Destination Canada Visitor Insurance Review (2026)

Destination Canada Visitor Insurance is best suited for those looking for affordable emergency medical coverage with flexible deductible options that help in reducing the premium costs. It provides coverage for emergency medical, prescription drugs, professional services, follow-up visits, dental emergencies, and more. Known for its personalized approach, Destination Canada customizes its coverage to meet the unique needs of different types of international travellers.

Quick review:

• PolicyAdvisor rating: 4/5 
• Best for: High deductibles of up to $10,000
• Skip if: You need coverage beyond emergency medical

What is Destination Canada visitor to Canada insurance?

Destination Canada’s Visitor to Canada insurance plan is an emergency medical travel insurance plan underwritten by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. It provides comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies as well as optional coverage for pre-existing conditions. This visitor insurance plan provides coverage for visitors to Canada, Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants, returning Canadian citizens, and newly landed immigrants.

Key features of Destination Canada visitor to Canada plan

Who is eligible for Destination Canada visitor insurance?

The Destination Canada health insurance for visitors is well-suited for those who are not covered under provincial plans and want coverage for emergency medical expenses.

To be eligible for coverage, you must:

• Age limit: Be at least 15 days old on the effective date
• Health status: Be in good health at the time of application and on the effective date
• Residency status: Tourist from another country, foreign workers, or international students

Please note that you need to meet these conditions as of the effective date. The effective date is when coverage starts; the end date should typically be less than three years from the date of purchase.

However, coverage is not available if you have a terminal illness, advanced cancer, recent home oxygen use, heart failure, recent organ transplants, or other serious conditions. 

Claims will not be paid for sicknesses showing symptoms within:

• 48 hours after your effective date (if purchased within 30 days of departure)
• 7 days after your effective date (if purchased more than 30 days after departure)

How does Destination Canada assist in processing claims?

Here is the claim process for Destination Canada travel insurance for visitors:

• Notify about the incident: You need to inform Zurich Travel Assist of medical emergencies and claims coordination within 24 hours of hospitalization
• Claim reporting: Claims should generally be reported within 30 days of the incident, with written proof submitted within 90 days
• Document submission: Travellers must submit a completed claim form along with original medical bills, receipts, and supporting medical records.
• Claim payment conditions: Benefits are payable under one policy per insured person, and payments in the event of death are made to the insured person’s Estate

Destination Canada visitor insurance cancellation and refund policy

Destination Canada offers refunds under specific circumstances, depending on the policy status, travel situation, and whether any claims have been made under the plan.

Full refunds may be available when:

• The entire trip gets cancelled before the policy’s effective date
• The insured returns to their country of origin before the policy expiry date
• The insured gets covered under a Canadian provincial or territorial healthcare plan (unless coverage is required for immigration or work permit purposes)

Partial refunds may be considered if:

• The refund request is submitted within 90 days after the policy expiry date
• No claim has been made, paid, or is pending under the policy

Does Destination Canada offer any special benefits for students travelling to Canada?

Yes, Destination Canada provides an International Student Insurance plan designed to meet the needs of students studying in Canada. It offers higher coverage limits compared to regular Visitor to Canada plans, with a maximum amount of up to $2,000,000 for international students, compared to $300,000 for visitors. 

The plan can cover eligible emergency hospital and medical expenses, including physician and surgeon services, diagnostic tests, ambulance transportation, prescription-related services, and emergency dental treatment. It also includes benefits such as psychiatric and psychological care, tutorial services, trauma counselling, and coverage for eligible pre-existing medical conditions that have been stable for the required period. Full-time students at recognized Canadian institutions who hold a valid study permit and reside in Canada during the coverage period are eligible for this plan.

Does Destination Canada cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, Destination Canada visitor insurance covers eligible pre-existing medical conditions, provided the condition remains stable before the policy effective date. The required stability period varies by age:

• Ages 0-59: Stable for 90 days prior to coverage
• Ages 60-69: Stable for 120 days prior to coverage
• Ages 70-79: Stable for 180 days prior to coverage

Please note that for ages 80 and over, all pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage.

What does Destination Canada define as a ‘stable’ condition?

According to Destination Canada, for a pre-existing condition to be deemed stable and eligible for coverage, there must be no changes in medication, no new symptoms, no new diagnostic treatments or scheduled appointments.

Does Destination Canada offer monthly plans?

Yes, you can pay monthly for Destination Canada visitor health insurance if you purchase your policy with at least 180 days of coverage and a minimum aggregate limit of $50,000. You will need to pay a 2-month deposit plus a one-time $10 fee at application. A third month’s premium is due on the policy’s effective date, with subsequent monthly payments billed thereafter.

Is Destination Canada good for Super Visa Insurance?

Yes, Destination Canada can be a good option for Super Visa Insurance, especially for travellers looking for coverage for eligible stable pre-existing conditions up to the age of 79. The plan also offers competitive pricing for older travellers, with premiums for those aged 65-75 ranging from $215.70/month to $426.00/month with stable pre-existing condition coverage. 

Destination Canada vs. other visitor insurance providers

Here’s how Destination Canada compares to a few other insurance providers in Canada:

For a detailed review, here are our best visitor insurance companies in Canada for better insights.

Our advisors’ take on Destination Canada’s visitor medical insurance 

Our advisors at PolicyAdvisor help travellers compare visitor insurance plans based on their budget, coverage needs, and travel duration. Recently, one of our advisors assisted a 35-year-old traveller visiting Canada from India for 30 days who wanted a policy that minimized out-of-pocket expenses during a medical emergency.

The Client Profile:

• Age: 35 years old
• Trip duration: 30 days
• Coverage required: $100,000
• Primary concern: $0 deductible coverage to avoid out-of-pocket medical expenses in Canada
• The market comparison: After comparing quotes from some of the leading visitor insurance providers in Canada, we recommended Destination Canada’s visitor insurance plan. Since the client’s main priority was avoiding out-of-pocket expenses during a claim, we focused on plans offering $0 deductible coverage at an affordable premium. During our comparison, we found that Destination Canada offered a premium of $97.96/month for $0 deductible coverage, while comparable plans were priced higher.

Expert Destination Canada insurance review: Beyond the affordable premiums, Destination Canada’s visitor insurance to Canada also provides coverage for pre-existing conditions based on stability period: 90 days (under 60 years of age), 120 days (ages 60–69), and 180 days (ages 70–79). 

The plan offers automatic extension benefits, and the side-trip coverage outside Canada is also a valuable benefit for travellers planning a short trip, such as 30 days. It also includes accidental death and dismemberment (up to $150,000). 

If you are still wondering whether Destination Canada’s visitor medical insurance is the right choice for you, let PolicyAdvisor guide you. Our expert advisors can help you understand the benefits and limitations of Destination Canada’s plans. Get started today to make an informed decision and secure the best visitor insurance policy that fits your travel plans perfectly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Destination Canada insurance good for visitors?

Yes, Destination Canada insurance is considered a good option for visitors to Canada looking for affordable emergency medical coverage, flexible deductible options, and coverage for eligible stable pre-existing conditions. It is especially popular among short-term visitors and travellers seeking lower premiums with customizable coverage.

Does Destination Canada offer automatic coverage extensions?

Yes, Destination Canada provides automatic coverage extensions in certain situations. If you or your travelling companion is hospitalized on your policy expiry date, your coverage will automatically be extended at no additional premium for the duration of the hospitalization and up to 72 hours after discharge.

Does Destination Canada require a medical questionnaire?

No, Destination Canada does not require a medical questionnaire for its visitor to Canada (VTC) insurance plans. This makes it easier for travellers to obtain coverage without the need for health assessments, which can be beneficial for those with pre-existing conditions.

What is the maximum number of days Destination Canada’s visitor insurance policy covers?

Destination Canada’s Visitor to Canada insurance policies cover up to 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). If your policy expires, you can purchase a new policy as long as you remain eligible.

Does Destination Canada cover travel outside Canada?

Emergency medical expenses during side trips outside Canada are covered if at least 51% of the trip is spent in Canada. Costs in the insured’s home country are not covered during side trips, and any temporary return to the country of origin must be for less than 51% of the coverage period.

Can I get family coverage with Destination Canada?

Yes, Destination Canada offers family coverage under their plans. Family coverage includes you, your spouse, and dependent children, all under age 60. The cost of emergency medical benefits is calculated based on the premium for the oldest traveller under 60, making it a flexible option for families travelling together.