Visitors Insurance in Ottawa

Visitors to Canada insurance is private emergency medical insurance for eligible visitors and certain other people who do not have adequate Canadian provincial or territorial health coverage. Exact benefits and eligibility depend on the insurer and policy.

No. Ontario states that visitors to the province from outside Canada do not qualify for OHIP. Visitors should consider appropriate private medical coverage for their stay.

Private Visitors Insurance is not universally mandatory for every regular visitor to Canada. However, a visitor without coverage can be responsible for medical costs. Super Visa applicants have separate mandatory insurance requirements.

Some insurers may permit eligible applicants to purchase coverage after arriving in Canada. A sickness waiting period or other effective-date conditions may apply depending on the policy.

Some plans may cover eligible stable pre-existing medical conditions. Stability periods, age limits, medical questions and the exact definition of “stable” vary between insurers.

Premiums vary based on factors such as age, coverage duration, selected emergency medical limit, deductible, medical history and insurer. Use the comparison tool above to review available options.

A higher deductible may reduce the premium but can increase the amount the insured must pay if an eligible claim occurs. Compare the premium saving with the potential out-of-pocket cost.

Eligible applicants may be able to purchase Visitors to Canada insurance online. If there is a complicated medical history, review eligibility and policy wording before completing the purchase.

Visitors to Canada policies are generally not limited to the City of Ottawa, but geographical coverage and side-trip provisions vary between insurers. Review the selected policy wording.

Many policies include provisions for eligible refunds of unused premium when the insured permanently returns home early. Claims, minimum premiums, administration charges and proof requirements can affect refund eligibility.

Online applications can generally provide electronic policy documents after the insurer accepts the application and the required payment arrangement is completed. Timing varies by insurer.

Current IRCC requirements include qualifying health insurance valid for at least one year from entry, at least $100,000 of emergency coverage, and coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation. The policy must meet the other current federal requirements.