Whether someone is coming to Canada for a short vacation, an extended stay, or to begin a new life, having proper medical coverage is essential.
Canada offers good healthcare, but it is not free for visitors or individuals who are not yet eligible for provincial health coverage. This is where Visitors to Canada insurance plans come in.
These plans provide emergency medical protection for people who are temporarily in Canada and do not have access to provincial health insurance.
They are designed to offer peace of mind in case of unexpected illness or injury—because even a simple emergency room visit can be extremely costly without insurance.
Who Needs Visitors to Canada Insurance?
Although the name suggests the plan is only for tourists, it actually applies to a wide range of people:
- Tourists and Visitors:
Anyone traveling to Canada for vacation, family visits, or other short-term stays can benefit from emergency medical coverage. - Temporary Foreign Workers:
Many temporary workers do not receive provincial coverage immediately. Visitors insurance protects them during the waiting period or if they are not eligible at all. - New Immigrants:
After arriving in Canada, new permanent residents often face a waiting period—typically up to three months—before provincial health care begins. Visitors to Canada plans help fill this gap. - Returning Canadians:
Canadians returning home after living abroad may also face a waiting period before their health coverage is reinstated, depending on the province they are going to. - IEC (International Experience Canada) Participants:
Young adults coming to Canada on working holiday or work-exchange programs are often required to show proof of valid medical insurance for the duration of their stay in order to cross the border into Canada. - Super Visa Applicants:
Parents and grandparents applying for a Super Visa must purchase a minimum of 1 year of private medical insurance, with coverage of at least $100,000. Visitors to Canada insurance plans are specifically designed to meet these requirements.
What Do Visitors to Canada Insurance Plans Usually Cover?
While each company varies, most plans offer coverage for unexpected or emergency medical events. Common benefits include:
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✔ Emergency Medical Care
Covers the cost of hospital stays, emergency room treatment, physician services, and diagnostic tests.
✔ Ambulance Services
Air or ground ambulance in medical emergencies.
✔ Prescription Drugs (Emergency Use)
Short-term medications needed for emergency treatment.
✔ Emergency Dental Care
For accidental injury to natural teeth and sudden and unexpected tooth ache.
✔ Repatriation
Covers the cost of returning the patient to their home country if medically necessary.
✔ Medical Follow-Ups
Some plans include limited follow-up visits related to the original emergency.
✔ Accidental Death & Dismemberment
A cash benefit if a serious accident occurs.
What Is Usually Not Covered?
Visitors insurance is designed for emergencies—not routine care. Common exclusions include:
Regular check-ups or ongoing medical treatments
- Pre-existing medical conditions that are not stable
- Pregnancy and childbirth (unless specifically included)
- Elective and cosmetic procedures
- High-risk sports or activities (unless optional coverage is purchased)
What to Look For When Choosing a Plan
Selecting the right plan can feel overwhelming. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Coverage Amount
Most providers offer options ranging from $25,000 to $300,000+.
Super Visa applicants require a minimum of $100,000, but higher coverage is often recommended.
2. Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
Look for plans that cover stable pre-existing conditions if needed. Stability requirements typically range from 90 days to 180 days before the policy starts.
3. Deductibles
Higher deductibles lower the premium but increase out-of-pocket costs. Choose what you’re comfortable with.
4. Policy Start Date
Coverage should begin on the day the traveller arrives in Canada or within a short grace period.
5. Refund Policies
Useful if a visa is denied or travel plans change.
6. Direct Billing Options
Some insurers pay hospitals directly, reducing stress in emergencies.
Why This Coverage Matters
Medical emergencies are unpredictable and can lead to significant financial hardship without insurance.
Visitors to Canada insurance ensures that temporary residents, new arrivals, and returning Canadians are protected while they are not yet eligible for provincial healthcare.
Whether you’re visiting family, starting a job, applying for a Super Visa, or beginning a new chapter as an immigrant, the right insurance plan provides security, affordability, and peace of mind.
Why Choose Arbetov Insurance?
With years of experience, multilingual advisors, and access to all major insurance providers, Arbetov Insurance makes the process simple.
We compare plans, explain the fine print, and help you choose the most affordable and reliable option for your situation.
Whether you’re visiting family, working temporarily, applying for a Super Visa, or settling into your new life in Canada, we’re here to ensure you’re protected every step of the way.
Photo by Alesia Kozik from Pexels
