Facts About Canada

Visitor Health Insurance for Canada (2025)

Visitor Health Insurance for Canada (2025) explains why short-term visitors, parents/grandparents using the Super Visa, and other temporary residents should arrange private medical coverage for their stay in Canada. Provincial/territorial health plans generally cover eligible residents only. Visitors are responsible for the full cost of medical care unless insured.

At a glance — Visitor health insurance
Who should consider it Tourists and business visitors; parents/grandparents on the Super Visa; new permanent residents during waiting periods; some students and workers until provincial eligibility begins
What it typically covers Emergency medical care and hospitalization, physician/diagnostic services, ambulance, prescription drugs during emergencies, medical evacuation/repatriation
Buy when Preferably before travel; many policies require purchase before arrival or within a limited window
Keep on hand Policy certificate, 24/7 claims phone numbers, proof of identity, proof of travel dates

Why visitors need insurance in Canada

Hospitals and clinics will treat emergencies, but will bill non-residents directly. Costs for emergency rooms, inpatient care, surgery, imaging, or air ambulance can be significant. Private visitor insurance transfers much of this financial risk and helps coordinate care and repatriation.

Who should have coverage

  • Tourists and business visitors entering with an eTA or temporary resident visa (TRV).
  • Parents and grandparents applying for or entering on the Super Visa (specific insurance conditions apply; see below).
  • New permanent residents and some temporary workers/students during any provincial waiting period, where applicable.
  • Anyone attending activities with risk (e.g., winter sports) should ensure those activities are not excluded.

Policy types (inbound to Canada)

  • Emergency medical (core): pays for unexpected illness/injury and related costs.
  • Comprehensive (adds): accidental death & dismemberment, travel interruption after a covered medical event, return of remains, and sometimes limited baggage/travel assistance.
  • Top-ups/Extensions: extend an existing policy if plans change (must be done before expiry and while healthy).

Key features to compare

  • Maximum benefit per person (e.g., six figures), hospital/physician coverage, intensive care.
  • Repatriation/medical evacuation to home country when medically necessary.
  • Deductible options (higher deductible → lower premium).
  • Pre-existing conditions — stability periods, exclusions, and defined look-back windows.
  • Waiting periods if purchased after arrival (accidental injuries may be covered sooner than illnesses).
  • Age bands and coverage caps by age.
  • Exclusions (e.g., routine/ongoing treatment, pregnancy beyond a specified week, high-risk sports, non-emergency care).

Super Visa insurance (parents and grandparents)

The Super Visa allows extended stays for eligible parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/permanent residents. Insurance is a mandatory component of the application.

Insurance checklist (high-level)
  • Private medical insurance from a Canadian or designated insurer.
  • Coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
  • Minimum coverage amount commonly set at a six-figure threshold.
  • Policy must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry and be valid for each entry.
  • Proof of insurance must be provided to IRCC and presented on request at the border.
Always verify current requirements on IRCC’s official pages (links below), as program rules can be updated.

Proof of insurance

Keep a digital and printed copy of the policy confirmation showing insured names, policy number, dates of coverage, coverage amount, and 24/7 assistance contacts. Border services or medical providers may request this.

Claims — how it works

  1. Contact the insurer’s assistance line immediately (or as soon as safe) before treatment if possible.
  2. Provide identity, policy number, symptoms, and location; follow instructions on approved facilities.
  3. Keep all medical records, physician notes, prescriptions, and itemized bills.
  4. Complete claim forms and submit documents by the insurer’s deadline. Maintain copies of everything.

Cost factors (why premiums differ)

Age, length of stay, coverage limit, deductible selected, pre-existing condition stability, activity exclusions, and the province/territory visited (due to typical care costs).

Visitors vs other temporary residents

Category Typical need for private medical insurance Notes
Tourists / business visitors Yes (strongly recommended) Not eligible for provincial plans as visitors
Super Visa (parents/grandparents) Required by program rules Must meet IRCC insurance specifications
International students Often required Some provinces/schools provide or mandate plans; check program and province
Temporary foreign workers Sometimes required until eligible Many become eligible for provincial plans after work permit activation; waiting periods may apply

Provincial/territorial health plans (eligibility varies)

Canadian public health insurance primarily covers residents who meet eligibility rules. For rules and waiting periods, consult provincial/territorial health ministries.

See: Provinces of Canada and provincial health ministry links under External links.

Safety & emergencies

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. For non-urgent care, walk-in clinics may accept visitors (payment required). Keep medication lists and emergency contacts with you.

FAQs

Is visitor health insurance mandatory for a regular visitor visa (TRV) or eTA?

Not usually, but it is strongly recommended. For the Super Visa, compliant insurance is a requirement.

Can I buy insurance after arriving in Canada?

Some insurers allow it, but waiting periods and exclusions often apply for sickness. Buying before travel usually gives the best protection.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Often only if stable for a defined period and declared per policy rules. Read the stability definition carefully.

Does visitor insurance cover routine care?

Generally no. Coverage focuses on unforeseen emergencies and necessary treatment to stabilize a condition.

What documents do I need to file a claim?

Policy certificate, photo ID, proof of travel dates, medical records, itemized bills/receipts, and any forms the insurer requires.

What about COVID-19?

Treat it like any other illness: confirm that the policy covers it, and check exclusions related to travel advisories or symptoms before purchase.

See also

External links (official)

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