Travel Insurance Quotes - Visitor to Canada

Get Affordable Visitor to Canada Insurance Quotes

Compare top visitor insurance plans for Canada and choose the coverage that fits you best.

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We partner with Canada's leading insurance companies to bring you a wide range of affordable and reliable travel insurance plans. Our platform helps you quickly compare prices and features, ensuring you find the best coverage for your journey with complete peace of mind.

What is visitor to Canada insurance?

Visitor to Canada insurance is short-term health coverage for people not eligible for provincial plans. It is designed to cover emergencies and essential care during a temporary stay.

  • Available to tourists, super visa applicants, international students, and workers
  • Covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and urgent care
  • Can include dental emergencies and prescription drugs
  • Offers optional coverage for stable pre existing conditions

In 2024, total health care spending in Canada was projected at nearly 374 billion dollars, showing how large and costly the system has become for both residents and visitors.

Why visitor insurance matters in Canada

Visitor insurance shields travelers from the high costs of medical treatment while in Canada. Without it, even basic hospital care can become unaffordable. In 2024, hospital spending in Canada reached over 100 billion dollars, making it the single largest component of national health expenditures.

Here’s why visitor to Canada insurance matters:

  • Visitor insurance provides coverage for hospitalization and emergency care, which can be very expensive in Canada
  • It protects you against the cost of ambulance services and diagnostic tests such as X-rays or lab work
  • It helps meet visa requirements, including the mandatory coverage needed for the Super Visa program
  • It gives peace of mind to visitors and their Canadian hosts by ensuring financial protection in case of medical emergencies

What does visitor insurance in Canada cover?

Visitor to Canada insurance is essential for protecting yourself against unforeseen medical expenses during your stay. It covers emergency medical care, tests, ambulance transportation, and more. With private health insurance spending reaching nearly $59 billion in 2024, it’s clear that visitors rely on this coverage to fill potential gaps in care. Here’s what a comprehensive visitor insurance plan typically includes:

  • Doctor Consultations: Coverage for reasonable and customary fees charged by physicians, whether the care is provided in a hospital or outpatient setting
  • Prescription Drug Benefits: Many plans include coverage for necessary prescription medications during your stay in Canada
  • Diagnostic Tests and Procedures: Coverage may include lab work, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic services
  • Paramedical Practitioners: Access to services from licensed professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and registered massage therapists
  • Pre-existing Condition Coverage: Some plans offer protection for declared pre-existing medical conditions, depending on eligibility and policy terms
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: Coverage for the high costs of emergency transport or returning the insured to their home country for treatment or in the event of death
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): A lump-sum benefit may be provided if the insured suffers a serious accident resulting in death or the loss of limbs
  • Emergency Dental Services: Certain plans cover urgent dental treatment or surgery needed due to an accident or sudden injury
  • Ambulance Transportation: Costs of ground or air ambulance services to transport the insured to the nearest medical facility in case of an emergency
  • Accommodation and Meals: If treatment requires extending a stay in Canada, some plans reimburse expenses for hotels, meals, and local transportation (such as taxis)
  • Childcare Support: If a dependent child is left without care because the insured is hospitalized, temporary childcare costs may be covered
  • Trip Interruption or Side Trip Coverage: Some visitor medical insurance plans allow temporary travel to another country or a short return home without cancelling coverage

Cost of visitor insurance in Canada

The cost of visitor health insurance in Canada can range anywhere from $50 to $400 per month. Premiums vary based on age, trip length, medical history, and whether the traveler requires coverage for pre-existing conditions.

  • Younger travelers (under 30 years) usually pay between $50 and $100 per month
  • Seniors (70+ years) often pay between $200 and $400 per month, as premiums rise significantly with age
  • Adding coverage for pre-existing medical conditions can further increase costs, particularly for older visitors

Other factors that influence premiums include the amount of coverage selected, deductibles, and whether you add benefits such as trip interruption or baggage loss.

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Frequently asked questions

Is visitor insurance mandatory for traveling to Canada? Toggle Icon
Visitor insurance is not legally required for tourists, but it is mandatory for Super Visa applicants. Even if you are coming on a regular tourist visa, buying coverage is highly recommended. Without it, you will be responsible for paying hospital or emergency medical bills out of pocket, which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.
How much visitor insurance coverage do I need in Canada? Toggle Icon
Most advisors recommend at least $100,000 in coverage for Visitor to Canada insurance. This amount is generally enough to cover hospitalization, surgery, and emergency treatment for unexpected accidents or illnesses. For Super Visa applicants, the Government of Canada requires a minimum of $100,000 in medical coverage.
Can I buy visitor insurance after I arrive in Canada? Toggle Icon
Yes, many providers allow you to purchase visitor insurance after arrival. However, most companies apply a waiting period of 48 hours to 7 days for sickness coverage if the policy is purchased late. This means only accidental injuries are covered right away. To avoid gaps in protection, it is best to buy your policy before you travel.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions? Toggle Icon
Some Visitor to Canada insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, but only if they have been stable for a set period (commonly 90 to 180 days). Stability usually means no changes in medication, treatment, or new symptoms during that time. Since rules vary between providers, it’s important to review the stability clause carefully with an advisor.
How much does Visitor to Canada insurance cost per month? Toggle Icon
The cost of visitor insurance in Canada typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month. Younger travelers under age 30 pay the lowest premiums, while seniors over 70 can expect higher rates. Adding coverage for pre-existing conditions also increases the cost. Your exact premium depends on age, trip duration, medical history, and coverage amount.
Which companies offer the best Visitor to Canada insurance? Toggle Icon
Top Canadian providers include Manulife, Allianz, TuGo, GMS, Travelance, and Destination Canada. These insurers are trusted for their strong financial stability, broad coverage options, and reliable claims service. Each offers unique advantages, so using a comparison tool helps you find the best plan for your situation.
Can Visitor to Canada insurance cover side trips outside Canada? Toggle Icon
Yes, many policies allow side trips to other countries as long as the majority of your stay is in Canada. Coverage usually extends to short visits to the United States or your home country, but only if you return to Canada during the insured period. Always check the specific side-trip rules before purchasing.
How do I get the cheapest Visitor to Canada insurance rates? Toggle Icon
The best way to save money is to compare multiple providers, choose an appropriate deductible, and avoid unnecessary add-ons. Buying before arrival also helps you avoid waiting periods that can limit coverage. Working with an independent advisor ensures you are not overpaying while still meeting Super Visa or travel requirements.