Visitor Health Insurance for Work Permit Holders in Canada

Provincial health plan rules for work permit holders in Canada

Based on the province you live in, the rules for work permit holders for provincial health plans will vary.  Here’s how:

What does Visitors to Canada insurance cover for work permit holders?

Most VTC plans typically cover:

• Emergency hospitalization and medical treatment
• Doctor visits due to sudden illness or injury
• Ambulance transportation
• Emergency diagnostic tests and lab work
• Prescription drugs related to covered emergencies
• Emergency dental treatment for accidental injuries or sudden pain
• Repatriation and return of remains
• Coverage for eligible stable pre-existing medical conditions

What does it exclude?

Visitors’ insurance to Canada typically excludes the following:

• Non-emergency care
• Cosmetic treatments
• Unstable pre-existing medical conditions (except for TuGo)
• Routine pregnancy care and elective treatments
• Preventive healthcare services
• Injury due to high-risk activities
• Any injury while travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner
• Self-inflicted injuries

How much does visitor health insurance cost for work permit holders?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for work permit holders or non-residents without pre-existing coverage typically ranges from $69 to $324 per month, and with pre-existing coverage lies between $92 to $512 per month.

Average visitor insurance premiums for different age groups in 2026:

*Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for a 30-day period

Key factors when choosing a visitor health insurance plan for work permit holders in Canada

When selecting visitor health insurance in Canada as a work permit holder, it’s important to consider several factors, such as:

• Coverage scope: Make sure your policy covers emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and ambulance services, since non-residents lack coverage under Canada’s healthcare system. It should also include pre-existing conditions, as many plans either exclude these or require them to be stable for a certain period
• Coverage for family members: If your spouse or children are accompanying you to Canada, verify whether the plan allows dependent coverage under the same policy or requires separate plans. Travelance visitor insurance offers ‘family rates’ to help you save on premiums
• Side trip coverage: Short trips outside Canada may not be covered by standard visitor insurance. Some insurers, like MSH International, provide coverage for side trips as long as the majority of the policy duration is spent in Canada
• Policy limits and deductibles: When reviewing coverage limits, our advisors generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 for medical expenses, though higher limits may be necessary depending on your health and planned activities. You must also understand the deductible amount. Lower deductibles reduce out-of-pocket costs when making a claim, but may lead to higher premiums
• High-risk activities: If you plan to engage in high-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving, confirm if they are covered by the policy, since most standard plans exclude such activities. TuGo visitor insurance has a Sports & Activities Coverage rider that provides coverage for adventurous activities
• Exclusions and limitations: It is important to review policy exclusions carefully to understand what’s not covered, such as certain conditions or activities. Additionally, you should also know about the waiting periods before coverage starts. Some policies may not cover illnesses that occur within a specific time after purchase
• Claims process and emergency assistance: Choose an insurer with a simple claims process and 24/7 emergency assistance support
• Refund and cancellation policy: Check whether the insurer offers partial refunds if your work permit is cancelled, your visa application is denied, or you leave Canada earlier than expected

Common mistakes work permit holders make with visitor health insurance

Work permit holders assume they will automatically be covered by provincial healthcare or employer benefits upon arrival. However, coverage gaps are common, and a few simple mistakes can leave you uninsured when you need medical care the most.

Here are the common mistakes work permit holders need to avoid:

• Assuming your employer covers you: Employer-sponsored health benefits during the waiting period are not guaranteed and may offer limited coverage. Always confirm the start date and benefits in writing
• Waiting until after arrival to buy insurance: Visitor health insurance can be purchased before you land in Canada. Waiting until arrival may leave you uninsured from day one
• Buying coverage for a short period: A 30-day policy may not be enough if your provincial health insurance waiting period lasts up to three months. For instance, British Columbia has a waiting period of 3 months, so make sure your policy covers the entire gap
• Overlooking the pre-existing condition stability clause: A condition that was treated or had medication changes within the stability period may not be covered. Review the policy wording carefully before purchasing
• Not covering your spouse or children: Dependents face the same healthcare waiting periods as work permit holders. Ensure every family member has adequate coverage and is added to your visitor insurance plan
• Cancelling coverage too early: Don’t end your visitor insurance as soon as the waiting period expires. Keep coverage active until your provincial health card is issued and confirmed

What happens to your health insurance if your work permit expires?

If your work permit expires, your eligibility for provincial health insurance may also end, depending on the province and your immigration status. Visitor health insurance typically remains valid until the policy’s expiry date, regardless of your permit status, helping protect you from unexpected medical costs during permit renewals. 

In some provinces, obtaining a new work permit may result in a waiting period before provincial coverage resumes, making continuous visitor insurance especially important to stay protected against emergency medical expenses during this time.

What is the waiting period for medical insurance in Canada for foreign workers?

Provinces have a waiting period ranging from 0 to 3 months before coverage begins. However, the exact waiting period requirement will vary from province to province. For example, British Columbia and Quebec have a 3-month waiting period for provincial health coverage.

Should I get visitor health insurance while waiting for provincial coverage?

Yes, visitor health insurance is crucial during the waiting period to cover expenses such as emergency medical treatments, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental care, and ambulance transportation. It ensures that you are protected from high out-of-pocket costs while you wait for provincial coverage to begin.

Does visitor health insurance cover trips outside Canada?

Yes, some visitor health insurance plans include limited side-trip coverage for short trips outside Canada, usually if most of your insured period is spent in Canada. For example, MSH has coverage for side trips, provided that at least 51% of the coverage period is spent in Canada. So, if you plan to travel internationally during your coverage period, check your policy details carefully.

How to apply for provincial health care as a work permit holder?

You can apply for provincial health care using a valid work permit in Canada (minimum of 6 to 12 months). To qualify for provincial health insurance in Canada, you are also required to maintain a primary residence within the province and avoid frequent travel back to your home country.

The processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks (varies by province), after which you’ll receive your health card by mail. Once approved, your coverage becomes active when you visit a doctor or hospital.

Can I get a refund after cancelling a visitor health plan?

Yes, cancelling your visitor health insurance plan for Canada and getting a refund is possible, but the terms for different insurers vary. Most providers offer full refunds if cancelled within the free-look period or before the policy starts. After coverage begins, you might receive a pro-rata refund for unused days, minus any fees.