Visitor to Canada Medical Insurance
Emergency medical coverage for family and friends visiting Canada.
Book a free consultationAll servicesEverything to know about visitor medical insurance
Who it is for
- Visitors to Canada, including family and tourists
- New immigrants waiting for provincial coverage
- People on work or study permits without cover yet
- Hosts who want their visitors protected
How it works
- You choose the cover amount and policy length
- The policy covers emergency hospital and medical care, usually not routine care
- You pay a premium based on age and cover amount
- Claims are handled through direct billing at many hospitals or by reimbursement
What affects the cost
- The age of the traveller
- Cover amount and deductible
- Policy length
- Pre-existing condition options
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting cover lapse before provincial coverage starts
- Buying a policy that excludes conditions the visitor has
- Not reading the stability requirements
- Not keeping the policy documents handy
A new immigrant family buys a three month plan to bridge the provincial waiting period. Illustration only.
Questions people ask
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Some plans cover stable conditions and others exclude them. We compare options for your situation.
How long is the waiting period for provincial coverage?
It varies by province, and in some provinces it can be up to about three months.
Can I extend the policy?
Many policies can be extended if the traveller is still healthy and no claim is pending.
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A plain language guide to banking, credit, taxes, insurance, health coverage, TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, RESP and RDSP, written for newcomers by Manpreet Singh.
Full colour editionBlack and whiteKindleWhat it is
Provincial health plans do not cover visitors, so an unexpected hospital stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Visitor medical insurance pays eligible emergency costs so a visit stays a happy memory. I compare insurers for you and explain what each plan does and does not cover.
How it works
Share the trip details
Visitor age, arrival date, length of stay and any health conditions.
Compare plans
Coverage amounts, deductibles and pre-existing condition rules side by side.
Apply online
Most applications are completed digitally in minutes.
Stay protected
Keep the policy documents and assistance number handy during the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors have provincial health coverage?
No. Provincial plans generally do not cover visitors, so medical bills are paid by the visitor or their insurer.
Is visitor insurance required?
It is not required for every visitor, but it is strongly recommended. Parents and grandparents applying for a Super Visa must have specific coverage, see the Super Visa page.
Who can buy it?
Tourists, visiting parents and grandparents, relatives and friends. Eligibility and pricing depend on the visitor’s age and the insurer.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Usually only if the condition has been stable for a set period before the trip. Rules differ by insurer and age, so ask me before you buy.
How is the premium calculated?
By age, length of stay, coverage amount, deductible and health questions.
What is not covered?
Routine or elective care, and unstable pre-existing conditions, are commonly excluded. I will walk you through the exclusions of any plan.
What if the visit is cut short?
Many plans refund unused days if no claim was made. Confirm the refund terms when you apply.
Talk to Manpreet about Visitor to Canada Medical Insurance
A free, no-obligation call to find the right fit.
Book a free consultationOffered through MS Insurance Inc. by a licensed advisor in AB, SK, BC, NB, NS, QC, MB, ON and PEI. Information is general education, not personal advice. Product availability and rules vary by province.