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Travel insurance for Mexico, Cuba and the Caribbean

An all-inclusive covers your meals, not your hospital bill. Private clinics in Mexico and the Caribbean often want payment up front, Cuba won't let you in without insurance, and a medical evacuation home can cost more than the trip.

By the Viorvo team · Checked October 15, 2026 against official Canadian sources · Not insurance or legal advice

By destination

What the Government of Canada says

  • Cuba. Insurance is mandatory. You must show proof of medical insurance on arrival, or buy limited cover from a Cuban insurer. You can't leave with unpaid medical bills, which are payable in US dollars cash.
  • Mexico. Private hospitals in big cities are the main option and are expensive. Most don't deal directly with insurers, so expect to pay up front, often by credit card.
  • Dominican Republic. Good care is only in major cities, private clinics are better equipped than public ones, and facilities may want payment before treatment.
  • Jamaica. Adequate care in tourist areas and Kingston, but you may need to pay a deposit or the full bill up front, even with insurance.

For all four, Canada advises insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays, because evacuation can be very expensive.

Before you go

Four things to check for a sun trip

  • Evacuation and hospital stays. Make sure both are covered, with a high limit.
  • Activities. Some policies exclude activities such as scuba diving. If you plan to dive or try water sports, check the exclusions.
  • Hurricane season runs from early June to the end of November. If you're booking then, check what your policy pays if a storm disrupts the trip.
  • A credit card for deposits. Clinics may want payment before treatment; your insurer reimburses you later, so keep every original receipt.
The gap

What your province pays abroad

ProvinceWhat it pays for emergency care outside Canada
Ontario (OHIP)Doctors at Ontario rates; up to $50 a day for emergency outpatient care; up to $400 a day for intensive or operating-room care and $200 a day for other hospital care.Source ↗
British Columbia (MSP)$75 a day for emergency in-patient hospital care. US hospitals often charge over US$1,000 a day.Source ↗
Alberta (AHCIP)Doctors at Alberta rates; $100 a day for in-patient hospital care and $50 a day for outpatient care.Source ↗
Quebec (RAMQ)$50 a day for outpatient hospital care and up to $100 a day in hospital; doctors only up to Quebec rates; ambulance not covered.Source ↗

Amounts in Canadian dollars, from each province's official page (checked October 2026). Other provinces and territories have similar limits.

Options

Getting covered

Compare travel medical plans on VisitorsCoverageQuotes from several travel insurers side by side, for medical emergencies abroadGet quotes ↗

VisitorsCoverage is a US-based marketplace. When you get a quote, enter your Canadian address and check the plan accepts Canadian residents and covers your whole trip and any medical conditions. For long trips, older travellers or pre-existing conditions, also compare a Canadian insurer. Some links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Flight delayed, cancelled or overbooked?

That's not an insurance claim. Under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations and the EU's rules, the airline may owe you compensation. These services file the claim for you and take a share only if they win.

AirHelpCheck your flight and claim compensation for delays, cancellations and denied boardingCheck my flight ↗CompensairFlight delay and cancellation claims, no win no feeCheck my flight ↗

We earn a commission if you use these services, at no extra cost to you. You can also claim from the airline yourself for free; the Canadian Transportation Agency explains how.

Flights

Popular sun trips from Canada

Toronto → CancúnYYZ–CUNMontreal → CancúnYUL–CUNToronto → Punta CanaYYZ–PUJMontreal → HavanaYUL–HAVVancouver → Puerto VallartaYVR–PVRCalgary → Los CabosYYC–SJDToronto → Montego BayYYZ–MBJToronto → KingstonYYZ–KINOttawa → Punta CanaYOW–PUJEdmonton → CancúnYEG–CUN

Cheapest winter sun trips from Canada · Flights to Mexico · Flights to the Caribbean

Questions

Common questions

Is travel insurance mandatory for Cuba?

Yes. You must show proof of medical insurance when you arrive in Cuba. Without it, you may have to buy limited cover from a Cuban insurer at the airport.

Does an all-inclusive package include travel insurance?

Not usually. The package covers your hotel, meals and transfers. Medical cover is separate, so check whether you have it through a card, work plan or separate policy.

Do hospitals in Mexico take Canadian travel insurance?

Most private hospitals don't bill insurers directly, so you'll usually pay up front, often by credit card, and claim it back. Keep every original receipt.

Sources

Checked October 15, 2026. Rules and amounts change, so confirm with your province, insurer or IRCC.

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