What is the cost of health insurance for visitors to Canada?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for travellers to Canada typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors such as age, duration of stay, and the level of coverage chosen. For instance, younger travellers (for example, under 40 years) may pay between $50 and $100 monthly, while those aged 60 years and older may see costs rise between $200 and $400 per month.

In this article, we’ll explore what influences these costs and provide tips on finding the best visitor insurance policy.

What is Canadian visitor insurance?

Medical insurance for visitors in Canada is designed to cover emergency healthcare needs of non-residents in Canada including, visitors in Canada, students, immigrants, and returning Canadians.

A visitor insurance policy typically covers medical expenses such as accidents, dental emergencies, repatriation, etc. with the option to add trip cancellations, lost belongings, and more. Premiums for trip cancellation/interruption are subject to a sales tax, while premiums for medical emergencies are not.

Why do visitors to Canada need health insurance?

Visitor to Canada insurance is crucial because the Canadian healthcare system does not cover foreigners in the country. Without coverage, emergency medical expenses can be extremely high for non-residents in Canada—a visit to a walk-in clinic can cost between $100 to $600, while emergency room visits or hospitalization can reach up to $6,000 per day. 

To avoid paying out of your own pocket for such expenses, having a visitor health insurance plan is essential. In fact, the Canadian government encourages tourists to get visitor health plans before coming to the country. 

What a visitor health insurance policy covers versus what it excludes

A visitor insurance policy typically covers emergency medical procedures and services including hospital, emergency room, and walk-in clinic visits, doctor’s consultations, prescription drugs, diagnostic tests and scans, repatriation, and more.

Most medical insurance plans for visitors to Canada exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, mental health conditions, high-risk adventure activities, and anything that falls outside the Usual, Customary, and Reasonable (UC&R).

Who is eligible for free healthcare in Canada?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for free healthcare in Canada with provincial health coverage. Non-residents such as tourists, foreign workers, international students, and new immigrants are not covered under provincial health coverage.

What factors affect the cost of visitor health insurance?

The cost of visitor health insurance varies based on a visitor’s age, health condition, duration of stay, and the policy’s coverage amount, deductibles, and type. Here’s how the cost of visitor health insurance is determined:

Age:

• Younger traveller: Typically, younger traveller (for example under 40) can expect to pay lower premiums as they are considered lower risk for health issues
• Older traveller: Premiums increase with age, particularly for those over 60, as the likelihood of needing medical care rises

Pre-existing conditions:

• If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you may need to purchase additional coverage, which can increase the cost. Some insurers may charge a higher premium, while others might exclude these conditions altogether

Length of stay:

• The longer you plan to stay in Canada, the higher the cost of insurance. Most policies are priced based on the duration of coverage, with options ranging from a few days to a year or more

Coverage amount:

• Basic coverage: Policies with minimum coverage (e.g., $15,000) are more affordable but may not cover all potential medical expenses
• Comprehensive coverage: Higher coverage limits (e.g., $100,000 or more) offer more extensive protection but come with a higher premium

Plan type:

• Single-trip insurance: Designed for one-time visitors, this is typically more cost-effective if you only plan to visit Canada once within a specific period
• Multi-trip insurance: For those who plan to visit Canada multiple times within a year, this option might be more economical in the long run, though it generally has a higher upfront cost

Deductibles:

• Higher deductibles typically lead to lower premiums, and vice versa. But you’ll pay more out of pocket in case of a claim. Choosing a deductible that balances affordability with your ability to cover out-of-pocket expenses is crucial

What is the average cost of visitor health insurance?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for traveller to Canada typically ranges from $72 to $453 per month, depending on factors such as age, health, duration of stay, and the level of coverage chosen.

How much does visitor health insurance cost for different age groups?

Visitor health insurance in Canada costs between $72.30 and $405 for $100,000 in coverage across different age groups. Here are the average monthly premiums based on different age categories:

Average coverage and premiums for different age groups 

*Note: These figures represent the average premiums for a single-trip travel insurance policy with $100,000 in coverage. 

Does the cost of health insurance for visitors to Canada vary based on the duration of stay?

Yes, the cost of visitor health insurance for tourists in  Canada varies between $50 and $600 depending on the duration of your stay. The longer you stay in Canada, the higher your visitor insurance premiums will be.

Here are the average costs for visitor insurance in Canada based on the duration of the trip:

• Short-term (1-14 days): $50 – $150
• Medium-term (15-30 days): $150 – $300
• Long-term (31 days or more): $300 – $600

*Note: These figures represent average premiums for emergency medical coverage. Actual costs can differ based on the insurance provider, plan specifics, and individual health factors.

How much does visitor health insurance cost for people with pre-existing conditions?

Visitors insurance for visitors with pre-existing health conditions typically costs between $92-$453 per month for $100,000 in coverage across different age groups. The premiums differ on the visitor’s age and specific condition. 

Here’s a table highlighting the average premiums for someone with and without a pre-existing condition for a plan with $100,000 in coverage for a 30-day period.

 Comparison of monthly premiums: With vs. Without pre-existing condition coverage

Note: The coverage details and limits outlined in this table are for general information purposes only. Actual coverage may vary based on the insurance provider and specific policy terms. Please refer to your policy documentation for precise information.

How much does visitor health insurance cost for families?

The cost of visitor health insurance for families travelling to Canada can typically range between $200 to $500 per month. The premiums can vary based on the number of family members, their ages, the duration of stay, and the specific coverage options chosen. 

For instance, a family of two adults and two children might expect to pay approximately $300 per month for a comprehensive policy that covers emergency medical expenses.

Insurers typically require applicants to have the following eligibility:

• Parents must be under 60 years old
• Their unmarried dependent child must rely on them for support and be listed on the confirmation
• Dependent children should be at least 30 days old but under 21 years, or any age if mentally or physically disabled

How much does it cost for a student to get visitor health insurance?

For international students in Canada, the typical annual health insurance premium ranges from $600 to $900 per year. However, premiums vary, depending on factors such as the student’s age, any pre-existing medical conditions, and the specific coverage options they choose.

Can I pay monthly for my visitor insurance policy?

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

How much does it cost for a Super Visa holder to get visitor health insurance?

The cost of Super Visa health insurance depends on factors such as the applicant’s age, coverage amount (minimum $100,000), policy length (usually 1 year), and deductible. On average, the insurance costs between $50 and $400 per month per person.

How much does health insurance for work permit holders cost?

The average cost of visitor health insurance for work permit holders typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors such as age, duration of stay, and the level of coverage chosen. For instance, younger applicants (under 30 years) may pay between $50 and $100 monthly, while those aged 70 years and older may need to pay between $200 and $400 per month.

Are there any additional costs to consider while purchasing visitor health insurance?

Yes, when planning your budget for visitor health insurance in Canada deductibles and co-pays can lead to some out-of-pocket expenses even for policyholders. 

Deductibles and co-pays

• Deductibles: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering expenses. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums but can lead to higher costs per claim. For example, if you have a $50 deductible and get a hospital bill of $200, you must pay the first $50 yourself and the insurance provider will cover the remaining expenses. Deductibles are paid for each new medical bill that you may incur
• Co-pays: These are fixed amounts you pay for services like doctor’s visits or prescriptions. Co-pays are paid at the time of service and do not count towards your deductible

Higher deductibles and co-pays can increase your overall out-of-pocket expenses, especially if you need multiple claims during your stay.

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.

How to get affordable insurance quotes for visitors to Canada?

If you’re looking for affordable visitor health insurance in Canada, we recommend scheduling a call with our expert advisors. At PolicyAdvisor, we help you compare quotes from 30+ top Canadian insurers and assist you in choosing the best visitor insurance plan that meets your needs and your budget!