Guide to Health Insurance for Visitors to Canada

Canada has a way of sweeping visitors off their feet — and not just because of icy sidewalks in winter. One minute you’re wrapped up in the buzzy energy of a big city, the next you’re stretched out beside a quiet lake, listening to loons instead of traffic.

But whether you’re here to explore, study, work, or enjoy an extended visit with family, there’s one truth worth knowing upfront: Canada’s world-class healthcare isn’t free for visitors. Without the right insurance, even a minor medical hiccup could turn into a financial headache.

This guide breaks down what health insurance for visitors to Canada covers, why it matters, and how to choose a plan that keeps both you and your wallet protected as you explore the Great White North.

Key takeaways

• Canada’s healthcare isn’t free for visitors. Without the right insurance, even minor medical issues can lead to major bills — sometimes in the thousands per day.

• Visitor health insurance can cover emergency medical care, transportation, and other urgent expenses, so you’re not paying out of pocket.

• Different visitors need different coverage. Options include travel medical insurance, Super Visa insurance, and international student coverage — each with its own rules and eligibility.

• Coverage varies by plan. Benefits often include emergency treatment, dental care from an accident, medical transportation, and follow-up visits. However, routine care, elective procedures, risky activities, and unstable pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.

• Choosing the right plan matters. Compare coverage limits, exclusions, emergency support, and fine-print details like deductibles and claim procedures.

• Going without visitor health insurance in Canada could be risky. You may face sky-high medical bills, delays in treatment, or complications with future visa applications.

• Buy your policy before travelling or as soon as you land in Canada. Depending on the insurance company, there may be a waiting period of 48 hours on insurance purchased after your arrival in Canada.

• Keep your insurance documents handy and know the steps to follow in an emergency. It’s the simplest way to protect both your health and your wallet while in Canada.

Why health insurance is essential for visitors

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. To access publicly funded healthcare, you need to qualify under a provincial or territorial plan and carry a valid health card — something most visitors, newcomers, and many temporary workers don’t qualify for immediately.

Without that coverage, even basic medical attention can get expensive fast. An ambulance ride, diagnostic tests, emergency dental work, or a night in the hospital could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

An emergency rarely wait for good timing. A slip, a sudden illness, or a questionable food choice can put you in the emergency room  — and when you’re paying out of pocket, the bill can really sting.

Visitor health insurance closes that gap. It helps cover emergency medical care, so a health scare doesn’t become a financial nightmare. It also offers peace of mind: if something goes wrong, you can focus on getting care instead of calculating the cost.

Types of health insurance for visitors to Canada

“Health insurance” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are the most common types used by visitors:

Travel medical insurance

This covers emergency medical expenses you may incur after you reach your destination — things like sudden illnesses, injuries, diagnostic tests, hospitalization, or even emergency dental care.

RBC Insurance offers comprehensive medical plans for visitors that include many of these standard benefits, with coverage available for stays up to one year.

Super visa insurance

This type of health insurance is for super visa visitors — parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are authorized to stay in Canada for up to five years. Before a visa is issued, applicants must show at least one year of medical insurance from a Canadian provider with a minimum of $100,000 in coverage.

While RBC Insurance doesn’t offer a dedicated super visa plan, RBC’s Visitors Plan III offers coverage up to $150,000 —and is available to travellers from the age of one month to 69 years.

International student health insurance

This coverage is designed for foreign students coming to Canada to study. Since access to provincial healthcare depends on the province, school, and program length, many students either don’t qualify for public coverage or aren’t covered immediately — leaving them exposed to high medical costs without a private plan. International students with a valid visa can qualify for RBC’s Visitors to Canada Insurance.

What health insurance for visitors to Canada typically covers

While every insurance policy is different, here’s what health insurance for visitors to Canada typically includes:

Emergency medical care

Emergency medical care covers urgent treatment for sudden illnesses or injuries — doctor visits, hospital care, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, surgery, and more. Some plans include stable pre-existing conditions, depending on the rules.

Emergency dental care

If an accident lands you to the dentist’s chair, many plans help cover repairs to damaged teeth. Some health insurance plans for visitors may also cover limited emergency treatment for dental flare-ups.

Out-of-pocket expenses

If a doctor advises you to relocate for care or delay your return home, some plans reimburse reasonable, unexpected costs (like meals or accommodations). For example, RBC’s Visitors to Canada Insurance includes a daily benefit up to a set maximum.

Transportation

If you need to be moved for proper care or flown to your country of residence for medical reasons, many plans cover ground ambulance, air ambulance, stretcher transport, or medically required upgraded seating — all arranged through the insurer’s emergency assistance team.

Transportation for a bedside companion

If you’re hospitalized and travelling alone, plans often cover airfare and limited expenses for someone to come to your bedside.

Repatriation of remains

In the event of death due to a covered medical condition, plans may cover repatriation or arrangements for cremation or burial where the death occurred, plus reasonable costs for someone who needs to identify the remains.

Follow-up visits

If a doctor needs to check on your recovery after the initial emergency, many plans cover a limited number of follow-up appointments (for example, three visits) directly related to that event.

Return of travelling companions or vehicle

Some policies help coordinate and pay for returning dependants, pets, or even your vehicle to your country of residence if you can’t.

Optional add-ons

Depending on the provider, you can often add extras like trip interruption, accidental death and dismemberment benefits, or extended prescription drug coverage.

What health insurance for visitors to Canada does not cover

Even the best insurance plans have limits. Here are some things that aren’t typically included:

• Unstable pre-existing conditions: If a condition, such as a heart condition or high blood pressure, wasn’t stable before your trip (based on the policy’s rules), the insurer won’t pay for related treatment.

• Routine check-ups and preventative care: Non-emergency care, like a physical exam, vaccinations, or screening tests, are usually excluded.

• Elective or pre-planned procedures: Cosmetic work, non-urgent surgeries, rehab, long-term care, and experimental treatments are all not usually covered.

• Risky or extreme activities: If you go rock climbing, mountaineering, skydiving, bungee jumping, motorized racing, or compete as a professional athlete, the policy usually won’t cover injuries as a result of these activities.

• Self-inflicted injuries or illegal activities: Claims related to self-harm, attempted suicide, criminal acts, or substance use are excluded.

• Travelling to Canada for medical treatment: If you come to Canada specifically for treatment or diagnosis, the insurer won’t cover those costs.

• Overseas treatments not pre-authorized: If you leave Canada for care without insurer approval, you may face denial of a claim.

• Breaking policy rules and procedures: Skipping required pre-approvals, ignoring medical advice, or delaying reporting a claim could cancel coverage.

• War, nuclear incidents, or contamination: Claims related to war, rebellion, nuclear events, or chemical/biological contamination are generally not covered.

  How to choose the right health insurance plan

  Choosing a plan doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Keep these key guidelines in mind:

  1. Assess your needs

  Take a hard look at what you actually need for your trip to Canada, so you don’t end up over- or under-insured. A few questions to consider:

  • How long are you staying? Longer trips usually require higher coverage limits.

  • How old are you? Age can affect eligibility, coverage options, and sometimes price.

  • Do you have any medical conditions? Even if your health is under control, a medical condition may affect what you’re eligible for or whether you need a plan that covers stable pre-existing conditions.

  • What are your plans in Canada? A “time with the family” trip has very different risk levels than say, backcountry hiking or hitting the slopes in the Rocky Mountains.

  Thinking through these questions helps you choose a plan that matches your actual risks — not just the cheapest insurance option available.

  2. Check for specific requirements

  Some visitors — such as super visa applicants — must meet government-mandated coverage rules. Make sure your plan satisfies these conditions.

  3. Compare policies

  Look at coverage limits, exclusions, premiums, and the claims process. It’s also worth considering using a reputable insurance provider with robust customer support for when you need it most.

  4. Look at pre-existing condition coverage

  If this applies to you, check stability rules and whether any documentation (like a doctor’s letter or medical records) is required. While RBC’s Visitors to Canada Insurance asks no medical questions at application, stability requirements still apply.

  5. Confirm emergency assistance

  Look for a plan with 24/7 emergency support, help coordinating care, and medically necessary transportation. If something goes awry, you ideally want real humans ready to help in real time. For instance, RBC’s Visitors to Canada Insurance includes 24-hour emergency medical assistance.

  6. Read the fine print

  Before signing off on a policy, carefully review the insurance policy. Focus on:

  • Inclusions and exclusions: What the policy covers, and what it doesn’t.

  • Coverage limits: The maximum amounts the insurer will pay for different types of claims.

  • Deductibles: How much you’ll pay out of pocket before you’re covered by the policy.

  • Claim procedures: How to make a claim, including timelines and required documentation.

  It may not be the most riveting read — but knowing what you’re agreeing to is essential.

  What to do in the case of an emergency

  Here’s a quick checklist of what to do if the worst happens:

  • Contact your insurer right away so they can guide next steps.

  • Follow their instructions for treatment, approved facilities, and pre-authorizations.

  • Keep all receipts and paperwork — you’ll need them to file a claim.

  • Understand deadlines for filing claims.

  • Submit your claim with all required documentation.

Risks of travelling without health insurance

Skipping insurance might feel like no big deal, or you’d prefer to save on costs to have more money for travelling, but here’s the potential fallout if you don’t properly insurance yourself as a visitor to Canada:

Massive medical bills

Even minor injuries or illnesses can become major expenses. One Ontario hospital charges $1,191 for a single emergency room visit. In British Columbia, ground ambulance can amount to $848, while an air ambulance helicopter can cost over $4,000 per hour. A Montreal ICU stay can hit $12,720 per day. Without insurance, those costs would land entirely on you to pay for.

Delayed or limited access to care

Hospitals or clinics may require upfront payment for non-life-threatening treatment. That snag can slow down your care, limit your options, or push you to make medical decisions based on cost, not urgency.

Immigration or legal issues

Some visitors, including super visa applicants, must carry valid medical insurance. Leaving behind medical bills you can’t pay may be viewed as financial strain, excessive demand on health or social services, or not meeting the conditions of your stay — all of which might complicate future visa applications.

No built-in emergency support

Without a policy, you’re on your own in a crisis — no help coordinating care, arranging medical transportation, or support if you need to return home for medical treatment. If things go wrong, having no backup can make a tough situation even harder.

Peace of mind during your time in Canada

Before you zip up your suitcase and head for the airport, make sure you’ve packed one of the most important items on your list: your health insurance policy. Buy an insurance policy ahead of time, keep a copy handy, and know what to do if you ever need medical help. It’s a tiny amount of preparation that could spare you a world of stress.

Exploring a new country is a lot more fun when you’re not quietly worrying about the “what ifs.” The right coverage helps you breathe a little easier, and actually enjoy the moments you came here for — the meals, the people, the adventures, even the extremes in weather.

Once your health insurance is sorted, you can focus on the best part: making life-long memories in Canada.

FAQs about health insurance for visitors to Canda

Can I get health insurance in Canada as a visitor?

Yes, visitors to Canada can absolutely buy health insurance for their stay in Canada. In fact, it’s strongly recommended, since most provinces and territories don’t cover health care costs for non-residents. You can purchase coverage before or after arrival but buying insurance early ensures you’re protected immediately.

How much is health insurance in Canada for visitors?

The cost of health insurance for visitors to Canada generally depends on your age, length of stay, coverage amount, and whether pre-existing conditions are included. Compare a few quotes to find the right fit for your needs and budget.

If I get sick while visiting Canada, will my treatment be covered?

If you get sick as a visitor to Canada, your treatment will not be covered by Canada’s universal health care system. In general, visitors must pay their own medical costs unless they have private insurance. A visitors insurance plan can cover emergency treatment for sudden illnesses or injuries, but typically not routine care, elective procedures, or unstable pre-existing conditions.

How much health insurance does a super visa holder need?

Super visa applicants must have at least $100,000 in coverage from a Canadian insurance provider, valid for a minimum of one year — and they need to show proof of this before the visa can be approved.

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