What is the cheapest visitor insurance for Canada?

The cheapest visitor insurance options for non-residents in Canada vary based on the individual’s health and the coverage offered. Some of the most affordable visitor insurance providers in Canada are Travelance, Tugo, Destination, and 21st Century. 

In this guide, we will explore the most cost-effective visitor insurance options, helping you safeguard your health and finances without breaking the bank.

What is a visitor to Canada health insurance?

Visitor medical insurance for visitors to Canada is designed to cover emergency medical expenses such as hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, ambulance services, etc., for non-residents visiting Canada. 

The Canadian healthcare system does not cover non-residents, making medical insurance for visitors to Canada an essential type of coverage. 

How much does Canadian visitors’ insurance cost?

Visitors’ health insurance in Canada costs between $70 to $450, depending on your age, health status, coverage amounts, and the duration of the trip. Here is an example of a cost breakdown of different age groups with and without pre-existing health conditions:  

Cost of visitor health insurance in Canada

*Cost of $100,000 in coverage for a visitor traveling to Canada for a 30-day period

What factors affect the cost of your visitors’ health insurance in Canada?

When determining the cost of your visitor insurance, factors such as age, health status, the length of stay, and the province you plan to visit might come into play. Understanding these can help you anticipate and manage your insurance expenses effectively:

• Age: Insurance premiums often increase with age. Older visitors generally face higher insurance costs due to the increased likelihood of health issues
• Health status and pre-existing conditions: Your current health status, including any pre-existing medical conditions, significantly impacts your insurance price. Plans that cover pre-existing conditions typically come with higher premiums
• The duration of your visit: The length of your stay in Canada directly influences your insurance costs. The longer you stay, the higher the overall premium, as the risk period for the insurer is extended
• Coverage limits and deductibles: Higher coverage limits generally result in higher premiums, while choosing a higher deductible can lower your insurance costs. However, this means you’ll pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim
• Province-based coverage: Healthcare costs can vary by province in Canada. Insurance premiums may be higher if you’re visiting provinces with more expensive healthcare systems, like Ontario or British Columbia
• High-risk activities: If you plan to engage in activities deemed risky—such as skiing, mountain climbing, or other extreme sports—your insurance premium may increase due to the higher likelihood of injury

Which companies offer the cheapest visitor health insurance in Canada?

Several companies, such as Travelance, Tugo, and 21st Century, offer affordable visitor health insurance for non-residents in Canada. 

Here is a list of the top visitor insurance providers that offer the cheapest plans for different health conditions, ages, and coverage options. 

1. Secure Travel – Cheapest overall
2. Travelance – Cheapest for older individuals
3. TuGo – Cheapest for pre-existing conditions
4. Destination – Cheapest for monthly plans
5. 21st Century – Cheapest for longer stays
6. GMS – Cheapest for deductibles

Cheapest visitor health insurance overall – Secure Travel

If you’re looking for the most affordable visitor health insurance, Secure Travel consistently ranks as the cheapest option. For a typical $100,000 coverage for a month-long trip the average premiums for Secure Travel range between $95-$328 depending on the age and health condition of the visitor.

Whether you need basic coverage for emergencies or more comprehensive protection, Secure Travel provides cost-effective solutions without compromising on essential benefits. 

Monthly premiums for visitor health insurance in Canada by Secure Travel

*Cost of $100k in coverage for a visitor traveling to Canada for a 30-day period

Cheapest visitor health insurance for older individuals – Travelance

Travelance offers budget-friendly plans for older travellers, especially seniors above 70, making this a top choice for higher-aged visitors to Canada.

For a typical $100,000 coverage for a month-long trip the average premiums for Travelance range between $85-$400 depending on the age and health condition of the visitor. Their policies provide comprehensive coverage for older individuals seeking emergency medical care while they are in Canada. 

Monthly premiums for visitor health insurance in Canada by Travelance

*Cost of $100k in coverage for a visitor traveling to Canada for a 30-day period

Cheapest visitor health insurance for pre-existing conditions – TuGo

TuGo stands out by offering some of the most competitively priced plans that cover pre-existing conditions, provided they are stable for a certain period before arrival. 

For a typical $100,000 coverage for a month-long trip the average premiums for TuGo range between $100-$500 depending on the age and health condition of the visitor. Most people with a pre-existing illness looking for both affordability and comprehensive coverage for chronic health conditions prefer TuGo. 

Monthly premiums for visitor health insurance in Canada by TuGo

*Cost of $100k in coverage for a visitor traveling to Canada for a 30-day period

Cheapest visitor health insurance for monthly plans – Destination Canada

Destination Canada offers monthly payment plans for coverage amounts as low as $50,000 and long-term plans for up to 6 months. This option is particularly appealing to visitors who may be on a budget and don’t want to pay for the entire coverage upfront. 

For a typical $100,000 coverage for a month-long trip, the average premiums for Destination Canada range between $80-$478 depending on the age and health condition of the visitor.

With competitive rates for month-to-month coverage, Destination Canada allows individuals to manage their budgets better while ensuring continuous protection.

Monthly premiums for visitor health insurance in Canada by Destination Canada

*Cost of $100k in coverage for a visitor traveling to Canada for a 30-day period

Cheapest visitor health insurance for deductibles – GMS

GMS offers the lowest premiums for visitors who are willing to opt for higher deductibles. Currently, GMS is offering the cheapest premiums for plans with a $500 deductible — an expense that you have to pay out of pocket before your visitor health insurance kicks in!

For a typical $100,000 coverage for a month-long trip the average premiums for GMS range between $100-$450 depending on the age and health condition of the visitor.

By paying more upfront before the insurance coverage kicks in, tourists can benefit from significantly reduced premiums. 

Monthly premiums for visitor health insurance in Canada by GMS

*Cost of $100k in coverage for a visitor traveling to Canada for a 30-day period

Cheapest visitor health insurance for longer stays – 21st Century

For visitors planning to stay in Canada for extended periods, 21st Century offers the most affordable plans. Their policies are specifically designed to cater to long-term visitors, with plans allowing coverage for up to 2 years of stay. 

For a typical $100,000 coverage for a month-long trip the average premiums for 21st Century range between $89-$480 depending on the age and health condition of the visitor.

Moreover, the premiums decrease the longer you stay. This is particularly beneficial for individuals on extended vacations, visiting family, or staying in Canada for work or study. 

Monthly premiums for visitor health insurance in Canada by 21st Century

*Cost of $100k in coverage for a visitor traveling to Canada for a 30-day period

Can I get a refund if I cancel my visitor health insurance?

Yes, you can cancel your visitor health insurance plan for Canada and receive a refund, though the terms differ between insurers.

Many providers offer full refunds if you cancel within the free-look period or before the policy takes effect. Once coverage has started, you may be eligible for a pro-rata refund for unused days, minus any applicable fees.

Can I pay monthly for my visitor insurance policy?

Yes, Travelance, 21st Century, Secure Travel, and Destination Canada all offer affordable monthly payment plans for visitor health insurance. 

How can I reduce the cost of my visitors’ insurance?

You can reduce the cost of your visitors’ insurance by choosing a higher deductible, purchasing insurance early, applying for group discounts, and more. Here are some practical tips that may help:

• Choose a higher deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your insurance premium. However, be prepared to pay more out-of-pocket if you need to make a claim
• Limit your coverage: If you don’t need comprehensive coverage, consider selecting a basic plan with lower coverage limits. This reduces the premium but still provides essential protection
• Consider shorter coverage periods: If your visit to Canada is flexible, opting for a shorter coverage period can reduce your premium

Are there any discounts on visitor health insurance?

Yes, several insurers offer discounts like companion discounts on visitor health insurance. For example, 21st Century offers a family discount for visitor medical insurance.

If I choose a cheaper visitor insurance policy, will it affect my coverage?

Yes, choosing a cheaper visitor insurance policy can affect your coverage. Low-cost policies typically offer reduced benefits, such as lower coverage limits, higher deductibles, or fewer covered services as compared to high-cost policies that offer comprehensive features.

For example, a cheaper policy might not cover pre-existing conditions, emergency medical evacuation, or certain high-cost treatments or surgeries even if you need them on an emergency basis.

However, if you are a young and healthy individual with no history of pre-existing illnesses, cheaper policies can truly help you save quite a lot of money upfront.  For older individuals, it is better to opt for mid-range or high-cost plans with well-rounded coverage for their comprehensive needs.

Get the cheapest travel insurance for visitors to Canada in minutes

You can find cheap visitor health insurance quotes for your trip to Canada by shopping around for the best deals online. You can also do that easily in less than a minute with assistance from our experts at PolicyAdvisor.

We work with more than 30 of the best Canadian insurance companies to bring you the best rates all in one place.

Frequently asked questions 

Are there any hidden fees in cheap visitor insurance plans?

While cheap visitor insurance plans generally disclose all fees upfront, some plans might include hidden costs like higher deductibles, co-pays, or limited coverage that could lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, certain services or treatments may not be covered, resulting in additional costs. 

How can I ensure my insurance will cover emergency medical services in Canada?

To ensure your insurance covers emergency medical services in Canada, choose a more comprehensive plan with a higher coverage amount and added benefits such as emergency medical care, hospitalization, ambulance services, accidental dental coverage, paramedical service coverage, emergency evacuation facility, and more. 

Can I update my visitor insurance policy if my travel plans change?

Yes, you can usually update your visitor insurance policy if your travel plans change. Contact your insurance provider as soon as you know about the changes to adjust your coverage period or details. Be aware that changes may affect your premium or coverage terms, and there could be deadlines or additional fees. 

What is the average cost of visitor health insurance?

The average cost of visitor health insurance can vary widely based on factors such as age, duration of stay, coverage limits, and health status. On average for a coverage amount of $100,000, a 50-year-old individual may have to pay $50 for a short-term stay of 14 days, $100 for a medium-term stay of 30 days, and around $150 for a long-term stay of 6 months. 

Are there any discounts on visitor health insurance in Canada?

Yes, discounts on visitor health insurance in Canada are available, though they vary by insurer. Some companies offer discounts for purchasing extended coverage, paying premiums upfront, or insuring multiple family members under one policy. Additionally, certain providers may have special promotions or reduced rates for younger applicants or those in good health.

Can visitors to Canada buy health insurance?

Yes, visitors to Canada can and should buy health insurance to cover potential medical expenses during their stay. Canada’s healthcare is publicly funded for residents, but non-residents must pay for services, which can be costly.