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- 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
- Is visitor insurance mandatory in Canada?
- What is visitor health insurance in Canada?
- What does the law say about medical insurance for visitors to Canada?
- Is visitor medical insurance mandatory for a Super Visa application?
- Do Canadian provinces have different laws for visitor health insurance?
- Are returning residents covered by the provincial healthcare plan?
- What is the cost of visitor health insurance in Canada?
- Do international students in Canada need health insurance?
- What should a Canadian visitor health insurance policy cover?
- Is visitor medical insurance worth it?
- How to get the best visitor health insurance quotes in Canada?
- Frequently asked questions
Most travelers to Canada don’t need visitor health insurance by law, unless they apply for a Super Visa. However, you should still consider investing in these medical insurance plans. In Canada, visitors must pay for all medical services themselves, including emergency care, hospital stays, and even routine doctor visits.
According to Statistics Canada, in the third quarter of 2024, over 2.4 million overseas residents visited Canada. Marking a 3.5% increase from the same period in 2023. As international travel to Canada grows, more visitors choose to protect themselves with health insurance.
When you buy visitor health insurance, you protect both your health and your finances. Otherwise, even a single medical emergency can lead to overwhelming expenses and interrupted travel plans.
Is visitor insurance mandatory in Canada?
No, visitor insurance is not a mandatory requirement in Canada, except for Super Visa applicants. However, the Government of Canada recommends at least a $100,000 in visitor medical insurance coverage for all who come to the country. This is because out-of-pocket healthcare expenses can be exorbitant, often going up to a few thousand dollars for medical emergencies.
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What is visitor health insurance in Canada?
Visitor health insurance is essential for anyone travelling to Canada who isn’t covered by the country’s publicly funded healthcare system. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist, coming to see family, studying, or applying for a Super Visa, medical care in Canada can be expensive without proper coverage. This type of insurance helps pay for emergency medical services during your stay, protecting you from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Here’s what visitor health insurance typically includes:
- Emergency medical care: Covers hospitalization, emergency room visits, and medical treatments for unexpected illnesses or injuries
- Doctor consultations: Includes fees for general practitioners or specialists as needed
- Diagnostic tests: Covers lab work, X-rays, and other diagnostic services required for treatment
- Prescription medications: Offers limited coverage for medications prescribed during emergency treatment
- Ambulance services: Pays for ground or air ambulance services in the event of a medical emergency
- Repatriation benefits: Covers the cost of returning a visitor to their home country due to a medical emergency or death
- Accidental death & dismemberment: Provides a lump-sum benefit in the event of accidental injury or death
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 we need insurance for a visitor visa in Canada?
Yes, you will need insurance for specific visa types, specifically the Super Visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens. A Super Visa application must include a medical visitor insurance policy.
While general visa holders do need visitor insurance, considering the high cost of healthcare in Canada, it is highly recommended for all visitors to get insurance before they arrive in the country.
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
- You must purchase your travel health insurance 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
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.
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.
Can I stay in Canada without health insurance?
Yes, you can stay in Canada without health insurance, but it’s not advisable. Without visitor medical insurance, you will be responsible for all emergency medical expenses, which can be quite high. Emergency hospitalization, hospital stays, doctor visits, or even evacuation can quickly accumulate significant costs.
To protect yourself financially and ensure access to necessary healthcare, it’s highly recommended to obtain a private visitor health insurance plan before travelling 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.
Are returning residents covered by provincial healthcare plans?
No, Canada’s provincial healthcare plans do not cover returning residents if they have been out of Canada for 6 months or more. New immigrants also need to wait after they arrive if they want coverage 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
What is the cost of visitor health insurance in Canada?
The cost of visitor health insurance in Canada depends largely on the visitor’s age, duration of stay, and the amount of coverage selected. On average, for a single-trip travel insurance policy with $100,000 in coverage, monthly premiums range from $72.30 to $405 per month across different age groups.
Cost of travel medical insurance in Canada
| Visitor’s age | Average monthly premium |
| 25 years | $72.30 |
| 35 years | $90.90 |
| 45 years | $101.70 |
| 55 years | $110.70 |
| 65 years | $133.20 |
| 75 years | $240.00 |
| 85 years | $405.00 |
*Note: These figures represent the average premiums for a single-trip travel insurance policy with $100,000 in coverage
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 |
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 have to pay out-of-pocket for emergency services. It’s strongly recommended to have health insurance to cover these potential expenses.
What happens if you go to the hospital without insurance in Canada?
If you go to the hospital in Canada without insurance, the hospital will expect that you pay for all medical services out of your own pocket. Canada’s healthcare system does not provide free coverage for visitors or non-residents, so costs for hospital visits, treatments, and emergency services can quickly add up.
Depending on the type of care you need, bills can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, especially if your treatment requires hospitalization or surgery.
What happens if you get sick without travel health insurance in Canada?
If you get sick without travel medical insurance, you will be liable for paying the full cost of medical treatment out of pocket. Unlike Canadian citizens and permanent residents, visitors are not covered under provincial health care plans. Even a minor illness can result in substantial medical bills.
Without visitor medical insurance, you may face difficult choices such as delaying treatment, seeking lower-quality care, or returning home prematurely. In more serious cases, unpaid medical bills can lead to collection issues or impact future visa applications.
Is visitor medical insurance worth it?
Yes, visitor health insurance is worth it for anyone travelling to Canada. Since Canada’s public healthcare system does not cover non-residents, you must pay out of pocket for any medical services you need during your stay.
A simple visit to a walk-in clinic or doctor can cost between $100 and $600, while emergency room care or hospitalization can easily exceed $6,000 per day. If you require surgery or intensive care, the costs can skyrocket even further.
Visitor health insurance protects you from these high medical expenses. It allows you to access emergency care, hospital services, and diagnostic tests without facing a financial crisis. It also gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to delay treatment due to cost concerns.
Visitor health insurance providers offer flexible plans that match the duration of your stay, your age, and your medical needs, making it a smart and necessary investment for every visitor to Canada.
How to get the best visitor health insurance quotes in Canada?
Getting health insurance as a visitor in Canada involves three key steps: assessing your coverage needs, comparing available plans, and selecting a policy that fits both your medical requirements and your budget. But navigating these options on your own can be overwhelming.
That’s where PolicyAdvisor makes the process easier and more reliable. We work with 30+ of Canada’s top visitor insurance providers to offer a wide range of visitor health insurance plans. Whether you’re visiting for a few weeks or staying long-term under a Super Visa, our licensed insurance advisors provide personalized, unbiased guidance to help you understand your options and choose the best policy for your situation.
Our after-sales support ensures that if you have questions, need to make changes, or need assistance during a claim, you’ll have expert help at every step. Schedule a call with our team to get the best visitor insurance quotes in Canada today!
Frequently asked questions
Can I get health insurance in Canada as a visitor?
Yes, you can get health insurance for visitors in Canada that covers emergency medical costs such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, etc.
Since the public healthcare system in Canada only pays out to residents and citizens, it is best if visitors purchase private health insurance to cover any medical emergencies or health-related expenses during their stay.
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.
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.
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.
Statistics Canada. “Visitor Travel Survey, Third Quarter 2024.” The Daily, February 28, 2025.
