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What is the cost of health insurance for visitors to Canada?

SUMMARY

The cost of visitor health insurance in Canada varies based on age, duration of stay, and coverage level. Premiums typically range from $80 to $700, with younger travellers paying less and older individuals or those with extended stays facing higher costs.

By Harshmeet Kaur
Insurance Advisor, LLQP
12 min read
IN THIS ARTICLE

The average cost of visitor health insurance for travellers to Canada typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors such as age, duration of stay, and the level of coverage chosen. For instance, younger travellers (for example, under 40 years) may pay between $50 and $100 monthly, while those aged 60 years and older may see costs rise between $200 and $400 per month.

In this article, we’ll explore what influences these costs and provide tips on finding the best visitor insurance policy.

What is Canadian visitor insurance?

Medical insurance for visitors in Canada is designed to cover emergency healthcare needs of non-residents in Canada including, visitors in Canada, students, immigrants, and returning Canadians.

A visitor insurance policy typically covers medical expenses such as accidents, dental emergencies, repatriation, etc. with the option to add trip cancellations, lost belongings, and more. Premiums for trip cancellation/interruption are subject to a sales tax, while premiums for medical emergencies are not.

Who needs visitor to Canada insurance

Why do visitors to Canada need health insurance?

Visitor to Canada insurance is crucial because the Canadian healthcare 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 a visitor health insurance policy covers versus what it excludes

A visitor insurance policy typically covers emergency medical procedures and services including hospital, emergency room, and walk-in clinic visits, doctor’s consultations, prescription drugs, diagnostic tests and scans, repatriation, and more.

Most medical insurance plans for visitors to Canada exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, mental health conditions, high-risk adventure activities, and anything that falls outside the Usual, Customary, and Reasonable (UC&R).

visitor health insurance

Who is eligible for free healthcare in Canada?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for free healthcare in Canada with provincial health coverage. Non-residents such as tourists, foreign workers, international students, and new immigrants are not covered under provincial health coverage.

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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 type. Here’s how the cost of visitor health insurance is determined:

Age:

  • Younger traveller: Typically, younger traveller (for example under 40) can expect to pay lower premiums as they are considered lower risk for health issues
  • Older traveller: 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

Length of stay:

  • 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:

  • Basic coverage: Policies with minimum coverage (e.g., $15,000) are more affordable but may not cover all potential medical expenses
  • Comprehensive coverage: Higher coverage limits (e.g., $100,000 or more) offer more extensive protection but come with a higher premium

Plan type:

  • Single-trip insurance: Designed for one-time visitors, this is typically more cost-effective if you only plan to visit Canada once within a specific period
  • Multi-trip insurance: For those who plan to visit Canada multiple times within a year, this option might be more economical in the long run, though it generally has a higher upfront cost

Deductibles:

  • Higher deductibles typically lead to lower premiums, and vice versa. But you’ll 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 is the average cost of visitor health insurance?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for traveller to Canada typically ranges from $72 to $453 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 $72.30 and $405 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 $72.30/mo.
35 years $90.90/mo.
45 years $101.70/mo.
55 years $110.70/mo.
65 years $133.20/mo.
75 years $240.0/mo.
85 years $405/mo.

*Note: These figures represent the average premiums for a single-trip travel insurance policy with $100,000 in coverage. 

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Does the cost of health insurance for visitors to 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 visitor health insurance cost for people with pre-existing conditions?

Visitors insurance for visitors with pre-existing health conditions typically costs between $92-$453 per month for $100,000 in coverage across different age groups. The premiums differ on the visitor’s age and specific condition. 

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

pre-existing condition

25 years $72.30/mo. $92.70/mo.
35 years $90.90/mo. $100.20/mo.
45 years $101.70/mo. $115.50/mo.
55 years $110.70/mo. $129.60/mo.
65 years $133.20/mo. $168.60/mo.
75 years $240.0/mo. $328.80/mo.
85 years $405/mo. $453.92/mo.

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 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 any age if mentally or physically disabled

How much does it cost for a student to get visitor health insurance?

For international students in Canada, the typical annual health insurance premium ranges from $600 to $900 per year. However, premiums vary, depending on factors such as the student’s age, any pre-existing medical conditions, and the specific coverage options they choose.

Can I pay monthly for my visitor insurance policy?

Yes, insurers like Travelance, 21st Century, Secure Travel, and Destination Canada offer monthly payment plans for visitor health insurance. 

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 work permit holders cost?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for work permit holders typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors such as age, duration of stay, and the level of coverage chosen. For instance, younger applicants (under 30 years) may pay between $50 and $100 monthly, while those aged 70 years and older may need to pay between $200 and $400 per month.

Are there any additional costs to consider while purchasing visitor health insurance?

Yes, when planning your budget for visitor health insurance in Canada deductibles and co-pays can lead to some out-of-pocket expenses even for policyholders. 

Deductibles and co-pays

  • Deductibles: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering expenses. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums but can lead to higher costs per claim. For example, if you have a $50 deductible and get a hospital bill of $200, you must pay the first $50 yourself and the insurance provider will cover the remaining expenses. Deductibles are paid for each new medical bill that you may incur
  • Co-pays: These are fixed amounts you pay for services like doctor’s visits or prescriptions. Co-pays are paid at the time of service and do not count towards your deductible

Higher deductibles and co-pays can increase your overall out-of-pocket expenses, especially if you need multiple claims during your stay.

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, minus any applicable fees.

How to get affordable insurance 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 visitor insurance plan that meets your needs and your budget!

Need insurance help?

Let our experts help with help with choosing the best visitor insurance in Canada.

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. 

How does the cost of visitor health insurance compare between different provinces in Canada?

The cost of visitor health insurance in Canada varies by province due to differences in medical fees and regulations. For instance, ambulance transfers range from $240 in Ontario to $1,099 in Nova Scotia, while average daily hospital rates for non-residents can be $3,000 to $4,000 across provinces. Monthly insurance premiums typically range from $50 to $400, depending on the traveller’s age, length of stay, and coverage level, with younger visitors paying less and those over 70 paying more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Visitor health insurance in Canada typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors like age, 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 travelers with pre-existing health conditions, monthly premiums for a $100,000 coverage could range between $100 and $500 depending on the age of the person
  • 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 $60 and $150
  • Visitor insurance plans with higher deductibles can lower the premiums but policyholders will have to pay the deductible amount out of their own pocket each time they go to a doctor or hospital for treatment

By Harshmeet Kaur
Insurance Advisor, LLQP
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