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21st Century Visitor to Canada Insurance Review (2024)

SUMMARY

This 2024 review of 21st Century Visitor Insurance to Canada provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s health insurance options for international visitors. Covering everything from emergency medical care to pre-existing conditions, the review highlights the flexibility, coverage details, and pricing of various plans. It also discusses eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and the claims process, helping visitors make informed decisions about their insurance needs while staying in Canada.

By Khaleel Lewis
Senior Insurance Advisor, LLQP
19 min read
IN THIS ARTICLE

If you’re looking for a comprehensive visitors’ insurance policy while visiting Canada, 21st Century may be just the right fit for you! A well-established name in the insurance industry, 21st Century Insurance offers visitor insurance plans tailored to meet the unique needs of those travelling to Canada. 

Founded in 1979, 21st Century provides financial protection against medical bills to non-residents in Canada, including international students, work permit holders from other countries, new immigrants with PR, and tourists.

In this review, we’ll dive into the specifics of 21st Century’s visitor insurance options, examining the coverage, benefits, and flexibility they provide to international visitors. Whether you’re a student, a family member, or a tourist, this review will help you understand 21st Century’s visitor to Canada insurance.

What are the key features of 21st Century’s visitor insurance to Canada plans?

21st Century’s visitor insurance plans for Canada provide financial protection for non-residents facing medical emergencies during their stay. 

The three plan tiers—Basic, Standard, and Enhanced cover physician and hospitalization costs, diagnostic testing, ambulance transportation, repatriation, and more. Below is an overview of the key features offered by 21st Century’s visitor health insurance:

Key Features of 21st Century’s Visitor to Canada Insurance

Category Details
Maximum age
  • 111 years for Basic Plan
  • 85 years for Standard and Enhanced Plan
Maximum coverage amount $200,000
Deductibles $0, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000
Waiting period For individuals aged 85 years or under:

  • 72 hours if the policy is purchased within 30 days of visiting Canada
  • 7 days if the policy is purchased after 30 days of visiting Canada

15 days if the individual is 86 years or older regardless of when the policy is  purchased

Monthly payment plans offered Yes
Stability period 180 days
Companion discount Yes
Policy extension Maximum automatic extension of up to 365 days
Coverage period 730 days
PolicyAdvisor rating 4.5/5

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What are the different 21st Century visitor health plans I can choose from? 

21st Century’s offers Basic, Standard, and Enhanced plans with different levels of coverage to visitors in Canada. The Enhanced plan offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. The Basic and Standard plans are intended for travellers with no history of a pre-existing condition

Different plan tiers have different premium amounts and coverage options, along with a diverse range of benefits:

21st Century’s visitor to Canada insurance plans

Benefit Basic Plan Standard Plan Enhanced Plan
Age limit 111 years 85 years
Coverage amount $15,000 to $200,000
Pre-existing disease coverage Not included Included
Emergency medical transportation Coverage up to the sum insured
Accidental dental Not included Up to $4,000 for treatment and repair to natural teeth or dentures
Attendant charges Not covered Up to $500
Extended healthcare  Included with coverage up to $5000
Healthcare practitioners (such as podiatrists, chiropodists, osteopaths) Coverage not included Coverage included for up to $1000
Prescription medication Covers 30 days of medication supply worth $500
Funeral coverage Covered up to $7500
Return of deceased $5,000 Up to $10,000
Companion/Family discounts  Available
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Not Available $25,000 in case of death and $12,500 in case of dismemberment or blindness within 365 days of accident
Side trip coverage Included 

visitor health insurance

Who is eligible for 21st Century’s visitor health insurance?

21st Century visitor health insurance plans cover tourists, parents visiting on Super Visa, international students, work permit holders, new immigrants, and returning Canadians who are not yet eligible for Canada’s provincial healthcare.

  • Tourists: Foreigners travelling to Canada for a vacation to new destinations
  • International students: Exchange students from different countries temporarily studying in Canada
  • Visiting family members: Relatives or parents of Canadian residents visiting Canada to stay with loved ones
  • Business travellers: Individuals travelling to Canada for work or business purposes
  • New immigrants: Individuals who have recently moved to Canada and are awaiting provincial health coverage
  • Returning Canadians: Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have been away for more than six months and are returning to Canada

Learn more about visitors to health insurance for non-residents in Canada

Does 21st Century visitor to Canada insurance cover pre-existing diseases?

21st Century Visitors to Canada insurance does offer coverage for pre-existing conditions for people under 86 years of age but with specific terms and conditions. Typically, pre-existing conditions are covered under the Enhanced plan if the condition has been stable for 180 days before the insurance policy starts, referred to as the “stability period.” 

The exact length of this stability period can vary depending on any changes in medication, symptoms, or treatment during this period that could affect eligibility for coverage.

What is a stable condition according to 21st Century visitors’ health insurance?

A stable pre-existing condition should have had no change in the treatment or severity of the illness in the 180 days prior to the policy’s effective date. 

To be considered stable, you should meet the following criteria:

  • No new or worsening symptoms: The condition should not exhibit any new symptoms, nor should existing symptoms worsen during the stability period
  • Consistency in treatment plan: The treatment plan for the condition must remain unchanged, with no new treatments added or existing ones modified
  • Unchanged medication dosage: The dosage of any medications must remain the same, with no increases, decreases, or discontinuations
  • No hospitalizations: The condition should not have required any hospital stays or emergency interventions during this period
  • No planned treatments: There should be no planned or anticipated treatments, surgeries, or procedures related to the condition in the future

21st Century offers pre-existing conditions coverage as a part of their Enhanced plan. However, this coverage is only available to individuals who are below the age of 86 at the time of purchasing the policy.

Get a free instant quote and expert advice now!

What is 21st Century visitor to Canada insurance’s waiting period?

A waiting period is the time after a visitor’s insurance policy starts during which certain medical conditions or claims are not covered. Coverage for these conditions begins after this period ends, typically lasting a few days to several weeks.

21st Century has three waiting periods: 72 hours, 7 days, and 15 days, depending on when the policy is purchased and the age of the insurer. There is no waiting period if the policy is purchased prior to a visitor’s arrival in Canada. 

Here are the common waiting periods offered by 21st Century:

  • 72 hours: If the policy is purchased within 30 days of arriving in Canada, coverage will begin after a 72-hour waiting period for individuals aged 85 and under
  • 7 days: If the policy is purchased more than 30 days after arriving in Canada, coverage will commence after a 7-day waiting period for individuals aged 85 and under
  • 15 days: For individuals who are 86 years or older, regardless of when the policy is purchased, coverage will start after a 15-day waiting period

How much does 21st Century’s health insurance for visitors to Canada cost?

The cost of a visitor to Canada health insurance policy from 21st Century ranges from $90 to $700, depending on the tourist’s age, gender, and pre-existing conditions. Here are the premium costs based on an individual’s age and health status:

Cost of 21st Century visitor to Canada insurance

Age Group Without pre-existing coverage 

(Basic and Standard Plan)

With pre-existing coverage

(Enhanced Plan)

25 Years $89.10/month $132.90/month
35 Years $90.90/month $141.60/month
45 Years $112.20/month $173.40/month
55 Years $112.20/month $189.00/month
65 Years $160.80/month $267.90/month
75 Years $274.20/month $478.50/month
85 Years $713.40/month Not covered

*Premium cost for $100,000 in coverage for a visitor to Canada insurance plan for 30 days

Check out our review of the Best Visitors Insurance in Canada

Can I pay monthly for my 21st Century medical insurance for visitors?

Yes, you can opt for a monthly payment plan when purchasing 21st Century medical insurance for visitors to Canada. This option is available for visitor health insurance as well as Super Visa holders, making it a flexible choice for different types of travellers.

Here’s how the 21st Century monthly payment plan works:

  • You can choose from coverage limits of $100,000, $150,000, or $200,000, with coverage periods of either 365 days or 730 days
  • You only need to pay a two-month deposit and a $50 policy fee when applying for your visa. If your visa application is denied, the full deposit will be refunded, though the $50 policy fee is non-refundable
  • The policy status will remain “Pending” until your visa is approved. Once your visa is approved, you can activate the policy with your confirmed arrival date in Canada
  • If you return home before the policy end date, you are eligible for a refund, even if you’ve made a claim during your stay

What are the pros and cons of 21st Century visitor health insurance policy?

21st Century offers pros such as comprehensive coverage, pre-existing coverage, monthly payment options, and reasonable pricing. However, there are some drawbacks, such as age limits for those with pre-existing conditions and extensive policy documentation. 

Here is a detailed overview of the pros and cons of the visitor health policy by 21st Century:

Pros and cons of 21st Century’s visitor to Canada insurance

Pros Cons
21st Century offers extensive coverage options for various needs, including emergency medical care, dental care, hospitalization, pre-existing conditions, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and more Coverage for pre-existing conditions within the Enhanced plan can result in higher premiums, which might be a drawback for those looking for affordable insurance options
The Basic plan is available to travellers of all ages, making it a flexible option for everyone, including seniors The policy has multiple exclusions, so it’s important to review them to avoid unexpected costs
The policy is reasonably priced, providing good value for the level of coverage offered The claims process requires detailed documentation, which can be time-consuming and may complicate the process
21st Century covers stable pre-existing conditions for individuals under 86 Limited coverage in the Basic plan. For instance, there is no dental or AD&D coverage
21st Century offers monthly payment plans making the policy more affordable and easier to manage financially Monthly plans require individuals to purchase the plan for at least 1 year
21st Century offers a maximum coverage duration of 730 days, which is the longest visitor to Canada insurance coverage offered by any company in Canada
21st Century offers companion discounts for families travelling to Canada together

Need help?

Let our experts help you get affordable visitor insurance quotes today!

Are there any exclusions or limitations in my 21st Century visitors to Canada insurance plan?

Yes, while 21st Century visitor insurance to Canada offers comprehensive coverage, there are limitations with pre-existing conditions coverage, waiting periods, self-inflicted injuries, alcohol and drug-related conditions, etc. 

Exclusions to 21st Century’s visitor to Canada insurance

Exclusion Category Details
Pre-existing conditions Only covered if the individual has purchased the Enhanced plan. 

Unstable pre-existing conditions are not covered for people aged between 55 and 85, even under the Enhanced plan

A condition that can escalate during travel  Any sickness or symptoms that occur before the policy is purchased. 
Waiting period Any sickness, disease, or new symptom that may occur during the waiting period of the effective policy
Misdeclaration Any condition about which you might not have been truthful while submitting your visitor health insurance application
Diagnostic tests or treatments Diagnostic tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, sonograms, ultrasounds, or biopsies, are not covered except in case of emergencies. Diagnostic treatments such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and cardiovascular surgery are also outside the scope of coverage and require pre-authorization
Self-inflicted injuries Any expenses related to attempted suicide, or intentional self-inflicted injuries unless there is medical evidence that the injuries were inflicted as a result of a mental health illness
Failure to follow treatment or travelling against physician’s advice Any health issue that may have occurred as a result of failing to follow a physician’s treatment including not consuming prescribed medication
Maternity related expenses Any pregnancy that commenced prior to the effective date of the policy purchase, including prenatal and postnatal care, delivery, or any complications 9 weeks before or after the expected delivery date
Anything apart from the “usual, customary and reasonable” charges Any charges outside the scope of usual, customary, and reasonable charges — standard and specific medical costs for medical services in a specific Canadian province — are not covered.
Alcohol abuse-related expenses Medical conditions, injuries, or illnesses arising from chronic use of alcohol or other forms of intoxicants whether before or during the coverage period
Injuries incurred from high-risk sports activities Any form of injuries that may have incurred from participating in high-risk activities or adventure sports such as mountain climbing, rock-climbing, parachuting, skydiving, hang-gliding, snorkeling, or scuba-diving
Injuries from motor vehicle accident Any form of motor vehicle accidents including participation in motorized speed contests or even training for participation
Travel for the purpose of treatment Travelling to Canada for the sole purpose of getting treatment. This may include non-emergency, investigative, experimental, or elective treatment such as cosmetic surgery, chronic care, rehabilitation, etc
Emergency on not following the company’s recommendations 21st Century will not cover any emergency that occurs after their medical advisors have recommended that you return to your home country, and you choose not to follow that recommendation 
Travelling against government advisories Any individual travelling from a city, region, or country against which the  Government of Canada travel advisory issued a written warning to avoid all forms of essential or non-essential travel
Failure to contact the Assistance center within the stipulated time frame If the Assistance center is not contacted within 24 hours of the emergency, 21st Century will only cover 80% of the entire bill, 20% to be paid by the insurer (unless their condition made it impossible for them to intimate the claim in which case, the entire amount will be covered by the insurance company)
Act of war or terrorism Any injury or illness that may have occurred as a result of an act of war or terrorism is not covered
Treatment outside Canada Any follow-up treatment outside Canada when the emergency occurred while the individual was in Canada
Aircraft injuries Any accidents occurring from piloting an aircraft or air travel on any non-commercial flight
Extended care post-emergency Any ongoing treatment, recurrence, or complication related to a medical emergency for which an individual has already received emergency care during their coverage period will not be covered. This applies if 21st Century’s Assistance Centre has determined that the medical emergency has concluded

Find out in details about the common exclusions and limitations of visitor health insurance in Canada

Who is not eligible for visitor to Canada insurance?

While visitors to Canada insurance is available to a broad range of non-residents planning to visit Canada, certain individuals, especially those with specific pre-existing health conditions, may not qualify for this policy. 

You may not be eligible for 21st Century visitor health insurance coverage if:

  • You are travelling to Canada against the advice of your physician
  • You have been diagnosed with a terminal disease (such as cancer) and have been given two years to live
  • You have been diagnosed with or received treatment for cancer in the pancreas, lung, brain, or liver within the last 2 years
  • You have been diagnosed with metastatic cancer at any time in your life
  • You have undergone or are waiting for any form of organ or bone marrow transplant which includes a corneal transplant
  • You suffer from congestive heart failure
  • You suffer from kidney failure and require regular dialysis
  • You may have been required to use oxygen at a hospital or at home within the last 12 months
  • You currently reside in a rehabilitation facility or in a long-term care facility
  • You are above 86 years of age and have pre-existing illnesses
Read about why you should purchase visitors insurance while travelling to Canada

Does 21st Century allow extensions in the visitors health insurance policy?

Yes, 21st Century provides automatic extensions on their visitor health insurance policy in certain situations. If your return to your home country is delayed due to circumstances beyond your control, coverage is extended for up to 72 hours. 

If you are hospitalized on your policy’s expiry date, coverage is extended during your hospital stay for up to 365 days, and for up to 5 days after discharge from the hospital. It can also be extended until you are stable enough for evacuation. 

Additionally, if a medical emergency occurs within 5 days before your expiry date that prevents travel, as confirmed by a physician, your coverage will be extended for up to 5 days.

Does 21st Century assist in processing claims?

Yes, 21st Century assists in processing claims for their visitor insurance policies. This typically includes submitting the necessary documentation, such as medical reports and receipts, and following the required procedures. 

How to submit a claim?

21st Century has a straightforward claims processing system. To file a claim for benefits under this policy, the insured must:

  • Submit the completed claim forms within 30 days after the expense or loss is incurred
  • Share proof of the claim within 90 days of the date a claim has been intimated or the service was provided

21st Century will not pay 20% of the final hospital billing amount if the Assistance Center has not been informed before or within 24 hours of hospitalization. If you submit the claim on time, the company will reimburse the eligible expenses to you based on reasonable and customary charges.

“Usual, reasonable, and customary” refers to the standard medical costs for services in a specific area, ensuring charges are fair and in line with local healthcare rates.

Each company has access to the specific UC&R rates for every medical service in each province and only expenses within the UC&R range are covered by the company. The required documentation for filing a claim with 21st Century includes:

  • Original, itemized bills and invoices: Submit the original, detailed bills and invoices for the medical services received
  • Proof of payment by you: Include receipts or other documentation that shows you have paid for the services out-of-pocket
  • Complete diagnosis records: Ensure you have a full diagnosis from the attending physician, which outlines the condition treated
  • Hospital documentation: Include documentation from the hospital confirming that the treatment was consistent with your diagnosis
  • Necessity of immediate treatment: Provide records that state the treatment could not have been delayed until you returned to your home country
  • Referral letter from a physician: If your claim involves treatment under the Insured Services benefit, include a letter from the referring physician recommending treatment by a healthcare practitioner
  • Proof of travel: Provide evidence of your travel, including your departure and return dates, airline tickets, passport stamps, or visas
  • Police report: In the case of a motor vehicle accident, a copy of the police report is required to support your claim
  • Historical medical records: Be prepared to provide your historical medical records if requested by the insurance company to further validate your claim

Original supporting documents must be provided. Failure to provide the necessary documentation will invalidate any claim under this policy.

How to get 21st Century visitor health insurance rates in Canada?

Thinking about 21st Century visitor health insurance but uncertain if it’s the right option for you? Our expert advisors at PolicyAdvisor guide you!

We have a dedicated team of specialists who will help you identify the perfect 21st Century policy, add added features that meet your unique needs, and purchase the cheapest visitor insurance to Canada!

Want to learn more about visitors health insurance?

We have curated everything you need to know in detail!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my 21st Century visitors insurance policy if I decide to stay in Canada longer?

Yes, you can apply for an extension of your 21st Century Visitors Insurance policy if your stay in Canada is longer than originally planned. However, the extension must be requested before the current policy expires, and you must not have had any claims during the current coverage period.

What should I do if I need emergency medical assistance while in Canada?

If you require emergency medical assistance while in Canada, contact 21st Century’s Assistance Center to intimate the claim before the hospitalization or immediately within 24 hours post admission.

You can also reach out to the company’s customer support team to get guidance through the next steps, including the claims process and necessary documentation

How does 21st Century determine the premium rates for visitor insurance?

Premium rates are determined based on factors such as the applicant’s age, the coverage amount selected, the duration of the stay in Canada, and whether the policy includes coverage for pre-existing conditions. Older travelers and those opting for higher coverage limits or extended benefits typically pay higher premiums.

What are the benefits of purchasing visitors health insurance policy before arriving in Canada?

Purchasing a visitor health insurance policy before arriving in Canada offers several benefits, including immediate coverage upon entry, protection against unexpected medical emergencies, and peace of mind during travel. 

It ensures coverage for illnesses or accidents that may occur soon after arrival, helping avoid delays in medical treatment. Additionally, some insurers offer lower premiums and wider coverage options when policies are bought before leaving your home country.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • 21st Century offers three visitor to Canada insurance plan options: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced, each with different coverage levels for medical expenses, pre-existing conditions, and additional benefits
  • Coverage begins after different waiting periods depending on when the policy is purchased and the insured's age
  • Policyholders can opt for monthly payment plans, making it easier to manage costs
  • 21st Century provides support in processing claims but requires thorough documentation, including itemized bills, proof of payment, and diagnosis records

By Khaleel Lewis
Senior Insurance Advisor, LLQP
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