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Is health insurance for visitors to Canada mandatory?
Visitor health insurance is not a legal requirement for travelers to Canada unless applying for a Super Visa, but it is highly recommended due to the high cost of medical care for non residents. The Canadian healthcare system mainly serves residents and does not cover visitors’ medical expenses. Additionally, returning residents may face gaps in provincial coverage, requiring private insurance to bridge the waiting periods. Students and visitors alike are encouraged to consider comprehensive coverage to avoid costly medical bills during their stay in Canada.
- Is visitor health insurance worth it?
- What does the law say about medical insurance for visitors to Canada?
- Do Canadian provinces have different laws for visitor health insurance?
- Is visitor medical insurance mandatory for a Super Visa application?
- Are returning residents covered by the provincial healthcare plan?
- Do international students in Canada need health insurance?
- What should a Canadian visitor health insurance policy cover?
- Frequently asked questions
While not legally required unless applying for the Super Visa, visitor health insurance is something you shouldn’t ignore when traveling to Canada. The Canadian healthcare system is world-renowned, but it’s primarily designed to serve Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It does not pay for visitors in case they’re faced with a medical emergency.
Health insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended due to the potential high costs of medical care for visitors in Canada. Without coverage, even a minor incident could result in substantial out-of-pocket expenses and derail your travel plans. Whether you’re coming for a short visit or an extended stay, purchasing visitor health insurance protects both your health and your wallet.
Is visitor health insurance worth it?
Yes, as a visitor to Canada, a visit to the doctor or a walk-in clinic could be anywhere between $100 and $600, while an emergency room or hospitalization could cost you around $6,000 per day!
Without proper medical coverage, healthcare costs can escalate in the blink of an eye. So, if you want to access emergency medical care affordably, visitor health insurance is a must.
What does the law say about medical insurance for visitors to Canada?
If you’re simply traveling to Canada, you’re not legally required to have health insurance. However, if you’re applying for a Super Visa for parents and grandparents, you need to purchase visitor health insurance to Canada.
A Super Visa insurance policy must meet the following minimum requirements: it must be valid for at least one year from the date the visa holder arrives in Canada, provide coverage of at least $100,000, and include emergency medical care, potential hospitalization, and repatriation.
Do Canadian provinces have different laws for visitor health insurance?
Yes, each province in Canada has its own regulations and practices for visitor health insurance. Although provincial health insurance plans do not cover visitors, the specifics of visitor health insurance can differ widely across provinces.
Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, Medicare primarily covers residents. However, visitors are not covered by provincial health insurance and must purchase private health insurance to cover medical expenses during their stay.
It’s common to encounter confusion when insurance applications on insurer portals ask for the province of destination in Canada. This might mistakenly suggest that visitor insurance is limited to a specific province.
In reality, visitor insurance provides coverage throughout Canada, regardless of the province you select. For instance, if a traveler chooses Ontario as their destination, the insurance will remain effective even if they initially arrive in or travel to other provinces within Canada.
So, if you’re visiting Canada and have provincial healthcare coverage, you don’t need visitor health insurance. But, if you’re visiting and are not covered by the provincial plan, you must purchase a visitor medical insurance policy.
Is visitor medical insurance mandatory for a Super Visa application?
Yes, it is a requirement by the Canadian Government for Super Visa applicants to get visitor health insurance. Here’s what you need to know:
- Applicants must provide proof of medical insurance valid for at least one year from their entry date into Canada
- The policy must offer at least $100,000 in coverage, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Insurance must be purchased from a Canadian company or an insurer approved by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to ensure it meets Canadian standards
- The insurance must be active and available for review by immigration officials upon entry, so applicants should have their policy documents ready
- As per the latest law, applicants can now make a deposit or choose installment payments, rather than paying the full amount upfront, making it easier for families to secure coverage
Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.
Are returning residents covered by the provincial healthcare plan?
No, returning residents are not covered by the provincial healthcare plan if they have been out of Canada for 6 months or more. New immigrants also need to wait after they arrive to be covered under a provincial plan. In such a case, they experience a lapse in provincial healthcare coverage due to waiting periods before they become eligible for provincial health insurance.
Different provinces have varying waiting periods before coverage resumes:
- Three-month waiting period: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut
- Immediate coverage: Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
During the waiting period, the returning residents are responsible for all medical expenses out-of-pocket, which can lead to significant financial strain if an unexpected medical emergency arises.
Are there any exemptions from the waiting period?
Yes, some provinces offer exemptions from waiting periods:
- Ontario: Babies born to permanent residents, children adopted internationally, convention refugees, and those moving to long-term care homes are exempt from the waiting period
- Quebec: Exemptions for pregnancy, serious infectious diseases, victims of domestic violence, and immigrants from specific European countries are exempt from the waiting period
Do international students in Canada need health insurance?
Yes, as an international student, you must have health insurance in Canada. Some provinces (like Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) offer coverage to international students who meet certain requirements.
Other provinces (like Ontario, Quebec) do not offer provincial coverage to international students.
While some regions offer public health insurance for students, others require private insurance or offer only basic coverage.
Healthcare services available for international students by province
| Province/territory | Public health coverage available | Details |
| Alberta | Yes | International students studying for at least six months are eligible for AHCIP coverage. Basic expenses are covered; dental and prescription drugs are not. Private insurance is needed if ineligible for AHCIP |
| British Columbia | Yes | Eligible for MSP if studying for at least six months. Coverage begins after a 3-month waiting period, during which iMED provides basic insurance. Extended coverage may be purchased through schools or private insurers |
| Manitoba | No | Required to have Manitoba International Student Health Plan for emergency medical services |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Eligible for New Brunswick Medicare if enrolled full-time for at least one year. Basic coverage only; extended health coverage is recommended |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Automatically enrolled in the Foreign Health Insurance plan. Basic coverage if studying full-time for at least 12 months. Private insurance is needed if ineligible |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Eligible for Northwest Territories Health Care if studying for more than 12 months. Basic coverage only; extended coverage recommended |
| Nova Scotia | No | Health coverage is required; not available through the provincial program. Schools offer plans, often mandatory. Coverage costs approximately $650/year. After one year, eligibility for MSI may be possible. |
| Nunavut | Not applicable | No designated learning institutions; health insurance is not applicable. |
| Ontario | No | Not eligible for OHIP. Universities offer health insurance plans (UHIP) through educational institutions, with costs added to university fees |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes | Eligible for PEI Health Card if studying for at least six months, after three months of residency. Private insurance is required initially |
| Quebec | Sometimes | Reciprocity agreements with some countries allow for RAMQ coverage. If not eligible, students must purchase school-provided or private insurance |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Eligible for basic health coverage with Saskatchewan Health Card if studying for at least six months. Some institutions offer private insurance plans |
| Yukon | No | Mandatory group health insurance plan through Yukon College for all international students |
What should a Canadian visitor health insurance policy cover?
A visitor health insurance should include all kinds of medical emergencies including necessary hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, or accidental death and dismemberment.
Key components of a Canadian visitor health insurance policy
| Coverage type | Description |
| Emergency medical treatment | Coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and outpatient care |
| Hospitalization and surgery | Costs associated with inpatient care, including room charges, surgeries, and specialized treatments |
| Emergency dental care | Coverage for dental emergencies, such as pain relief or treatment for injuries to teeth |
| Medical evacuation | Transportation to a medical facility in emergencies, including air ambulance services if necessary |
| Prescription medication | Coverage for necessary prescription drugs during the visit |
| Repatriation of mortal remains | Costs for returning a deceased visitor’s remains to their home country |
| Accidental death and dismemberment | Benefits for accidental death or serious injury resulting in dismemberment |
| Loss of checked luggage | Compensation for lost or delayed baggage |
| Coverage for pre-existing conditions | Some policies cover the acute onset of pre-existing conditions |
| Additional benefits | Ambulance transportation, paramedical services, physiotherapists, renting medical equipment, private nurses, chiropractors, etc |
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 a plan that meets your needs, and your budget!
Frequently asked questions
Can I purchase visitor insurance for Canada after I arrive?
It is best to purchase visitor insurance before you arrive in Canada. If you buy the insurance after arriving, you may be faced with a waiting period. A waiting period is a set amount of time you must wait after purchasing the insurance or after your arrival before coverage begins.
Can I cancel the insurance and get a refund?
Yes, most insurance plans can be canceled and the premium refunded if done before the policy’s effective date, though some administrative fees may apply. If the policy is canceled after the effective date due to early departure to your home country or eligibility for a provincial or territorial government plan, you may receive a partial refund (minus a cancellation fee) provided no claims have been made.
How can I make an insurance claim in case of an emergency?
To make a claim contact your insurance provider at the earliest. Complete the claim form provided by your insurance company and attach the original medical bills, receipts, and invoices, keeping copies for your records. Mail these documents to your insurance company, ensuring that all claims are reported in writing within 30 days of the expense and that all original documents are submitted within 90 days.
Can I go to the ER in Canada without health insurance?
Yes, you can go to the ER in Canada without health insurance, but you may face significant out-of-pocket costs. While Canadian residents typically have access to publicly funded healthcare, visitors without insurance will be billed for emergency services. It’s strongly recommended to have health insurance to cover these potential expenses.
My parents are visiting Canada. Do I need health insurance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended that your parents have health insurance while visiting Canada. Health insurance will help cover medical expenses in case of illness or an accident, which can be quite costly without coverage. It provides peace of mind and ensures that they have financial protection for unexpected medical needs during their trip.
- Health insurance for visitors to Canada is not mandatory unless applying for a Super Visa, but it is highly advisable
- Without insurance, medical expenses in Canada such as costs for doctor visits, hospitalization, and emergency care can be exorbitant
- Each province has different regulations for visitor health insurance, with some requiring private coverage and others offering limited public options
- The Canadian government strongly encourages visitors to obtain health insurance, as provincial health plans do not cover medical expenses for non-residents. Without adequate insurance, visitors could face high medical costs for emergencies or unforeseen health issues during their stay
