpine skiing-related injuries reported in the CHIRPP database. This shows why it’s so important to get the right travel insurance cover. 

Winter sports cover includes:

• Emergency medical costs from accidents on the slopes.
• Cover for lost or damaged ski equipment.
• Compensation if piste closures or weather disruptions impact your trip.

Without the add-on, your insurer may not cover injuries or losses from snow sports, even on beginner slopes.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada from Ireland?

Irish citizens don’t need a visa for short visits to Canada (up to six months), but you will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before boarding your flight. You can apply online at the official Canadian government website. It usually costs around CA$7 and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires.

If you plan to stay longer than six months, work, or study in Canada, you may need a specific visa.

Is travel insurance mandatory for getting a visa for Canada?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory to get an ETA. However, it’s strongly recommended by both the Irish and Canadian governments.

If you’re applying for a visa to stay longer than six months, especially for work or study, proof of medical cover or travel insurance may be requested.

Regardless of your visa type, Canada is one of the most expensive countries for emergency healthcare. A good worldwide travel insurance policy that includes Canada is essential for any visit.

Will the EHIC cover me for my trip to Canada?

No, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers public healthcare in EU/EEA countries. It provides no medical cover in Canada. Canada’s healthcare system is publicly funded for residents but not for tourists. 

Without insurance, you’ll be liable for all medical expenses, including hospital stays, which can easily exceed €10,000 for even a minor injury.

Why choose JustCover for your Canada holiday insurance?

Our group travel insurance includes:

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses and repatriation cover
• A 24/7 emergency helpline
• Over 100 sports and leisure activities included as standard
• Up to €10,000 cancellation cover¹
• Up to €3,000 personal belongings and baggage cover
• 98% of customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends²

When to buy Canada holiday insurance

The best time to buy your Canada travel insurance is as soon as you book your trip. This way, you’ll be covered for any cancellations that happen before you depart.

You can take out a policy up to a year in advance. However, cover must start from the date of booking if you want protection for cancellations. Last-minute policies can still be arranged up until the day before you travel, but won’t protect you for anything that’s already happened (like travel strikes or illness known before purchase).

And remember that travel insurance cannot be backdated and will not be valid if bought after leaving Ireland.

What to do before travelling to Canada

There’s so much to explore in Canada. Whether you’re after the city lights and nights in Toronto or hitting the slopes in the Rockies, there are a few things you need to think about before jetting off. 

• Check and prepare for weather disruptions. Canada’s climate can vary dramatically by region and season, especially during winter or wildfire season. 
• Buy travel insurance. Medical care in Canada is not free for visitors; even minor treatments can be expensive without proper travel cover. And make sure to declare any pre-existing conditions you want covered.
• Understand ETA and visa requirements. As an Irish citizen, you’ll need an ETA to fly into Canada, even for short visits.
• Monitor travel warnings. Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs for real-time safety advice, regional alerts, and weather disruptions.
• Declare prescription medicines. Some medications that are legal in Ireland may be restricted in Canada. Check with Canadian authorities before you travel.

Healthcare in Canada

Canada has one of the world’s best healthcare systems. However, it’s designed for residents, not tourists. As an Irish holidaymaker, you won’t be covered by Canada’s publicly funded health services, and even routine medical care can come with a hefty bill.

With travel insurance for Canada, you’ll be covered for:

• Emergency treatment
• Doctor visits and prescriptions
• Ambulance or airlift transport
• Repatriation to Ireland

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs clearly advises taking out travel insurance when visiting Canada. More details can be found on Ireland.ie’s Canada travel advice section.

You can also check the Government of Canada Help Centre for more on visitor healthcare rules.

Travel advice for Canada

Jetting off for a city trip to Toronto? Or heading into the Canadian wilderness? Whatever your travel plans, it pays to be prepared. 

Travel risks in Canada 

Canada is generally a safe destination, but like any country, it’s not without risks:

• Petty crime – Despite Canada’s crime rate decreasing by 4% in 2024, it still pays to be vigilant. Theft can occur in busy areas, especially in cities and on public transport. Always keep bags zipped and pockets secure!
• Extreme weather events – In 2023, damages from extreme weather events totalled $3.1 billion. Be aware that heavy snow, ice storms, and flooding can disrupt travel, especially in winter or in the north.
• Wildfires – They are increasingly common during the summer months, typically in British Columbia and Alberta. In 2023, Canada experienced a record-breaking wildfire season, with nearly 7.8 million hectares burned. Check regional alerts before hiking or driving.
• Wildlife risks – This includes encounters with animals like grizzly bears, wolves, rattlesnakes, or moose. If you're exploring national parks or rural areas, learn the right precautions and follow local advice closely. Learn how to explore safely via BC Parks Wildlife Safety Guide.

Driving in Canada

Driving across Canada can be a beautifully scenic experience. And generally, roads are well-maintained and safe. However, there are a few things to know:

• You drive on the right-hand side of the road in Canada.
• You can drive in Canada with a valid Irish driving licence, though some provinces recommend carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Speed limits vary by province and road type, but generally range from 25-65 mph.
• Winter driving conditions can be hazardous. Snow chains or winter tyres are mandatory in certain areas and seasons.
• Distances between towns and services can be vast, especially in rural regions. Always keep fuel, water, and maps with you.

Canadian culture 

Canada is globally known for its friendly, diverse, and welcoming culture. As long as you match that, you should be fine! But here are a few more tips that might help.

• Canadians value politeness and personal space; saying “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” goes a long way.
• Tipping is expected in restaurants and taxis. Around 15%–20% is usually the norm.
• More than 1.8 million people in Canada identify as Indigenous. Be aware of cultural diversity and Indigenous customs, especially when visiting First Nations communities. 
• Respect for nature is strong in Canada. Follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring parks and protected areas.