Best health insurance for visitors to Canada in 2024

Understanding Canada's healthcare system as a visitor can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. We have you covered.

We have reviewed some of the best options for health insurance for visitors to Canada. Read on to find out the various coverage options, costs, and more.

Once you know what the options are, you can also compare the best plans and get free personalized quotes in seconds right here.

Before we explore the best options, let's delve into the basics of how health insurance works for visitors in Canada.

What is health insurance for visitors to Canada? 

Health insurance for visitors to Canada is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses incurred while in Canada. Also known as travel health insurance or temporary health insurance for visitors to Canada, it includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, ambulance services and prescription drugs. 

Here’s why it is important:

Canada's public healthcare system, known as Medicare, including provincial programs like the Ontario health insurance plan and MSP in BC for example, is designed to provide coverage to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

However, visitors to Canada are not eligible for Medicare benefits. This means that they will be responsible for paying for any medical expenses they incur, which can be very costly. That's where getting a visitor to Canada health insurance policy becomes critical.

Before we jump into details, you can use our comparator below to check out the best health insurance options for visitors to Canada and get personalized quotes in seconds.

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What does health insurance for visitors to Canada cover?

The actual coverage will vary based on your plan and provider. But in general, visitors' health insurance typically covers the following expenses:

• Emergency medical care: Treatment for injuries or illnesses that require immediate attention.
• Hospitalization: Room and board, as well as medical care provided while you are in the hospital.
• Ambulance services: Transportation to and from the hospital in an emergency.
• Prescription drugs: Medication prescribed by a doctor while you are in Canada.

While it covers a lot of things, there are some exclusions you should know of. These plans typically do not cover the following expenses:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Any medical condition that you had before you purchased your insurance policy.
• Preventive care: Things like routine checkups, vaccinations and dental care.
• Evacuation or repatriation: The cost of returning you to your home country if you become ill or injured while in Canada.

How to get health insurance in Canada for visitors?

You can purchase health insurance for visitors to Canada from a variety of sources, including:

1. Travel insurance companies: There are many companies that offer health insurance plans for visitors to Canada.
2. Banks: Some banks offer health insurance plans for visitors to Canada.
3. Online insurance brokers: There are a number of online insurance brokers that can help you compare health insurance plans for visitors to Canada.

What is the best health insurance for visitors to Canada?

The best health option will depend on your individual needs and budget. However, some of the top-rated plans include:

1. Manulife's health insurance for visitors to Canada
2. Blue Cross health insurance for visitors
3. CAA's health insurance for visitors to Canada
4. Allianz Global Assistance

Other options include TD and Sun Life health insurance for visitors to Canada. Let’s now dig deep into their coverage and see what makes them a good choice — if at all.

Manulife health insurance for visitors

For visitors to Canada, we have three health insurance plans from Manulife. Here is a quick overview of each plan and their coverage:

Plan	Coverage Limit	Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage	Additional Benefits	Age Limit
Basic	Up to CAD $200K	NO	NO	No limit
Standard	Up to CAD $200K	Covered if not present within 180 days prior	Dental, Accident Death, Dismemberment	Up to 85
Enhanced	Up to CAD $200K	Covered if stable for at least 180 days	Dental, Accident Death, Dismemberment	Up to 85

A 27-year-old, Male, with Super Visa, travelling to Canada can expect to pay the following for Manulife’s health coverage:

• Basic: $941.70/yr
• Standard: $1,387.00/yr
• Enhanced: $1,554.90/yr

These rates are for a maximum coverage limit of $100,000. You can also choose a larger coverage limit but that will cost you more.

Blue Cross health insurance for visitors to Canada

Blue Cross gives you a choice of coverage amounts: $50,000, $100,000 or $150,000 for the following expenses:

• Hospitalization, medical and paramedical expenses
• Emergency dental care
• Transportation and repatriation costs
• Subsistence allowance

A couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Emergency repatriation is covered only if the person's medical condition requires it, subject to approval by the appropriate medical authorities.
2. Lack of access to medical care or overcrowding in healthcare facilities alone is not a reason for emergency repatriation.
3. Hospitalization fees apply to a semi-private room; private rooms are not covered.

Its coverage also includes:

• 24/7 travel assistance
• Coverage for side trips outside Canada, excluding your country of residence
• Medical expenses are paid directly to the hospital, when possible.

Here’s what you will end up paying (37-year-old, female):

• For $50,000 coverage: $749.55/yr
• For $100,000 coverage: $995.73/yr
• For $150,000 coverage: $1,140.55/yr

If you like Blue Cross' health insurance coverage and want to get personalized quotes based on your age and trip duration, you can use our comparator. Just fill in the basic details and get a quote in minutes. Compare multiple plans in a few seconds right here.

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CAA health insurance for visitors to Canada

With CAA, you can enjoy a multitude of benefits, including:

• Coverage for hospitalization, doctors' fees, medication, medical devices and professional services (physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, podiatrist).
• Ground (ambulance or taxi) or air transportation to the nearest medical facility.
• Repatriation to the country of residence.
• Repatriation of remains.
• Transportation and living allowance to visit the insured person.
• Up to $2,000 in emergency dental care.

In addition, you can choose from coverage amounts of $50,000, $100,000 or $150,000. This plan is suitable for visits to Canada lasting up to 365 days and has flexible deductible options to lower the premium.

• Both individual and family coverage is available.
• Eligible for travellers up to the age of 85.
• Purchase can be made prior to or up to 30 days after arrival in Canada.
• 100% refundable up to the policy effective date.
• Option to include telemedicine and home medical visits.
• Coverage extends to secondary travel outside the country.

Finding health insurance for visitors to Canada with pre-existing conditions can be a bit more challenging to find, but there are still several options available — Manulife, Allianz and more.

Allianz Global Assistance

With Allianz, you can get emergency medical of $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000. It provides reimbursement for certain costs for a medical (including hospitalization) or dental emergency that occurs during your trip. Also, you get:

• Reimbursement for emergency hospital and medical expenses up to the policy limit if you test positive while in Canada and require medical treatment for COVID-19.
• Coverage for the cost of safe transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility to receive emergency care. Also includes return medical transportation to Canada for continuing care if required.

Here’s what else you get covered for:

Parameter	Limit	Description
Meals and Accommodation	$150/day Max. $1,500	Covers the cost of meals and accommodations if you or your travelling companion experience delays beyond the return date or are receiving medical attention.
Prescription Drugs	30-day supply Max. $1,000	Provides coverage for drugs or medications related to a covered medical emergency that require a physician's written prescription.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment	Sum Insured	Benefit for loss of life, limb or sight resulting from accidental injury during a trip, except while boarding, riding in or departing from an aircraft.
24-Hour Assistance	Included	Offers a 24-hour hotline and a variety of assistance services in case of emergencies during your travels.

All these Allianz plans (with varying coverage limits) are offered to visitors to Canada, temporary workers, landed immigrants and returning Canadians who are not eligible for benefits under a Canadian provincial health insurance plan.

• Trip duration: Up to 365 days
• Age limit: Up to 84 years old 

A 37-year-old, male, will pay the following amount for Allianz’s health insurance:

• For $25,000: $1,201.24/yr
• For $50,000: $1,407.71/yr
• For $100,000: $1,876.94/yr

How to choose health insurance for visitors to Canada?

There are many different visitors' health insurance plans available in Canada. When choosing a plan, consider your individual needs and budget.

Some factors to consider include:

• The length of your trip: Most plans have a maximum coverage period, so you will need to choose a plan that covers the length of your trip.
• Your age and health: If you are over 65, you will need to choose a plan that specifically covers seniors. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you will need to choose a plan that covers those conditions.
• Your budget: It can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it is important to find a plan that fits your budget.

How to find cheap health insurance for visitors to Canada?

Finding affordable insurance plans can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some of the ways:

1. Dedicate time to thoroughly compare plans offered by various insurance providers.
2. Assess your healthcare needs and choose a plan that provides adequate coverage for your anticipated medical expenses.
3. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, carefully review the policy exclusions to ensure your conditions are covered.
4. Consider plans with a waiver of premium for disability protection.
5. If travelling with family or friends, inquire about group discounts offered by insurance providers.
6. Start your search for health insurance well in advance of your trip to Canada. This allows ample time to compare plans, negotiate rates and address any questions.

Also, don't hesitate to negotiate with insurance providers, especially if you are a frequent traveller or have a clean health record. They may be willing to offer lower premiums. Don't forget to utilize our free comparator to get hassle-free health insurance quotes on the go.