Destination Canada Visitor Insurance Review – 2026

Destination Canada Visitor Insurance is best suited for those looking for affordable emergency medical coverage with flexible deductible options that help in reducing the premium costs. It provides coverage for emergency medical, prescription drugs, professional services, follow-up visits, dental emergencies, and more.

Quick review

PolicyAdvisor rating: 4/5

Pros:

• Affordable premiums compared for high deductibles (up to $10,000)
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of up to $150,000
• Monthly payment plan available for coverage and trip duration of more than $50,000 and 6 months
• Maximum coverage amount for medical expenses up to $300,000

Cons:

• A strict stability period (90-180 days) applies for pre-existing conditions
• Premiums increase up to $426.00/month for individuals (more than 75 years old)

About Destination Canada visitor to Canada insurance

Destination Canada’s Visitor to Canada insurance plan, underwritten by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, provides comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies as well as optional coverage for pre-existing conditions. It provides coverage for visitors to Canada, Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants, returning Canadian citizens, and newly landed immigrants. 

Key features of Destination Canada visitor to Canada plan

Who is eligible for Destination Canada visitor insurance?

The Visitor to Canada insurance plan offered by Destination Canada is well-suited for those who are not covered under provincial plans and want coverage for emergency medical expenses. 

To be eligible for coverage, you must:

• Age limit: Be at least 15 days old on the effective date
• Health status: Be in good health at the time of application and on the effective date
• Residency status: Tourist from another country, foreign workers, or international students

Please note that you need to meet these conditions as of the effective date. The effective date is when coverage starts; the end date should typically be less than three years from the date of purchase.

However, coverage is not available if you have a terminal illness, advanced cancer, recent home oxygen use, heart failure, recent organ transplants, or other serious conditions. 

Claims will not be paid for sicknesses showing symptoms within:

• 48 hours after your effective date (if purchased within 30 days of departure)
• 10 days after your effective date (if purchased more than 30 days after departure)

How does Destination Canada assist in processing claims?

Here is the claim process for Destination Canada travel insurance for visitors:

• Notify about the incident: You need to inform Zurich Travel Assist of medical emergencies and claims coordination within 24 hours of hospitalization
• Claim reporting: Claims should generally be reported within 30 days of the incident, with written proof submitted within 90 days
• Document submission: Travellers must submit a completed claim form along with original medical bills, receipts, and supporting medical records.
• Claim payment conditions: Benefits are payable under one policy per insured person, and payments in the event of death are made to the insured person’s Estate

Destination Canada visitor insurance cancellation and refund policy

Destination Canada offers refunds under specific circumstances, depending on the policy status, travel situation, and whether any claims have been made under the plan.

Full refunds may be available when:

• The entire trip gets cancelled before the policy’s effective date
• The insured returns to their country of origin before the policy expiry date
• The insured gets covered under a Canadian provincial or territorial healthcare plan (unless coverage is required for immigration or work permit purposes)

Partial refunds may be considered if:

• The refund request is submitted within 90 days after the policy expiry date
• No claim has been made, paid, or is pending under the policy

Destination Canada vs. other visitor insurance providers

Here’s how Destination Canada compares to a few other insurance providers in Canada:

For a detailed review, here are our best visitor insurance companies in Canada for better insights.

Our advisors’ take on Destination Canada’s visitor medical insurance 

Our advisors at PolicyAdvisor help travellers compare visitor insurance plans based on their budget, coverage needs, and travel duration. Recently, one of our advisors assisted a 35-year-old traveller visiting Canada from India for 30 days who wanted a policy that minimized out-of-pocket expenses during a medical emergency.

The Client Profile:

• Age: 35 years old
• Trip duration: 30 days
• Coverage required: $100,000
• Primary concern: $0 deductible coverage to avoid out-of-pocket medical expenses in Canada
• The market comparison: After comparing quotes from some of the leading visitor insurance providers in Canada, we recommended Destination Canada’s visitor insurance plan. Since the client’s main priority was avoiding out-of-pocket expenses during a claim, we focused on plans offering $0 deductible coverage at an affordable premium. During our comparison, we found that Destination Canada offered a premium of $97.96/month for $0 deductible coverage, while comparable plans from GMS and Allianz were priced higher at $135.47/month and $129.89/month, respectively.

Expert Destination Canada insurance review: Beyond the affordable premiums, Destination Canada’s visitor insurance to Canada also provides coverage for pre-existing conditions based on stability period: 90 days (under 60 years of age), 120 days (ages 60–69), and 180 days (ages 70–79). 

The plan offers automatic extension benefits, and the side-trip coverage outside Canada is also a valuable benefit for travellers planning a short trip, such as 30 days. It also includes accidental death and dismemberment (up to $150,000). 

If you are still wondering whether Destination Canada’s visitor medical insurance is the right choice for you, let PolicyAdvisor guide you. Our expert advisors can help you understand the benefits and limitations of Destination Canada’s plans. Get started today to make an informed decision and secure the best visitor insurance policy that fits your travel plans perfectly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Destination Canada insurance good for visitors?

Yes, Destination Canada insurance is considered a good option for visitors to Canada looking for affordable emergency medical coverage, flexible deductible options, and coverage for eligible stable pre-existing conditions. It is especially popular among short-term visitors and travellers seeking lower premiums with customizable coverage.

Does Destination Canada offer automatic coverage extensions?

Yes, Destination Canada provides automatic coverage extensions in certain situations. If you or your travelling companion is hospitalized on your policy expiry date, your coverage will automatically be extended at no additional premium for the duration of the hospitalization and up to 72 hours after discharge.

Does Destination Canada require a medical questionnaire?

No, Destination Canada does not require a medical questionnaire for its visitor to Canada (VTC) insurance plans. This makes it easier for travellers to obtain coverage without the need for health assessments, which can be beneficial for those with pre-existing conditions.

What is the maximum number of days Destination Canada’s visitor insurance policy covers?

Destination Canada’s Visitor to Canada insurance policies cover up to 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). If your policy expires, you can purchase a new policy as long as you remain eligible.

Does Destination Canada cover travel outside Canada?

Emergency medical expenses during side trips outside Canada are covered if at least 51% of the trip is spent in Canada. Costs in the insured’s home country are not covered during side trips, and any temporary return to the country of origin must be for less than 51% of the coverage period.

Can I pay monthly for my Destination Canada visitor health insurance?

Yes, you can pay monthly for your Destination Canada visitor health insurance if you purchase your policy with at least 180 days of coverage and a minimum aggregate limit of $50,000. Additionally, you’ll need to pay a 2-month deposit plus a 10% surcharge at application.

Does Destination Canada cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, Destination Canada’s visitor medical insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions for ages 0 to 59 if the conditions have been stable for 90 days before the policy starts. For ages 60 to 69, a stability period of 120 days is required.

However, people aged between 70 and 79 years require stability for 180 days for coverage, while for ages 80 and over, all pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage.