- The best visitors travel insurance plans
- What is visitors travel insurance?
- The Price of Visitors Travel Insurance
- What visitors travel insurance covers
- The conditions of visitors travel insurance
- Why take out visitors travel insurance?
- How to choose the right visitors travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover travel insurance for visitors?
- FAQ
visitors travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Visitors insurance covers emergency medical costs for non-residents, as Canadian public healthcare does not cover them.
2. Price: A one-month plan for a visitor to Canada can range from $70 to $150 CAD.
3. Coverage: It typically covers emergency care and hospitalization but excludes routine check-ups and unstable pre-existing conditions.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Provincial plans like OHIP and credit cards do not provide medical coverage for visitors to Canada.
5. Tips: Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and stability period requirements for any pre-existing conditions before purchasing.
6. Other useful info: Super Visa applicants must have at least $100,000 in coverage from a Canadian insurance company.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best visitors travel insurance.
The best visitors travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best visitors travel insurance plans available to travellers to Canada in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and streamlined terms, offering robust protection for all types of stays.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $300,000 | $0 | • Covers pre-existing conditions if stable. • Direct billing for hospitals. • 24/7 emergency hotline. • Multilingual assistance. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $150,000 | $0 | • 24/7 emergency support. • Covers emergency dental. • Fast claim service. • Good for family trips. |
| Tourist Card | $100,000 | $0, $500 for USA/Canada | • Super Visa compliant. • Flexible deductible options. • Mobile service available. • Direct payment at many clinics. |
| World Travel | $150,000 | $0, $500 per claim | • Covers both COVID-19 and emergencies. • Support for medical repatriation. • 24/7 phone support. • Quick reimbursement. |
| Globe Partner | $100,000 | $0 | • Simple online process. • Suitable for students and younger visitors. • Paperless enrolment. • Emergency evacuation included. |
| Globe Traveller | $250,000 | $0 | • Covers long trips up to one year. • No deductible for medical. • Assistance in English and French. • Easy online claims. |
• Direct billing for hospitals.
• 24/7 emergency hotline.
• Multilingual assistance.
• Covers emergency dental.
• Fast claim service.
• Good for family trips.
• Flexible deductible options.
• Mobile service available.
• Direct payment at many clinics.
• Support for medical repatriation.
• 24/7 phone support.
• Quick reimbursement.
• Suitable for students and younger visitors.
• Paperless enrolment.
• Emergency evacuation included.
• No deductible for medical.
• Assistance in English and French.
• Easy online claims.
The best visitors travel insurance depends on your specific needs. We recommend using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the right plan and sign up directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance policies for freeI compareWhat is visitors travel insurance?
Visitors travel insurance is a policy designed to protect non-residents visiting Canada against unexpected medical expenses during their stay.
It typically covers emergency medical care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, emergency dental treatment, and sometimes repatriation.
This insurance is essential because Canada’s public health system does not cover visitors, and healthcare costs can be very high.
It is also known as “Super Visa Insurance” for some family visitors. Coverage requirements vary by visa type, traveler’s age, and length of stay.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where purchasing visitors travel insurance for Canada is especially important:
- For Super Visa applicants, as specific insurance is mandatory.
- To cover Canada's high medical costs for non-residents.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, even stable ones.
- For new immigrants awaiting provincial health plan eligibility.
- When visiting for an extended period, increasing potential risks.
- For older visitors, like parents, who have higher health risks.
- If you plan to participate in sports or adventure activities.
The Price of Visitors Travel Insurance
On average, visitors travel insurance costs between 4% and 8% of your total trip cost.
| Trip | Trip cost (CAD) | Indicative price per person (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| One week city trip to Toronto | $2,000 | $80 to $160 |
| One month visiting family in Ontario | $4,000 | $160 to $320 |
| Super Visa: one year stay across Canada | $15,000 | $650 to $1,100 |
| Three months exploring Quebec and BC | $7,000 | $280 to $600 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your visitors travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your stay in Canada, the higher the premium.
- traveller’s age: older visitors usually pay more, especially over age 60.
- medical coverage amount: selecting higher limits (for example, for Super Visa) increases the cost.
- pre-existing medical conditions: coverage for these is often more expensive.
- deductible chosen: a lower deductible raises the price, while a higher deductible lowers it.
- optional coverage: adding benefits like trips outside Canada, adventure sports, or trip interruption will impact the final price.
What visitors travel insurance covers
Visitors travel insurance is a specialized product for non-residents staying temporarily in Canada.
It is intended to cover unexpected medical and travel expenses that may arise during your visit.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical care | Key guarantee. Pays hospital and doctor costs for sudden illness or injury during your stay. | Choose at least $100,000 coverage and a deductible no higher than $250. Chronic conditions, routine checkups and unapproved treatments are commonly excluded. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility if necessary. | Minimum $30,000 recommended with no deductible. Non-emergency transport and cases without pre-authorization are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Pays for dental care in case of accident or sudden pain. | We suggest $1,000 minimum and deductibles under $50. Cosmetic dentistry and treatment for existing dental issues are excluded. |
| 🛫 Repatriation of remains | Covers cost of returning remains to home country after death from a covered event. | A minimum of $10,000 is advised with no deductible. Non-medical deaths and deaths from excluded conditions aren’t covered. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Medications prescribed as part of emergency treatment only. | Ask for at least $2,000 coverage, deductible under $25. Routine or preventive medications are not covered. |
| 🏨 Hospital allowance | Daily cash payment during hospitalization. | A limit of $70 per day is suitable for most stays, up to 10 days. Planned admissions and overstay periods will not be reimbursed. |
| 🧑🦽 Follow-up visits | Short-term doctor visits after an emergency. | Look for $500 minimum, deductible under $20. Ongoing therapy and chronic illness management are excluded. |
| ❌ Trip interruption | Refund for non-refundable trip costs if you must cut your visit short for certain emergencies. | A minimum of $1,000 is helpful, avoid high deductibles. Voluntary returns and non-emergency reasons are not covered. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Accidental death & dismemberment | Pays a lump sum in case of accidental death or serious injury. | Choose at least $20,000 with no deductible. Self-inflicted injuries and high-risk activities are excluded. |
| 🦵 Paramedical services | Covers emergency physiotherapy or chiropractic care after an accident. | $500 coverage and deductibles below $30 are optimal. Non-accidental treatment and unlicensed providers are excluded. |
Chronic conditions, routine checkups and unapproved treatments are commonly excluded.
Non-emergency transport and cases without pre-authorization are excluded.
Cosmetic dentistry and treatment for existing dental issues are excluded.
Non-medical deaths and deaths from excluded conditions aren’t covered.
Routine or preventive medications are not covered.
Planned admissions and overstay periods will not be reimbursed.
Ongoing therapy and chronic illness management are excluded.
Voluntary returns and non-emergency reasons are not covered.
Self-inflicted injuries and high-risk activities are excluded.
Non-accidental treatment and unlicensed providers are excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the visitors travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of visitors travel insurance
To be eligible for benefits under visitors travel insurance in Canada, several application conditions must be met. These often include the following criteria:
- Non-Canadian residency: you must not be a citizen, permanent resident, or insured under a Canadian provincial health plan.
- Policy purchase timing: you need to buy the insurance before your arrival in Canada or within a short timeframe after arrival, such as within 7 days.
- Trip duration: your stay in Canada must fall within the maximum coverage period specified in the policy, for example up to 365 days.
- Age limits: most policies only cover visitors between certain ages, often from birth up to 85 years.
- Pre-existing conditions: coverage for pre-existing health issues may require a stability period or be excluded.
- No ongoing medical care: you should not travel to Canada solely for planned medical treatment or have ongoing hospitalizations.
- Premiums and deductibles: insurance is only valid if all required premiums and any deductibles are paid in Canadian dollars.
- Proof of insurance: you must carry your insurance certificate at all times to be eligible for claim reimbursement.
Watch out!
A major misunderstanding is that all pre-existing conditions are covered. Most Canadian visitor policies only cover conditions that have been "stable" for a specific period (e.g., 90-180 days) before the policy starts. Any recent change in medication or treatment can void your coverage for that condition.
Why take out visitors travel insurance?
Even a simple accident or illness can quickly generate unexpected and high medical bills when travelling or staying in Canada as a visitor.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $150,000–$300,000 depending on plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $150,000–$300,000 |
| Intestinal infection (consultation and treatment) |
| Up to $150,000–$300,000 |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Dental cover up to $3,000–$5,000 max |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to $10,000–$100,000 for emergency evacuation or return |
- Europe: $250
- North America: $600
- Asia: $100
- Europe: $300
- North America: $900
- Asia: $120
- Europe: $200
- North America: $1,200
- Asia: $150
- Europe: $180
- North America: $500
- Asia: $80
- Europe: $8,000
- North America: $15,000
- Asia: $7,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Besides medical costs, visitors travel insurance can also cover many other useful risks: trip interruption, personal liability, repatriation of remains, emergency dental expenses, accidental death or dismemberment and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Good to know
Without insurance, visitors face crippling medical bills in Canada—an ambulance ride alone can cost $800. A plan from a specialist like ACS ensures your guests are covered for emergencies, protecting both their health and your finances from unexpected, high costs.
How to choose the right visitors travel insurance
Not all visitors travel insurance policies offer the same protection: reimbursement levels, coverage limits, and exclusions can differ significantly. To choose the best plan, it’s crucial to compare relevant criteria according to your profile and needs in Canada.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Medical costs in Canada are high, so low limits may be insufficient | Always select at least $100,000, ideally $150,000 or more, for adequate protection. Choose sufficient coverage. |
| 💸 Deductible | This is what you pay out of pocket before coverage starts | Lower deductibles reduce your risk when a claim arises. Favour contracts with $0 to $1000 max. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Special conditions may apply for Super Visa, pre-existing conditions, or trip types | Always read the contract and ask the insurer for clarifications. Check Super Visa compliance if needed. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Age can affect premiums, eligibility, and exclusions | Senior visitors should declare age and health status. Some plans have no age limit but check for exclusions. |
| 🕒 Trip duration | Some plans limit coverage to 6 or 12 months | For extended or multiple stays, look for renewable or annual multi-trip options. Consider your total stay length. |
| 🗺️ Geographic area | Side trips to the US or abroad are sometimes not covered | If planning side trips, confirm whether the policy covers outside Canada. Ask for “side trip” extension. |
| 🏥 Pre-existing conditions | Unstable conditions are often excluded or need a “stability period” | Declare all medical history and get written confirmation. Clarify rules about coverage for pre-existing issues. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental | Not all plans include dental care for accidents or pain | Choose a plan with at least some dental emergency coverage. Look for minimum $500 in dental care. |
| 📱 Online purchase | Immediate needs or short time before travel require fast setup | Opt for insurers offering secure online sign-up and digital documents. Check for instant proof of coverage. |
Do my current insurance policies cover travel insurance for visitors?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card coverages or public health systems, can substitute for a visitors travel insurance when coming to Canada. Unfortunately, these regularly fail to provide the necessary benefits for visitors, often leaving important needs uncovered. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Visitors travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (OHIP, RAMQ, MSP) | Never | Only Canadian residents are covered, not visitors. No medical costs, hospitalization, or repatriation for visitors at all. | Travel insurance offers up to $300,000 CA for emergencies. Travel insurance includes repatriation and emergency dental, unlike public insurance. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life) | Never | Employee or privately insured residents only. No coverage for medical care, accidents, or hospital stays for visitors. | Travel insurance covers up to $300,000 CA. Travel insurance offers trip interruption, COVID-19 care, and pre-existing coverage for visitors. |
| Classic credit card (RBC Visa Classic, TD Rewards Visa) | Never | May provide trip cancellation for Canadian cardholders abroad, not visitors. No health costs, hospitalization, or evacuation for visitors. | Travel insurance pays hospital costs up to $300,000 CA. Travel insurance supports 24/7 assistance, repatriation, and ambulance costs. |
| Premium credit card (BMO World Elite, CIBC Aventura) | Limited Coverage | May include baggage loss or travel delay for Canadians, not medical costs for visitors. No coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, or medical evacuation for visitors. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $300,000 CA. Travel insurance includes emergency dental and paramedical services for visitors. |
No medical costs, hospitalization, or repatriation for visitors at all.
Travel insurance includes repatriation and emergency dental, unlike public insurance.
No coverage for medical care, accidents, or hospital stays for visitors.
Travel insurance offers trip interruption, COVID-19 care, and pre-existing coverage for visitors.
No health costs, hospitalization, or evacuation for visitors.
Travel insurance supports 24/7 assistance, repatriation, and ambulance costs.
No coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, or medical evacuation for visitors.
Travel insurance includes emergency dental and paramedical services for visitors.
Expert advice
Bank cards and provincial health plans often exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative’s illness. Read your policy carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance plan tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is visitors travel insurance mandatory?
In some cases, visitors travel insurance is mandatory, such as for Canada Super Visa applicants or to meet certain visa requirements in other countries.
For other travellers, while not legally required, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Canada are very high.
Even a short emergency room visit after a fall can result in bills well over $1,000 CA.
Having insurance protects visitors from unexpected expenses and financial stress during their trip.
When is it recommended to purchase visitors travel insurance?
The best time to purchase visitors travel insurance is before arriving in Canada, ideally right after booking flights or travel plans.
Buying before arrival ensures immediate coverage for travel or medical emergencies from the moment you enter Canada.
Waiting to buy coverage until after arrival may lead to a waiting period or exclusions for existing symptoms.
Early purchase also secures eligibility, especially for pre-existing condition coverage or Super Visa requirements.
How do I purchase visitors travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the right coverage for your needs.
Second, carefully check guarantees and exclusions—especially for pre-existing medical conditions or Super Visa rules.
Third, purchase the chosen insurance online through a secure website and select your coverage start date.
Finally, receive your insurance certificate by email, which you can present at the border or to healthcare providers if needed.
Can I purchase visitors travel insurance after booking my flight?
Yes, you can buy visitors travel insurance after you book your flight or even after you arrive in Canada.
However, purchasing before arrival is strongly advised, as some policies have waiting periods or may not cover symptoms appearing before the policy starts.
For Super Visa applicants, insurance must begin on or before the date of entry.
Delaying your purchase can also limit your options for comprehensive coverage or pre-existing condition benefits.
How do I make a claim on visitors travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurance provider’s emergency assistance line right away for instructions.
Gather all receipts, medical reports, and relevant documents needed to submit your claim.
Most insurers allow you to file claims online or by email, speeding up the process and response time.
Keep a record of all communications with your insurer and track your claim status regularly.
Does visitors travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some visitors travel insurance plans cover pre-existing medical conditions, usually if the condition has been stable for a certain period (like 90 or 180 days).
Each insurer defines stability differently and requires full disclosure at purchase.
If your condition is not eligible, expenses related to it may be excluded.
Be sure to review the policy’s stability requirements and consult the insurer for clarification before buying coverage.
What is not covered by visitors travel insurance?
Visitors travel insurance usually excludes routine care, preventive check-ups, high-risk adventure activities, and unstable pre-existing conditions.
Cosmetic procedures, pregnancy and childbirth expenses, or elective treatments are also not included in most policies.
Some policies impose waiting periods for coverage to begin if purchased after arrival.
Reading the policy details to understand exclusions is essential—do not assume all accidents or illnesses are covered.
Is visitors travel insurance mandatory?
In some cases, visitors travel insurance is mandatory, such as for Canada Super Visa applicants or to meet certain visa requirements in other countries.
For other travellers, while not legally required, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Canada are very high.
Even a short emergency room visit after a fall can result in bills well over $1,000 CA.
Having insurance protects visitors from unexpected expenses and financial stress during their trip.
When is it recommended to purchase visitors travel insurance?
The best time to purchase visitors travel insurance is before arriving in Canada, ideally right after booking flights or travel plans.
Buying before arrival ensures immediate coverage for travel or medical emergencies from the moment you enter Canada.
Waiting to buy coverage until after arrival may lead to a waiting period or exclusions for existing symptoms.
Early purchase also secures eligibility, especially for pre-existing condition coverage or Super Visa requirements.
How do I purchase visitors travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the right coverage for your needs.
Second, carefully check guarantees and exclusions—especially for pre-existing medical conditions or Super Visa rules.
Third, purchase the chosen insurance online through a secure website and select your coverage start date.
Finally, receive your insurance certificate by email, which you can present at the border or to healthcare providers if needed.
Can I purchase visitors travel insurance after booking my flight?
Yes, you can buy visitors travel insurance after you book your flight or even after you arrive in Canada.
However, purchasing before arrival is strongly advised, as some policies have waiting periods or may not cover symptoms appearing before the policy starts.
For Super Visa applicants, insurance must begin on or before the date of entry.
Delaying your purchase can also limit your options for comprehensive coverage or pre-existing condition benefits.
How do I make a claim on visitors travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurance provider’s emergency assistance line right away for instructions.
Gather all receipts, medical reports, and relevant documents needed to submit your claim.
Most insurers allow you to file claims online or by email, speeding up the process and response time.
Keep a record of all communications with your insurer and track your claim status regularly.
Does visitors travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some visitors travel insurance plans cover pre-existing medical conditions, usually if the condition has been stable for a certain period (like 90 or 180 days).
Each insurer defines stability differently and requires full disclosure at purchase.
If your condition is not eligible, expenses related to it may be excluded.
Be sure to review the policy’s stability requirements and consult the insurer for clarification before buying coverage.
What is not covered by visitors travel insurance?
Visitors travel insurance usually excludes routine care, preventive check-ups, high-risk adventure activities, and unstable pre-existing conditions.
Cosmetic procedures, pregnancy and childbirth expenses, or elective treatments are also not included in most policies.
Some policies impose waiting periods for coverage to begin if purchased after arrival.
Reading the policy details to understand exclusions is essential—do not assume all accidents or illnesses are covered.
