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Visitor Health Insurance for Work Permit Holders in Canada
Visitors to Canada, such as work permit holders, need health insurance because Canada’s provincial health plans often have waiting periods before coverage begins. Visitor insurance is essential to cover medical expenses, such as emergency services and prescriptions. Costs for visitor health insurance typically range from $50 to $400 per month, depending on age and coverage requirements.
- Why is health insurance essential for work permit holders in Canada?
- Who needs visitor to Canada insurance?
- What are some common issues foreign workers face with health insurance in Canada?
- Do I need provincial healthcare or visitor health insurance?
- How can work permit holders get visitor health insurance?
- Do temporary residents have access to healthcare coverage in Canada?
- Do new immigrants to Canada have to wait to get provincial health insurance?
- Important factors to consider when choosing visitor health insurance in Canada as a work permit holder
- How much does visitor health insurance cost for non-residents?
- Frequently asked questions
For foreigners in Canada for work without provincial healthcare coverage, getting health insurance for work permit holders is crucial. Canada’s public healthcare system covers permanent residents, and work permit holders who are considered temporary visitors often don’t have provincial coverage immediately.
In this article, we’ll cover why visitor health insurance for work permit holders is essential, the options available to foreign workers, and factors that will help you choose the best visitor insurance plan.
Why is health insurance for work permit holders in Canada important?
As a work permit holder, you are considered a temporary resident, which means you might not immediately qualify for Canada’s public healthcare system. In provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, there may be a waiting period of three to six months before new residents can get access to provincial healthcare.
Health insurance for foreign workers in Canada is vital to ensure that you’re protected from unexpected medical costs even if you aren’t covered by a government health plan or an employer-sponsored plan.
Healthcare expenses without insurance in Canada can be substantial. For example, a visit to a doctor, walk-in clinic, or hospital, can cost you between $100 to $600, while emergency room visits or hospitalization can reach up to $6,000 per day!
Who needs visitor to Canada insurance?
Visitor insurance in Canada is an essential form of emergency medical coverage for any non-resident, such as tourists, foreign workers, international students, returning Canadians, etc., who are not covered under a provincial plan.
It is especially important for workers who have just arrived in Canada and are yet to receive provincial healthcare benefits, those whose work permits may have expired but they haven’t left Canada yet, and workers who are in the process of getting their work permit renewed.
What are some common issues foreign workers face with health insurance in Canada?
Foreign workers who are looking for visitor health insurance in Canada may face issues such as complex eligibility requirements, coverage gaps, and financial barriers.
- Coverage gaps due to eligibility rules: Provincial healthcare coverage varies by province, often requiring a waiting period (usually 3-6 months) before eligibility. Some workers may not qualify if they have short-term work permits or if they are in provinces with stricter criteria. During the waiting period, foreign workers may be left dependent on employee-sponsored insurance, which may not be offered by inadequate for comprehensive care
- Dependence on employers: Workers often rely on employers for healthcare information. In some cases, employers may not provide insurance during the waiting period, or workers may fear job loss or deportation if they seek medical attention
Can a non-citizen get health insurance in Canada?
Non-citizens are not eligible for provincial health insurance in Canada which solely covers Canadian residents. Non-residents such as tourists, foreign workers, international students, new immigrants, and work-permit holders can get visitor health insurance to cover emergency medical issues.
Who is eligible for health insurance in Canada?
Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for provincial health insurance in Canada. International students and work permit holders may get provincial coverage but there will be a waiting period. Similarly new immigrants will have to face waiting periods before getting provincial coverage.
Non-citizens and visitors are not eligible for provincial health insurance in Canada under any circumstances.
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Do I need provincial healthcare or visitor health insurance?
As a work permit holder in Canada, your healthcare coverage eligibility varies by province, so you need visitor insurance to protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses before the provincial coverage begins. Most provinces require work permit holders to have a valid permit for at least 6 months to be eligible for provincial healthcare. Visitor health insurance, however, can be bought even before you arrive in Canada.
Provincial healthcare coverage for work permit holders
Most provinces require work permit holders to have a valid permit for a specific duration (usually 6 to 12 months) and to maintain a primary residence in the province. Family members listed on the work permit may also be eligible for coverage.
- Provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador allow immediate access to provincial healthcare upon arrival
- Provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick have waiting periods of 2 to 3 months. For instance, in British Columbia, coverage begins after the remainder of the month in which you arrive, plus two additional months
Provincial healthcare typically includes essential services like hospital stays, physician visits, and certain diagnostic tests.
Visitor health insurance for work permit holders
Work permit holders can purchase visitor health insurance even before they arrive in Canada. Visitor health insurance covers emergency medical expenses while work permit holders are waiting for provincial healthcare to start or if they are ineligible for provincial coverage.
- Inclusions: A visitor health insurance policy generally includes costs for hospitalization, doctor visits, ambulance services, and prescription medications. Coverage limits can range from $10,000 to $300,000
- Advantages: Many Canadian visitor insurance providers have direct billing arrangements with hospitals and established relationships, simplifying access to healthcare services
How can work permit holders get visitor health insurance?
To get visitor health insurance as a non-resident work permit holder in Canada, you need to determine the required coverage based on your age, health status, duration of stay, and any specific medical needs. You should also consider factors such as emergency medical coverage, prescription drugs, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
We recommend that you speak with our insurance advisors to compare plans from across 30+ insurers in Canada. Our advisors help you review various plans, paying attention to coverage limits, premiums, deductibles, and exclusions, especially concerning pre-existing conditions.
Do temporary residents get healthcare in Canada?
Yes, in certain provinces, temporary residents, such as international students or workers on a work permit, may qualify for provincial health insurance, though this often involves waiting periods. For instance, provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec generally impose a waiting period of up to three months before temporary residents can access public health coverage.
During this waiting period, or in provinces where they are ineligible, temporary residents are responsible for their own medical expenses, including hospital fees, even in emergencies.
It is highly advisable for temporary residents to purchase visitor health insurance to cover medical expenses during the waiting period or if they are ineligible for provincial coverage.
Do new immigrants to Canada have to wait to get provincial health insurance?
Yes, new immigrants to Canada have to wait for 2-3 months before they can access provincial health insurance. During this period, immigrants are responsible for their own medical expenses.
However, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador allow immediate application for provincial coverage upon arrival. In British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, the 3-month waiting period for provincial health coverage makes visitor health insurance necessary.
British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), Ontario’s Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), and Quebec’s Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) cover essential medical services but exclude things like prescription drugs and dental care. These additional expenses can be covered by a visitor medical policy.
Important factors to consider when choosing visitor health insurance for work permit holders in Canada
When choosing a health insurance plan in Canada as a foreign worker, you must ensure that the policy offers adequate coverage for your medical needs, has premiums that fit your budget, and covers pre-existing conditions. Additionally, you should also check if your employer offers health insurance as part of your employment package.
When selecting visitor health insurance in Canada as a work permit holder, it’s important to consider several factors like:
- Coverage scope: You must make sure your policy covers emergency medical expenses such as hospitalization, doctor visits, and ambulance services, as non-residents aren’t covered by Canada’s healthcare system. It is important for the policy to include pre-existing conditions, as many plans either exclude these or require them to be stable for a certain period
- Age and health status: Premiums usually increase with age due to higher health risks, so you will pay higher costs if you’re older. Additionally, some insurers may require a health questionnaire or assessment, so be sure to disclose all health details to avoid issues with your claims later.
- Policy limits and deductibles: When reviewing coverage limits, a minimum of $100,000 for medical expenses is recommended, though higher limits may be necessary depending on your health and planned activities. You must understand the deductible amount—lower deductibles reduce out-of-pocket costs when making a claim but may lead to higher premiums
- Duration of stay: You must ensure the policy covers the entire length of your stay in Canada. Some policies also allow extensions if your stay is prolonged
- High-risk activities: If you plan to engage in high-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving, you should confirm if they’re covered by the policy since most standard plans exclude such activities
- Exclusions and limitations: It is important to review policy exclusions carefully to understand what’s not covered, such as certain conditions or activities. Additionally, you should also know about the waiting periods before coverage starts. Some policies may not cover illnesses that occur within a specific time after purchase
How much does visitor health insurance cost for non-residents?
The average cost of visitor health insurance for non-residents typically ranges from $50 to $400 per month, depending on factors such as age, duration of stay, and the level of coverage chosen. For instance, younger applicants (under 30 years) may pay between $50 and $100 monthly, while those aged 70 years and older may need to pay between $200 and $400 per month.
Average coverage and premiums for different age groups
| Visitor’s age | Premiums |
| 25 years | $72.30/mo. |
| 35 years | $90.90/mo. |
| 45 years | $101.70/mo. |
| 55 years | $110.70/mo. |
| 65 years | $133.20/mo. |
| 75 years | $240.0/mo. |
| 85 years | $405/mo. |
*The above premiums are for $100,000 in coverage for an individual visiting Canada for a 30-day period. Premiums vary based on your health condition.
How to choose the best health insurance for work permit holders in Canada?
If you’re looking for the best visitor insurance in Canada, start by considering your specific needs, including your age, health condition, and the length of your stay. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it’s essential to find a policy that covers them, as this isn’t always included by default.
It’s important to assess if the policy offers comprehensive coverage including emergency medical care, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and optional services like dental emergencies or return of remains.
Additionally, you must carefully review any exclusions or limitations to understand what’s not covered, such as certain activities like extreme sports or undeclared pre-existing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the waiting period for health insurance in Canada for foreign workers?
Most provinces have a 1-3 month waiting period before coverage begins. For example, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec have a 3-month waiting period for provincial health coverage.
Should I get visitor health insurance while waiting for provincial coverage?
Yes, visitor health insurance is crucial during the waiting period to cover expenses that provincial plans typically do not, such as emergency medical treatments, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental care, and ambulance transportation.
It ensures that you are protected from significant out-of-pocket costs while you wait for provincial coverage to begin.
What happens if my work permit expires while I’m still in Canada?
If your work permit expires while you’re still in Canada, you may lose health insurance coverage, so it’s important to renew your permit or secure other coverage options.
How to apply for provincial healthcare as a work permit holder?
You can apply for provincial healthcare using a valid work permit in Canada (minimum 6 to 12 months). To qualify for provincial health insurance in Canada, you are also required to maintain primary residence within the province and avoid frequent travel back to your home country.
The processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, after which you’ll receive your health card by mail. Once approved, your coverage becomes active when you visit a doctor or hospital.
Are temporary foreign workers eligible for OHIP?
Temporary foreign workers in Ontario may be eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) if they have a valid work permit for at least 6 months, work full-time for an Ontario employer, and reside in the province for at least 153 days annually.
There is usually a 3-month waiting period before coverage starts, during which workers should have visitor health insurance for emergencies. While OHIP covers basic services like doctor visits and hospital stays, it excludes prescription drugs, dental care, and ambulance transport. Employers must ensure adequate insurance during the waiting period.
Can I get a refund after cancelling a visitor health plan?
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 cancelled 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.
- Temporary residents such as foreign workers on a work permit holder are not covered in the provincial health plans immediately and would require visitors health insurance
- Most provinces have a waiting period for up to 6 months before work permit holders can access public health insurance, waiting period varies with provinces
- Visitor medical insurance is crucial to cover gaps during waiting periods such as emergency medical expenses and prescriptions which would otherwise be extremely expensive
