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- Visitor health insurance in Canada typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors like age, trip duration, health status, and coverage level
- Depending on the insurer, a 25-year-old visitor can expect to pay between $72 to $150 per month, while a 75-year-old might pay between $240 to $1,000 per month for $100,000 in coverage
- For travellers with pre-existing health conditions, monthly premiums for $100,000 coverage could range between $100 and $500, depending on the person’s age
- The average cost for short-term visitors (1-2 weeks) is between $20 and $50 per week for basic medical coverage, while longer stays (1 month) would cost between $300 and $600
- Visitor insurance plans with higher deductibles can lower premiums, but policyholders will have to pay the deductible amount out of pocket each time they go to a doctor or hospital for treatment
Planning a trip to Canada in 2026? Whether you are visiting family or moving to Canada for studies or a job, visitor health insurance for travellers to Canada is essential. According to recent data, the cost of uninsured visitors to Canada can be as high as $10,000 per day, but a visitor to Canada can help cover these hefty costs.
On average, visitor insurance in Canada costs between $50 and $400 per month, depending on your age, trip duration, and the coverage level that you opt for. In this article, we’ll break down what drives these costs and share practical tips to help you find the best plan for your needs and budget.
How much does Visitor Insurance cost?
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What is visitor to Canada insurance?
Visitor to Canada insurance is emergency medical coverage for non-residents during their stay. It helps pay for medical emergencies like hospitalization or doctor visits. It is essential for tourists, Super Visa applicants, new immigrants awaiting provincial coverage, international students, and returning Canadians without active provincial coverage.
Inclusions of visitor medical insurance in Canada:
- Emergency medical coverage for illnesses, injuries, and hospitalization during your stay
- Emergency consultations and prescription drugs suggested by your health care professional for medical conditions occurring in Canada
- Diagnostic services like X-rays, lab tests, and physician visits are provided when medically necessary
- Emergency dental treatment in case of dental accidents
- Repatriation and return of remains in case of death during the visit
- Customizable policy durations, which range from a few days to several months, based on your visa or travel plan
- Coverage for follow-up medical visits after emergency treatment
- 24/7 emergency assistance services, including hospital coordination and claims support
Why do visitors to Canada need health insurance?
Visitor to Canada insurance is crucial because the Canadian provincial health care system does not cover foreigners in the country. Without coverage, emergency medical expenses can be extremely high for non-residents in Canada; a visit to a walk-in clinic can cost between $100 to $600, while emergency room visits or hospitalization can reach up to $6,000 per day.
To avoid paying out of your own pocket for such expenses, having a visitor health insurance plan is essential. In fact, the Canadian Government encourages tourists to get visitor health plans before coming to the country.
What is the average cost of visitor health insurance?
The average cost of visitor health insurance for traveller to Canada typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors such as age, health, duration of stay, and the level of coverage chosen.
How much does visitor health insurance cost for different age groups?
Visitor health insurance in Canada costs between $50 and $400 per month for $100,000 in coverage across different age groups. Here are the average monthly premiums based on different age categories:
Average coverage and premiums for different age groups
| Visitor’s age | Premiums |
| 25 years | $50/month |
| 35 years | $90/month |
| 45 years | $102/month |
| 55 years | $111/month |
| 65 years | $133/month |
| 75 years | $240/month |
| 85 years | $405/month |
*Note: These figures represent the average premiums for a single-trip travel insurance policy with $100,000 in coverage.
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How much does travel insurance for visitors to Canada cost for people with pre-existing conditions?
Visitor insurance for travellers with pre-existing health conditions typically costs between $92 and $454 per month for $100,000 in coverage across different age groups. If you have pre-existing conditions, many insurers offer coverage when conditions are “stable” for a defined period before travel (varies by insurer).
Here’s a table highlighting the average premiums for someone with and without a pre-existing condition for a plan with $100,000 in coverage for a 30-day period.
Comparison of monthly premiums: With vs. Without pre-existing condition coverage
| Visitor’s age | Premiums without pre-existing conditions | Premiums with stable pre-existing conditions |
| 25 years | $72/month | $92/month |
| 35 years | $91/month | $100/month |
| 45 years | $101/month | $115/month |
| 55 years | $110/month | $129/month |
| 65 years | $133/month | $169/month |
| 75 years | $240/month | $329/month |
| 85 years | $405/month | $454/month |
Note: The coverage details and limits outlined in this table are for general information purposes only. Actual coverage may vary based on the insurance provider and specific policy terms. Please refer to your policy documentation for precise information.
How much does the cost of travel health insurance in Canada vary based on the duration of stay?
Yes, the cost of visitor health insurance for tourists in Canada varies between $50 and $600, depending on the duration of your stay. The longer you stay in Canada, the higher your visitor insurance premiums will be.
Here are the average costs for visitor insurance in Canada based on the duration of the trip:
- Short-term (1-14 days): $50 – $150
- Medium-term (15-30 days): $150 – $300
- Long-term (31 days or more): $300 – $600
*Note: These figures represent average premiums for emergency medical coverage. Actual costs can differ based on the insurance provider, plan specifics, and individual health factors.
How much does private visitor insurance cost based on different coverage types?
The cost of private visitor insurance in Canada offering basic emergency medical coverage of $25,000 to $100,000 may cost between $50 and $300 per month for most travellers under 80. Higher coverage amounts, such as $300,000 or more, may range from $250 to over $500 per month, especially for older travellers with unstable pre-existing conditions.
Cost of visitor insurance based on coverage amount
| Coverage amount | $25,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 |
| Ages 0–40 | $45–$75/month | $55–$90/month | $65–$110/month | $75–$130/month | $90–$150/month |
| Ages 41-59 | $65–$110/month | $80–$130/month | $95–$160/month | $110–$180/month | $130–$200/month |
| Ages 60–79 | $120–$200/month | $150–$250/month | $200–$300/month | $225–$350/month | $250–$400/month |
| 80+ years | $300–$450/month | $350–$500/month | $400–$550/month | May require special approval or limited options | May require special approval or limited options |
*Illustrated premiums are based on individual travellers in good health and for typical trip durations of 30–180 days
How much does health insurance for visitors to Canada cost for higher deductibles?
Choosing a higher deductible for visitor health insurance in Canada can significantly reduce your monthly premium. Deductibles typically range from $0 to $1,000, with the most common options being $100, $250, $500, and $1,000.
While a $0 deductible plan might cost $140 to $160 per month, selecting a $1,000 deductible could lower the cost to around $80 to $100 per month. However, travellers must pay more out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in, so it is important to weigh upfront savings against potential risks. Only choose a deductible you can comfortably pay out of pocket in an emergency.
What factors affect the cost of visitor health insurance?
The cost of visitor health insurance varies based on a visitor’s age, health condition, duration of stay, and the policy’s coverage amount, deductibles, and plan type. Here’s how the cost of visitor health insurance is determined:
- Age: Typically, younger travellers (for example, individuals under 40) can expect to pay lower premiums as they are considered lower risk for health issues. That’s why the premiums increase with age, particularly for those over 60, as the likelihood of needing medical care rises
- Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you may need to purchase additional coverage, which can increase the cost. Some insurers may charge a higher premium, while others might exclude these conditions altogether
- Trip duration: The longer you plan to stay in Canada, the higher the cost of insurance. Most policies are priced based on the duration of coverage, with options ranging from a few days to a year or more
- Coverage amount: Policies with minimum coverage (e.g., $15,000) are more affordable but may not cover all potential medical expenses. Higher coverage limits (e.g., $100,000 or more) offer more extensive protection but come with a higher premium
- Deductibles: Higher deductibles typically lead to lower premiums, and vice versa. However, you will pay more out of pocket in case of a claim. Choosing a deductible that balances affordability with your ability to cover out-of-pocket expenses is crucial
What does visitor medical insurance coverage exclude?
While visitor emergency insurance in Canada offers essential protection for emergency health situations, it also comes with specific exclusions such as unstable pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, pregnancy care, cosmetic surgeries, and more. Travellers must review their plans carefully to understand these exclusions before buying travel medical insurance for Canadian visitors:
- Pre-existing medical conditions that are unstable or not disclosed at the time of application
- Routine check-ups or preventive care, including vaccinations and annual physicals
- Pregnancy-related expenses, such as childbirth or prenatal care, unless covered under a specific maternity plan
- Medical emergencies related to self-harm that may stem from a mental health issue
- Cosmetic or elective procedures such as prosthetic surgeries that are not medically required or considered as an emergency
- Injuries from risky activities like extreme sports, unless the policy includes an adventure sports rider
How much does visitor health insurance cost for families?
The cost of visitor health insurance for families travelling to Canada can typically range between $200 to $500 per month. The premiums can vary based on the number of family members, their ages, the duration of stay, and the specific coverage options chosen.
For instance, a family of two adults and two children might expect to pay approximately $300 per month for a comprehensive policy that covers emergency medical expenses.
Insurers typically require applicants to have the following eligibility:
- Parents must be under 60 years old
- Their unmarried dependent child must rely on them for support and be listed on the confirmation
- Dependent children should be at least 30 days old but under 21 years, or be any age if they are mentally or physically disabled and share the same address
How much does it cost for an international student to get tourist health insurance in Canada?
International students in Canada usually pay between $600 and $900 per year for visitor health insurance. However, the actual premium can vary based on several key factors, including the student’s age, overall health status, and the presence of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Insurance providers may also consider the level of coverage chosen, which means private visitor insurance plans that include benefits like emergency medical care, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and prescription drugs typically cost more.
Students can lower their premiums by selecting higher deductibles or opting for a lower coverage amount. Comparing multiple visitor health insurance plans for international students in Canada is the best way to find the right balance between cost and comprehensive protection.
How much does it cost for a Super Visa holder to get visitor health insurance?
The cost of Super Visa health insurance depends on factors such as the applicant’s age, coverage amount (minimum $100,000), policy length (usually 1 year), and deductible. On average, the insurance costs between $50 and $400 per month per person.
How much does health insurance for new immigrants and work permit holders cost?
The average cost of visitor health insurance for new immigrants and work permit holders waiting for their provincial coverage typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors such as age, coverage amount you choose, etc. For instance, younger applicants (under 30 years) may pay between $50 and $100 monthly, while individuals aged 70 years and older may need to pay between $200 and $400 per month.
Can I pay monthly for my visitor insurance policy?
Yes, several Canadian insurance providers, such as Travelance, 21st Century, Secure Travel, and Destination Canada, offer flexible monthly payment options for visitor health insurance. The only condition being that the minimum coverage duration should be over 80 days. These plans allow travellers to spread out the cost of their premiums over time instead of paying the full amount upfront.
Monthly payment plans are especially useful for Super Visa applicants or long-term visitors who need coverage for several months or a full year. However, some insurers may charge additional administrative fees for monthly payments, and eligibility for these plans may vary based on the insurer’s underwriting guidelines.
How to get the lowest premium quotes for visitors to Canada?
If you’re looking for affordable visitor health insurance in Canada, we recommend scheduling a call with our expert advisors. At PolicyAdvisor, we help you compare quotes from 30+ top Canadian insurers and assist you in choosing the best medical insurance for visitors to Canada that meets your needs and your budget. We will help you balance price, coverage, and deductible so you only pay for what you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket for your medical expenses before your insurance starts covering the costs. For example, if your deductible is $500, you’ll need to pay the first $500 of your medical bills yourself. After you’ve paid this amount, your insurance will begin to cover the remaining eligible costs according to the terms of your policy.
How much visitor insurance do I need in Canada?
Our advisors recommend purchasing at least $100,000 in medical insurance coverage. This is because hospital expenses for visitors to Canada can cost anywhere from $100 to $600 for a visit to the doctor or a walk-in clinic, while an emergency room or hospitalization could be as high as $6,000 per day.
Is visitor insurance in Canada mandatory for non-residents?
While visitor insurance in Canada is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to avoid significant emergency medical expenses. The Government of Canada recommends that non-residents get a minimum of $100,000 in visitor to Canada insurance coverage.
Can I purchase insurance after arriving in Canada?
Yes, most insurers allow you to buy coverage when you have arrived in Canada, usually five days after arrival and with a waiting period of up to a week or more.
Can I purchase visitor health insurance for someone over 85 years old?
Yes, you can buy visitor health insurance for individuals over 85 visiting Canada, but it often comes with limitations and higher costs. Coverage limits are usually lower, such as $20,000 or $50,000, compared to the higher limits available for younger travellers. Premiums and deductibles are significantly higher, and pre-existing conditions may be excluded or have a waiting period.
Are there any discounts on visitor health insurance?
Yes, several insurers offer discounts like companion discounts on visitor health insurance. For example, 21st Century offers a family discount for visitor medical insurance.
What factors influence the cost of visitor health insurance in Canada?
The cost of visitor health insurance varies based on a visitor’s age, health condition, duration of stay, and the policy’s coverage amount, deductibles, and type.
Who is eligible for free health care in Canada?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for free healthcare in Canada with provincial health coverage. Non-residents such as tourists, international students, and new immigrants are not covered under provincial health coverage.
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 if you return to your home country or get provincial coverage, 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, minus any applicable fees.
The cost of visitor health insurance in Canada varies based on age, duration of stay, and coverage level. Premiums typically range from $50 to $400, with younger travellers paying less and older individuals or those with extended stays facing higher costs.
Travel Between Canada and Other Countries, Fourth Quarter 2024. The Daily, May 30, 2025
