Health insurance for visitors to Canada: How healthcare works for visitors

Where can visitors receive medical treatment in Canada?

Whether you are visiting Canada for a vacation, to spend time with family, or on a longer stay, you can access a variety of healthcare facilities when medical care is needed.

• Walk-in clinics: Walk-in clinics are suitable for non-emergency medical concerns and typically offer faster access to a doctor than a hospital
• Urgent care centres: Urgent care centres treat illnesses and injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not life-threatening. Depending on the nature of the medical condition and policy terms, visitor insurance may cover treatment received at urgent care centres if it qualifies as a medical emergency
• Emergency rooms: Emergency rooms provide immediate treatment for serious illnesses, injuries, and other life-threatening conditions. Visitor insurance is designed to cover eligible emergency medical expenses resulting from sudden and unforeseen illnesses or injuries
• Ambulance services: Ambulance services provide emergency transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility when urgent medical care is required. Eligible ambulance charges related to a covered medical emergency may be reimbursed under visitor health insurance policies

How much does healthcare cost for visitors in Canada?

Healthcare costs can vary significantly depending on the province, hospital, and type of treatment received. Even a relatively minor medical emergency can result in hundreds of dollars in unexpected expenses.

For example, a visitor who requires emergency hospitalization may have to pay approximately between $4,000 and $4,500 per day for a hospital stay. Similarly, a single emergency room visit can cost as much as approximately $1,242. The actual amount will depend on the province, healthcare facility, and nature of the treatment received. Given these potentially high medical expenses, it is important to buy visitor insurance before travelling to Canada. 

How much does medical insurance for visitors to Canada cost?

The average cost of visitor insurance starts from approximately $69 per month for $100,000 in emergency medical coverage without pre-existing coverage. The cost is dependent on other factors such as age, trip duration, deductibles, etc.  This shows how paying a relatively affordable insurance premium can provide valuable financial protection against medical bills that could otherwise amount to thousands of dollars following an unexpected illness or injury.

What happens if a visitor has a medical emergency in Canada?

If you, as a visitor, experience a medical emergency while visiting Canada, seek immediate medical attention and contact your visitor insurance provider as soon as possible. Most insurers offer 24/7 emergency assistance services that can help coordinate care, confirm coverage, and guide you through the claims process.

With health insurance for visitors to Canada, you should follow these steps in case of a medical emergency:

• Contact your insurer’s emergency assistance centre within 24 hours of the medical emergency, or as soon as reasonably possible. The assistance team will verify your coverage, coordinate treatment, and help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.
• Keep your policy number and emergency assistance contact information readily available throughout your trip. You may need these details when seeking treatment or communicating with healthcare providers.
• Follow your insurer’s instructions regarding treatment and billing arrangements. Depending on the healthcare provider and your policy, eligible expenses may be covered through direct billing, where the insurer pays the provider directly, or reimbursement billing, where you pay first and submit a claim later.
• Retain all medical records, prescriptions, receipts, invoices, and proof of payment. These documents are required to support a reimbursement claim and help ensure a smoother claims process.

How do you pay for treatment with visitor insurance?

If you have visitor to Canada insurance, the way you pay for treatment will depend on your insurer, healthcare provider, and the nature of the medical emergency. The following are the two ways in which you can pay for the treatment:

• Pay upfront and claim reimbursement later: You can pay for treatment upfront and submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement. To ensure a smooth visitor insurance claims process, it is important to keep all medical records, invoices, receipts, and proof of payment
• Direct billing by the insurer: In this, the eligible medical expenses are paid directly to the hospital, clinic, or health care provider. This can reduce or eliminate the need for large upfront payments during a medical emergency

What healthcare services are covered and not covered under visitor insurance?

Visitor insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies during your stay in Canada. However, coverage varies by policy, and certain healthcare services may be excluded.

Common inclusions are as listed below:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Emergency room visits
• Emergency diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and laboratory tests
• Prescription medications required for a covered emergency
• Ambulance services
• Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation

Common exclusions are as follows:

• Routine medical checkups
• Preventive healthcare
• Cosmetic procedures
• Elective treatments
• Dental care unrelated to an accident
• Experimental treatments

What coverage amount should visitors choose for healthcare expenses in Canada?

While the right coverage amount depends on factors such as age, health condition, trip duration, and budget, our advisors recommend choosing at least $100,000 in coverage to protect against unexpected medical emergencies. 

Here is a table illustrating the recommended coverage amount for different visitor profiles:

Do visitor health insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, some health insurance for visitors to Canada can cover pre-existing medical conditions, but coverage may vary. A few things to keep in mind when getting health insurance for pre-existing conditions are as follows:

• Check the stability period carefully: Most insurers only cover pre-existing conditions that have remained stable for a specific number of days before the policy start date. The stability period for most of the insurers, like Secure Travel and Destination Canada, is 90-180 days
• Disclose all medical conditions accurately: Providing incomplete or incorrect medical information can lead to claim denials or cancellation of coverage
• Know how insurers define unstable conditions: Recent changes in medication, new symptoms, medical investigations, or hospital visits may classify a condition as unstable and can affect coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Check age-based eligibility requirements: Coverage terms, premiums, and stability requirements may vary depending on the traveller’s age

Are pregnancy and childbirth covered under visitor insurance?

Most standard visitor insurance plans do not cover routine prenatal care, childbirth, or pregnancy-related expenses. However, some plans may provide limited coverage for unexpected pregnancy complications that arise after the policy takes effect. So, it is better to always review the policy wording carefully to understand what pregnancy-related expenses are covered and any applicable waiting periods, gestational age limits, or exclusions.

How to prepare for healthcare needs before travelling to Canada

To prepare for healthcare needs, the first and foremost thing is to get a visitor insurance policy beforehand. Once you have a visitor insurance policy, also remember the following tips:

• Carry digital and physical copies of your insurance documents and policy details
• Bring an adequate supply of prescription medications for the duration of your trip
• Save your insurer’s emergency assistance contact information for quick access during a medical emergency
• Keep a list of existing medical conditions, medications, and emergency contacts
• Research nearby hospitals, walk-in clinics, and healthcare facilities at your destination

If you are unsure which visitor insurance plan best suits your needs, our expert advisors at PolicyAdvisor will help you. Our advisors can compare plans from Canada’s leading insurers, explain coverage options, assess your healthcare needs, and help you choose an appropriate coverage amount based on your age, trip duration, and medical history. Schedule a call now!

Frequently asked questions

Do visitors get free healthcare in Canada?

No, visitors do not get free healthcare in Canada as they are not covered by provincial healthcare plans. Visitors are required to pay for medical treatment themselves unless they have private health insurance.

Can visitors go to a hospital in Canada?

Yes, visitors can receive treatment at Canadian hospitals, including emergency departments. However, they are generally responsible for associated medical costs if they do not have visitor insurance coverage.

Can visitors buy health insurance after arriving in Canada?

Many insurers allow visitors to purchase coverage after arrival. However, waiting periods may apply. For example, Manulife has a waiting period of 72 hours if the policy is purchased within the first 30 days after arrival. 

Is health insurance for visitors to Canada mandatory?

Health insurance for visitors to Canada for most tourists, but it is strongly recommended. Certain visa programs, such as the Super Visa, require proof of qualifying medical insurance.

What should I do if I become sick while visiting Canada?

Seek appropriate medical care based on the severity of your condition and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible if you have coverage. Your insurer may be able to assist with treatment arrangements, bill payments, and hassle-free claim settlements.