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Manulife Visitor to Canada Insurance Review – 2024
Manulife’s visitor to Canada insurance provides essential medical coverage for travellers, including emergency medical services such as hospital visits, physician services,, ambulance, emergency dental, bedside assistance, and more. Coverage options go up to up to 200,000, with premiums starting as low as $2 per day for a $50,000 coverage for a young healthy visitor.
- What are the key features of Manulife's visitor health insurance?
- What are the different Manulife visitor health plans I can choose from?
- How much does visitor health insurance from Manulife cost?
- What is the eligibility requirement for Manulife's visitor health insurance?
- Does Manulife cover pre-existing conditions?
- What are the pros and cons of Blue Cross visitor health insurance?
- How does Manulife provide assistance in processing claims?
- Are there any exclusions or limitations to Manulife’s visitor health insurance plans?
- Does Manulife offer any special benefits for students travelling to Canada?
- Frequently asked questions
Manulife, founded in 1887, is Canada’s largest insurance provider, offering visitor health insurance plans for students, tourists, and new immigrants. Their deep understanding of visitor insurance needs ensures coverage from the moment you travel.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Manulife’s visitor health insurance plans, explore the different plans available, and highlight key features that make your travel experience safer.
Key features of Manulife’s emergency medical plans for visitors
Manulife offers visitor health coverage up to $200,000 with deductibles between $0-$5,000, it also has a unique $75 low deductible option as well, which no other provider offers. Visitors to Canada can apply for coverage either before or after they arrive in the country. Overall, Manulife offers quite a comprehensive plan, here’s an overview to help you understand the key features of Manulife’s emergency medical plans:
Key features of Manulife’s visitor to Canada insurance
| Category | Details |
| Maximum age | 85 years |
| Maximum coverage amount | $200,000 |
| Maximum coverage duration | 365 days |
| Deductibles | $0, $75, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 |
| Waiting period | 48 hours after the effective date of the policy if the plan was purchased after arrival in Canada |
| Monthly payment plans offered | No |
| Stability period | 180 days |
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What are the different Manulife visitor health plans I can choose from?
Manulife offers two classifications of visitor insurance plans: Plan A and Plan B. Plan A is for visitors without pre-existing conditions and Plan B is for non-residents with pre-existing conditions. Another variation is the Basic, Standard, or Enhanced plan, that gives visitors more coverage options to choose from.
Manulife’s visitor to Canada insurance plans
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan B |
| Pre-existing medical conditions | No coverage for pre-existing conditions treated 180 days before the effective date | |
| Coverage inclusions | Hospital & physician services, professional services, ambulance, emergency dental procedures, bedside assistance, meals, hotel, repatriation, evacuation, childcare, hospital allowance, trip break, and return of companions | |
| Maximum sum | Up to $100,000 (30 days to 85 years); up to $150,000 (30 days to 69 years) | |
| Coverage duration | Up to 365 days | |
| Waiting period (if purchased after arrival) | 48-hour waiting period (exceptions for accidental injury and continuous coverage) | |
| Travel accident | $50,000 for death/double dismemberment; $25,000 for single dismemberment | |
| Optional trip interruption | $1,500 for single coverage / $5,000 for family coverage | |
| Side-rips outside Canada | Covered up to 30 days per policy or 49% of total coverage days | |
| Eligibility requirements | Must meet eligibility criteria | |
| Medical questionnaire | Not required | Required for ages 40 and over |
| Automatic extensions | 72 hours for carrier delay; 5 days for medical conditions preventing travel | |
| Voluntary extensions | Available, subject to Assistance Centre approval | |
| Assistance centre notification | Mandatory for medical emergencies (20% penalty if not contacted) | |
| Optional deductibles | $0 deductible (5% surcharge); $75 deductible (no surcharge); $500-$5,000 deductible (15%-35% savings) | |
| Savings – family rating | Available for Emergency Medical (2x oldest applicant) | Not available |
| Refunds | Full refund up to effective date; partial refund for early return if no claim | |
What is the difference between the Basic, Standard and Enhanced plans?
Since October 2023, Manulife further categorized their visitor to Canada insurance plans as Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. These plans make it easier for non-residents in Canada to choose the level of coverage they need.
Below is a comparison of the key features of each plan:
Comparison of Manulife Travel Insurance Plans
| Coverage | Basic | Standard | Enhanced |
| Meets Super Visa requirements | Yes | ||
| Medical questionnaire | Not required | Not required (Required for ages 55 to 85) | Required for ages 55 to 85 |
| Pre-existing conditions | Not covered | Covered if conditions did not exist within 180 days prior to the effective date. | Covered if conditions have been stable for at least 180 days prior to the effective date. |
| Hospital & medical | Up to selected policy amount ($15,000 – $200,000) | ||
| Prescription drugs | Up to $500 and not exceeding a 30-day supply | ||
| Dental | Not covered | Up to $4,000 for accidental and $300 for relief of dental pain | |
| Healthcare practitioner services | $1,000 combined maximum | ||
| Extended healthcare | Up to $5,000 | ||
| Expenses related to death | Maximum of $7,500 | ||
| Accidental death and dismemberment | Up to $25,000 for certain conditions; Up to $12,500 for others | Included | |
| Transportation and accommodation | $150/day, up to $1,500 | ||
| Return baggage | Up to $300 | ||
| Side trips | Included | ||
*All coverages are per person unless stated otherwise
How much does visitor health insurance from Manulife cost?
Visitor health insurance from Manulife has coverage options up to 200,000, with premiums starting as low as $2 per day for a $50,000 coverage for a young healthy visitor. The cost of medical insurance for visitors in Canada can depend on several factors such as trip duration, applicant’s age, coverage details, and more.
Here’s an example of what a $100,000 coverage cost for visitors of different ages with and without pre-existing conditions.
Cost of Manulife’s visitor to Canada insurance*
| Age Group | Without Pre-Existing Coverage |
| 25 Years | $102.47/mo |
| 35 Years | $112.89/mo |
| 45 Years | $139.60/mo |
| 55 Years | $215.46/mo |
| 65 Years | $302.46/mo |
| 75 Years | $514.52/mo |
*For $100,000 in coverage for a visitor travelling to Canada for a 30-day-period.
What is the eligibility requirement for Manulife’s visitor health insurance?
Any non-resident in Canada, not covered by a provincial healthcare plan is eligible for Manulife’s visitor to Canada plan. This includes tourists visiting Canada, new immigrants, Super Visa holders, international students, international workers, and returning Canadians.
However, you are not eligible for coverage if:
- You are travelling against physician’s advice
- You have a terminal illness with less than 2 years to live
- You have a kidney condition requiring dialysis
- You have used home oxygen in the past 12 months
- You have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia
- You are under 30 days or over 85 years of age (over 69 years for $150,000 Emergency Medical coverage)
- You reside in a nursing home, long-term care facility, or rehabilitation center
- You need assistance with daily living activities
Does Manulife cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, Plan B of Manulife’s Visitor to Canada insurance plans, offers coverage for pre-existing medical conditions that have been stable for at least 180 days. Plan B applicants who are over 40 years of age need to complete a medical questionnaire before they get coverage.
How does Manulife define a stable pre-existing condition?
According to Manulife, a pre-existing condition is ‘stable’ if there have been no changes in the health condition including:
- No new treatments or changes to existing treatments have occurred
- No changes in medication or new prescriptions have been made
- The condition hasn’t worsened
- No new or more severe symptoms have emerged
- There have been no hospitalizations or specialist referrals
- No pending tests or treatments are outstanding
- There are no planned or upcoming treatments
You must always fully disclose all pre-existing conditions when applying for coverage, as non-disclosure may lead to a denial of coverage or claim rejection during your trip.
What are the pros and cons of Manulife’s visitor health insurance?
While Manulife offers comprehensive medical coverage for non-residents in Canada, it does have certain limitations and exclusions. Understanding the pros and cons of Manulife’s visitor to Canada policy will help you make a more informed decision when purchasing one of Manulife visitor to Canada plans.
Pros and cons of Manulife’s visitor to Canada insurance
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-medical coverage options available (baggage loss, trip cancellation, etc.), enhancing overall value | Adventure sports or risky activities such as mountaineering, rock climbing, sky diving etc are not covered |
| Covers pre-existing conditions that have been stable for at least 180 days | Some secondary benefits may be limited, such as cremation/burial benefits (offers up to $3000 for body transportation compared to others offering up to $10,000) |
| Can cover side trips to other destinations from Canada | The cost of visitor insurance is generally higher compared to other policies. |
| Can cover trip breaks without automatically terminating coverage | Maximum coverage amount is $200,000, which may be lower than some competitors offering up to $1,000,000 |
| Accidental death and dismemberment coverage included for added peace of mind | Limited age flexibility since plans are only available for applicants up to age 85 |
| Automatic plan extension in emergencies to ensure continued coverage | |
| Refund options available if travel plans change or are canceled before the insurance effective date | |
| 24/7 emergency assistance through Manulife’s Assistance Centre | |
| Digital e-policy for easy access and management |
How does Manulife provide assistance in processing claims?
Manulife offers 24/7 emergency support through its Assistance Centre, which verifies coverage, directs policyholders to medical providers, and arranges direct billing when possible. It’s crucial to contact the center before treatment, or as soon as possible after, to avoid a 20% penalty on medical costs. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the incident, with all necessary documentation provided within 90 days. Payments can be made directly to the provider or reimbursed to you.
Are there any exclusions or limitations to Manulife’s visitor health insurance?
Yes, Manulife’s Emergency Medical Plan specifies exclusions for waiting period illnesses, multiple hospitalizations, delays in contacting the assistance centre, and expenses that exceed the maximum coverage amount you have purchased.
Exclusions to Manulife’s visitor to Canada insurance
| Exclusion category | Details |
| Illnesses during the waiting period | Illnesses that occur during the waiting period for those who purchase the visitors to Canada plan after they arrive in the country |
| Pre-existing conditions | No coverage under Plan A. Coverage for stable pre-existing conditions under Plan B |
| Usual and customary | Costs exceeding reasonable charges or the maximum plan coverage |
| False information | Inaccurate information on the application or failing to meet eligibility criteria |
| Contact delays | Only 80% coverage if you don’t contact the Assistance Centre within 24 hours of hospitalization |
| Non-emergency treatments | Treatments that are not considered emergencies such as cosmetic surgeries, elective treatments or procedures, holistic medicine, etc. |
| Ongoing and known conditions | Continued treatment after emergency care, or conditions known before traveling |
| Breaks in coverage | Conditions occurring during a trip break or beyond the side-trip duration outside Canada |
| High-risk activities | Injuries from extreme sports, professional sports, or motorized contests |
| Self-inflicted injuries | Self-inflicted injuries are not covered unless linked to a mental health condition |
| Criminal acts and substance misuse | Injuries or losses from criminal acts or intoxication/substance misuse |
| Mental or emotional disorders | Excludes coverage for minor mental or emotional disorders |
| Pregnancy-related issues | Routine prenatal care, childbirth within 9 weeks of the due date, or related issues for children |
| Unapproved benefits | Any benefits needing pre-approval that weren’t authorized |
| Staying against medical advice | Emergencies that arise after refusing to return home when recommended by medical advisors |
| Aircraft-related injuries | Injuries while piloting or acting as a crew member |
| Consecutive policy issues | Conditions appearing between consecutive policies without a coverage break |
| Government travel advisories | Conditions contracted in areas with a travel advisory against all or non-essential travel |
| War or terrorism | Injuries or losses related to acts of war or terrorism |
Does Manulife offer any special benefits for students travelling to Canada?
Manulife’s visitor health insurance for international students offers comprehensive coverage, including up to $2 million for medical expenses, routine healthcare services, and tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 if a student is unable to attend school due to a medical condition.
Visitor insurance from Manulife features flexible coverage options, such as pausing the policy for up to 60 days, and a full refund if cancelled before the policy start date. It also covers dependents, and pre-existing conditions (if stable for 3 months), and includes no deductible. Students can travel home for up to 21 days without losing coverage, with an option to extend it up to 365 days.
Is Manulife’s visitor to Canada insurance right for me?
Unsure if Manulife’s visitor health insurance is the right choice for you? Let PolicyAdvisor help you make an informed decision. Speak with our expert advisors, compare quotes from 30+ insurance providers, and find the visitor health insurance policy that best meets your needs. Get started today and ensure you have the coverage that fits your travel plans perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Manulife offer coverage extensions?
Yes, Manulife provides automatic coverage extensions in emergencies. If you need to extend your stay in Canada due to a medical emergency, your coverage can be extended automatically by notifying the Assistance Centre.
Does Manulife require a medical questionnaire?
Yes, Manulife requires a medical questionnaire for certain applicants purchasing their Visitor to Canada (VTC) insurance. Specifically, those aged 40 and older must complete this questionnaire when applying for Plan B, which includes coverage for stable pre-existing conditions. The questionnaire helps assess the stability of their health condition before the insurance becomes effective.
Can I get family coverage with Manulife?
Yes, family coverage is available with Plan A, even if you add trip interruption insurance. Plan B does not offer family coverage. Family coverage includes you, your spouse, and dependent children, all under age 60. For Plan A, the cost of emergency medical benefits is twice the premium for the oldest traveler under 60, while trip interruption insurance is three times the premium for the oldest traveler under 60.
What is the maximum number of days Manulife’s visitor insurance policy covers?
Both Plan A and Plan B cover up to 365 days (366 days in a leap year). Once the policy expires, you can purchase a new policy if you remain eligible.
Can just one parent and their children get family coverage?
Yes, as long as the parent pays the premium for family coverage and the children are listed on the confirmation of coverage.
Does Manulife cover travel outside Canada?
Yes, Canadians studying abroad have access to emergency and non-emergency medical benefits while outside Canada for the coverage period shown on the confirmation of coverage.
What is Manulife’s waiting period for visitor insurance to Canada?
For Manulife’s Visitor to Canada insurance, if you purchase the policy after arriving in Canada, a 48-hour waiting period applies for medical emergency claims. This means that any medical issues occurring within the first 48 hours of your policy activation may not be covered.
Can I pay monthly for my Manulife visitor health insurance?
No, Manulife does not offer monthly payment plans for visitors to Canada insurance. You have to pay all premiums in full when you purchase your policy.
- Manulife provides two plans: Plan A for those without any pre-existing conditions and Plan B for those with stable pre-existing conditions with coverage amounts up to $200,000
- Visitor health insurance from Manulife offers coverage options up to 200,000 with premiums starting as low as $2 per day for a $50,000 coverage for a young healthy visitor. The policy requires full premium payment at purchase; monthly payment plans are not available
- There are certain exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, high-risk activities, and non-emergency treatments. Coverage is also limited by a waiting period if the policy is purchased after arrival in Canada
- The Manulife Assistance Centre provides 24/7 support, including direct billing and claim processing, but you must contact them before receiving treatment to avoid a 20% coverage penalty
