Visitors to Canada insurance pays for emergency medical care for people who are not covered by a provincial health plan. It is optional for most visitors but strongly recommended, because a few days in a Canadian hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Coverage is available from $10,000 up to $300,000 or more, for a few days or up to a year.
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Who it is for
Visiting family
Parents, relatives and friends on a visitor visa or eTA.
New immigrants
New permanent residents waiting for provincial coverage to start.
Students
International students not yet covered by a school or provincial plan.
Workers & returning Canadians
Work permit holders and Canadians returning after a long stay abroad.
Visitors insurance vs Super Visa insurance
| Visitors to Canada | Super Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Required? | Optional (recommended) | Mandatory for the visa |
| Minimum coverage | Any amount, e.g. $10,000+ | $100,000 |
| Length | A few days up to 1 year | At least 1 year from entry |
| Pre-existing option | Available on many plans | Available on many plans |
What decides the price
Age, trip length, coverage amount, deductible and pre-existing condition coverage. Short trips for younger visitors are inexpensive; longer stays for older visitors cost more. Compare insurers for the exact dates to see the real difference.
Visitors insurance FAQ
Do visitors to Canada need health insurance?
Ordinary visitors are not required to buy insurance to enter Canada, but provincial health plans do not cover them, so a hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars per day. Visitors to Canada insurance pays for emergency medical care during the trip. It is mandatory only for Super Visa applicants.
How much is visitors to Canada insurance?
It depends on age, trip length, coverage amount ($10,000 up to $300,000 or more), deductible and pre-existing condition coverage. A short trip for a younger visitor costs far less than a year-long policy for someone in their 70s. Run a quote to compare live prices.
Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in Canada?
Yes, many insurers sell coverage after arrival, but they usually apply a waiting period (for example 48 hours to 15 days) before sickness is covered, while accidents may be covered right away. Buying before the trip avoids that gap.
Does Super Visa insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Some plans offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, usually as an option that raises the premium. 'Stable' means no new symptoms, treatment or medication changes during a set period before the policy starts (often 90, 180 or 365 days, depending on the plan and age). Conditions that are not stable are generally excluded. Answer the medical questions honestly — a wrong answer can void a claim.
How do I make a claim?
Call the insurer's emergency assistance line on the policy card as soon as possible — ideally before treatment. They can direct the visitor to a clinic or hospital and often pay the provider directly. Keep every receipt and report. We help our clients with the paperwork if a claim gets complicated.
Why buy through a licensed advisor instead of directly?
The premium is set by the insurer, so you generally do not pay more through an advisor. What you get is help choosing the right plan, checking the medical questions, matching the dates to the visa, and support with changes, refunds and claims later.