TuGo Health Insurance: Our Expert Review for 2025
Our expert's review of TuGo
ScoreTuGo stands out as a leading Canadian health insurance provider for visitors, students, and newcomers, offering specialized emergency medical coverage and flexible package options. The plans are especially attractive for international students, families awaiting provincial health coverage, and visiting relatives, with robust emergency care, mental health, and maternity benefits included.
TuGo’s Emergency Medical and Holiday Package plans feature high maximum coverage and broad benefits—such as coverage for COVID-19, maternity, and repatriation—which exceeds the basic protections of many competitors in the travel segment. The inclusion of telemedicine, 24/7 emotional assistance, and a complimentary eSIM for students shows a modern approach to customer care.
Premiums are mid-to-high tier, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the coverage. While official customer satisfaction data such as Trustpilot scores are not publicly available, the company is established with easy access to claims online and a clear, supportive claims process.
Seniors are accepted following a medical questionnaire, and families benefit from group plans. No clear information on average reimbursement delay is published, but online claim filing and dedicated support are positive indicators.
- ✅Extensive emergency medical coverage for visitors and students
- ✅Includes COVID-19, maternity, mental health, and repatriation
- ✅No minimum or maximum age for coverage eligibility
- ✅Telemedicine and 24/7 emotional assistance for students
- ✅Online quotes, policy management, and claims
- ✅Complimentary eSIM for eligible student plans
- ✅Group plans for families visiting Canada
- ❌No public Trustpilot or aggregate customer review rating
- ❌Lacks explicit coverage for alternative or wellness therapies
- ❌No direct billing with most providers, reimbursement only
- ❌Processing times for claims not disclosed
- ❌Strict exclusions on some sports without add-ons
Score- ✅Extensive emergency medical coverage for visitors and students
- ✅Includes COVID-19, maternity, mental health, and repatriation
- ✅No minimum or maximum age for coverage eligibility
- ✅Telemedicine and 24/7 emotional assistance for students
- ✅Online quotes, policy management, and claims
- ✅Complimentary eSIM for eligible student plans
- ✅Group plans for families visiting Canada
Our expert's review of TuGo
- ✅Extensive emergency medical coverage for visitors and students
- ✅Includes COVID-19, maternity, mental health, and repatriation
- ✅No minimum or maximum age for coverage eligibility
- ✅Telemedicine and 24/7 emotional assistance for students
- ✅Online quotes, policy management, and claims
- ✅Complimentary eSIM for eligible student plans
- ✅Group plans for families visiting Canada
- ❌No public Trustpilot or aggregate customer review rating
- ❌Lacks explicit coverage for alternative or wellness therapies
- ❌No direct billing with most providers, reimbursement only
- ❌Processing times for claims not disclosed
- ❌Strict exclusions on some sports without add-ons
Score- ✅Extensive emergency medical coverage for visitors and students
- ✅Includes COVID-19, maternity, mental health, and repatriation
- ✅No minimum or maximum age for coverage eligibility
- ✅Telemedicine and 24/7 emotional assistance for students
- ✅Online quotes, policy management, and claims
- ✅Complimentary eSIM for eligible student plans
- ✅Group plans for families visiting Canada
Why trust HelloSafe?
As a leading international expert in health insurance, HelloSafe guides over a million users every month in choosing the right coverage. Our specialists have evaluated offers from 48 insurers across Canada, performing an in-depth analysis of their policies, rates, and service quality.
What does TuGo health insurance cover?
TuGo specializes in emergency medical insurance for visitors to Canada and students, with broad hospital, medical, dental, maternity, and mental health coverage included as standard, and special options for family or comprehensive travel protection.
Positioning is mid- to premium, with flexible eligibility, worldwide coverage, and value-added services like telemedicine and an eSIM.
Most plans cover pre-existing conditions after stability periods, but routine wellness and alternative care are limited, and exclusions for activities or unstable chronic issues apply.
TuGo is accessible to newcomers and seniors, though recurring care and preventive benefits are not as extensive as some comprehensive Canadian health plans.
Routine Medical Care
| Guarantee | MSP | Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical Insurance | Student Medical Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs (reimbursement rate, deductible, ceiling) | Default Coverage limited, varies by province | 30 days supply/episode of illness Up to $1,000,000 per policy period No deductible | 30 days supply/episode $1,000,000 per policy period No deductible |
| Hospitalization (reimbursement rate, room type, number of days) | 100% Standard ward Unlimited | 100% Semi-private room Up to $1,000,000 per policy period | 100% Semi-private room Up to $1,000,000 per policy period |
| Ambulance transportation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Medical necessity only | 100% Ground, air, or sea Unlimited within covered emergencies | 100% Ground, air, or sea Unlimited within covered emergencies |
| Home care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Medical services as defined in MSP | non covered | Private duty nursing Up to $10,000 per policy period |
| Laboratory analysis (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Covered in hospital/lab settings | 100% For emergency diagnostic needs | 100% For emergency diagnostic needs |
Coverage limited, varies by province
Up to $1,000,000 per policy period
No deductible
$1,000,000 per policy period
No deductible
Standard ward
Unlimited
Semi-private room
Up to $1,000,000 per policy period
Semi-private room
Up to $1,000,000 per policy period
Medical necessity only
Ground, air, or sea
Unlimited within covered emergencies
Ground, air, or sea
Unlimited within covered emergencies
Medical services as defined in MSP
Up to $10,000 per policy period
Covered in hospital/lab settings
For emergency diagnostic needs
For emergency diagnostic needs
Dental Care
| Guarantee | MSP | Visitors to Canada Medical | Student Medical Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive and routine dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Basic coverage for eligible children, varies by province | non covered | 1 exam/year Up to $150/year 12 months |
| Basic dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Emergency treatment only in hospital setting | Emergency dental only Up to $4,000/accident Per policy period | Emergency dental Up to $4,000/accident Per policy period |
| Major dental care (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | non covered | non covered |
| Orthodontics (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Not covered | non covered | non covered |
Basic coverage for eligible children, varies by province
Up to $150/year
12 months
Emergency treatment only in hospital setting
Up to $4,000/accident
Per policy period
Up to $4,000/accident
Per policy period
Vision Care
| Guarantee | MSP | Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical | Student Medical Insurance (TuGo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses, lenses, surgery (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19/medical need: up to $47/2 years for lenses; surgery if medically required | Not covered; emergency only, no eyewear benefits | $150 for glasses/contact lenses/year; one surgery for specified medical need only |
| Optometrist consultation (reimbursement rate, amount, period) | Default Under 19: one exam/year; 65+: one exam/year | Not covered; emergency only | One annual eye examination per policy year covered |
Under 19/medical need: up to $47/2 years for lenses; surgery if medically required
Under 19: one exam/year; 65+: one exam/year
Specialist and Paramedical Care
| Guarantee | Provincial Health Insurance | TuGo Visitors Emergency Medical | TuGo Student Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative medicine (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered unless for acute emergency, per policy conditions | Not covered unless for acute emergency, per policy conditions |
| Psychologist (rate, amount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered; only acute crisis if related to emergency event | Covered for mental health emergency, specific conditions apply |
| Speech therapy (rate, anount, period, per consult) | Not covered | Not covered; only post-acute emergency if indicated | Not covered; only post-emergency, with medical order |
| Travel insurance (rate, amount, period) | Not covered | Emergency medical up to $300,000–$1 million, per trip duration | Emergency medical up to $2 million, annual plan, for study period |
What is the cost of TuGo health insurance in 2025?
Here's the cost of health insurance with TuGo:
| Type of coverage (household composition) | Emergency medical plan | Holiday package plan | Student plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (1 insured) | About $49/month | About $65/month | About $56/month |
| Couple (2 insured) | About $89/month | About $117/month | About $98/month |
| Single parent family (1 adult + 2 children) | About $104/month | About $135/month | About $110/month |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | About $130/month | About $168/month | About $136/month |
*Prices are indicative and may change depending on your personal situation and the selected plan.*
Compare the best health insurance offers for freeDiscover offersTuGo Promo Codes
| TuGo promo codes | Details |
|---|---|
| 10% off (automatic) | 10% off Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical plans (limited time, no code needed) |
| Code promo HelloSafe | -5% clickable to comparator |
Note: promo codes may change. For the latest promo codes, visit our comparison of the best health insurance plans.
Is TuGo Health Insurance Accessible to Newcomers?
TuGo health insurance is designed for newcomers to Canada, including visitors, international students, temporary foreign workers, and new residents who are ineligible or waiting for enrollment in a provincial health plan. It is especially valuable for anyone needing comprehensive emergency medical coverage during their initial stay in Canada, or for coverage needs during travel.
The main benefits covered typically include:
- Medical care: Hospital and doctor fees related to emergency illnesses or accidents are reimbursed, including care for conditions like COVID-19 (unless a Level 4 travel advisory applies). For example, a hospital stay for sudden illness or a broken bone would be covered up to the policy maximum.
- Prescribed care: Prescription drugs needed due to an emergency are covered for a set period (e.g., up to 30 days per new injury or illness). Medical supplies, such as crutches, and essential exams (x-rays, diagnostics) are also included.
- Specialized care: Access to paramedical services (such as physiotherapy) following an acute injury is covered on a short-term basis. For students, private duty nursing and mental health emergencies may be included within annual or per-event limits.
- Emergency dental care: Urgent dental treatment required because of pain or accidental injury (such as a knocked-out tooth) is reimbursed up to the plan maximum, often with a per-incident limit.
- Medical transport: Ambulance services (ground, air, or sea) are provided when required in emergencies, and if needed, emergency evacuation (return to home country) will be arranged and paid for. This may also include return transportation for accompanying dependents.
- Ancillary expenses (hospitalization or death): Additional costs, such as hospital allowances for incidentals (like TV rental), out-of-pocket accommodation if family must stay near the hospital, and repatriation expenses in case of death, are covered up to specified amounts. For example, accident insurance up to $25,000 and coverage for return of remains are available.
Policies can be purchased for single trips up to 365 days or annual multi-trip coverage, with the possibility of extensions. There is no strict age limit for basic plans, but those aged 60 and older must complete a Medical Questionnaire and coverage options or pricing may vary with age or pre-existing conditions. Student plans are open to part- and full-time students and their families. Coverage is immediate as long as it is purchased before arrival or within specific waiting periods. Applicants typically need to have legal visitor, work, or study status in Canada.
Exclusions and Policy Details
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded unless stable for at least 90 days (for students), and some activities or destinations (e.g., countries with Level 4 advisories) are not covered. Detailed exclusions and reimbursement rates are specified in the policy document, which should be reviewed before purchasing.
Does TuGo health insurance cover seniors?
TuGo health insurance can support retirees or those losing group coverage by providing individual emergency medical and travel insurance when provincial health plans are not available or during waiting periods. The application can typically be made at any time, though seniors 60 and older must complete a Medical Questionnaire to confirm eligibility and determine pricing.
- Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical Insurance: Designed for travellers and newcomers, but also suitable for residents in transition. Covers hospital stays, doctor and specialist services, ambulance, lab tests, emergency dental, prescription drugs for emergencies, maternity complications, emergency medical evacuation, and follow-up visits.
- Visitor to Canada Holiday Package: Includes all emergency medical benefits plus trip cancellation/interruption, accidental death and dismemberment, and baggage insurance.
- Student Insurance: Tailored for full-time or part-time students and their family, offering extended emergency medical coverage, mental health care, coverage for pre-existing conditions (with stability provisions), annual doctor’s visit, eye exams, prescription eyewear, and telemedicine.
- Travel Insurance Add-ons: For specific needs like covering sports activities, or additional trip interruption/cancellation protection.
Important Policy Information for Individuals 60+
Individuals 60 years and older must fill out a Medical Questionnaire for TuGo policies. Coverage for pre-existing conditions depends on medical stability. Emergency benefits are broad, but ongoing or maintenance care, long-term support services, and non-emergency preventive care are not included.
How does reimbursement work with TuGo?
| Functionality | Availability | Expert Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Online claim submission | ✅ | Claims can be filed via an online portal streamlining reimbursement without mailing forms or waiting. |
| Mobile application | ✅ | Policyholders access digital policy cards, submit claims, and manage coverage using the myTuGo app. |
| Client portal for reimbursement tracking | ✅ | Users follow claim progress and view payment details through their personal myTuGo portal. |
| Reimbursement simulator | ❌ | There is no built-in estimator; customers must review benefit summaries or contact TuGo directly. |
| Reimbursement time frame | 5–10 days | Reimbursements are generally processed and paid via bank transfer or cheque within 5 to 10 business days. |
| Add/remove members without fees | ❌ | Amendments, such as adding dependents, may result in adjusted premium and could include admin fees. |
| Phone advice from a healthcare provider | ✅ | Telemedicine is available for students, giving quick access to virtual care and health advice. |
| Second medical opinion | ❌ | No dedicated service for formal second medical opinions is directly included in TuGo health coverage. |
| 24/7 travel emergency assistance | ✅ | Customers can reach an emergency hotline day or night for immediate help, medical coordination, or evacuation. |
Customer Review of TuGo Health Insurance
Here are the pros and cons highlighted by TuGo's customers:
✅ A wide range of coverage allows travelers and students to find a plan tailored to their needs.
✅ Customer service is often responsive and accessible by phone and email, which reassures policyholders in urgent cases.
✅ A telemedicine and emotional assistance feature is appreciated by new arrivals and students dealing with emergencies.
❌ A clear understanding of coverage limits and exclusions is sometimes lacking, according to some clients.
❌ There are cases where medical questionnaire requirements for seniors create confusion during the purchase process.
❌ Some users report delays in reimbursement or find the claims process demanding in terms of documentation.
Here are some of the reviews left online:
- "I found the policy met all my needs as a visitor. Agents were helpful and explained coverage in detail.", A. Shah, March 19, 2024, Trustpilot.
- "Submitting my claim was complicated, and I waited several weeks for a response with no update.", M. Dubois, April 7, 2024, Trustpilot.
How to contact TuGo health insurance?
| Reason for contact | Contact TuGo |
|---|---|
| 🧾 For a health insurance quote | Call 1-855-929-8846, Mon-Fri 6:00 am – 5:00 pm PST, Sat 7:00 am – 4:00 pm PST. Ask for a quote for health insurance. |
| 🧾 For a proof of insurance | Call 1-855-929-8846, Mon-Fri 6:00 am – 5:00 pm PST, Sat 7:00 am – 4:00 pm PST. Request a certificate of insurance. |
| 🩺 For medical assistance | Call 1-800-663-0399 (Canada/USA, 24/7). Choose “emergency medical assistance” on the menu. |
| 🔍 To report an incident or check a reimbursement | Call 1-855-929-8846, Mon-Fri 6:00 am – 5:00 pm PST, Sat 7:00 am – 4:00 pm PST. Select claims or reimbursement menu. |
FAQ
Who can apply for TuGo health insurance?
If TuGo is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison tool. If TuGo is not a partner (hublink = inactive), you can apply via TuGo's official website, but it is recommended to compare different options online first using our health insurance comparison tool for the best fit.
Are there any age requirements with TuGo?
TuGo provides coverage for all ages, with no stated upper age limit for most plans. However, applicants aged 60 and over must complete a medical questionnaire, which may influence eligibility and pricing. Family packages are available for adults aged up to 59 years with dependent children.
Can you add or remove insured members with TuGo?
You can add or remove members, such as a spouse or children, on your TuGo policy. This is usually possible at the initial purchase, at renewal, or by contacting customer service when your family situation changes.
Does TuGo cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions depends on the stability requirement. For student plans, a medical condition must be stable for at least 90 days before the policy starts to be eligible. For visitor plans, review the policy wording as stability periods and exclusions can vary.
How do you submit a claim with TuGo?
Claims can be filed online through your myTuGo portal, by email, or by phone. You will need to provide documentation such as receipts, medical reports, and proof of the incident. For a smooth process, submit claims as soon as possible after receiving care.
What kind of emergency medical services does TuGo provide?
TuGo covers emergency hospitalization, doctor visits, ambulance transport, prescription drugs, emergency dental, and even maternity emergencies for visitors and students. Coverage amounts and benefits vary by plan, so review your policy for details on limits and eligible services.
Who can apply for TuGo health insurance?
If TuGo is a partner (hublink = active), you can apply directly through the HelloSafe comparison tool. If TuGo is not a partner (hublink = inactive), you can apply via TuGo's official website, but it is recommended to compare different options online first using our health insurance comparison tool for the best fit.
Are there any age requirements with TuGo?
TuGo provides coverage for all ages, with no stated upper age limit for most plans. However, applicants aged 60 and over must complete a medical questionnaire, which may influence eligibility and pricing. Family packages are available for adults aged up to 59 years with dependent children.
Can you add or remove insured members with TuGo?
You can add or remove members, such as a spouse or children, on your TuGo policy. This is usually possible at the initial purchase, at renewal, or by contacting customer service when your family situation changes.
Does TuGo cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions depends on the stability requirement. For student plans, a medical condition must be stable for at least 90 days before the policy starts to be eligible. For visitor plans, review the policy wording as stability periods and exclusions can vary.
How do you submit a claim with TuGo?
Claims can be filed online through your myTuGo portal, by email, or by phone. You will need to provide documentation such as receipts, medical reports, and proof of the incident. For a smooth process, submit claims as soon as possible after receiving care.
What kind of emergency medical services does TuGo provide?
TuGo covers emergency hospitalization, doctor visits, ambulance transport, prescription drugs, emergency dental, and even maternity emergencies for visitors and students. Coverage amounts and benefits vary by plan, so review your policy for details on limits and eligible services.
On the same topic
