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- Health insurance is not legally mandatory for standard tourists, but the Canadian government highly recommends it, as non-residents must pay 100% of out-of-pocket medical costs
- For Super Visa applicants, health insurance is strictly mandatory. Applicants must have at least $100,000 in coverage from a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-approved foreign insurer for a minimum of 365 days
- For international students, requirements vary by province. Some provinces (like Alberta and BC) offer public coverage for eligible students, while others (like Ontario) require private plans.
Health insurance is not mandatory for every visitor entering Canada. Visitors can enter without insurance, though having coverage is strongly recommended as they are not covered under Canada’s public healthcare system. Also, exceptions apply where health insurance is strictly mandatory.
Do you need medical insurance for visiting Canada?
- Standard Tourists (eTA/Visitor Visa): Not legally mandatory, but strongly recommended to avoid severe out-of-pocket hospital bills (up to $5,000/day).
- Super Visa Applicants: Strictly mandatory. Requires a minimum of $100,000 in coverage from an approved insurer for 365 days.
- International Students: Mandatory, but the type of coverage (public vs. private) depends entirely on your province of study.
- Returning Canadians: Highly recommended to cover the mandatory waiting period (up to 3 months) before provincial health coverage is reinstated.
Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.
Super visa vs. standard visitor visa: Requirements explained
Understanding whether you need visitor insurance largely depends on the type of visa you are using to enter the country.
1. Medical insurance for Super Visa applicants (Mandatory)
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident inviting your parents or grandparents to Canada under the Super Visa program, you must include a visitor health insurance policy with the application.
To meet the latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements, your Super Visa insurance policy must:
- Duration: Be valid for a minimum of 1 year (365 days) from the date of entry into Canada.
- Minimum coverage: Provide a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.
- Scope: Cover health care, potential hospitalization, and repatriation (returning the individual to their home country).
- Provider: Be issued by a Canadian insurance company OR a foreign insurance company authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to conduct business in Canada.
- Payment: Be paid in full upfront, or paid in approved installments with a deposit (insurance quotes alone are not accepted by border officials).
2. Medical Insurance for Standard Visitors (Highly Recommended)
If you are travelling to Canada on an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or a standard Visitor Visa, you do not technically need insurance to cross the border.
However, the medical services, including emergency room visits, diagnostics, and ambulance rides, are billed at premium rates to non-residents, hence investing in a policy is the smartest way to protect your travel plans and your finances.
What is the cost of visitor health insurance in Canada?
The cost of visitor medical insurance depends on the visitor’s age, pre-existing health conditions, the duration of their stay, and the coverage limit selected. On average, for a single-trip travel insurance policy with $100,000 in coverage, monthly premiums range from $72.30 to $405 per month.
Cost of travel medical insurance in Canada:
| Visitor’s age | Premium without pre-existing condition coverage | Premium with stable pre-existing condition coverage |
| 25 years | $69.00/month | $92.70/month |
| 35 years | $82.50/month | $100.20/month |
| 45 years | $100.50/month | $115.50/month |
| 55 years | $107.40/month | $129.60/month |
| 65 years | $116.10/month | $168.60/month |
| 75 years | $240.00/month | $328.80/month |
| 85 years | $324.00/month | $512.46/month |
*Note: Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for a 30-day period
Do international students in Canada need health insurance?
Yes, all international students must have health insurance while studying in Canada. However, how you get that insurance depends on the province or territory where your school is located.
Some provinces offer public health coverage to international students who meet specific criteria, while others mandate the purchase of private insurance.
Healthcare coverage for international students by province:
| Province/territory | Public health coverage available | Details |
| Alberta | Yes | International students studying for at least six months are eligible for AHCIP coverage. Basic expenses are covered; dental and prescription drugs are not. Private insurance is needed if ineligible for AHCIP |
| British Columbia | Yes | Eligible for MSP if studying for at least six months. Coverage begins after a 3-month waiting period, during which iMED provides basic insurance. Extended coverage may be purchased through schools or private insurers |
| Manitoba | No | Required to have Manitoba International Student Health Plan for emergency medical services |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Eligible for New Brunswick Medicare if enrolled full-time for at least one year. Basic coverage only; extended health coverage is recommended |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Automatically enrolled in the Foreign Health Insurance plan. Basic coverage if studying full-time for at least 12 months. Private insurance is needed if ineligible |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Eligible for Northwest Territories Health Care if studying for more than 12 months. Basic coverage only; extended coverage recommended |
| Nova Scotia | No | Health coverage is required; not available through the provincial program. Schools offer plans, often mandatory. Coverage costs approximately $650/year. After one year, eligibility for MSI may be possible. |
| Nunavut | Not applicable | No designated learning institutions; health insurance is not applicable. |
| Ontario | No | Not eligible for OHIP. Universities offer health insurance plans (UHIP) through educational institutions, with costs added to university fees |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes | Eligible for PEI Health Card if studying for at least six months, after three months of residency. Private insurance is required initially |
| Quebec | Sometimes | Reciprocity agreements with some countries allow for RAMQ coverage. If not eligible, students must purchase school-provided or private insurance |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Eligible for basic health coverage with Saskatchewan Health Card if studying for at least six months. Some institutions offer private insurance plans |
| Yukon | No | Mandatory group health insurance plan through Yukon College for all international students |
Do returning Canadian citizens need visitor insurance?
Yes, in many cases. If you are a Canadian expat returning to live in Canada permanently, most provinces (such as British Columbia and Alberta) enforce a mandatory waiting period of up to three months before your provincial health coverage is reinstated.
During this “bridging” period, you are personally responsible for all medical costs. It is highly recommended to purchase a temporary Visitors to Canada insurance policy to protect yourself until your provincial health card becomes active.
Can I stay in Canada without health insurance?
Yes, you can legally stay in Canada without health insurance if you are on a standard visitor visa, but this can be an immense financial risk.
If you go to a Canadian hospital or emergency room without insurance, you will not be turned away in a life-threatening emergency, but you will be billed for 100% of the medical services out of your own pocket. For a non-resident, the financial breakdown can be staggering:
- Standard ER Visit: $800 to $1,500+ just to be seen by a doctor.
- Hospitalization: $3,000 to $5,000+ per night for an inpatient bed.
- Emergency Surgery: Tens of thousands of dollars depending on the severity.
Given these costs, staying in Canada without coverage leaves you vulnerable to sudden, severe debt.
Is visitor medical insurance worth it?
Yes, visitor health insurance is worth it for anyone travelling to Canada. Since Canada’s public healthcare system does not cover non-residents, you must pay out of pocket for any medical services you need during your stay.
Visitor health insurance protects you from these high medical expenses. It allows you to access emergency care, hospital services, and diagnostic tests without facing a financial crisis. It also gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to delay treatment due to cost concerns.
With flexible plans that match your exact duration of stay and age, the monthly premium is a negligible fraction compared to the thousands of dollars you may have to pay for an uninsured emergency room visit.
How to get the best visitor health insurance quotes in Canada?
Getting health insurance as a visitor in Canada involves three key steps: assessing your coverage needs, comparing available plans, and selecting a policy that fits both your medical requirements and your budget. That’s where PolicyAdvisor makes the process easier and more reliable.
We work with 30+ of Canada’s top visitor insurance providers to offer a wide range of visitor health insurance plans. Whether you’re visiting for a few weeks or staying long-term under a Super Visa, our licensed insurance advisors provide personalized, unbiased guidance to help you understand your options and choose the best policy for your situation.
Our after-sales support ensures that if you have questions, need to make changes, or need assistance during a claim, you’ll have expert help at every step. Schedule a call with our team to get the best visitor insurance quotes in Canada today!
Frequently asked questions
Can I get health insurance in Canada as a visitor?
Yes. Since Canada’s public healthcare system only pays out to residents and citizens, private insurers offer specialized “Visitors to Canada” health insurance plans. These cover emergency medical costs like doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
Can I purchase visitor insurance for Canada after I arrive?
While some insurers allow it, it is highly recommended to purchase insurance before you arrive. Buying it after arrival often triggers a “waiting period” (usually 48 hours to 8 days, depending on the insurer) during which you will not be covered for any illnesses.
Will I get a refund if my Super Visa is denied or I leave early?
Yes, most Canadian insurance plans offer a 100% premium refund if your Super Visa application is denied (administrative fees may apply). If you depart Canada early and return to your home country, you can typically get a prorated refund for the unused days, provided you have not made any medical claims on the policy.
How do I make an insurance claim in Canada in case of an emergency?
Contact your insurance provider’s emergency assistance number immediately, ideally before receiving treatment, if possible. You will need to complete a claim form and submit all original medical bills, receipts, and invoices within the timeframe specified by your policy (usually 30 to 90 days).
Can I go to the ER in Canada without health insurance?
Yes, you can go to the ER in Canada without health insurance, but you may face significant out-of-pocket costs. While Canadian residents typically have access to publicly funded healthcare, visitors without insurance will have to pay out-of-pocket for emergency services. It’s strongly recommended to have health insurance to cover these potential expenses.
What happens if you go to the hospital without insurance in Canada?
If you go to the hospital in Canada without insurance, the hospital will expect that you pay for all medical services out of your own pocket. Canada’s healthcare system does not provide free coverage for visitors or non-residents. Depending on the type of care you need, bills can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
What happens if you get sick without travel health insurance in Canada?
If you get sick without travel medical insurance, you will be liable for paying the full cost of medical treatment out of pocket. Unlike Canadian citizens and permanent residents, visitors are not covered under provincial health care plans. Even a minor illness can result in substantial medical bills.
Visitor health insurance is not a legal requirement for travelers to Canada unless applying for a Super Visa, but it is highly recommended due to the high cost of medical care for non residents. The Canadian healthcare system mainly serves residents and does not cover visitors’ medical expenses. Additionally, returning residents may face gaps in provincial coverage, requiring private insurance to bridge the waiting periods. Students and visitors alike are encouraged to consider comprehensive coverage to avoid costly medical bills during their stay in Canada.
Statistics Canada. “Visitor Travel Survey, Third Quarter 2024.” The Daily, February 28, 2025.
