Visitors to Canada aren't covered by OHIP or any other provincial health plan. If a visiting parent slips on ice in January, or needs an emergency appendectomy, the hospital bills the patient directly, at rates set for people without provincial coverage. Visitors to Canada insurance pays those bills, up to the amount you choose.
Who it's for
- Parents and relatives on a visitor visa or eTA coming for a family event, a new baby or a long summer
- Tourists and business visitors who want cover for the length of their trip
- New immigrants and returning Canadians waiting for provincial health coverage to start
- Super Visa applicants, who need a policy that meets IRCC's stricter rules. See Super Visa insurance.
Is it mandatory?
For an ordinary visitor visa, IRCC doesn't require medical insurance, although officers can ask how a visitor would pay for medical care. For a Super Visa, insurance is required: at least $100,000 of coverage, valid for a year from entry, from an approved insurer. Even when it isn't required, going without cover is a real financial risk for anyone over 60.
What it covers
Plans differ, but a typical Visitors to Canada policy pays for emergency care that starts during the trip:
- hospital stays, doctors and surgeons
- diagnostic tests such as X-rays and blood work
- prescription drugs given for the emergency
- ambulance and emergency transportation
- emergency dental care after an accident
- returning the insured person home for medical reasons, or returning remains
It's emergency insurance, not a health plan. Routine check-ups, ongoing treatment of known conditions, and care that could wait until your visitor gets home aren't covered. More detail: does visitor insurance cover check-ups?
Choosing the right amount and length
- Coverage amount. Plans start at around $10,000. For visitors over 60, $100,000 or more is more realistic. One serious hospital stay can use up a small limit quickly.
- Length. Buy for the whole stay, from the arrival date to the departure date. Most insurers sell policies up to 365 days, and many let you extend before the policy ends.
- Deductible. A higher deductible lowers the premium. Pick an amount your family could pay comfortably if there's a claim.
Pre-existing conditions
Most visitors over 55 have at least one condition, such as blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol. Many plans will cover a stable pre-existing condition, usually one that hasn't changed for 90 or 180 days before the policy starts, and some offer a cheaper option that excludes them. Read what counts as a pre-existing condition before you choose.
Buying after your visitor has arrived
You can usually buy after arrival, but most insurers then apply a waiting period. Illness that starts in the first few days isn't covered, though injuries from an accident usually are. Buy before the flight if you can.
Compare and buy
Use the quote tool above to compare prices from several insurers. You can also buy directly through Pankaj's links:
Common questions
How much does visitor insurance cost?
It depends on the visitor's age, the length of stay, the coverage amount, the deductible and whether pre-existing conditions are covered. A month's cover for a healthy 40-year-old costs far less than six months for an 80-year-old. Use the quote tool for exact prices.
Can I extend a visitor's policy if they stay longer?
Usually yes, if you ask before the current policy ends and there have been no claims or changes in health. Some insurers need a new application for the extra period.
Does visitor insurance cover side trips to the USA?
Many plans cover short side trips outside Canada as long as most of the trip is spent in Canada. Trips back to the home country usually aren't covered. Check the side-trip rules before booking.
What is the difference between visitor insurance and Super Visa insurance?
Super Visa insurance is a visitor policy that meets IRCC's extra rules: at least $100,000 of coverage, valid for one year from entry, from an approved insurer, and paid in full or in instalments with a deposit. Ordinary visitor insurance can be shorter and have lower limits.
Can visitors get a refund if they go home early?
Most insurers refund unused days if no claim was made, sometimes minus an admin fee. Ask for the refund once your visitor is back home.