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Travel · A safer stay in Canada

Visitors to Canada Insurance

Emergency health coverage for visitors travelling to Canada.

  • Emergency medical coverage
  • Single-trip options
  • Stable-condition choices
Educational information reviewed for 2026

Why visitors need private medical insurance

Visitors are generally not covered by provincial health insurance. A hospital admission, ambulance or emergency procedure can create a major bill. Visitors insurance covers eligible emergency expenses during the insured period, subject to the contract.

Who should consider it?

Coverage is useful for tourists, parents visiting on a regular visitor visa, returning Canadians waiting for provincial eligibility and some temporary residents.

  • Family and friends visiting Canada
  • New permanent residents during a waiting period where applicable
  • Returning Canadians without immediate provincial coverage
  • Temporary workers or permit holders needing supplemental coverage

Typical eligible benefits

Plans may cover emergency hospital, physician care, diagnostics, ambulance, prescription drugs related to an emergency, emergency dental and repatriation. Follow the assistance-centre rules, especially before non-life-threatening treatment.

Medical stability is a contract test

A condition may be considered unstable after a symptom, medication change, investigation or referral even when the traveller feels well. Provide full details and compare the exact stability period for the traveller's age.

Coverage amount and deductible

Choose a limit that reflects Canadian medical costs and trip duration. A deductible can lower the premium, but confirm how often it applies and keep funds available to pay it.

Buy before arrival when possible

Policies purchased after arrival may impose a waiting period for sickness. Coverage does not normally pay for events that occur before the effective time. Arrange insurance before travel and carry the wallet card.

What to do in an emergency

Contact the insurer's assistance centre as soon as safely possible, give the policy number and follow direction to an appropriate facility. Keep records and receipts. Failure to call can reduce benefits under some policies.

Personalized quote request

Tell us what the policy needs to do.

Visitor coverage depends on every traveller's age, trip dates and pre-existing-condition stability.

  • Product-specific questions
  • Needs-led advisor review
  • Your preferred follow-up time

Questions, answered

What people usually ask

Can I buy coverage after arriving in Canada?

Often yes, but sickness waiting periods may apply. It is safer to arrange coverage before arrival.

Does it cover routine checkups?

Most visitor policies focus on emergencies, not routine or preventive care, unless a specific enhanced benefit says otherwise.

Can a trip be extended?

Extensions may be possible before expiry if eligibility conditions are met and no disqualifying claim or health change occurred.

Is COVID-19 covered?

Treatment and travel-related benefits depend on the insurer's current wording, government advisories and vaccination provisions. Verify before travel.

A quote should start with your needs

See the coverage gap before comparing prices.

Our guided interview organizes the details an advisor needs and lets you choose the best time for a follow-up.

Start my guided quote

Sources and verification

We use official regulator, government and insurer information. Product contracts and eligibility change, verify details for your application.