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Is health insurance for visitors to Canada refundable?
A refund for early cancellation of visitor health insurance to Canada is possible, but it depends on factors like the timing of cancellation and the provider’s policies. This guide explains how to navigate cancellation processes, eligibility for refunds, common reasons for policy cancellation, and what to expect regarding fees for popular providers.
- What is health insurance for visitors to Canada?
- What are the most common reasons for cancelling visitor medical insurance?
- Can I cancel my visitor health insurance policy and get a refund?
- How much do popular insurance providers charge for a refund request?
- How can I request a refund?
- Can I cancel a monthly insurance plan and get a refund?
- Will I get a refund if my visa application is rejected?
- Can a visitor insurance refund request be rejected?
- Frequently asked questions
Yes, cancelling your visitor health insurance plan for Canada and getting a refund is possible, but the terms for different insurers vary. Most providers offer full refunds if canceled within the free-look period or before the policy starts.
After coverage begins, you might receive a pro-rata refund for unused days, minus any fees. In this article, we’ll explain how refund policies typically work and walk you through the steps of cancelling your plan, so you know what to expect.
What is health insurance for visitors to Canada?
Visitor health insurance, also known as visitors’ to Canada insurance, protects travellers from unexpected medical expenses while visiting Canada. A doctor’s visit or a walk-in clinic appointment may cost between $100 and $600, whereas an emergency room visit or hospitalization could reach up to $6,000 per day!
Since visitors are not covered by Canadian free healthcare, the visitor insurance covers medical emergencies, like accidents or sudden illnesses that you may unexpectedly face without facing the exorbitant financial burden of the medical expenses.
What are the most common reasons for cancelling visitor medical insurance?
Common reasons for canceling Visitor to Canada insurance include early return home, trip cancellation,visa issues or no longer needing coverage due to eligibility for provincial healthcare.
Here are some common reasons why you might need to cancel your visitor health insurance:
Changes in travel plans:
- Early return home: You may need to cut your trip short due to personal reasons or emergencies, leading you to cancel your insurance policy
- Change in itinerary: Adjustments to travel plans, such as switching destinations or extending stays elsewhere, might prompt the cancellation of the current insurance plan
Health issues or emergencies:
- Personal health issues: If you encounter a medical emergency or illness that prevents you from travelling, cancelling the insurance may become necessary
- Family emergencies: Serious situations involving family members, such as illness or death, may require changes in travel plans, leading to the cancellation of insurance
Visa denial or administrative issues:
- Visa denial: When a visa application is denied, you will need to cancel your travel plans and the insurance policy
- Other administrative issues: Unexpected legal problems or changes in travel documentation can also result in the need to cancel insurance
Can I cancel my visitor health insurance policy and get a refund?
Yes, in most cases, you can cancel your visitor health insurance policy and receive a refund depending on the free-look period, policy start date and reason of cancellation. However, the specifics will depend on your insurance provider’s policies.
How do cancellations before the policy’s start date work?
If you need to cancel your policy before coverage begins, you’re usually entitled to a full refund of the premium you paid. All policies from Canadian insurers come with a 10-day free-look period, during which you can cancel and get a full refund for any reason.
If you cancel after those 10 days, refunds are typically only given in certain cases: if your entire trip is cancelled before you arrive in Canada, if your visa is denied, if you become ineligible under the policy, or if you pass away.
How do cancellations after the policy’s start date work?
If you cancel your policy after it has already started, you might receive a pro-rata refund. This means you’ll be refunded for the days of coverage you didn’t use. For example, if you purchased a 30-day policy and canceled after 10 days, you would typically get a refund for the remaining 20 days, minus any applicable fees.
For instance, if you leave Canada early or become covered by a government healthcare plan, you can usually get a partial refund for the unused coverage, minus an administration fee. However, if you’ve already made a claim, you won’t be eligible for a refund. If you’d still like a refund, you can withdraw your claim for a fee, which is usually around $300 with most insurers.
What is a free-look period?
A free-look period is a grace period, usually 10-15 days from the purchase date, during which you can cancel your policy for a full refund, no questions asked. This period allows you to review the policy in detail to ensure it meets your needs before fully committing.
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How much do popular insurance providers charge for a refund request?
Visitor insurance refund fees range from $25-$250 depending on the company and type of policy. Here’s a comparison of the fees charged by each insurer for non-arrival and early departure scenarios for both regular visitor insurance and Super Visa:
| Insurer | Refund fee for non-arrival before effective date for regular visitor insurance | Refund fee for early departure for both regular visitor insurance & super visa | Super visa refund fee for non-arrival |
| 21st Century | $25 | $25 | Cannot be cancelled for 2 years unless visa is denied; visa application is withdrawn; or insured passes away |
| Allianz | $0 | $25 | Not allowed—only possible with proof of visa denial, according to customer service |
| Blue Cross | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Destination Canada | $0 | $25 | $150 |
| GMS | $0 | $40 | $0 |
| Manulife | $0 | $0 (implied from policy wording) | Not allowed—only possible with proof of visa denial, according to policy wording |
| MSH International | $0 | $25 | $250 |
| Secure Travel (RIMI) | $50 | $50 | $150 |
| Travelance | $250 ($0 if visa is denied or insured becomes ineligible) | $50 | $250 |
| Tugo | $25 | $25 | $250 |
How can I request a refund?
To request a refund, you’ll need to follow your insurance provider’s cancellation process. Typically, this involves submitting a written request via email or an online portal. Be sure to include your policy number and the reason for your cancellation.
Documentation
You might need to provide supporting documents to justify the cancellation, such as:
- Proof of early return home (e.g., boarding pass, customs stamp, gas receipts)
- Documents related to visa denial or other administrative issues
- Medical records for health emergencies that prevent travel
Refund eligibility
Most insurance providers offer a full refund if you cancel before the policy’s effective date or within a free-look period, usually within 10-15 days of purchase. For cancellations after the policy has started, you may be eligible for a pro-rata refund based on the unused portion of the policy, provided no claims have been filed.
Refund timeline
Refunds are generally processed within 14 working days of your cancellation request, though the exact timing may vary depending on the provider. The refund will be issued to the original payment method used for purchasing the policy.
Fees and deductions
Some providers may charge a processing fee for cancellations, which will be deducted from your refund. This administrative fee is often waived if the cancellation is due to a visa denial.
Can I cancel a monthly insurance plan and get a refund?
Yes, you can usually cancel a monthly insurance plan, but the refund terms depend on your policy and when you cancel. Most plans offer a free look period (usually 10-15 days) during which you can cancel for a full refund if no claims have been made and your trip hasn’t started.
After this period, you may still get a prorated refund based on the unused portion of your policy, though certain fees might not be refundable. To cancel, you’ll need to submit a written request, and refunds typically take 7 to 14 working days to process.
What if my travel plans change after purchasing visitor health insurance?
If your travel plans change after purchasing visitor to Canada insurance, you generally have options to modify your policy. Common changes include adjusting travel dates, updating trip costs, changing destinations, or adding coverage for specific activities.
It’s best to make these changes before your departure, as most providers allow modifications up until the day before you leave. To do so, contact your insurance provider with your policy details and any necessary documentation. If you’re within the free look period, you can cancel your policy for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs.
Can I get a refund on my visitor medical insurance if I’m pregnant and can’t travel?
Whether or not you’re eligible for a refund while pregnant depends on your policy’s terms and the timing of your pregnancy. If you were pregnant when you bought the visitor health insurance, most policies won’t cover cancellations for pregnancy alone. However, if complications arise after purchasing the insurance and are covered by your policy, you may be eligible for a refund.
Routine pregnancy issues typically aren’t covered under visitor health insurance. If you have trip cancellation insurance and face a covered medical emergency, you might claim a refund for non-refundable expenses. To request a refund, you’ll need to provide medical documentation, and if you cancel within the free-look period, you could receive a full refund if no claims are pending.
Will I get a refund if my visa application is rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you may be eligible for a refund on your visitor to Canada insurance, depending on the specific terms and conditions of your policy. Many insurance providers offer a refund in the event of a visa denial, but you may be required to share a copy of the visa denial letter and proof of your insurance purchase.
Most insurance providers require you to request a refund within a specific time frame after receiving the visa denial, often within 30 days. Some policies may offer you a full refund if the visa is denied before the coverage period begins, while others may have a “Refund of Visa Fee Rider” that allows you to claim back your visa application fee.
Can I get a refund if my parents’ super visa application is rejected?
Yes, if your parents’ super visa application is rejected, they are generally eligible for a full refund of the super visa insurance policy. To process the refund, they will need to provide the visa denial letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and proof of the insurance purchase.
You must contact your insurance provider promptly and follow their specific cancellation procedures. Some providers may charge a small administrative fee, so it’s important to check the policy details
Can a visitor insurance refund request be rejected?
Yes, refund requests for visitors to Canada insurance can be rejected in certain cases such as active claims, expiration of free-look period or other invalid reasons for cancellations. Here are some situations where a visitor health insurance refund might be denied:
- Active claims: If a claim has been filed, you usually won’t be eligible for a refund, as most providers do not offer refunds once a claim is initiated
- Cancellation after the free look period: If you cancel your policy after the free look period , a partial refund is given. The free look period allows for a full refund, but after that, the policy becomes active
- Incomplete or inaccurate information: Providing incomplete or incorrect information when purchasing the policy may result in the insurer rejecting your refund request, as misrepresentation can lead to policy voidance
- Policy lapse: If your policy lapses due to non-payment, a refund request may be denied. It’s important to keep your policy active with timely payments
- Lack of required documentation: Failing to provide necessary documentation, such as proof of cancellation or a visa rejection letter, can lead to a denied refund request
- Non-covered cancellation reasons: Cancelling for reasons not covered by the policy, like changing travel plans without a valid reason, may result in your refund being denied
- Refund policy terms: If your cancellation doesn’t align with the specific refund terms outlined by your provider, your request could be rejected
- Administrative fees: Some insurers may deduct administrative fees from your refund, which could result in receiving a lower amount than expected
Looking for the best visitor insurance plan? Speak to our expert advisors!
If you’re looking for visitors insurance to Canada and not sure where to start, contact us now! Our team of expert insurance advisors would be happy to go over the unique needs of your trip and give you personalized advice for the kind of policy that would be best for you. Schedule a call or start comparing customized quotes right away by clicking the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I purchase visitor health insurance for Canada?
It’s best to buy your visitor health insurance before you arrive in Canada so that you’re covered from the moment you land. Purchasing early also lets you access additional coverage options.
Can I get a refund if I have filed a claim?
No, you are not eligible to get a refund for your visitor health insurance plan if you have already made a claim. However, if you’d still like a refund, you can withdraw your claim for a fee, which is usually around $300 with most insurers.
Can I buy visitor to Canada insurance after arriving in Canada?
Yes, you can buy Visitor to Canada insurance after arriving in Canada. However, you must bear in mind there may be some waiting periods: Generally 48 hours for sicknesses if purchased within 30 days of arrival, and 7 days for sicknesses if bought more than 30 days after arrival.
Can I extend my visitor health insurance if I need to stay longer in Canada?
Yes, you can usually extend your visitor insurance if you need to stay in Canada longer. To do so, you must apply for the extension before your current policy expires, ensure there are no pending claims, and stay within the maximum coverage period allowed by your plan.
Can I get a refund on my Super Visa?
Yes, you may be eligible for a refund on your Super Visa insurance in specific cases. If your Super Visa application is denied, you can request a full refund before the policy’s start date by providing proof of refusal. Additionally, if you return home early or obtain Canadian government health insurance, you could receive a refund for the unused premium, provided you haven’t made any claims. For early returns under 365-day coverage, a partial refund may be possible if no claims were made, or if reported claims haven’t exceeded your deductible.
- Common reasons for cancelling visitor health insurance include changes in travel plans, health emergencies, visa issues, and financial concerns
- You can typically get a full refund if you cancel before the policy starts or within the 10-15 day free-look period
- If you cancel after coverage begins, you might receive a pro-rata refund for the unused days, provided no claims have been filed
- Refund policies and fees vary by insurer. Some may charge refund processing fees, while others may waive them for reasons like visa denial. It’s important to check your provider’s specific refund terms
- To request a refund, contact your insurer, submit the necessary documents, and wait for processing. Refunds are generally issued within 14 working days and are credited to your original payment method
