Parents & Grandparents
Parents or grandparents visiting family members in Canada for a temporary stay.
Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical Insurance
Visitors to Canada Insurance — Compare Quotes Online
Compare emergency medical insurance options for parents, relatives, tourists and other visitors coming to Canada. Review available coverage amounts, deductibles and options for stable pre-existing medical conditions.
Compare multiple Canadian insurers
Instant online quotes
Pre-existing condition options
Licensed advisor support
Start Here
Get Your Visitor Insurance Quote
Enter the visitor's information below to compare available Visitors to Canada emergency medical insurance options.
Need help comparing the options?
Call 647-640-2222
WhatsApp
Quick Answer
What Is Visitors to Canada Insurance?
Visitors to Canada insurance
is emergency medical insurance designed for people
who are visiting or temporarily staying in Canada
and may not be covered by a Canadian provincial
health insurance plan.
It can help cover eligible unexpected medical expenses
such as emergency hospitalization, physician services,
ambulance transportation and other covered medical
treatment, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions
and limits of the policy selected.
Why Coverage Matters
Medical Treatment in Canada Can Be Expensive
Visitors to Canada generally do not have the same provincial health coverage available to eligible Canadian residents. An unexpected illness or injury can therefore result in significant out-of-pocket costs.
Visitors insurance is designed to provide protection against eligible emergency medical expenses during the insured period.
The exact benefits vary by insurer and plan, so it is important to compare more than price.
A visitor insurance policy may include:
- Emergency hospital services
- Physician and surgeon services
- Diagnostic tests when medically necessary
- Ground ambulance services
- Emergency prescription medication
- Emergency dental treatment
- Repatriation or transportation benefits
- Follow-up treatment related to a covered emergency
Benefits, limits and eligibility differ by insurer. Policy wording should always be reviewed before purchase.
Who It Is For
Who Should Consider Visitors Insurance?
Visitors medical insurance can be useful for many different types of temporary residents and visitors.
Family & Friends
Relatives and friends travelling to Canada who do not have Canadian provincial health coverage.
Tourists
Travellers visiting Canada for vacation, sightseeing or personal travel.
Newcomers
New residents who are not yet eligible for provincial health coverage or who have a temporary gap in coverage.
Work Permit Holders
Temporary workers who require medical insurance before provincial coverage becomes available or when provincial coverage does not apply.
Returning Canadians
Canadians returning after an extended absence who may temporarily require private emergency medical coverage.
Pricing
How Much Does Visitor Insurance Cost in Canada?
There is no single price for Visitors to Canada insurance. Premiums are calculated using several factors and can vary significantly between insurers.
| Pricing Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Age | Premiums generally increase as the traveller gets older. |
| Length of Stay | More insured days generally result in a higher total premium. |
| Coverage Amount | Available maximum benefits can affect the price. |
| Deductible | Selecting a higher deductible may reduce the insurance premium. |
| Medical History | Plans that cover eligible stable pre-existing medical conditions may have different rates. |
| Insurance Company | Rates, underwriting rules and policy benefits differ between insurance companies. |
Medical Conditions
Can Visitor Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Some Visitors to Canada insurance plans can provide coverage for eligible pre-existing medical conditions when the condition satisfies the insurer's definition of being stable.
The required stability period can vary based on the traveller's age, medical history and insurance company.
A medical condition that has recently changed, required new medication, required a dosage adjustment, produced new symptoms, required investigation or resulted in treatment may not meet the applicable stability requirement.
Compare More Than Price
What Should You Compare When Choosing Visitor Insurance?
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Coverage Maximum | Determines the maximum policy benefit, subject to policy terms. |
| Deductible | Determines how much of an eligible claim the insured may need to pay. |
| Pre-Existing Condition Rules | Stability definitions vary and can materially affect whether a medical condition is covered. |
| Emergency Hospital Coverage | One of the most important benefits in a visitors emergency medical plan. |
| Prescription Medication | Benefit amounts and duration can vary by policy. |
| Side Trips | Review coverage rules if travelling outside Canada, including travel to the United States. |
| Refund Rules | Important when a visitor returns home before the policy expiry date. |
| Waiting Period | Some policies may impose a waiting period when purchased after arrival in Canada. |
Visitor Visa vs Super Visa
Is Visitor Insurance the Same as Super Visa Insurance?
No. Regular Visitors to Canada insurance and Super Visa insurance both provide emergency medical protection, but they serve different purposes.
Visitors coming to Canada on a regular visitor visa are generally not subject to the same medical insurance requirement that applies to a Super Visa application.
Super Visa applicants must satisfy specific Government of Canada medical insurance requirements in effect at the time of application and entry.
| Visitor Insurance | Super Visa Insurance |
|---|---|
| Designed for tourists, relatives, temporary visitors and other eligible travellers. | Designed specifically for qualifying Super Visa applicants. |
| Coverage period may be selected based on the traveller's expected stay. | Must satisfy applicable Super Visa insurance requirements. |
| Coverage options vary by insurer. | Coverage must comply with current Government of Canada requirements. |
Timing
Should Visitor Insurance Be Purchased Before Arrival?
Purchasing coverage before the visitor arrives in Canada can help ensure the policy begins on the intended effective date.
When insurance is purchased after arrival, some insurers may apply a waiting period before sickness-related coverage becomes effective.
Waiting-period rules vary by company and plan, which is another reason to compare policies carefully.
Before choosing a policy, confirm:
- Arrival date in Canada
- Expected departure date
- Age of the traveller
- Desired coverage amount
- Preferred deductible
- Existing medical conditions
- Medication changes
- Recent medical treatment or investigation
Claims
What Should a Visitor Do During a Medical Emergency?
The insured should follow the claims and emergency-assistance instructions contained in the policy.
1. Seek Medical Help
In an emergency, obtain necessary medical assistance.
2. Contact the Insurer
Contact the insurer's emergency assistance centre as soon as reasonably possible and follow the applicable policy requirements.
3. Keep Documentation
Keep medical reports, invoices, receipts, prescriptions and other documents required for the claim.
Can Visitor Insurance Be Refunded if the Visitor Returns Home Early?
Depending on the insurance company and circumstances, a partial refund for unused coverage may be available when a visitor permanently returns to their home country before the policy expiry date.
Insurers may require proof of departure and may apply administration fees, minimum refund amounts or other conditions.
Refund eligibility may also be affected if a claim has already been submitted or paid.
Always review the applicable policy's cancellation and refund provisions.
Contact
Speak With a Licensed Insurance Advisor
Quotes can be completed online, by phone or remotely.
Mississauga Office
Insure In Canada Inc.205-5250 Solar Drive
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 0G4
Phone: 647-640-2222
Cambridge Office
Insure In Canada Inc.206-460 Hespeler Road
Cambridge, Ontario
N1R 0E3
Visitor insurance services may also be provided remotely where licensing and product availability permit.
Ready to Compare Visitor Insurance?
Enter the traveller's information to compare available Visitors to Canada emergency medical insurance options from multiple insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitors to Canada Insurance FAQs
Answers to common questions about emergency medical insurance for visitors coming to Canada.
What is Visitors to Canada insurance?
Visitors to Canada insurance is emergency medical
insurance designed for eligible visitors who are
temporarily staying in Canada and may not have access
to provincial health insurance. Coverage varies by plan
and is subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions
and benefit limits.
Is visitor medical insurance mandatory in Canada?
Emergency medical insurance is generally not a standard
requirement for every regular visitor visa holder.
However, visitors without provincial health coverage
may be personally responsible for medical costs.
Super Visa applicants have separate medical insurance
requirements.
How much does visitor insurance cost in Canada?
Pricing depends on factors including age, trip duration,
coverage amount, deductible, medical history and the
insurance company selected. Using the quote form on
this page allows visitors to compare current available
options.
Does visitor insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Some plans may cover eligible pre-existing medical
conditions if they satisfy the insurer's required
stability period. Definitions and stability requirements
vary by policy, so the applicable wording should be
reviewed carefully.
What does a stable pre-existing condition mean?
The exact definition varies between insurance policies.
Stability commonly relates to whether there have been
changes in symptoms, treatment, medication, dosage,
hospitalization, investigation or medical advice during
a specified period before the policy effective date.
Can I buy visitor insurance after arriving in Canada?
Many insurers permit eligible visitors to purchase
coverage after arrival. However, a waiting period may
apply before sickness-related coverage begins. Rules
vary by insurer.
Can parents visiting Canada buy medical insurance?
Yes. Visitors insurance is commonly purchased for
parents and grandparents visiting family in Canada.
Available plans and medical-condition options depend
on age and eligibility.
Does visitor insurance cover hospitalization?
Emergency hospitalization is commonly included in
Visitors to Canada medical insurance, subject to the
policy's eligibility requirements, exclusions,
maximum benefit and other terms.
Does visitor insurance cover prescription medication?
Many plans provide limited coverage for eligible
prescription medication required as part of a covered
emergency. Benefit limits and conditions vary by insurer.
Can senior visitors over age 70 or 80 get insurance?
Visitor insurance may be available for older travellers,
although available coverage, medical questionnaires,
premiums and pre-existing-condition provisions can
differ significantly by age and insurer.
What deductible should I choose?
A deductible is the portion of an eligible claim that
may be payable by the insured. Higher deductibles can
reduce premiums, but they can also increase the
traveller's out-of-pocket cost when making a claim.
Can visitor insurance be extended?
Some policies may be extended when eligibility
requirements are satisfied and the extension is
requested before the original coverage expires.
Extension rules vary by insurer.
Can I get a refund if the visitor returns home early?
Some insurers allow partial refunds for unused coverage
when the insured permanently returns to their home
country. Proof of departure and other documentation
may be required, and claim history can affect refund
eligibility.
Does visitor insurance cover travel outside Canada?
Certain plans may provide coverage during eligible
side trips outside Canada when the policy requirements
are satisfied. Restrictions can apply, particularly
for travel to the United States or the traveller's
country of origin.
Is Visitor Insurance the same as Super Visa Insurance?
No. Although both products provide emergency medical
insurance, Super Visa insurance must satisfy specific
Government of Canada requirements. Regular visitor
insurance is designed for other eligible temporary
visitors and travellers.
How can I compare visitor insurance companies?
Use the quote form at the top of this page to compare
available insurance options. In addition to price,
compare coverage amounts, deductibles, stability
requirements, exclusions, refund rules and emergency
assistance provisions.
Important: This page provides general information only and does not constitute a contract of insurance, legal advice, medical advice or a guarantee of coverage or claim payment.
Insurance eligibility, benefits, premiums, exclusions, stability requirements, waiting periods, refund provisions and other terms vary by insurer and policy. The applicable policy wording controls in all cases.
Insurance products are subject to licensing, underwriting, insurer requirements and product availability.
Last reviewed: October 2026.