Canada travel insurance is essential for any stay across the Atlantic, whether you're traveling for a holiday, a Working Holiday Permit (WHV), studies, digital nomadism, or expatriation. Indeed, medical expenses in Canada are entirely the responsibility of foreign visitors and can quickly reach very high amounts. Likewise, it is important to be able to benefit from repatriation in the event of an emergency and to be covered in case of lost luggage or documents, allowing you to travel with peace of mind.
Key benefits of Europ Assistance plans:
€250 000 in covered medical expenses (and up to €1.25 million for long-term stays);
Medical repatriation included in all our plans, with actual costs potentially reaching tens of thousands of euros depending on the distance and the patient's condition;
Premiums tailored to the length of stay and selected options, starting from €12 for a short trip;
Canadian health insurance is mandatory for IEC permits and highly recommended in all other cases.
Europ Assistance offers plans tailored to every traveller profile.
Everything You Need to Know About Medical Costs in Canada
The Canadian healthcare system operates on a public model for permanent residents and citizens but remains entirely private for tourists and foreign visitors. Canada does not cover hospital expenses or medical services for people visiting the country, as specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Yet costs can quickly become astronomical! According to the RAMQ, a single day of hospitalization can cost more than CAD 3 000, excluding physician fees.
In addition, your Belgian health insurance fund will generally not cover you—or only very partially—for medical care in Canada. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), meanwhile, is valid only within the European Union and certain associated countries, not in Canada.
Choosing insurance for Canada that covers at least healthcare, illness, and repatriation is therefore essential for peace of mind. Here's our comparison guide.
Which Health Insurance Should You Choose for a Trip to Canada?
Europ Assistance offers plans tailored to your length of stay and traveller profile.
Our Annual Travel Insurance Plans
Annual Smart
Maximum duration per trip: 3 months
Price from: €151/year
Medical expenses: €1 250 000
Medical repatriation: included
Search and rescue expenses: €5 000
Luggage: optional
Annual Sport
Maximum duration per trip: 3 months
Price from: €243/year
Medical expenses: unlimited
Medical repatriation: included
Search and rescue expenses: €15 000
Luggage: included
Annual VIP
Maximum duration per trip: 3 months
Price from: €463/year
Medical expenses: unlimited
Medical repatriation: included
Search and rescue expenses: €15 000
Luggage: included
NoGo cancellation insurance: included
Long-Term Stays: Our Travel Insurance for WHV, Studies and Expatriation in Canada
Are you spending more than 3 months in Canada to explore this vast country from the inside? Whether through a Working Holiday Permit (WHV) to travel and work in Canada, studying in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, or relocating for professional reasons, Europ Assistance's Long Trip travel insurance specifically covers the needs of long-term stays, with medical expenses covered up to €1 250 000.
Why this plan is ideal for a long stay:
Coverage adapted to the duration of your permit (up to 12 months);
High limits meeting Canadian requirements;
Unlimited medical repatriation;
Protection throughout your travels in Canada: from Niagara Falls to the Pacific Coast, from the Northern Lights of Yukon to the festivals of Montreal.
For WHV travellers: insurance is your gateway to the Canadian adventure. It enables you to work in Rocky Mountain ski resorts, pick fruit in British Columbia, explore national parks, or settle in Quebec City while remaining protected against everyday risks (winter slips on ice, workplace accidents, illnesses).
Take out Long Trip travel insurance
Quebec Travel Insurance: Why Belgian Tourists Need Coverage
Whether you're discovering Old Quebec, attending the Quebec Winter Carnival, exploring Montreal and its summer festivals, or planning a road trip through Gaspé, Quebec travel insurance protects you against unexpected medical issues as well as province-specific risks: harsh winter conditions (slips, frostbite), long distances between cities, and outdoor activities (hiking, canoeing, whale watching).
Our Canada travel insurance plans naturally cover all your travels in Quebec, with the same protection available elsewhere. English-speaking Belgians particularly appreciate the ease of communicating with our 24/7 English-speaking assistance service—a real advantage when dealing with a medical emergency abroad.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Canada Cost?
The price of Canada travel insurance varies according to several factors: the length of your stay, your age, the level of coverage required, and the guarantees selected. Here is an overview of our offers:
Contract type: Long-term stay
Recommended plan: Long Trip
Starting price: €334
Contract type: Annual
Recommended plan: Smart
Starting price: €151
Contract type: Annual
Recommended plan: Sport
Starting price: €243
Our advice: do not choose your insurance based solely on price. Cheap Canada travel insurance with low limits may not adequately cover you in the event of a serious issue. Choose the right balance between price and real protection so you can travel with peace of mind!
Canada Travel Assistance: Don't Forget Winter Sports!
Canada is THE ultimate destination for winter sports: skiing in Whistler in British Columbia (one of North America's largest resorts), snowboarding at Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, cross-country skiing in Banff and Jasper National Parks, or even heli-skiing in the Canadian Rockies. Canadian resorts rank among the world's most renowned thanks to their thousands of kilometres of slopes and legendary powder snow.
Our plans including ski assistance:
Temporary Snow World, for a one-off winter sports trip;
Smart, Sport and VIP (annual plans), all of which include ski assistance.
What ski assistance covers:
Medical expenses resulting from skiing and winter sports accidents;
Repatriation from mountain resorts;
Mountain search and rescue expenses (up to €15 000 depending on the plan);
Reimbursement of damaged sports equipment (Sport and VIP plans);
Reimbursement of cancelled ski lessons (Sport and VIP plans);
Reimbursement of unused ski pass days in the event of an accident (Smart, Sport, VIP).
Discover Snow World Insurance
eTA, Visa, Passport and Entry Requirements for Canada
The eTA: Fast and Simple for Short Stays
To enter Canada by air without a visa, Belgian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization eTA. It can be requested online via the official Canadian government website, costs CAD 7 (approximately €5), and remains valid for 5 years or until the expiration of the passport used for the application.
A Passport Is Always Required
To travel, a valid biometric or electronic passport is mandatory.
Visas for Long-Term Stays
Belgian citizens do not need a visa for tourist, family, or business stays of less than 6 months. For longer stays, studies, or employment, the appropriate visa must be obtained before departure.
Emergency in Canada: What Should You Do?
Essential Emergency Numbers
911: universal emergency number (police, fire brigade, ambulance);
24/7 Emergency Number (Belgian tourists in distress, Ottawa): +1 613 769 8335;
Europ Assistance: telephone number available on your insurance contract, reachable 24/7 (or +32 2 533 75 75 from Canada).
For more information about Belgian representations in Canada, visit the website of the Embassy of Belgium in Canada.
Register on Travellers Online
The Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs recommends registering on Travellers Online before travelling to Canada. In the event of a crisis, natural disaster, or emergency situation, Belgian authorities will be able to contact and assist you quickly.
For practical advice before departure, consult our guide on travelling to Canada.
Travel to Canada Safely with Europ Assistance
Canada awaits you with its breathtaking landscapes: Niagara Falls, the Rockies, Montreal, Vancouver, the Northern Lights of Yukon... Whether you're travelling for a holiday, a WHV, or your studies, travel insurance remains your best protection against Canadian medical expenses and unexpected events!
FAQ: Your Questions About Canada Travel Insurance
What Is the Best Travel Insurance for Canada?
The best travel insurance for Canada depends on your profile and needs. For a short stay (holiday or business trip of less than 3 months), Europ Assistance's temporary travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage with medical expenses up to €250 000. For stays longer than 3 months (WHV, studies, expatriation), the Long Trip plan, with coverage up to €1.25 million, is more suitable.
Before subscribing, check the medical expense limit, repatriation conditions, assistance availability, cancellation options, lost document management, coverage for sea and mountain activities, and advance payment of expenses to avoid paying the hospital directly.
Does My Belgian Health Insurance Fund Cover Me in Canada?
Your Belgian health insurance fund generally does not cover you—or only very partially—for medical care in Canada. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid only within the European Union, not in North America. We therefore recommend checking your policy, while keeping in mind that dedicated travel insurance remains the most advisable solution.
Is Canada Repatriation Insurance Really Necessary?
Yes, unless you are prepared to risk spending thousands of euros in such circumstances. The Canada repatriation insurance included in our plans covers the full organization and costs of your return journey, allowing you to remain worry-free under all circumstances.
Is Canada Travel Insurance Mandatory?
For tourist stays in Canada, travel insurance is not legally mandatory to enter or visit the country as a tourist, although it is strongly recommended.
However, for a Working Holiday Permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you must have health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay. Otherwise, entry may be denied or your permit may be limited to the duration of your insurance coverage.
Is My Credit Card Enough as Travel Insurance?
Credit card insurance policies are often insufficient for Canada because of limited medical coverage, restricted protection, deductibles, and the requirement that the trip be paid for with the card. Dedicated travel insurance offers superior protection, including advance payment of hospital costs and coverage limits adapted to the actual cost of Canadian healthcare.
When Should I Take Out My Canada Travel Insurance?
You can purchase your travel insurance up until the day before departure. However, to benefit from certain guarantees such as trip cancellation coverage, it is recommended to subscribe within a few days of booking your trip.
Does Canada Travel Insurance Cover Skiing and Winter Sports?
Standard travel insurance policies do not always cover skiing. If you wish to benefit from assistance on and off the slopes, for example in the Rockies or Quebec, we recommend Snow World Insurance.
What Should I Do if I Become Ill in Canada?
In the event of illness or an accident in Canada:
- Contact Europ Assistance immediately using the number indicated on your contract (available 24/7), or call +32 (0)2 533 75 75;
- Our team will direct you to the appropriate facility and arrange direct payment;
- Keep all medical documents and invoices.
The Canadian healthcare system often requires payment before treatment is provided. Europ Assistance negotiates directly with healthcare providers so that you do not have to advance large sums.
Does Travel Insurance Cover the Cancellation of My Trip to Canada?
NoGo cancellation insurance is generally available as an optional add-on and is included in the VIP plan. It reimburses expenses incurred if you need to cancel your trip because of a serious medical reason, the death of a relative, redundancy, or other covered causes.
Can I Take Out Insurance for a Canada WHV?
Yes, our Long Trip plan is specifically designed for Canada WHV travellers. It covers medical expenses up to €1.25 million and includes repatriation and 24/7 assistance for up to 12 months.
How Do I Obtain My Insurance Certificate?
Once your online subscription is completed, you immediately receive your insurance certificate by email. This document certifies that you are covered and details the duration and guarantees of your contract. Print this certificate and keep it with your travel documents: it may be requested at the airport or upon arrival in Canada.
