1-888-601-9980
- GMS provides up to $150,000 in emergency medical coverage, including hospital stays, diagnostic services, and ambulance transport
- The plan coverage includes hospitalization, physician services, prescription drugs, and emergency dental treatment
- It provides 24/7 multilingual emergency travel assistance for medical coordination, transportation, and repatriation support
- Coverage also includes repatriation, return of remains, child care, and out-of-pocket expense benefits during eligible emergencies
Group Medical Services (GMS) is a popular insurance provider offering travel health insurance plans for visitors. In addition to up to $150,000 in emergency medical coverage for stays of up to 365 days, the plan also includes 24/7 emergency travel assistance.
Quick review: GMS Visitors to Canada Insurance
| PolicyAdvisor Rating | 4/5 |
| Best For | Long-stay visitors in good health |
| Skip If | You are above 55 with multiple pre-existing conditions |
What is GMS Visitor to Canada Insurance?
The GMS Visitor to Canada Insurance is a comprehensive coverage plan for visitors and Super Visa applicants, offering benefits such as hospitalization, support for eligible side trips, and ambulance services. Additionally, it covers eligible prescription drugs and offers a straightforward extension process, making it a practical option for long-term visitors.
Key features of the GMS Visitor to Canada insurance plan
GMS travel medical insurance offers a single plan with coverage up to $150,000 that includes support for stable pre-existing conditions, along with variable deductible options for flexible payments.
| Feature | Details |
| Plans Options | One core plan with selectable coverage limits and deductibles |
| Age Eligibility | Up to 79 years (not eligible if 80+ on effective date) |
| Maximum Coverage Amount | Up to $150,000 |
| Deductible Options | $0, $100, $500, or $1,000 per claim |
| Waiting Period |
|
| Maximum Coverage Duration | 365 days |
| Monthly Payment Available | No |
| Pre-existing Conditions Covered | Yes, if stable for 180 days before the effective date for all ages |
What does the GMS visitor to Canada insurance cover?
GMS Visitors to Canada Insurance provides comprehensive emergency medical protection for visitors, immigrants, foreign workers, and Super Visa applicants travelling to Canada. The plan provides up to $150,000 in coverage with various deductible options.
The GMS visitor to Canada plan covers hospitalization in semi-private rooms, emergency physician services, and prescription medications. Furthermore, it includes benefits such as emergency dental treatment, repatriation, and hospital allowances.
Here’s a rundown of the GMS visitor to Canada insurance plan:
| Benefit | Details |
| Emergency Hospitalization (semi-private room) | Up to $150,000 or the policy limit |
| Services of a physician, surgeon, and in-hospital nurse | Included |
| Diagnostic services | Included |
| Prescription Drugs | Maximum 30-day prescription |
| Health Practitioners | Up to $500 (combined) for emergency services |
| Emergency Dental | Coverage up to 2,000 for any injury and up to $300 for pain not related to any injury |
| Follow-up visits | Covered when medically necessary, within 14 days of the initial emergency |
| Repatriation (no escort) | Up to $5,000 |
| Child Care | Up to $500 |
| Hospital Allowance | Up to $1,000 |
| Meals & Accommodation | $150/day with a maximum limit of $1,000 |
| Side-trip Coverage | Included for eligible trips outside Canada for up to 30 days |
Advisor insight: The GMS insurance plan is best suited for healthy visitors and applicants seeking comprehensive medical coverage and benefits. However, its strict eligibility and 180-day stability requirements make it important to review your medical history before applying.
Pros and Cons of GMS visitor to Canada insurance
Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.
How much does GMS visitor health insurance cost?
The cost of a visitor to Canada health insurance policy from GMS ranges from $106.50 to $454.80. However, the final premium depends on factors such as age, coverage amount, trip duration, and health status.
Sample GMS visitor insurance cost (2026)
| Age | Premium with stable pre-existing condition coverage |
| 25 years | $106.50 |
| 35 years | $131.10 |
| 45 years | $131.70 |
| 55 years | $131.70 |
| 65 years | $197.70 |
| 75 years | $454.80 |
| 85 years | N/A |
*Premium cost for $100,000 in coverage for a visitor to Canada insurance plan for 30 days
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Who is eligible for GMS visitor insurance?
Any non-resident in Canada under the age of 80 who is not covered by a provincial health care plan is eligible for the visitor to Canada plan. This includes tourists visiting Canada, new immigrants, Super Visa holders, work permit holders, and returning Canadians who are not currently covered by a provincial plan.
Who is not eligible for GMS visitor insurance
You are not eligible for the GMS travel insurance under the following circumstances:
- Need medical treatment (except routine care for a chronic condition or a visa-related medical exam)
- Have previously been denied similar coverage by another Canadian insurer while in Canada
- Have incurred more than $5,000 in medical expenses in Canada within the last 12 months
- Are 80 years of age or older on the policy effective date
Additionally, you are not eligible for the GMS visitor insurance if you are above 55 and:
- Have certain serious heart or vascular conditions, are awaiting heart-related testing, use heart medication with insulin, have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or have an untreated aneurysm.
- Use home oxygen, take oral steroids for a lung condition, are being treated for cancer, or have ever undergone a valve replacement, kidney dialysis, or organ transplant.
- Have been diagnosed with, treated for, or had medication changes related to congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), peripheral vascular disease, AIDS, terminal illness, blood clots, or gastrointestinal bleeding within the last 12 months.
- Are age 70 or older and require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Does GMS visitor health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, GMS Visitors to Canada Insurance offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions that have been stable for 180 days. However, GMS does not cover medical conditions that have not remained stable for 180 days before the policy effective date. This exclusion applies to both diagnosed conditions and undiagnosed symptoms for which medical treatment or consultation was received before coverage began.
Furthermore, applicants aged 55 and older must satisfy additional eligibility requirements, even when their condition is stable. Certain serious medical conditions or treatment histories can make you ineligible for coverage, even if the condition has been stable.
GMS visitors insurance pre-existing conditions are considered stable if you:
- Do not expect to need medical treatment after the policy’s effective date for the condition or its symptoms.
- Have not received any new or different medical treatment for the condition.
- Have not started a new prescription medication or changed an existing prescription related to the condition.
- The condition has not worsened, or you have not experienced new, more frequent, or more severe symptoms.
- Have not sought medical consultation for undiagnosed symptoms or required hospitalization, a specialist referral, or a follow-up visit.
- You have not undergone any tests or investigations related to the condition, regardless of whether the results are known.
Are there any exclusions or limitations to GMS visitor health insurance?
Yes, there are certain exclusions and limitations to the GMS visitor health insurance. While the plan offers comprehensive emergency coverage, GMS excludes certain conditions and procedures.
Here’s an overview of the general exclusions and limitations of the GMS travel medical insurance:
| Exclusion Category | What You Need to Know |
| Unstable Pre-existing Conditions | Unstable pre-existing conditions (within 180 days), ongoing chronic care, recurrent conditions, and incomplete medical follow-up before arrival are not covered. |
| Non-Emergency Medical Care | Routine checkups, elective procedures, cosmetic treatment, follow-up care, medical tourism, and experimental treatments are excluded. |
| Pregnancy & Newborn Care | Pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, related complications, and newborn expenses are not covered. |
| Government Travel Advisories | Travelling to countries when an official travel advisory is issued by the Canadian government stating “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” for the country |
| Alcohol & Drug Use | Claims related to alcohol, drug use, or medication misuse are excluded. |
| Non-prescription drugs/preventive medication | GMS does not cover over-the-counter drugs, experimental medications, or vaccines. |
| High-Risk Activities | Professional sports, motor racing, extreme sports, and non-commercial air travel are not covered. |
| Illegal, Military & Hazardous Activities | Claims arising from criminal acts, military service, relief work, or deliberate exposure to danger are excluded. |
Note: Refer to the policy document for the full list of limitations and exclusions
How to file a claim with GMS visitor insurance
If you experience a medical emergency during your stay in Canada, you should contact the GMS Assistance Centre as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. The policy offers 24/7 emergency assistance and online claim submission support to help travellers submit claims quickly and efficiently.
Here’s how you can initiate the GMS visitors insurance claim process:
- Call the assistance centre immediately: You can contact the assistance centre in Canada and the United States at 1-800-459-6604, and internationally at 905-762-5196. Failure to contact Travel Assistance within 24 hours may reduce benefits to the lesser of 70% of eligible expenses or $50,000.
- Submit a notice of claim: Once you have contacted GMS Travel Assistance, you must provide written notice of claim within 30 days.
- Gather supporting documentation: You will need to provide medical records, proof of treatment expenses (including itemized bills and payment receipts), and travel documents such as your passport, visa, or airline ticket.
- Submit proof of claim: Submit all claim documentation within 90 days of the illness or injury. Expenses must be submitted to GMS within 12 months of the date of the last eligible expense.
Can you cancel or get a refund on GMS visitor insurance?
Yes, GMS Visitor Insurance allows policy cancellations and refunds under certain conditions. The refund depends on whether coverage has started, whether a claim has been filed, and the reason for cancellation.
Here is the GMS visitors insurance refund policy at a glance:
| Situation | Refund Eligibility |
| Changed your mind before coverage starts | Full refund if the refund request is received before the policy effective date and no travel has taken place. |
| Visa application refused | Full refund less an administration fee. A copy of the visa refusal letter is required. |
| Never travelled to Canada | GMS may provide a partial refund if coverage has started, but you never travelled to Canada. Subject to an administration fee. |
| Leaving Canada early | Partial refund may be available from the date you departed Canada. Proof of departure is required, and an administration fee applies. |
| Eligible for provincial health coverage | Partial refund may be available from the date your provincial or territorial health coverage takes effect. Proof of coverage is required, and an administration fee applies. |
| Death of the insured | Partial refund may be available from the date of death. A death certificate is required, and an administration fee applies. |
| If you’ve reported a claim | Refunds are generally not available if a claim has been reported, paid, or is pending, or after the policy has expired. |
How to extend coverage instead of cancelling?
Alternatively, if you need coverage for a longer stay, you can request an extension by contacting GMS at least 48 hours before your current policy expires.
However, GMS only approves policy extensions when you meet the following requirements:
- You or any person insured under this policy has not needed medical treatment (whether a claim was submitted or not) during the current coverage period.
- Your plan has been in effect for less than one year (365 days). Essentially, your total period of coverage, including all extensions, should not exceed 1 year
- Must be under age 80 on the effective date of the extension.
- You do not have a reason to seek medical treatment, excluding the regular care of a chronic condition or a medical evaluation required to satisfy travel visa requirements.
How does GMS compare to other visitor insurance options?
Here’s a quick overview of the GMS visitor health insurance policy compared to similar policies offered by Manulife, TuGo, Allianz, and others:
| Provider | Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage | Monthly Payments | Maximum Coverage |
| GMS | Yes, if stable for 180 days | No | Up to $150,000 |
| Manulife | Yes, if stable for 180 days (Enhanced Plan) | No | Up to $200,000 |
| TuGo | Yes, if stable (7–365 days depending on age and trip length) | No | Up to $500,000 |
| Allianz | Yes, if stable (90 days ≤59 years; 180 days ages 60–89) | No | Up to $500,000 |
| MSH International Discover Canada | Yes, if stable (90 days ≤70 years; 180 days ages 71–80) | Yes | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Destination Canada | Yes, if stable (90 days ≤59 years; 180 days ages 60–79) | Yes | Up to $300,000 |
| 21st Century | Yes, if stable for 180 days (Enhanced Plan) | Yes | Up to $200,000 |
| Travelance | Yes, if stable for 180 days (Premier Plan; Essential Plan excludes pre-existing conditions) | Yes | Up to $150,000 |
| Secure Travel | Yes, if stable (90 days ≤69 years; 180 days ages 70–84) | Yes | Up to $1,000,000 |
For a comprehensive review and comparison, head over to our list of the best medical insurance for visitors to Canada (2026)
Our advisor’s take on GMS visitor health insurance
At PolicyAdvisor, we recently helped a 65-year-old parent visiting Canada on a Super Visa who was looking for affordable emergency medical coverage for a one-year stay. Their main concern was finding a plan that would cover a stable pre-existing condition without paying for higher coverage limits they didn’t need.
The Client Profile:
- Age: 65 years old
- Visa Type: Super Visa
- Primary Concern: Coverage at a reasonable cost
- Coverage Needed: $100,000 for a 365-day stay
The Market Comparison:
After comparing several visitor insurance providers, we recommended GMS Visitors to Canada Insurance because it offered a strong balance of affordability and coverage. For a 65-year-old traveller, premiums start at approximately $2,405.35 for 365 days with $100,000 in coverage (no deductibles), while still providing coverage for stable pre-existing conditions.
Why we recommended GMS
While GMS does not offer the highest coverage limits in the market, it delivers excellent value and comprehensive emergency medical care. We recommended the plan because it includes:
- 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance for medical coordination and repatriation support
- Automatic coverage extensions during hospitalization and up to 72 hours after discharge
- Flexible deductible options of $0, $100, $500, or $1,000
- Side-trip coverage for eligible trips outside Canada that start and end in Canada
GMS is often a practical and cost-effective choice for visitors who meet medical eligibility requirements and want dependable emergency coverage without paying for a higher-limit plan.
How to purchase GMS visitor health insurance in Canada?
PolicyAdvisor’s licensed advisors help visitors find the right GMS Visitors to Canada Insurance plan by comparing coverage limits, deductibles, and eligibility requirements based on their unique needs. Additionally, our advisors can guide you through customizing your policy based on your age, health history, and travel plans.
Whether you are visiting family, applying for a Super Visa, or waiting for provincial health coverage to begin, our team can guide you through the policy’s coverage options, exclusions, and other provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GMS visitor medical insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes, GMS visitor insurance covers pre-existing medical conditions under certain specific rules. It covers pre-existing medical conditions that have been stable for at least 180 days before coverage begins. Applicants aged 55 and older are subject to additional medical eligibility requirements, and some serious medical conditions may affect eligibility even if they are stable.
Is GMS suitable for the Super Visa?
Yes, GMS is eligible for Super Visa insurance when the coverage amount is $100,000 or more and for one year.
What is the maximum coverage available under GMS visitor insurance?
GMS offers emergency medical coverage limits up to $150,000.
Does GMS visitor to Canada insurance include dental coverage?
Yes, GMS includes up to $2,000 for accidental dental treatment and up to $300 for emergency dental pain relief.
Are side trips outside Canada covered by GMS Visitor to Canada Insurance?
Yes, GMS Visitor to Canada Insurance supports trips taken to other countries from Canada (the trip must start and end in Canada). However, they must not exceed 30 days per policy or 49% of the total number of coverage days in your policy. Coverage is not available in your country of origin.
What is a stable pre-existing condition in GMS visitor travel Insurance?
According to GMS, a pre-existing condition remains stable if, during the 180 days before the policy effective date, there have been no new or changed treatments, no new prescriptions or medication adjustments, and no worsening of the condition. This also includes no new or more severe symptoms, no hospitalizations, specialist referrals, follow-up visits, or diagnostic tests related to the condition.
What are the benefits of purchasing a visitor health insurance policy before arriving in Canada?
Purchasing a GMS visitor health insurance policy before arriving in Canada offers several benefits, including immediate coverage upon entry, protection against unexpected medical emergencies, and peace of mind during travel.
Can I get a refund if I return home early?
Yes, GMS visitor to Canada insurance may provide partial refunds for unused coverage. Proof of departure is required, and an administration fee applies. Refund eligibility is subject to the policy terms and conditions.
GMS Visitor to Canada Insurance is a flexible travel medical insurance option designed for visitors. With up to $150,000 in coverage for up to 365 days and coverage for eligible dental emergencies and prescription drugs, it is a comprehensive plan that is suitable for visitors, Super Visa holders, and returning Canadians awaiting provincial health coverage.
