Tips for tourists who plan to visit Canada Almost, but not quite; every year the number of people who visit Canada equals Canada's population.

The population in Canada is approximately 35 million. Interestingly enough, the Canadian government estimates that 35 million tourists visit Canada annually. That's one visitor to Canada for every person in the country!

When planning a trip to Canada, of course, the last thing anyone wants to think about is getting sick or injured. But when travelling, even the most minor injuries or illnesses can become a major expense-even in Canada. The fact is that Canada's well known health care system does not offer free medical care for visitors or tourists.

What does this mean for tourists who plan to visit Canada?

If visiting Canada, travel health insurance is a must-have, otherwise you could be out-of-pocket if you need to visit a hospital unexpectedly. And, the need to seek emergency medical attention while travelling in Canada can be costly.

According to a 2008 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the average cost per stay in the hospital is:

  • $5,850 for a broken ankle
  • $5,127 for a broken forearm
  • $6,175 for injuries to the shoulder or upper arm
  • $4,156 for injuries to the wrist and hand
  • $7,812 for pneumonia

Overall, regardless of the medical condition, the average hospital stay is estimated to cost nearly $7,000 per patient. Other reports as well, have a typical hospital stay costing tourists $1,000 - $2,000 per day.

Compare these costs to the price of a Visitors to Canada travel insurance policy. For $50,000 in coverage for a two week visit, a person who is 35 can purchase a policy for as little as $20; it is worth buying given the expense of the alternative.

What does Kanetix recommend?

The best travel health insurance is the insurance that provides a visitor to Canada the coverage they need at the best possible price. To find the one that's right, all one needs to do is compare quotes from competing travel insurance companies. All this can be done and more at Kanetix.ca. Not only do we offer travel insurance quotes from many of Canada's best known travel insurance providers, but we also include the travel insurance coverage plans each company has to offer; compare quotes, companies and policies-everything a person could need to get visitors to Canada travel insurance.

Visitors to Canada travel insurance quotes are accurate at the time of publication, but may be subject to change at any time.

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