KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Visitor insurance is essential for business travellers to Canada, as non-residents must pay out-of-pocket for emergency medical care, hospital visits, and prescriptions without coverage
  • Business travel insurance policies typically cover trip delays, lost business equipment, and optional COVID-19 or quarantine-related costs
  • Premiums vary by age, duration of stay, and health status, with average monthly costs for a 30-day stay ranging from $72 to over $450, depending on coverage needs and pre-existing conditions
  • Top visitor insurance providers like Manulife, Allianz, TuGo, and Travelance offer plans with features like direct billing, digital claims support, and pre-existing condition coverage

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Every year, thousands of international business travellers visit Canada for conferences, client meetings, and company operations. Even with a well-planned itinerary, things can go off track.

Whether it’s a sudden illness, a delayed flight, or lost documents, business trips can quickly lead to unplanned expenses. Since Canada’s public healthcare system doesn’t cover visitors, even a minor issue can become a major expense. That’s why having visitor insurance in Canada is a smart and necessary part of any trip.

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Do business travellers to Canada need visitor insurance?

Yes, as a business traveller, you can’t afford to skip visitor insurance for your Canadian trip. While it’s not a mandatory requirement for most international visitors, having coverage can save you from unexpectedly high medical bills, trip interruptions, and other travel-related issues. 

Read our comprehensive visitor to Canada insurance guide

What does business travel insurance for visitors to Canada cover?

Visitor insurance for business travellers to Canada protects against unexpected events, covering emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations, and lost business equipment. 

Business trip insurance covers a wide range of scenarios, including emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations, and even the loss of crucial business equipment.  

Visitor insurance coverage for business travellers to Canada

Coverage area Description
Medical coverage (Emergency care & hospitalization) Covers medical treatment for emergencies such as sudden illness or injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and ambulance services
Trip interruption & delays Covers the costs associated with trip cancellations or delays due to unexpected events (e.g., flight cancellations, illness). Includes hotel and meal expenses
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Provides financial compensation in the event of death or dismemberment due to an accident during the business trip. Includes lump sum payments to beneficiaries
Optional COVID-19 or quarantine coverage Covers medical expenses related to COVID-19 and quarantine costs, such as additional accommodation, meals, and transportation, if you test positive while travelling
Business equipment loss (Additional) Covers the loss, theft, or damage of essential business equipment, such as laptops, smartphones, or documents, during the trip

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What is the cost of business trip medical insurance in Canada?

Factors like age, health condition, coverage amount, and trip duration determine the cost of visitor insurance in Canada. On average, premiums for a 30-day stay range from $72 to $453 for visitor insurance Canada. 

Here are the typical costs for visitor insurance for business travellers to Canada, with a $100,000 coverage amount:

Cost of visitor insurance for business travellers to Canada

Age Without pre-existing conditions With pre-existing conditions
25 $72.30 $92.70
35 $90.90 $100.20
45 $101.70 $115.50
55 $110.70 $129.60
65 $133.20 $168.60
75 $240.00 $328.80
85 $405.00 $453.92

*These prices represent typical monthly premiums for a 30-day stay. Keep in mind that factors like age, health status, and coverage limits can influence the cost of your plan. 

Now that you understand the costs of visitor insurance, let’s explore the top providers offering customized business travel insurance plans for business travellers to Canada.

Read more about the cheapest visitor insurance companies in Canada

Which are the best visitor insurance companies for business travellers to Canada?

Choosing the best medical insurance for business travellers to Canada is a critical step for business travellers who want reliable protection against unexpected health issues while staying in the country. 

In Canada, insurance providers such as Manulife, Allianz, TuGo, GMS, and Travelance offer affordable visitor insurance in Canada with features customized for professional needs. 

Best business travel insurance companies in Canada

Provider Coverage highlights Estimated cost (30 days) Claims process
Manulife Up to $150,000 emergency medical; direct billing; optional follow-up care From $108 – $450 Online claims submission, 24/7 support
Allianz Medical + trip interruption + baggage; tailored for corporate travellers From $100 – $400 Streamlined digital claims, concierge support
TuGo Up to $300,000; covers pre-existing conditions (stable); mobile-friendly tools From $90 – $516 Fast claims via app or online portal
GMS Emergency medical up to $150,000; lower rates with higher deductible options From $100 – $450 Claims processed within 5–7 business days
Travelance $25,000–$300,000 coverage; flexible deductibles; COVID-19 optional From $85 – $400 Manual and digital claims, bilingual service

Read more about the best visitor insurance companies in Canada

How to choose the best visitor insurance plan for business travellers to Canada?

When evaluating medical insurance for travel to Canada, it’s important to look for plans that offer high emergency medical limits, low or customizable deductibles, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. 

Additionally, opting for policies with direct billing options can streamline the process, while selecting reputable providers with strong claims support ensures you’re in good hands if you need to file a claim. Here are the key considerations when choosing the right policy:

  • Length of stay: Short visits may only require basic emergency medical coverage, while longer business stays may demand extended benefits such as prescription drugs, specialist visits, or trip interruption coverage
  • Type of business activity: If your work involves physical tasks or site inspections, choose a medical insurance for travel to Canada plan that considers higher-risk activities. Sedentary meetings or conferences may allow for a lower-risk profile and reduced premiums
  • Pre-existing conditions: We recommend choosing visitor insurance for pre-existing conditions in Canada if you have stable health issues. Please note that different insurers have varying stability periods between 90–180 days
  • Frequency of travel: If you travel to Canada multiple times a year, consider a multi-trip annual business travel insurance policy. It can be more cost-effective than buying a new single-trip plan for each visit
  • High emergency medical limits (e.g., $100,000+): Look for a plan that offers substantial emergency medical coverage. Coverage limits of $100,000 or more are often ideal, as medical costs in Canada can be high, especially for extended hospital stays or emergency surgeries
  • Low or customizable deductibles: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. Choose a plan with low deductibles, or select a plan that allows you to adjust your deductible based on your needs and budget
  • Direct billing options: Opt for a provider that offers direct billing to healthcare facilities in Canada. This feature saves you from paying out-of-pocket expenses upfront and seeking reimbursement later, ensuring a smoother and more efficient claims process
  • Reputable providers with strong claims support: Schedule a call with our experienced advisors so they can help you choose an insurance provider with a good reputation and robust claims support

How can you maximize your health insurance for visitors in Canada?

Getting the most value from your health insurance for visitors in Canada means knowing how to use it effectively while travelling. Planning ahead can save time, money, and stress during your stay in Canada.

Most importantly, you must know whether your plan offers direct billing, keep your documents handy, notify your insurer on priority, and check the availability of the prescriptions you’d need.

Here are the key considerations you need to know:

  • Know your provider network: Check if your visitor insurance Canada plan offers direct billing through specific Canadian hospitals or clinics near your destination
  • Keep documents handy: Carry your insurance card and policy details at all times during your trip
  • Use assistance hotlines: Call your insurer before seeking non-emergency care; they can guide you to covered providers and start the claim process
  • Act fast in emergencies: Get medical help immediately, then notify your insurer within 24 hours for claim eligibility
  • Use telemedicine: Many business travel plans include virtual consultations for minor health issues, saving time and effort
  • Manage prescriptions wisely: Bring enough medication for your entire stay, in original containers, with a doctor’s note and written prescription
  • Check drug coverage: Some policies cover prescriptions bought in Canada, but confirm before purchase to avoid paying out of pocket
Want an instant visitor insurance quote?

Give us a call at 1-888-601-9980 or book some time with our licensed experts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend my business travel insurance if my stay in Canada is prolonged?

Yes, most insurers, like Manulife and TuGo, allow you to extend your policy before it expires, provided no claims have been made. We recommend contacting your provider at least 48 hours before the policy ends to ensure continuous coverage, especially if your business meetings are extended.

Does business travel insurance cover multiple entries into Canada?  

Yes, frequent travellers can choose a multi-trip business travel insurance policy, which covers multiple short-term visits within a 12-month period. These visitors to Canada travel insurance plans suit executives or consultants who regularly visit Canada, saving time and money compared to single-trip policies.

What happens if I need follow-up care after I return home?  

Most visitor insurance plans cover only emergency care during your stay in Canada. However, some providers, like Allianz, offer limited follow-up care for treatments started in Canada, provided they’re medically necessary. We recommend always checking your policy details before travelling.

Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in Canada?

Yes, visitor visa health insurance providers like TuGo and Travelance allow purchasing insurance after arrival, but a waiting period (e.g., 48 hours) may apply for non-emergency claims. Our experienced advisors recommend purchasing visitor insurance beforehand so you’re insured the second you arrive in Canada. 

Are travel vaccinations or preventive care covered under visitor insurance?

No, standard visitor insurance doesn’t cover routine services like vaccinations or check-ups. These policies focus on sudden illnesses or emergencies during your Canadian business trip.

What happens if I don’t have visitor insurance in Canada?

Without medical insurance for visitors, you’ll pay out-of-pocket for all medical expenses, which can range from $1,000 for a clinic visit to $10,000+ for hospitalization. This could disrupt your trip and budget.

Can I get coverage for high-risk business activities in Canada?

Yes, some visitor insurance Canada providers like TuGo offer coverage for higher-risk activities (e.g., site inspections), but you may need to declare these activities upfront to ensure protection.

SUMMARY

Business travellers visiting Canada in 2025 should consider securing visitor insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses, trip interruptions, and equipment loss. Canada’s public healthcare system does not provide coverage for international visitors, making insurance essential. Business travel insurance policies typically cover emergency medical care, trip delays, accidental death, and lost business equipment. Costs for insurance depend on factors such as age, health status, and coverage limits, with premiums ranging from $72 to $453 for a 30-day stay. Top providers such as Manulife, Allianz, and TuGo offer policies tailored to business travellers, with options for pre-existing conditions, high emergency medical limits, and direct billing features.

Written By
Ripenjeet Sandhu
Insurance Advisor, LLQP
Ripenjeet Sandhu is an expert insurance advisor with over 10 years of financial experience from retail banking. Now focused on travel insurance, she is passionate about providing personalized coverage to clients across Canada.
Ripenjeet Sandhu is an expert insurance advisor with over 10 years of financial experience from retail banking. Now focused on travel insurance, she is passionate about providing personalized coverage to clients across Canada.
Sources:

PolicyAdvisor. “Cost of Visitor Insurance to Canada.” PolicyAdvisor, May 2025. https://www.policyadvisor.com/visitor-insurance-canada/cost-of-visitors-insurance-to-canada/