What is visitors insurance?
Visitors insurance is emergency medical coverage designed for people visiting Canada. Since the provincial health plans do not extend to international visitors, even a minor medical emergency can result in a very large bill. A visitors policy covers those costs so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
Who is it for?
- Tourists and family members visiting Canada
- Work-permit holders not yet covered by a provincial plan
- New immigrants during their provincial health-coverage waiting period
- Returning Canadians waiting to be re-enrolled in provincial coverage
What's covered
Depending on the plan you choose, visitors insurance can include:
- Hospital and emergency medical care
- Emergency medical transportation and ambulance
- Emergency dental treatment
- Accidental death and dismemberment
- Medical repatriation and return of remains
- Costs for a travelling companion in an emergency
- 24-hour toll-free assistance
Coverage amounts
Visitor policies are available from $10,000 up to $1,000,000, so you can match your coverage to your needs and budget. (This differs from Super Visa insurance, which requires a minimum of $100,000 valid for a full year.)
Why buy from a Canadian insurer?
We recommend purchasing your policy from a Canadian insurance company before you travel. Claims are handled locally and paid directly where possible — avoiding the long reimbursement delays that often come with policies bought in your home country.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors to Canada really need insurance?
Yes — Canada's public healthcare does not cover visitors, and a single emergency can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Visitors insurance protects you from these unexpected medical bills.
How much coverage should I choose?
Policies range from $10,000 up to $1,000,000. For short stays many visitors choose $50,000–$100,000, but the right amount depends on age, health and length of stay. We can recommend a suitable limit.
Can I buy the policy before arriving in Canada?
Absolutely. We strongly recommend purchasing from a Canadian insurer before your trip so you're covered from the moment you land and avoid slow overseas reimbursement.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Some plans include coverage for stable pre-existing conditions after a defined stability period. We'll help you find a policy that matches your health profile.