Canada's healthcare system does not cover visitors, new immigrants waiting for provincial coverage, or parents and grandparents on a Super Visa. Without the right travel insurance, a single emergency room visit can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Here's what you need to know.
Canada's publicly funded healthcare system — often called Medicare — is available only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have completed their provincial waiting period (typically 3 months). Everyone else pays out of pocket.
The costs are significant. A single emergency room visit in Ontario can run $1,000–$3,000. A hospital stay averages $7,000 per day. An air ambulance can exceed $20,000. Without insurance, these bills fall entirely on the patient or their family.
Travel insurance for visitors to Canada fills this gap — covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and in some cases repatriation — for the duration of the visit.
Three groups who need visitor insurance in Canada
If you're visiting Canada as a tourist, coming to stay with family, or arriving on a work or study permit without provincial coverage, visitor-to-Canada (VTC) insurance is your primary protection.
Important: Travel insurance is not the same as travel cancellation insurance. Visitor-to-Canada insurance covers medical emergencies during your stay — not trip cancellations, lost luggage, or flight delays.
When you arrive in Canada as a new permanent resident, you are not immediately covered by provincial health insurance. Most provinces have a waiting period before coverage begins:
| Province | Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario (OHIP) | 3 months | Coverage begins on the 1st of the 4th month after arrival |
| British Columbia (MSP) | 3 months | Must apply within 3 months of arrival |
| Alberta (AHCIP) | No waiting period | Coverage begins on arrival date if applied within 3 months |
| Quebec (RAMQ) | 3 months | Applies to most new immigrants |
| Nova Scotia | 3 months | Standard waiting period |
| Manitoba | No waiting period | Coverage begins on registration date |
During this waiting period, you are fully responsible for any medical costs. A new immigrant health insurance plan — sometimes called a "newcomer plan" — bridges this gap. These plans are specifically designed for new permanent residents and typically offer:
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry (extended from 2 years in 2024). It is one of the most popular pathways for families to reunite — and it comes with a mandatory insurance requirement.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires Super Visa applicants to provide proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. The policy must meet all of the following:
Minimum coverage
$100,000 CAD
Coverage period
Minimum 1 year from entry date
Issuing company
Must be a Canadian insurer
Coverage type
Emergency medical, hospitalization, repatriation
Renewability
Must be renewable or extendable
Proof required
Letter from insurer at time of visa application
Super Visa insurance premiums vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these helps you find the right balance between cost and coverage:
Typical Super Visa insurance cost range (2026)
For a healthy applicant aged 55–65 with no pre-existing conditions and a $0 deductible, annual premiums typically range from $1,200–$2,500 CAD. For applicants aged 70+ or with stable pre-existing conditions, premiums can range from $3,000–$6,000+ CAD per year. These are estimates — actual premiums depend on the insurer and specific health history.
Buying the cheapest plan without reading the exclusions
Low-cost plans often have broad pre-existing condition exclusions or high deductibles that leave you exposed. Always read the policy wording, not just the summary.
Waiting until after arrival to purchase
Many insurers impose a 48–72 hour waiting period if you buy after arriving in Canada. Purchase before departure to ensure immediate coverage.
Underestimating coverage needs for Super Visa
The $100,000 IRCC minimum may not be enough for a serious illness or extended hospitalization. Many advisors recommend $150,000–$200,000.
Not disclosing pre-existing conditions
Failing to disclose a pre-existing condition can void your entire policy at claim time. Always disclose fully, even if it increases your premium.
Assuming group benefits from a sponsor cover the visitor
Your employer group benefits in Canada do not extend to visiting family members. Each visitor needs their own individual policy.
With dozens of Canadian insurers offering visitor plans, the options can be overwhelming. Here's a practical framework:
Identify your category
Temporary visitor, new permanent resident, or Super Visa holder — each has different coverage needs and available products.
Disclose all pre-existing conditions honestly
Work with an advisor who can identify which insurers offer the best coverage for your specific health history.
Compare at least 3 quotes
Premiums for identical coverage can vary by 30–50% between insurers. Always compare before buying.
Choose the right deductible
A $500–$1,000 deductible can meaningfully reduce your premium. Only choose a high deductible if you can comfortably cover it out of pocket.
Confirm the insurer is Canadian
For Super Visa purposes, IRCC requires a Canadian insurance company. Verify this before purchasing.
Understand the claims process
Know the insurer's emergency contact number and claims procedure before you need it. Keep a copy of your policy documents accessible.
Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — Super Visa requirements; Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) — eligibility guidelines; Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA); Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA).
I work with multiple Canadian insurers and can help you find the right plan for temporary visitors, new permanent residents, or Super Visa applicants — at no extra cost to you.
How a tax-free lump sum payout protects your family during a serious illness.
Read articleYour income is your most valuable asset. Learn how disability insurance protects it.
Read articleA practical breakdown of the two most common life insurance types for Canadians.
Read article