Which are the cheapest visitor insurance companies in Canada (2026)?

The cheapest visitor insurance in Canada starts at $69 per month for a 25-year-old healthy traveller. The costs, however, vary based on age, health, trip duration, coverage amount, and the deductible selected. Secure Travel, Travelance, Destination Canada, and 21st Century are among the insurers offering some of the cheapest visitor insurance plans in Canada in 2026. 

Top companies for the cheapest visitor health insurance

Several companies, such as Travelance, Destination Canada, and 21st Century, offer affordable visitor health insurance for non-residents in Canada. Here are some of the top providers for cheap travel insurance for visitors to Canada, offering affordable plans across different age groups, medical conditions, and coverage needs.

1. Manulife: Cheapest for basic coverage

2. 21st Century: Cheapest for longer stays

3. Secure Travel: Cheapest overall

4. Destination Canada: Cheapest for deductibles

5. GMS: Cheapest for pre-existing conditions

6. Travelance: Cheapest for monthly plans

Cheapest travel insurance for visitors to Canada

In the section below, we personally reviewed visitor insurance quotes from multiple providers and compared them based on affordability across age groups, pre-existing medical conditions, monthly payment options, deductibles, and overall value.

1. Manulife: Cheapest for basic coverage

Manulife offers Basic, Standard, and Enhanced options, allowing visitors to choose a plan that matches both their budget and medical needs. Its basic coverage is one of the cheapest in the industry and comes with no maximum age limit. A 30-day Manulife visitor insurance policy with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage typically costs between $73 and $275 per month, depending primarily on the traveller’s age and coverage requirements.

Here is a table depicting how Manulife is a more affordable option for basic coverage:

*Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for a 30-day period, without pre-existing coverage

Key reasons why our advisors recommend Manulife:

• Accidental death and dismemberment benefits of up to $25,000
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $200,000
• Pre-existing coverage under Standard and Enhanced (subject to a 180-day stability period)
• Emergency dental coverage of up to $4000 for treatment of natural teeth and repairs to dentures or other dental devices
• The Basic plan has no age limit, making it easily accessible to older travellers

2. 21st Century: Cheapest visitor insurance to Canada for longer stays

21st Century is an affordable option for long-term stays. Its low-cost Basic Plan and flexible coverage durations make it especially attractive for healthy visitors, parents staying for several months, and travellers looking to reduce overall insurance costs on extended trips. The cost of a 21st Century visitor insurance policy typically ranges from $91 to $350, depending on the traveller’s trip duration.

Here is a table depicting how 21st Century is a more affordable option for longer stays:

*Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a 35-year-old traveller visiting Canada without pre-existing coverage

Key reasons why our advisors recommend 21st Century:

• On the Monthly Payment Plan (MPP) option, the coverage limit resets to the full amount at the start of year two. The MPP offers a convenient payment option for those who want to reduce the upfront cost
• The Enhanced plan includes coverage for stable pre-existing medical conditions
• There is no age limit to get the Basic Plan, while Standard and Enhanced come with an age limit of up to 85 years
• High dental limits of up to $4000 under the Standard and Enhanced plans

3. Secure Travel: Cheapest visitor insurance overall

Secure Travel ranks among the cheapest visitor insurance providers in Canada. It typically costs between $94 and $240 for a 30-day policy with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. Its affordable premiums, flexible deductible options, and monthly payment plans make it one of the most cost-effective choices for visitor and Super Visa insurance coverage.

Here is a comparison showing Secure Travel’s premiums for travellers aged 35 to 75:

*Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for a 30-day period

Key reasons why our advisors recommend Secure Travel:

• Emergency medical coverage available up to $1 million
• Includes up to $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Automatic 72-hour policy extension for eligible travel delays at no additional cost
• Covers stable pre-existing medical conditions
• Enhanced plans include up to $3,000 for dental injuries and $500 for emergency dental pain relief
• Flexible deductible and payment options help reduce premium costs for visitors

4. Destination Canada: Cheapest visitor insurance for deductibles

Destination Canada is a good option for travellers looking to reduce premiums through higher deductible options. A 30-day policy with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage typically costs between $59 and $98, depending on the deductible selected.

With deductible options available up to $10,000, it is a good choice for budget-conscious travellers comfortable with a higher deductible in exchange for lower premiums.

Here is a table depicting how Destination Canada is a more affordable option for deductibles:

*Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a 35-year-old visitor travelling to Canada for a 30-day period, without pre-existing coverage

Key reasons why our advisors recommend Destination Canada:

• Multiple deductible options available, starting as low as $0 and going up to $10,000
• High coverage limits available up to $300,000
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of up to $150,000
• Monthly payment options are available for policies with coverage amounts above $50,000 and trip durations exceeding 6 months
• Nursing care benefit available up to $10,000, which is significantly higher than many other competitors

5. GMS: Cheapest for pre-existing conditions

GMS is one of the strongest providers for travellers looking for affordable medical insurance for visitors to Canada with stable pre-existing medical conditions. GMS premiums for $100,000 in visitor insurance coverage with stable pre-existing condition coverage typically range from $106 to $455 per month for travellers aged 25 to 75.

Moreover, its flexible plan options, lower medical screening requirements for younger visitors, and multiple deductible choices make it a good choice for those looking for visitor insurance to Canada.

Here is a table depicting how GMS is a more affordable option for pre-existing conditions:

*Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for a 30-day period

Key reasons why our advisors recommend GMS:

• Multiple deductible options available, including $0, $100, $500, and $1,000
• Side-trip coverage outside Canada for eligible trips up to 30 days
• Automatic 48-hour extension during eligible travel delays
• Flexible coverage amounts: $25,000, $50,000, $100,000 or $150,000
• Accidental dental coverage of up to $2,000 per person for an accidental blow to the mouth

6. Travelance: Cheapest for monthly plans

Travelance is the most cost-effective option for travellers who want to pay their premiums monthly rather than upfront. A 365-day Travelance visitor insurance policy with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage typically costs between $94 and $110 per month.

Its low upfront costs, automatic coverage extensions in eligible situations, such as when a travelling companion is hospitalized, and emergency medical benefits make it a strong option for visitors managing a tight budget.

Here is a table showing that Travelance is a more affordable monthly payment option:

*Monthly cost of $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for a 365-day period

Key reasons why our advisors recommend Travelance:

• Offers a family rate that includes coverage for dependent children at no additional cost
• Extended coverage for up to 558 days
• The premier plan includes coverage for accidental death and dismemberment for up to $100,000
• Pre-existing coverage under the premium option for those up to 79 years of age
• Flexible deductibles including $250, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000

Our methodology for ranking the cheapest visitor insurance companies in Canada

When ranking the cheapest visitor insurance companies in Canada, we compared several factors, including the following:

• Overall affordability across age groups: We compared how premiums change across different age brackets because some insurers remain affordable for younger travellers, but become extremely expensive after age 60 or 70
• Monthly payment flexibility: We also compared insurers offering monthly payment plans for long-term stays, since paying a full annual premium upfront can be difficult for budget-conscious individuals
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions: We evaluated coverage for eligible pre-existing medical conditions, required stability periods, and the impact on premiums
• Deductible options to reduce premiums: Plans with flexible deductibles often provide better affordability because travellers can lower their premiums by choosing higher out-of-pocket costs during emergencies
• Long-term coverage affordability: Some insurers offer better pricing for extended stays in Canada. We compared how premiums change for trips lasting several months or up to a year

What factors affect the cost of visitor health insurance in Canada?

When determining the cost of your visitor insurance, factors such as age, health status, and the length of stay might come into play. Understanding these can help you anticipate and manage your insurance expenses effectively:

• Age: Insurance premiums often increase with age. For example, the cost for a 55-year-old individual is $129.60 per month, while it can be $328.80 per month for someone who is 75 years old
• Health status and pre-existing conditions: Plans with pre-existing coverage typically range from $92.70/month to $512.46/month, while without pre-existing coverage, they are around $69.00/month to $324.00/month (varies depending on traveller’s age, medical history, deductible selected, and coverage requirements)
• Trip duration: The longer you stay, the higher the overall premium, as the risk period for the insurer is extended
• Coverage limits and deductibles: Higher coverage limits generally result in higher premiums, while choosing a higher deductible can lower your insurance costs. However, this means you will pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim
• High-risk activities: If you plan to engage in activities deemed risky, such as skiing, mountain climbing, or other extreme sports, your insurance premium may increase due to the higher likelihood of injury. There are a few insurers, including TuGo, that provide coverage for these activities

How can I reduce the cost of my visitor insurance in Canada?

Here are some ways to reduce the cost of visitor insurance for Canada:

• Choose a higher deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can significantly reduce your premium. For example, a 35-year-old visitor choosing a $500 deductible with Destination Canada could save roughly $15/month compared to a $100 deductible
• Select your plan tier wisely: Visitor insurance plans typically come in Basic, Standard, and Enhanced options. Enhanced and Standard plans offer more benefits but also cost more. Compare the coverage carefully and choose a plan that matches your needs instead of paying extra for benefits you may not use
• Opt for family plans: Some insurers, such as Travelance, offer discounted family pricing that can help lower overall insurance costs. If you are travelling with family, opt for family rates
• Select adequate coverage limits: Choose a coverage amount based on your travel needs, so you do not pay for unnecessary protection
• Buy coverage only for your actual trip duration: Purchasing coverage for extra days unnecessarily increases premiums
• Compare the different insurers: Compare plan options offered by travel insurance companies in Canada and choose the one that fits your budget and coverage needs

How can I get the cheapest visitor health insurance quotes in Canada?

You can find the most affordable visitor health insurance quotes for your trip to Canada by comparing plans online, and with PolicyAdvisor, the process takes less than a minute. Our licensed experts help you access and compare quotes from the best visitor health insurance companies in Canada, including trusted names like TuGo, Secure Travel, Travelance, and more.

We don’t just stop at finding you the cheapest premium. Our advisors guide you through the entire application process. We also provide dedicated after-sales support for claims or policy changes in the future. With PolicyAdvisor, getting the right coverage is fast, easy, and reliable.

Frequently asked questions

How can I ensure my insurance will cover emergency medical services in Canada?

To ensure your insurance covers emergency medical services in Canada, choose a more comprehensive plan with a higher coverage amount and added benefits such as emergency medical care, hospitalization, ambulance services, accidental dental coverage, paramedical service coverage, emergency evacuation coverage, and more.

Can I update my visitor insurance policy if my travel plans change?

Yes, you can usually update your visitor insurance policy if your travel plans change. Contact your insurance provider as soon as you know about the changes to adjust your coverage period or details. Be aware that changes may affect your premium or coverage terms, and there could be deadlines or additional fees.

What is the average cost of visitor health insurance?

The average cost of visitor health insurance can vary widely based on factors such as age, duration of stay, coverage limits, and health status. On average, for coverage of $100,000, a 25-year-old individual may pay $69.00/month for a short-term stay of 30 days, while a 55-year-old individual can pay $129.60/month.

Are there any discounts on visitor health insurance in Canada?

Yes, discounts on visitor health insurance in Canada are available, though they vary by insurer. Some companies offer discounts for purchasing extended coverage, paying premiums up front, or insuring multiple family members under one policy. Additionally, certain providers may have reduced rates for younger applicants or those in good health.

What are the common limitations and exclusions in visitor insurance policies?

Visitor insurance policies in Canada typically exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless specifically covered, as well as routine check-ups, preventive care, maternity expenses, and mental health treatments.

Other common exclusions include injuries from high-risk activities (such as extreme sports), alcohol- or drug-related incidents, and non-emergency treatments. Some policies also impose waiting periods for certain benefits, meaning coverage may not be immediate.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my visitor health insurance?

Yes, you can cancel your visitor health insurance plan for Canada and receive a refund, though the terms differ between insurers. Many providers offer full refunds if you cancel within the free-look period or before the policy takes effect. Once coverage has started, you may be eligible for a pro-rata refund for unused days, provided no claims have been made, minus any applicable fees.

Can I pay monthly for my visitor insurance policy?

Yes, you can pay monthly for your visitor insurance policy through several trusted Canadian providers. Travelance, Secure Travel, and Destination Canada Group offer affordable monthly payment options. These plans help visitors manage their finances better by spreading out premium payments instead of paying the full amount up front. Travelance is often one of the most affordable options for visitors seeking monthly payment plans.

Is visitor insurance mandatory for entering Canada?

No, travel health insurance for visitors to Canada is not mandatory for all travellers entering Canada, but it is required for specific visa types. For instance, if you are applying for a Super Visa, you must provide proof of private health insurance for your visa approval. The policy must typically offer at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and remain valid for up to one year. For tourists and short-term visitors, purchasing travel medical insurance is not mandatory, although it is highly recommended.