Travel Insurance for the USA
From Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty, learn why travel insurance is essential for Canadians travelling to the US.
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As featured in:
- Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
- Travel insurance for activities in the USA
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the USA
- Travel insurance for lost bags in the USA
- Travel insurance for road trips through the USA
- Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the USA
- Tips for travelling to the USA from Canada
The 50 states of the US are a melting pot of culture, natural wonders, history, languages, small towns, and urban centres. Wilderness lovers can climb through the rocky gorges of Bryce Canyon National Park, search for bison and bears in Yellowstone, and chase the wildest landscapes of Alaska. City lovers can catch a show on Broadway in New York City, walk through charming Charleston, South Carolina, and admire the architecture and views in San Francisco.
Even though you won’t be far from home, the unexpected can still happen. We encourage you to consider travel insurance for the United States, which can help protect you against unexpected trip delays, lost luggage, missed connections, and so much more.
Do I need travel insurance for the USA?
Travel can bring all kinds of unexpected surprises - like coming across jazz musicians playing on the streets of New Orleans or watching a gushing geyser in Grand Teton National Park.
Some surprises are not as great though. Nobody wants to think about things like cancelled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you twist your ankle and fall and get hurt while climbing Angel’s Landing in Zion, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for the USA.
World Nomads has two plans to choose from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options and choose the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in the USA
From rafting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to shredding some fresh powder in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the US offers so many thrills for outdoor enthusiasts! World Nomads covers more than 250 activities for Canadians travelling to the US.
Ocean lovers can surf the swells in Oahu and Santa Cruz, snorkel with manta rays on Hawai’i, and scuba dive in the Florida Keys. If mountains are more your thing, the US has phenomenal year-round hiking options. You can climb to the top of Mount Rainier in Washington State or conquer one of Colorado’s 58 14-ers. During winter, ski in Colorado’s Rockies or learn to dog sled in Alaska.
It’s important to have a fairly concrete idea of your trip plans before you get a quote. You must list all your activities out when getting a quote and purchasing the plan—and if something happens during an activity that you didn’t list on your plan, then you won’t be covered. For example, if you go skiing while on your trip and you didn’t list it out when making your plan purchase, you won’t be covered if something were to happen while you’re shredding powder in the mountains. It’s best to list out all possible activities you may do, just in case.
Keep in mind that you will be covered under the base plan to participate in various adventure sports, activities, volunteer, and work experiences, shown as Level 1, under both our Standard and Explorer Plans. For coverage for adventures sports, work and activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3, you will need upgrade your adventure sports coverage and pay an extra premium. Note: Special conditions and exclusions may apply to while taking part in certain sports and activities. For the full policy terms and conditions please review the policy wording.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in the USA
Accidents can happen anywhere in the world and World Nomads insurance can help you navigate them. For example, if you fall and get injured while bouldering, your travel insurance for the USA can help you out.
In the event of a medical emergency while travelling in the USA, you can call the 24/7 emergency assistance team and they can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. If your doctor determines that it’s best for you to go home to Canada to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for the USA may cover the costs to get you there.
Without the right insurance, medical expenses in the US can rack up quickly and throw a major curveball to your vacation. It is important thing to note that you must have GHIP coverage in your home province for your entire trip to be eligible for the maximum emergency medical expenses benefits. Without GHIP coverage, your total limit for all emergency medical expenses is limited to CAD$40,000. While travelling in North America, there are some stipulations to follow to be covered. Reach out to the team to ask any questions you have!
Travel insurance for lost bags in the USA
What happens if you land in Salt Lake City and find out your bags didn’t arrive at the same time you did? If you’re left sitting at the airport carousel anxiously waiting for the bag that never comes, your travel insurance for the USA could help you be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until your bag makes its way to you.
If you’re planning on skiing in Park City and your checked sporting equipment, such as your new skis, is delayed for 12 or more hours by your airline you could be reimbursed for the cost of renting equipment. If the airline is unable to remedy the situation and your baggage is lost, you may be eligible for reimbursement of the depreciated value of your lost sporting equipment. The other belongings in your lost checked bag could be covered as well.
Travel insurance for road trips through the USA
Whether you choose to drive coast-to-coast or explore a smaller region by car or camper van, road trips in the USA are one of the most popular ways to explore the vast country. Hop on Highway 1 and drive along the Pacific Coast through California, take a road trip across the plains of South Dakota, or explore the interior of the country on the historic Route 66. Whichever route you choose, travelling by car allows you to embrace the freedom of the road, stop in small towns, grab lunch at unassuming diners, hike in national parks, and catch scenic viewpoints you otherwise would miss.
With all your belongings in your vehicle, though, you’ll want to be careful about not leaving things out in plain sight. If you’re parked at a remote location like a trailhead, thieves could take an opportunity to break in if they think you’re going to be out on the trails for a while. Make sure your vehicle is securely locked, and try to park somewhere your car can be seen and where it is well lit if it’s getting dark.
If your car is broken into, make sure to contact the police and file a report. You’ll need that if you make a claim to be reimbursed for stolen goods with your travel insurance for the USA.
Travel insurance for cancelled, interrupted, or delayed trips to the USA
Even if you have the perfect getaway planned, unexpected situations happen that can derail your plans. When looking for travel insurance plans for the USA, make sure to get one that covers trip cancellation, delays, and interruptions—and could reimburse you those non-refundable flights, hotels, and activities you paid for in advance.
If you get sick before leaving Canada and your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. Or, if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency while you’re on your adventure, you may need to go back to Canada early. Travel insurance for the USA may help you cover those costs.
Tips for travelling to the USA from Canada
Before you leave Canda, we encourage you to check out the Canadian government’s travel advisories for the US. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.
If you purchase travel insurance for the USA, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
It’s important to keep in mind that each state does things a bit differently, so if you’re embarking on a multi-state adventure, stay up to date with each destination’s rules and cultural norms. Sales tax varies state-to-state and speed limits can change as well. Be mindful of the change of etiquette and regulations as you explore new frontiers of this diverse country.
Take time, slow down, and explore the unknown. Check out our round-up of the least-visited national parks in the US for some inspiration. And as you explore the great outdoors, be mindful of the wilderness and leave no trace principles. You may also want to read up on wildlife safety such as tips for bear encounters—a real possibility in forest and mountain regions!
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the plan. It is important you read and understand your plan as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: $5,000
- Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Explorer Plan: $10 million
- Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Explorer Plan: $3,000
- Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
- Return to Your Trip Destination
- Return of Remains
- Travel Accident
- Flight Accident
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
- LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Adventure Travel Hotline
- 24/7 Security
- Travel Medical Assistance
- Bag Trak
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Contact the team
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.