What is Visitor insurance for Canada?

Visitor insurance is emergency medical insurance designed for non-residents visiting Canada. It helps cover unexpected healthcare expenses such as hospitalization, doctor visits, ambulance services, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications. Since visitors are generally not eligible for provincial healthcare, travel medical insurance for visitors to Canada protects against potentially high out-of-pocket medical costs.

Visitor insurance to Canada at a glance:

What are the types of visitor insurance in Canada?

Visitor insurance in Canada plans typically have two major types of coverage: medical insurance for visitors to Canada and Super Visa insurance.

• Emergency medical insurance: Medical insurance for visitors to Canada covers eligible medical emergencies that a non-resident might require during their trip to Canada
• Super Visa insurance: Super Visa insurance is a specialized product that covers parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with coverage of at least $100,000 that remains valid for at least one year

Why do you need health insurance for visitors to Canada?

Visitor insurance for Canada helps protect against costly medical expenses and also satisfies Super Visa insurance requirements. Here’s why it becomes important for visitors to Canada:

• Ineligible for provincial health care plans: Visitors are not covered by Canada’s provincial health care systems, such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), and other provincial plans
• Protection against high healthcare costs: Medical treatment in Canada can be expensive. Even a single day hospital cost can be between $4,000 to $4,500 per day, leading to significant out-of-pocket expenses without insurance
• Coverage for medical emergencies: Covers eligible emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, physician services, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, and ambulance transportation
• Required for Super Visa applicants: Parents and grandparents applying for a Canadian Super Visa must carry qualifying health insurance that meets the $100,000 coverage requirements set by IRCC
• Ensures peace of mind: With visitor insurance in place, you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about the financial impact of an unexpected illness or injury

Who should buy visitor health insurance in Canada?

The table below highlights the most common groups that benefit from visitor insurance.

How much does visitor health insurance cost in Canada?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for travellers to Canada typically ranges from $69.00/month to $324.00/month for $100,000 coverage, without pre-existing conditions. The cost, however, varies depending on factors like age, deductibles, trip duration, etc.

Here is a breakdown of visitor insurance costs in Canada:

Factors affecting the cost of visitor insurance in Canada

Factors that can influence the cost of medical insurance for visitors to Canada include:

• Age: Younger travellers (under 40) can expect to pay lower premiums as they are considered lower risk for health issues
• Pre-existing conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you will need to choose a plan that covers them. These plans are more expensive than plans without pre-existing conditions. Some insurers may charge a higher premium for pre-existing conditions plans, while others might exclude these conditions altogether
• Length of stay: The longer you stay in Canada, the higher the cost of insurance
• Coverage amount: Policies with lower coverage (e.g., $50,000) are more affordable but may not cover all potential medical expenses. Higher coverage limits (e.g., $100,000 or more) offer more extensive protection but come with a higher premium
• Deductibles: Higher deductibles have lower premiums, and lower deductibles lead to higher premiums

How to reduce the cost of visitor insurance to Canada?

To reduce the cost of visitor insurance, you can choose higher deductibles, compare rates across multiple insurers, choose the right trip duration, and a few other options.

Here are some ways to lower your premium:

• Choose a higher deductible: Increasing your deductible can reduce the cost of your policy. Destination Canada offers the cheapest rates for higher deductibles of $10,000
• Select an appropriate coverage amount: Avoid paying for more coverage than you realistically need
• Consider family plans: Opt for family plans if you are travelling with your family. Travelance offers a ‘family rate,’ which means you don’t need to pay extra for dependent children
• Compare multiple insurers: The actual cost may vary depending on the insurer you choose. Compare quotes from different insurers or get in touch with our advisors to get the most affordable quotes

How much coverage should I get for visitors to Canada insurance?

There is no standard limit when it comes to choosing a visitor insurance coverage amount in Canada. However, our advisors recommend having at least $100,000 in coverage. 

In the table below, we have listed different coverage amounts and who they may be ideal for:

Tips to choose the best visitor insurance plan

To choose the best visitor plan in Canada, you need to keep a few tips in mind, such as coverage limits, deductible options, pre-existing coverage, and a few others. Listed below are a few of these tips:

• Match your visa requirements: Super Visa applicants need a medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $100,000. If you are buying Super Visa insurance, make sure you choose an insurer that meets these coverage requirements
• Coverage amount: Choose a coverage limit that matches your risk profile and length of stay. It is advisable to choose at least $100,000 in coverage
• Deductible: Selecting the right deductible is an important part of choosing a visitor insurance plan, as it affects both the cost of the policy and your potential out-of-pocket expenses during the claim. Higher deductibles reduce the premium, and vice versa
• Policy exclusions: Review exclusions carefully to understand what is not covered
• Insurer reputation: Consider the provider’s claims process, customer service, and financial strength
• Pre-existing condition coverage: Check whether stable pre-existing conditions are covered and review the stability period requirements

Which are the best visitor health insurance companies in Canada?

The best providers for visitor health insurance in Canada include Manulife, Travelance, 21st Century, TuGo, and a few others. 

Here are some of the best visitor insurance companies in Canada:

• Manulife: Manulife visitor insurance plan is available in tiered options: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. It offers emergency medical coverage of up to $200,000
• Secure Travel (RIMI): Secure Travel’s visitor to Canada insurance policy provides maximum coverage of up to $1,000,000, which is one of the highest in the industry
• TuGo: TuGo is known for its flexible policy options and optional Sports & Activities rider, making it a strong choice for travellers interested in adventure activities in Canada. The insurer also offers a 7-day stability rider that reduces the stability period for pre-existing conditions to 7 days
• Destination Canada: It is known for its flexible deductible options. With deductible options of up to $10,000, it helps visitors reduce the premium cost 
• 21st Century: 21st Century is one of the very few insurers in Canada to introduce a Monthly Payment Plan (MPP). The MPP option is a great way to reduce the upfront costs
• Allianz: Allianz offers emergency medical coverage of up to $2,000,000 for eligible international students, making it a strong option for those seeking higher coverage limits

How can I pay for Canadian visitors’ insurance?

You can pay the premium for a visitor to Canada insurance policy in two ways: a full upfront payment or a monthly payment plan

• Upfront payment is straightforward, as you make a single payment at the start, which covers you for your entire trip to Canada. Many people prefer this method for its simplicity and convenience, as it eliminates the need for recurring payments and ensures uninterrupted coverage
• Monthly payment plans spread the cost of the insurance over several months. This option can be more manageable for those on a budget or with a limited cash flow, as it breaks down the total premium into smaller, more affordable installments. A few companies in Canada offer monthly payment options, including Secure Travel, Destination Canada, Travelance, and 21st Century

Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in Canada?

Yes, you can buy visitor insurance after you arrive in Canada, but most insurers apply a waiting period for illness coverage, usually between 48 hours and 8 days. During this time, the policy won’t cover any medical treatment related to illnesses. For instance, Manulife’s basic visitor insurance plan has a waiting period of 72 hours.

Can I take side trips or travel to another country on my visitor insurance?

Yes, you can take side trips and travel to another country while on a visitor insurance plan, provided your plan covers side trips. Most insurers need your side trip to originate and terminate in Canada. 

Insurers such as MSH International cover side trips that do not exceed 49% of the trip duration. If you take a side trip that is longer than what is permitted, your policy will be suspended while you are out of Canada. Once you return, your coverage will resume. 

Frequently Asked Questions