Compare the Best Visitor Insurance Plans in Canada

Apply online and save BIG

Trusted by Canadians

5/5 Rating
Rating stars reviws.io icon

100% of our customers recommend us.

The Best Canadian Insurance Advisor

What is visitor to Canada insurance?

Visitor insurance Canada is an emergency medical coverage for non-residents visiting Canada, including parents on Super Visas, tourists, international students, and foreign workers. Policies start at $70–$115/month for healthy travelers under 65, with minimum $100,000 coverage.

What does visitor insurance cover?

Visitor insurance for Canada helps cover eligible emergency medical expenses if a non-resident becomes unexpectedly ill or injured during their stay. Depending on the plan, coverage may include emergency hospital and physician care, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, ambulance transportation, emergency dental treatment and medical evacuation.

Coverage is subject to the policy’s limits, deductible, exclusions and eligibility requirements. Here’s a list of all the inclusions in a medical insurance plan for visitors to Canada:

  • Emergency medical and hospital care: Covers reasonable and customary charges for medical care received from a physician, whether in or out of the hospital
  • Prescription drugs: Covers medically necessary prescription medication required to treat an eligible emergency, up to the plan limit
  • Diagnostic tests: Covers necessary blood work, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and other tests used to diagnose or treat an emergency
  • Paramedical services: Covers services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care or massage therapy, where medically necessary and allowed by the policy
  • Pre-existing conditions: May cover stable pre-existing conditions. Coverage depends on the insurer’s stability period, medical questionnaire and policy wording
  • Repatriation: Cover the costs of emergency medical evacuation back to your home country, which can be a significant cost without coverage
  • Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D): May provide a lump-sum benefit for a covered accidental death or qualifying loss of limb, sight, speech or hearing
  • Emergency dental care: May provide coverage for emergency dental treatment or surgery that may have resulted from an accident or sudden injury
  • Ambulance transportation: Covers the costs of ambulance services (whether ground or air) needed to transport the visitor to the nearest hospital or medical facility
  • Meals, accommodation and local transportation: May cover eligible hotel, meal and taxi costs if a covered emergency delays the visitor’s return home
  • Childcare: Certain plans may cover limited childcare expenses if the insured visitor is hospitalized and unable to care for their dependent child
  • Side trips or trip breaks: May allow limited travel outside Canada or a short return to the visitor’s home country without ending coverage

Who needs visitor insurance in Canada?

Visitor insurance is recommended for tourists, visiting family members, parents and grandparents, international students, and new workers who are not yet covered by a provincial health plan. It is mandatory for Super Visa applicants, who must show qualifying private medical coverage when applying.

Visitors to Canada

Comprehensive emergency medical coverage for a visit to Canada

Super Visa Insurance

Coverage that fits the requirements for those applying for a Canadian Super Visa

International Students

Coverage for international students attending school in Canada or Canadians studying abroad

Foreign Workers

Coverage for those working in Canada before they are eligible for provincial health plans

Recognized as a leader in the industry

What is super visa insurance?

Super Visa insurance is private emergency medical insurance for parents and grandparents applying for Canada’s Super Visa. It helps cover eligible emergency health-care costs, hospitalization and repatriation because Super Visa holders are not eligible for provincial health coverage.

Because a Super Visa grants long-term, multi-entry access, allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 consecutive years per entry, the Canadian government has strict rules in place to ensure these visitors are medically protected.

Super visa insurance requirements

To be approved for a Super Visa, the insurance policy submitted with the application must meet the following strict government criteria:

  • Minimum Coverage: The policy must provide at least $100,000 CAD in emergency medical coverage.
  • Validity Period: It must be valid for a minimum of 1 year (365 days) starting from the date of entry into Canada.
  • Approved Provider: The policy must be issued by a Canadian insurance company or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer.
  • Scope of Coverage: The insurance must specifically cover emergency health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
  • Proof of Payment: You must provide proof that the policy is active and paid for. Insurance quotes alone are not accepted, though policies paid via approved monthly installments are permitted.
  • Expanded Care: Policies must also cover emergency mental health treatments, rehabilitation services, and telemedicine consultations.
  • Streamlined Claims: Streamlined pre-authorization rules help visitors have their claims approved much faster during an emergency.

Compare Visitor Insurance Quotes in Canada

Don’t leave your health to chance;
get quotes from trusted providers today!

How much does visitor insurance to Canada cost?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for travelers to Canada typically ranges from $70 to $400 per month. For instance, younger travelers (under 35 years) may pay between $70 and $90 monthly, while those aged 70 years and older may see costs rise between $200 and $400 per month.

The following table shows a comparison of visitor insurance in Canada monthly premiums, with and without pre-existing condition coverage:

Visitor’s age Premiums
without pre-ex
Premiums
with Pre-ex
25 years $72.30/mo. $92.70/mo.
35 years $90.90/mo. $100.20/mo.
45 years $101.70/mo. $115.50/mo.
55 years $110.70/mo. $129.60/mo.
65 years $133.20/mo. $168.60/mo.
75 years $240.00/mo. $328.80/mo.
85 years $405.00/mo. $453.92/mo.

Looking for affordable visitor insurance?

Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.

Why should you buy visitor insurance to Canada?

Visitors to Canada need medical insurance because public healthcare doesn’t cover non-residents visiting Canada. Without insurance coverage, you could face tremendously high costs for medical emergencies. Even your home country’s public health care generally won’t cover trips abroad. The Government of Canada advises comprehensive travel insurance to avoid unexpected expenses for emergency room visits, transportation back to your home country, prescription drug and dental costs.

What an uninsured visit can cost

Without coverage, every dollar comes straight out of pocket. A serious injury can reach five figures within days.

$100–600
Walk-in clinic visit
$1,000+
Emergency room visit
$5,000 / day
Hospital stay
$10,000 / day
Intensive care (ICU)

Typical out-of-pocket figures for uninsured visitors in Canada. None of it is covered by the public system.

What factors affect the cost of visitor insurance in Canada?

Several factors such as the tourist’s age, health condition, and trip details affect the cost of health insurance for visitors to Canada. Young and healthy visitors will have to pay lower premiums while those above the age of 65 will pay higher premiums. Similarly, a pre-existing condition will increase the cost of premiums.

The cost of visitor insurance to Canada depends on factors like:

  • Age
  • Type of coverage (emergency medical, trip interruption/cancellation, baggage loss, etc.)
  • Trip length
  • Medical history
  • Amount of coverage
  • Deductible
  • Pre-existing medical conditions
Don't let a hospital bill ruin the trip

Compare visitor to Canada insurance and get covered before they land.

Which company offers the best health insurance plans for visitors to Canada?

Several insurance providers such as Manulife, Tugo, Allianz, Travelance, 21st century, GMS and more offer health insurance for visitors to Canada. Different providers have different premiums, policy inclusions, deductibles, and coverages. Some companies offer tiered visitor insurance plans, categorized as basic, standard, and enhanced or Plan A and Plan B. The different plan categories will be priced differently depending on the policy coverage.

At PolicyAdvisor, we partner with Canada’s best visitor insurance providers:

  • Manulife
  • Tugo (iA Financial Group)
  • Group Medical Services (GMS)
  • Allianz
  • 21st Century Travel Insurance Limited
  • Destination Canada
  • Travelance
  • Secure Travel

How to buy visitor insurance in Canada?

Getting visitor insurance quotes online is quick and straightforward with PolicyAdvisor. We just need a few details to show you the best options for your trip.

  • 1. Submit your trip details

    Add coverage dates, number of travellers and their age, coverage amount, and deductible.

  • 2. Compare quotes instantly

    See prices and benefits side by side from top Canadian insurers.

  • 3. Buy online or talk to an advisor

    Purchase in minutes, or call a licensed advisor for help at any step along the way.

Why choose PolicyAdvisor for visitor insurance quotes in Canada

PolicyAdvisor helps you compare visitor insurance quotes online with complete clarity, so you understand the cost and what each plan covers before you decide.

Instant quotes, no waiting

See personalized visitor insurance quotes right away, with no follow-ups or calls.

All top insurers in one place

Compare Manulife, TuGo, GMS and more side by side, without switching between sites.

$0
brokerage fees, ever

You pay the insurer's price, nothing more.

No pressure to buy

Browse your options freely and make a decision when you're ready

Fully online, apply from anywhere

Get covered start to finish in a few minutes. No paperwork, no in-person visits, everything digital.

Expert help when you need it

Connect with licensed advisors for guidance on Super Visa rules, pre-existing conditions and more.

Ready to Compare Visitor Insurance Plans?

Discover the best plans available for your visit to Canada in just a few clicks

Frequently asked questions

Do I need visitor insurance if I'm healthy? Toggle Icon
Yes, absolutely. Even healthy visitors should get medical insurance for visitors to Canada. Accidents and sudden illnesses can happen to anyone. A simple emergency room visit costs $1,000+, and a hospital stay can cost thousands per day. The risk is too high to go without coverage.
How much does visitor insurance cost in Canada? Toggle Icon
Visitor insurance typically costs $70-$400 per month, depending on age, coverage amount, and duration. Younger visitors (under 30) pay $70-$100 monthly, while those over 70 may pay $200-$400 monthly. Pre-existing conditions increase costs by 10-40%.
What is Super Visa insurance and who needs it? Toggle Icon
Super Visa insurance is private emergency medical coverage for parents and grandparents applying for a Canadian Super Visa. To qualify, the policy must provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage, be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation, and be valid for every entry to Canada.
Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in Canada? Toggle Icon
Yes, but it's not recommended. Purchasing after arrival often includes waiting periods of 24-48 hours before coverage begins. For pre-existing conditions, there may be longer waiting periods or exclusions. It's always best to purchase visitor visa insurance Canada before departure.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions? Toggle Icon
Yes, you can choose policies that cover pre-existing conditions, but they cost 10-40% more. Most insurers require the condition to be "stable" (no changes in medication, symptoms, or treatment) for 90-180 days before departure. Different insurers have different stability requirements.
What's not covered by visitor insurance? Toggle Icon
Common exclusions include non-emergency treatments, routine check-ups and preventive care pregnancy-related care (unless emergency), high-risk activities without additional coverage, treatment related to alcohol or drug abuse, and cosmetic procedures.
How do I make a claim for visitor insurance? Toggle Icon
For emergencies, call your insurer's 24/7 hotline immediately. For non-emergencies, contact them before treatment when possible. Keep all receipts, medical records, and documentation. Submit claims promptly with complete paperwork. Most insurers have online claim submission portals.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my visitor insurance? Toggle Icon
Most insurers offer refunds if you cancel before your coverage start date or if you leave Canada early. However, if you've made any claims, no refund is typically available. Some insurers offer partial refunds for unused coverage periods. Super Visa insurance may be refundable if the visa application is rejected.
Do I need medical exams to buy visitor insurance? Toggle Icon
No, visitor insurance doesn't require medical examinations. You'll need to complete a health questionnaire honestly, but no physical exams are required. However, you must disclose all pre-existing conditions accurately, as failure to do so can void your coverage.
What if I need prescription medications while visiting Canada? Toggle Icon
Visitor insurance may cover eligible emergency prescription drugs, subject to the policy’s limits. For ongoing medications, coverage may be limited. Bring sufficient medication for your stay, carry prescriptions in original packaging , and have a letter from your doctor explaining your medical needs.
Can I extend my visitor insurance while in Canada? Toggle Icon
Many insurers allow policy extensions if you decide to stay longer than originally planned. Contact your insurer before your current policy expires. Extensions are subject to underwriting approval and may require additional health declarations.
What's the difference between travel insurance and visitor insurance? Toggle Icon
Visitor insurance is emergency medical travel insurance designed for non-residents visiting Canada. “Travel insurance” is a broader term that may also include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage and travel-assistance benefits, depending on the plan.
Do international students need separate visitor insurance? Toggle Icon
International students have different requirements depending on the province:
  • Some provinces provide health coverage after waiting periods
  • Others require students to purchase private coverage
  • Many schools require proof of insurance for enrollment
  • Student insurance often includes mental health and sports coverage
How does visitor insurance work with workers' compensation? Toggle Icon
Visitor insurance complements workers' compensation for foreign workers. Workers' comp covers workplace injuries, while visitor insurance covers non-work-related medical emergencies, illnesses, and off-duty accidents. Both types of coverage are typically needed.