Do you need visitor medical insurance for Canada? Guide for tourists, family, students, and workers

Canada offers world-class public health care, but that coverage does not extend to visitors, tourists, or newcomers waiting for their provincial plans to begin. Without private medical insurance for visitors to Canada, an unexpected illness can result in thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

Medical insurance for visitors in Canada: At a glance

Note: This is illustrative. Contact our advisors for a plan that suits your needs.

Do I need medical insurance as a tourist visiting Canada?

Yes, medical insurance is highly recommended for tourists visiting Canada since the publicly funded health care system generally does not cover tourists. This means you may be responsible for the full cost of any medical treatment you receive for emergencies that arise during your trip.

You should consider medical insurance as a tourist if you are planning to:

• Participate in high-risk activities: Adventure activities and outdoor sports like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or sightseeing can elevate the risk of injuries, requiring emergency treatment 
• Visit remote destinations: Hiking or visiting places like Banff or Jasper can lead to higher costs for transportation and other services during a medical emergency
• Take side trips to the U.S.: Some medical insurance policies can provide continuous coverage across multiple destinations or even countries during your trip 

Do I need medical insurance if I’m visiting family in Canada? 

If you’re travelling to Canada to visit family or friends, it is recommended that you get medical insurance. Many family visitors assume they can rely on their relatives for support during an emergency. However, family members cannot extend their provincial health cards to you, creating a financial burden during emergencies.

Consider the following if you are looking for an emergency medical insurance plan:

• Duration flexibility: Family visits often get extended. Choosing a policy that allows an extension before expiry ensures you remain covered seamlessly
• Multiple entries: Some visitors make repeated trips during the year. A multiple-entry plan may be more cost-effective and allow you to remain covered throughout
• Return-home benefits: Look for a plan that includes emergency return-home transportation if a family emergency occurs abroad.

Do I need medical insurance for parents and grandparents visiting Canada?

Yes. Medical insurance is mandatory for Super Visa approval. If the insurance requirements are not met, the application can be refused. A Super Visa requires visitors to have insurance with a minimum of $100,000 for one year. These requirements ensure visitors have sufficient protection for emergency medical expenses during their time in Canada.

Since many Super Visa applicants are older travellers, coverage for stable pre-existing conditions is an important factor when choosing a policy. Many insurers like Manulife, Travelance, and Allianz have a strict stability period for pre-existing conditions when applying for a Super Visa.

If your parents or grandparents are applying for a Super Visa, here are the medical insurance requirements for them:

• Coverage amount: Minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage 
• Policy duration: Must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada 
• Coverage inclusion: Must include coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Purchase from: Can be purchased from a Canadian insurer or an eligible foreign insurer approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) 

Do international students need medical insurance in Canada?

Yes, international students generally need medical insurance while studying in Canada. However, the type of coverage available depends on the province, territory, and educational institution where they are enrolled. Some provinces offer health insurance plans to students enrolled in affiliated institutions, which are included in the overall tuition, while others require them to obtain coverage through a university-sponsored health plan or a private insurer such as Manulife or Allianz.

Here’s a quick glance at the medical insurance coverage and eligibility for students in some provinces of Canada:

As an international student, consider the following:

• Access extended health services: Student health care needs often extend beyond emergency treatment, requiring support for dental emergencies, prescription drugs, and mental health counselling that might not always be present in provincial coverage
• Travel home during school breaks: If you plan to travel home or outside Canada during semester breaks, check whether your coverage offers support for eligible side trips or trip breaks. This ensures your coverage remains valid without needing to buy a new policy
• Participate in sports, campus activities, or student travel: Active lifestyles can increase the risk of injuries and medical claims. Consider medical insurance if your institution does not offer one 
• Waiting periods: Even in provinces that offer public health care to students, coverage may not begin immediately. A private medical insurance plan can cover that temporary gap 
• Mandatory school plans: Many institutions automatically enrol international students in a health insurance plan and include the premium in tuition. In some cases, you can only opt out if you provide proof of alternative private coverage

Do work permit holders and immigrants awaiting coverage need medical insurance in Canada?

Yes, work permit holders and new immigrants should consider medical insurance while waiting for provincial health coverage to begin. Depending on the province, newcomers and workers may face a waiting period of up to three months before becoming eligible for provincial health coverage.

Here’s a quick glance at the waiting period in some of the provinces:

Consider the following when you are looking for medical insurance as a work permit holder in Canada:

• Provincial waiting periods: British Columbia imposes a waiting period before newcomers become eligible for public health care. A private medical insurance bridges this gap and covers medical emergencies during this period
• Newcomer insurance plans: Many insurers like Manulife and Desjardins offer specialized newcomer insurance policies designed for recent arrivals to Canada. These plans can provide temporary protection until you qualify for provincial health care.
• Employer benefit waiting periods: If you are starting a new job, the workplace health benefits may not begin immediately. A temporary medical insurance plan covers you during this period
• Prorated refund options: Some newcomer policies by insurers like Manulife and TuGo allow you to cancel coverage and receive a prorated refund once your provincial health insurance becomes active. This helps you avoid paying for overlapping coverage

How much does medical insurance for visitors cost in Canada?

The cost of medical insurance for visitors in Canada can range from around $69 per month to $512.46 per month. The cost of a policy depends on age, coverage amount, trip duration, and health status. Additionally, premiums increase significantly for those with pre-existing conditions or for older applicants.

Sample medical insurance cost for visitors to Canada (2026)

*Premium for $100,000 in coverage under a visitor to Canada insurance plan for 30 days

What to look for when getting health insurance for visitors to Canada?

Before purchasing visitor medical insurance, it’s important to understand that the right coverage depends on your reason for coming to Canada. While emergency medical protection is essential for everyone, certain benefits become more important depending on the length of your stay, your age, your health profile, and the activities you plan to participate in.

Here is a quick overview of coverage options you should consider when getting your medical insurance as a visitor to Canada:

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors receive medical treatment in Canada without insurance?

Yes. Visitors can access medical treatment in Canada, including emergency care, but they are generally responsible for paying the full cost of services if they do not have private medical insurance.

How much medical insurance coverage do visitors need in Canada? 

The amount of emergency medical insurance to visit Canada depends on factors such as age, length of stay, and health status. Many visitors choose at least $100,000 in coverage, while parents, grandparents, and Super Visa applicants often opt for higher limits.

Does visitor medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Some plans may cover stable pre-existing medical conditions if specific eligibility requirements are met. Coverage varies by insurer, policy type, and the traveller’s medical history.

Can I buy medical insurance after arriving in Canada?

Yes, many insurers allow visitors to purchase coverage after arriving in Canada. However, waiting periods may apply before coverage becomes effective, especially for sickness-related claims. Additionally, pre-existing conditions and symptoms before the effective date are typically excluded.

What happens if I have a medical emergency without insurance in Canada?

You will still receive emergency medical treatment, but you may be responsible for paying all health care costs yourself, including hospital fees, physician charges, diagnostic tests, and ambulance services.

Does visitor medical insurance cover ambulance services?

Most comprehensive visitor medical insurance plans include coverage for medically necessary ground or air ambulance services related to a covered emergency.

Can I use medical insurance while waiting for provincial health coverage?

Yes. Many newcomers, work permit holders, and returning Canadians purchase temporary medical insurance to help cover emergency health care expenses until their provincial or government health insurance plan (GHIP) becomes active.

Can I extend my policy if my stay is prolonged due to flight changes or personal reasons?

Some plans like Manulife and Travelance offer automatic extension in situations where your flight is cancelled or changed, or you incur medical emergencies on your policy expiry date. Refer to the policy wording for exact provisions for extension.