Whether you’re visiting the U.S. to explore its national parks, famous cities and beautiful beaches, or crossing the border for the famous Black Friday sales in November, there is plenty of adventure to be found in the United States. No matter what you hope to find on your vacation, Travel Guard can help you plan.

It is recommended that you visit the U.S. travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking your trip. It is not a requirement to have travel insurance to visit the United States; however, travel insurance is highly recommended as your provincial health care plan may not include coverage when travelling outside of your home province or territory. The cost of medical care in the U.S. is very expensive; having a travel insurance plan with medical coverage (in addition to other helpful coverage) is always beneficial.

Every traveller has different needs. Travel Guard’s All-Inclusive Package is a great option as it provides coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This package also includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency medical and emergency travel assistance. Be sure to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage including the covered risks and benefits of the All-Inclusive Packages. Some packages are offered online; however, additional Travel Guard travel insurance options may be available through its World Service Centre or through one of its travel industry partners.

Typically, a Travel Guard travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Several factors can come into play when pricing your plan, such as the type of travel insurance benefits you need, the non-refundable trip cost you need to insure, your age and trip length. Travel Guard offers a variety of travel insurance plans and packages designed for different travellers’ needs. The cost of the insurance plan will depend on the type of travel insurance protection you need for your trip to the U.S.  Make sure you choose a Travel Guard plan that meets your individual needs. If you have questions about coverage options or require more information, Travel Guard is here to help. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs, or contact our World Service Centre to speak to one of our licensed customer service representatives about Travel Guard travel insurance products.

Overall, the U.S. is a safe country to visit. Similar to Canada, the United States’ size means that security risks, cultural concerns and environmental issues can vary significantly by location. Travellers should research crime concerns, cultural norms and issues related to climate and natural hazards in specific destinations.

In general, travellers should take normal safety precautions such as exercising situational awareness, keeping valuables and important documents secure and not leaving belongings unattended. Be aware of common scams and be wary of sharing too much information if approached by strangers. In some locations, higher risks of petty and violent crime may warrant additional measures such as limiting travel on foot after dark and avoiding certain neighbourhoods altogether.

Depending on where and when you travel, protests can also be a concern in the U.S. Keep track of local news developments and avoid any areas where demonstrations are taking place. 

Finally, medical care in the U.S. can be very expensive without insurance coverage. Be sure to carefully research travel insurance policies to ensure appropriate coverage for your needs and in your destination.

Visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travellers to U.S.

All Canadian travellers should enrol in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, a free service offered to Canadian citizens travelling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the Government of Canada and helps them contact you in an emergency.

While there is never any guarantee that you will not become ill while on vacation, there are certain precautions that one can take to limit exposure to transmissible illnesses. When visiting the U.S., be sure to wash your hands frequently, limit your time in crowds and limit contact with people showing signs of illness. When visiting the great outdoors, be sure to check for ticks and other pests that can spread disease as well as use bug-spray to help avoid bites. Finally, if at all possible, avoid getting water in your nose, mouth or eyes when enjoying freshwater activities.

Before visiting the U.S., be sure to check with your primary care doctor to ensure you’re up to date on any routine vaccinations you may need. For the U.S., you may want to inquire about preventable disease vaccinations with your doctor for diseases such as Yellow Fever, Polio, Rabies, Hepatitis B, Measles and COVID-19.

If you get sick on your vacation in the U.S. and require emergency medical care, you will be able to receive emergency treatment regardless of whether you have travel insurance or not, but you will be responsible for covering the related out-of-pocket expenses.

The average price of a hospital stay can vary depending on the state you’re visiting, for example prices in states like California are much higher than lesser visited states like Mississippi. However, the cost per day is averaged to about $2,900 USD or $3,963 CAD. If you are travelling in the U.S. and end up hospitalized, travel insurance may provide reimbursement for expenses you incurred due to your medical emergency.

No. The U.S. does not provide free healthcare for citizens or travellers visiting the country, which means all medical costs must be covered by a medical insurance plan or paid for out of pocket. Travelling to the U.S. without a travel insurance plan is not recommended.

Unfortunately, over the counter antibiotics are not approved in the U.S., meaning you will need a prescription for any antibiotic medication prescribed. Canadians will find that some of the same types of products available over the counter in Canada, are also available over the counter in the United States. Likewise, products requiring a prescription in Canada, will require a prescription in America.

The Canadian Embassy in the U.S. is in Washington DC. Visit the official Government of Canada website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

The official currency in the U.S. is the U.S. Dollar (USD). You will be able to exchange currency at the airport before or after your departure, at banks in major cities or ATMs. Credit and debit cards are largely accepted as well but remember to contact your bank before your travels to avoid unwanted interruptions.

While the exchange rate can shift on a day-to-day basis, the average conversion of CAD to USD is approximately $0.73 USD to every $1 CAD.

While the U.S. does not have an official language, American English is most commonly spoken throughout the country.

The dial code for the U.S. is +1. When making international calls, remember to use the Canadian exit code 011, followed by the dial code and then the area code. However, because Canada and the U.S. are both a part of the North American Number Plan, dialing the exit code is unnecessary when calling from the U.S. or Canada. Calling a landline is typically less expensive than connecting with a cell phone. Be sure you don’t run into any unexpected fees by checking with your cell phone provider about international calling and roaming charges before your departure.

The U.S. uses the same voltage type as Canada, meaning you will be able to charge and use your electronics as normal.

Not all prescribed medication is permitted into the U.S., even if this medication has been prescribed by your doctor in Canada. Medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations. We recommend you visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information on prohibited or restricted items.  When travelling to the U.S. be sure to bring a valid I.D. and your prescription to show it was provided by a doctor. In general, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will allow travellers to enter with a 90-day supply of medications.  Visit the Government of Canada website for more information on travelling with prescription medication to the U.S.

Canadian citizens will need their Canadian passport to enter the U.S. and can usually stay for up to six months without a visa. However, Canadian permanent residents may need additional documentation, such as a non-immigrant visa, to enter the U.S.  For a full list of acceptable documents, visit the Government of Canada website.

The U.S. is a vast country with a continental climate, meaning it experiences all four seasons in most regions. If looking for tropical weather, consider visiting a state such as Florida, which is known for year-round warm temperatures. Winter temperatures are more extreme in mountainous areas, while summer can bring heatwaves across the country. There are many states that may be affected by hurricanes, tornadoes or wildfires. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information on hurricane season and other weather concerns that may affect your travel planning.

The best time of year to visit the U.S. will depend on the events you hope to attend. Autumn is a popular time to visit New England, specifically Vermont and New Hampshire, to get amazing views of the changing leaves. Winter is a great time of year to experience the holidays in New York City with showings of the popular Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes or to hit the slopes in Colorado. Visiting New Orleans in February gives travellers the chance to experience the lively event of Mardi Gras.

However, if you’d prefer warmer weather, consider visiting in the summertime, particularly in California where tourists can experience one of the most popular pride events in the country at San Francisco Pride in June or in July for Comic-Con International to embrace comic and science-fiction culture. Florida is an all-time favourite travel destination for Canadians due to its year-round moderate temperatures. Cruisers can find ships departure from Floridian ports year-round.

The U.S. has a variety of activities for families of all ages, like the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, visiting the museums of New York City or exploring the one of many national parks in the country.

There is no direct train from Canada to the U.S., but it is possible to take several connecting trains from Toronto to Penn Station in New York City. The trip includes transfers and can take around 13 hours to arrive. For this reason, most Canadians choose to fly into the country. And, with a common land border, travel by car is also a popular choice for cross-border travel.

Yes. You can travel to the U.S. with your dog if it meets the requirements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, such as having up-to-date vaccinations. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information, and be sure to follow the most recent regulations by visiting the official CDC website.

Entry requirements for children are the same as adults when travelling with children into the U.S. You may also need a consent letter. The Government of Canada provides extensive information about children travelling outside of Canada on their dedicated webpage for children and travel.

Yes. The U.S. is a great destination for visitors of all ages since there are a variety of different activities in every state. Florida, particularly the Gulf Coast and Key West, are popular for senior travellers as these areas are warm, relaxing destination spots that allows for plenty of leisure. If you’d rather do a bit of exploring, you could consider driving along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire for gorgeous New England foliage in the autumn. The dry heat in Arizona makes this state another popular choice for seniors.

There are restrictions on air travel for pregnant woman depending on how far into the pregnancy the woman is. Pregnant travellers should always check with their primary care doctor before making any travel plans. There are no specific laws prohibiting pregnant travellers to enjoy time in the U.S., but it is possible to be denied entry at the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer who is admitting you to the country.  Entry can be denied if it is determined you might require medical care as a result of your pregnancy during the time you plan to be in the U.S.

Depending on where you’re choosing to visit, you may need a rental car to get around. Be sure to bring a valid license and book ahead of time to ensure you have a vehicle reserved for you. Public transit is generally safe and available in most major cities. Taxis and ride share programs are also widely available.

While it’s not necessarily required, having a new SIM card while travelling in the U.S. can save you the costs on Canadian roaming fees. In addition, you may receive better cellular service in more areas. 

Travel Guard offers comprehensive travel insurance plans for travellers heading to U.S. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans to find the best one for you!