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Do I need medical insurance to visit Canada?
While Canada’s healthcare system is excellent, it only covers Canadian residents, leaving visitors responsible for their medical expenses. Medical Insurance for visitors to Canada provides financial protection against unexpected medical costs, which often can be substantial. Investing in a suitable plan can save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses and offer peace of mind during your trip.
- What does emergency medical insurance cover?
- Can I get medical insurance for parents visiting Canada?
- Can I go to the emergency room in Canada?
- How much does medical care cost for visitors in Canada?
- How much does medical insurance for visitors cost in Canada?
- How can I choose the right medical insurance plan for visitors in Canada?
- Common mistakes to avoid when getting medical insurance in Canada
- Find the best medical insurance for visitors to Canada
- Frequently asked questions
Medical insurance is essential for foreigners in Canada due to the high cost of healthcare services and the limitations of Canada’s public healthcare system, which does not cover non-residents. Without insurance, visitors could face significant out-of-pocket expenses for medical emergencies, hospitalization, or even routine care.
The Government of Canada strongly advises that all visitors get comprehensive travel insurance to protect themselves from these potential expenses. Without insurance, the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies can be significant.
Insurance for visitors to Canada ensures you’re protected against unexpected expenses, such as hospitalization, doctor visits, or medical evacuation, providing peace of mind during your trip.
What does emergency medical insurance for visitors cover?
Having emergency medical insurance in Canada provides financial protection from the high cost of healthcare and medical facilities such as doctor consultations, prescription drugs, paramedical services, repatriation and more Here are a few coverage options that you can avail on purchasing visitors to Canada insurance:
- Physician consultations: Reasonable and customary fees for medical care, whether received in or out of the hospital, from a physician. Unless advised otherwise by the attending physician or the insurance company’s medical team, follow-up visits with the doctor are also covered.
- Prescription drug coverage: Health insurance can cover the cost of prescription medications that may be needed during your stay
- Pathological tests or diagnostic procedures: Visitors to Canada insurance provides comprehensive coverage for various diagnostic procedures including blood work, X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and more
- Paramedical services: Visitors to Canada insurance also covers paramedical services. This includes coverage for services provided by licensed professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, podiatrists, or massage therapists. These services are covered if they are deemed necessary due to a medical emergency, helping visitors recover or manage their health conditions effectively
- Pre-existing condition coverage: Some insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, which can be crucial for visitors with ongoing health issues
- Repatriation: Insurance can cover the costs of emergency medical evacuation back to your home country, which can be a significant cost without coverage
- Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D): Visitors to Canada insurance may also provide a one-time lump sum amount in case of severe accidents that may lead to the death or loss of limbs of the insured, effectively limiting their mobility and working efficiency
- Emergency dental care: Some insurance plans provide coverage for emergency dental treatment or surgery that may have resulted from an accident or sudden injury
- Ambulance transportation: Visitors’ health insurance covers the costs of ambulance services—whether ground or air—needed to transport the visitor to the nearest hospital or medical facility during a medical emergency. This ensures that visitors receive immediate and necessary care without worrying about the high costs associated with emergency transportation
- Hotels, meals, taxis: If a medical emergency requires a visitor to extend their stay in Canada for treatment or recovery, the insurance can cover additional expenses for hotels, meals, and local transportation such as taxis. This coverage can also extend to a traveling companion who needs to stay nearby
- Childcare: If a visitor is hospitalized and unable to care for their dependent child, the visitor to Canada insurance may cover temporary childcare expenses. This ensures the child is safe and looked after while the insured individual receives necessary medical treatment, providing peace of mind during a stressful time
- Trip break/Side trip: Some emergency medical insurance plans for visitors offer flexibility with a trip break or side trip coverage, which allows visitors to return to their home country for a short period or travel to another country without losing their insurance coverage
Can I get medical insurance for parents visiting Canada?
Yes, you can get medical insurance for parents visiting Canada. Visitors’ insurance options, including Super Visa insurance, are specifically designed to cover costly out-of-pocket expenses during your family members’ stay in Canada.
Many insurance companies offer visitor insurance plans specifically designed for non-resident parents, covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, physician visits, and other healthcare expenses that might arise during their stay.
When selecting a plan, consider factors like your parents’ age, health conditions, the duration of their stay, and the level of coverage needed. It’s also important to ensure the plan meets the requirements if they are applying for a Super Visa, which mandates a minimum level of medical insurance.
Can I go to the emergency room (ER) in Canada?
Yes, you can go to the emergency room in Canada as a non-resident. The emergency room (ER) in hospitals is open for everyone in Canada, from residents to visitors. However, unlike Canadian residents, visitors cannot avail government-funded provincial healthcare facilities, making ER visits extremely expensive.
Visitors to Canada can opt for medical insurance to avoid out-of-pocket medical expenses. These plans provide coverage for emergency visits, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, consultation charges, and more.
Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.
How much does medical care cost for visitors in Canada?
A doctor’s consultation in Canada can cost $300 or more. Similarly, a visit to the ER can range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the tests and treatments needed.
Hospital stays can cost significantly more, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per day or higher, depending on the level of care, length of stay, and specific medical services provided.
Overall, Canadian healthcare can be quite expensive for non-residents, especially if they do not have health insurance for visitors to Canada.
Emergency medical services costs for non-residents in Canada
| Hospital Service | Cost for Non-Residents in Canada |
| Doctor’s appointments | $930 |
| Emergency visit | $930 |
| X-ray (including hospital visit fee) | $49 and up |
| MRI(plus Hospital visit fee) | $2,030 |
| CT Scan (plus Hospital visit fee) | $2,130 |
| High-Risk Ultrasound (plus Hospital visit fee) | $359 |
| Lab Tests, each (plus Hospital visit fee) | $360 |
| Ambulance charges | $240 |
| Rehabilitation & mobility appliances | $2-$240 |
| Ward Room – Regular | $964 |
| Ward – Intensive Care | $4,049 |
| Semi-private Room | $1,184 |
| Private Room | $1,224 |
*Charges as per a popular hospital in Ontario, Canada
How much does medical insurance for visitors cost in Canada?
The cost of medical insurance for visitors to Canada can range between $20 to $110, depending on the individual’s age, gender, and the province they want to visit.
Here’s an illustration that shows the monthly premium cost for visitor medical insurance in Canada:
Cost of medical insurance for visitors to Canada
| Visitors Age | Premium
($1,000 deductible) |
Premium
($500 deductible) |
Premium
($0 deductible) |
| 25 years | $28/month | $30/month | $34/month |
| 35 years | $35/month | $38/month | $42/month |
| 45 years | $40/month | $46/month | $53/month |
| 55 years | $45/month | $50/month | $55/month |
| 65 years | $60/month | $54/month | $63/month |
| 75 years | $95/month | $98/month | $114/month |
*The above figures are quotes for $100,000 coverage for an emergency medical plan for an individual with regular health
How can I choose the right medical insurance plan for visitors in Canada?
Most insurers offer visitors to Canada insurance at different price points, depending on the trip details and coverage type. You can choose from tiered plans such as basic, enhanced, and comprehensive, depending on your requirements.
| Requirements | Basic plan (Premium amount $50- $90/month) | Enhanced plan (Premium amount ($180-$350/month) | Comprehensive plan (Premium amount $500-$680/month) |
| Pre-existing disease coverage | Does not cover pre-existing illnesses | Provides coverage for pre-existing diseases that remained stable for 180 days before the policy purchase | Provides coverage for pre-existing diseases that remained stable for 180 days before the policy purchase |
| Emergency hospitalization | Coverage may go up to $50,000 | Coverage may range between $100,000 and $150,000 | Coverage can go beyond $200,000 |
| Prescription drugs | Coverage up to $500 for 30 days of supply | Coverage up to $1,000 per occurrence for 30 days of supply | Coverage up to $10,000 per occurrence for 30 days of supply |
| Dental plans | Coverage not available | Coverage up to $4000 for dental emergencies | Coverage up to $5500 for dental emergencies |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Not included | Coverage up to $25,000 for death and $12,000 for dismemberment included | Coverage up to $35,000 for death and $20,000 for dismemberment included |
| Reparation | Coverage up to $1,500 | Coverage up to $1,850 | Coverage up to $2,500 |
How can I purchase health insurance for visitors to Canada?
Purchasing health insurance for visitors to Canada may seem complicated, especially when you have a trip to plan. Start by assessing your specific requirements, such as the provinces that you want to visit and the types of activities you plan to engage in during your visit.
Once you have your trip details ready, speak to one of our experts at PolicyAdvisor. Our licensed advisors will help with choosing the right plan, and completing the tedious paperwork, and will ensure you get the best rates!
What are the common mistakes to avoid when getting medical insurance in Canada?
Many individuals make mistakes like underestimating their coverage needs or overlooking policy exclusions that can affect their coverage or even result in claim denials during a medical emergency. Take a look at some of the common mistakes to avoid while purchasing medical insurance for visitors in Canada:
- Underestimating coverage needs: Choosing a plan with insufficient coverage limits may expose you to high out-of-pocket expenses. To be on the safer side, opt for plans with a minimum coverage of $100,000
- Overlooking policy exclusions: Individuals should carefully read through their insurance policies to be aware of any exclusions such as routine check-ups, preventive care, maternity care, etc. mentioned in the policy
- Not considering the trip duration: Selecting a policy that doesn’t match the exact length of your stay can leave you unprotected if your trip extends beyond the coverage period. Make sure your policy has room for coverage extensions
- Ensuring your family is covered: If you’re traveling with family, ensure you get medical insurance for parents visiting Canada or for your children who might be travelling with you
Find the best medical insurance for visitors to Canada
When planning a visit to Canada, medical insurance for visitors can be your financial safety net against inflated medical bills. It also ensures access to necessary medical care and provides peace of mind.
Talk to licensed advisors at PolicyAdvisor and invest in a budget-friendly plan so that you can enjoy your visit without any additional medical hassles in a foreign land.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see a doctor without health insurance in Canada?
Yes, you can see a doctor in Canada without health insurance but it is very expensive!
A simple visit to a walk-in clinic or family doctor can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, and emergency room visits can go up to $1,000. To avoid those hefty bills, consider getting visitor insurance before you arrive.
What happens if a tourist gets sick in Canada?
If a tourist gets sick in Canada, they will need to seek medical care at their own expense, as Canada’s public healthcare system does not cover non-residents.
Without medical insurance for visitors, non-residents are responsible for paying out-of-pocket for doctor visits, hospital stays, and any necessary treatments, which can be quite expensive.
Can a visitor get medical treatment in Canada?
Yes, non-residents can receive medical treatment in Canada, but it’s not free. Canada’s public health care does not extend its offerings to visitors.
This means tourists, international students, and temporary workers must rely on medical insurance for visitors for any healthcare needs during their stay. Without insurance, treatment can be expensive, and visitors will have to pay out of pocket.
What are some of the best companies for health insurance for visitors to Canada?
Canada has a variety of options when it comes to health insurance for visitors to Canada. Some of the best medical insurance companies that provide affordable rates include Manulife, Desjardins, Tugo, Allianz Global Assistance, and more.
- While not mandatory, having medical insurance when visiting Canada is crucial due to the high cost of healthcare services
- Without insurance, visitors to Canada can face significant out-of-pocket expenses for emergencies, doctor visits, hospitalizations, etc
- Select a plan that covers essential medical services, matches the duration of your stay, and provides complete financial protection
- To ensure adequate coverage, avoid common pitfalls such as underestimating coverage needs, overlooking exclusions, and not aligning the policy duration with your trip length
