Visitor insurance · Canada

Visiting Canada? Be covered before you land.

Provincial health plans are for residents, not visitors. Compare emergency medical insurance from Canadian insurers in one quote, with a licensed Ontario advisor who speaks your language.

  • Coverage from $25,000 to $300,000, for up to 2 years
  • Plans for individuals, couples and families
  • Help in English, Hindi and Punjabi

Enter Your Trip Details

Your information is secure and will not be sold.
What is Coverage Amount?

The term "Coverage Amount" typically refers to the sum of money that an insurance policy will pay out in the event of a covered loss or claim. It is also known as the "coverage limit" or "policy limit."
What is Start Date of Coverage?

The start date of coverage refers to the effective date on which your insurance policy becomes active and eligible for claims
What is End Date of Coverage?

End date of coverage is the day your insurance protection ends
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

A pre-existing medical condition is an illness or injury that you know you already have (e.g. asthma, heart condition). Even if you are showing symptoms of an illness and have not yet seen a doctor, this is considered a "pre-existing" condition (e.g. you have felt chest pains but didn't seek any treatment).
What is family Plan?

In addition to providing your insurance quotes immediately, we will also email you a link to your quotes. That way, if you are not ready today to apply online or call us, you can easily access your quotes and proceed at a later, more convenient date.

We value your privacy. We will not trade or sell your name to third parties except when required to fulfill services you request. For details, please click on the Privacy link at the bottom of this page.
2 yearscoverage available, up to
$25K–$300Kcoverage amounts to choose from
11insurers compared
2016Life Advice Insurance Inc.

Insurers we compare

21st Century
GMS
Destination Canada
Allianz
Ingle
Manulife
Secure Travel
Travel Shield
Trustone Health
Travcare
Travelance
21st Century
GMS
Destination Canada
Allianz
Ingle
Manulife
Secure Travel
Travel Shield
Trustone Health
Travcare
Travelance

Why insure

One bad night, one big bill

Visitors are not covered by provincial health plans. Scroll to see how an uninsured emergency adds up.

EXAMPLE HOSPITAL INVOICENon-resident patient
    TOTAL DUE$0
    Scroll down to start the night.
    UNINSURED
    9:40 PM

    Chest pain. You call 911.

    A private ambulance ride to the hospital is the first charge on your bill.

    10:05 PM

    The emergency room.

    Provincial health cards are for residents. Visitors are billed directly as non-residents.

    MIDNIGHT

    Scans and blood tests.

    An MRI and lab work help doctors find out what is wrong, and each one is priced separately.

    THE NEXT TWO DAYS

    A hospital bed.

    Rooms for non-residents are commonly billed at $4,000 to $4,500 per day. Doctors' fees are extra.

    WITH A VISITOR POLICY

    Your insurer pays the hospital.

    A medical emergency plan can pay covered costs directly, so you can focus on getting better.

    Get my quote

    Example only. Typical non-resident costs: an ER visit can cost about $1,242 and a hospital stay about $4,000 to $4,500 per day. Actual bills and policy terms vary.

    Two rules to know

    What decides your claim

    1TIMING

    Buy before you land

    Cover that starts when you arrive avoids the waiting period many insurers apply to sickness.

    Nonewaiting period for sickness
    Covered
    ArriveYour visitLeave

    2PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

    Is your condition stable?

    Many plans cover a condition only if it was stable for a set period before the policy starts, commonly about 90 to 180 days. Tap anything that applies to the last 6 months.

    ✓
    Likely stable

    Many insurers would treat this as stable. Your insurer's own wording decides.

    Tell us your health history honestly. Claims linked to an unstable condition can be denied.

    Often not covered
    • Routine or elective care
    • Unstable pre-existing conditions
    • Pregnancy and childbirth, limited or excluded
    • Alcohol or drug related claims
    • High-risk activities
    ✓
    Cover can start
    before they land

    Made for arrivals

    The first thing they should feel is your hug

    Visiting family should be about the reunion, not the paperwork. We make the insurance part simple.

    • 1

      Compare in one quote

      Plans from several Canadian insurers, lowest price first.

    • 2

      Start before they fly

      Buying early helps avoid waiting periods on many plans.

    • 3

      Help in your language

      English, Hindi or Punjabi, before and after you buy.

    Get my quote

    What it costs

    Your age sets the price

    Drag to see example monthly premiums for $100,000 of cover.

    25456575
    Trip lengthCoverage amountDeductibleStable health conditions
    EXAMPLE PER MONTH
    $73
    per month · $100,000 cover
    Plan A$73.20
    Plan B$95.10

    Example monthly premiums for $100,000 of cover over a 30-day trip, from two sample plans. Your price depends on age, trip length, insurer and health, so ask for a quote.

    How to buy

    Five steps to your policy

    1. 1

      Get your quote

      Enter trip details in the form. Prices show right away and a link is emailed to you.

    2. 2

      Compare plans

      Review plans from several insurers, or talk to an advisor.

    3. 3

      Choose cover

      Pick the amount, deductible and plan that suit your trip.

    4. 4

      Apply

      Enter basic details for each traveller.

    5. 5

      Pay and receive your policy

      Pay online or by phone. Your policy is emailed to you.

    Peace of mind

    Let them enjoy the visit. We plan for the what-ifs.

    A licensed Ontario advisor compares plans for you, and stays with you if you ever need to make a claim.

    Get my quote

    Loved by families since 2016

    4.8 stars on Google

    ★★★★★
    The information Manish provides before buying insurance, and the customer service after that, are really awesome. I trust VisitorGuard for all my travel insurance needs.
    Waseem S.Google review · Service
    ★★★★★
    Manish from Visitor Guard helped me buy medical insurance for my parents and diligently explained all the details of the policy.
    Jasmeet S.Google review · Parents
    ★★★★★
    Manish provided information about all available plans clearly and service was exceptional. I would definitely recommend...
    Manpreet K.Google review · Plans
    ★★★★★
    They responded very quickly to provide us an insurance quote. It was the best customer service.
    Mayur P.Google review · Quick quote
    ★★★★★
    The information Manish provides before buying insurance, and the customer service after that, are really awesome. I trust VisitorGuard for all my travel insurance needs.
    Waseem S.Google review · Service
    ★★★★★
    Manish from Visitor Guard helped me buy medical insurance for my parents and diligently explained all the details of the policy.
    Jasmeet S.Google review · Parents
    ★★★★★
    Manish provided information about all available plans clearly and service was exceptional. I would definitely recommend...
    Manpreet K.Google review · Plans
    ★★★★★
    They responded very quickly to provide us an insurance quote. It was the best customer service.
    Mayur P.Google review · Quick quote
    ★★★★★
    They responded very quickly to provide us an insurance quote. It was the best customer service.
    Mayur P.Google review · Quick quote
    ★★★★★
    Manish provided information about all available plans clearly and service was exceptional. I would definitely recommend...
    Manpreet K.Google review · Plans
    ★★★★★
    Manish from Visitor Guard helped me buy medical insurance for my parents and diligently explained all the details of the policy.
    Jasmeet S.Google review · Parents
    ★★★★★
    The information Manish provides before buying insurance, and the customer service after that, are really awesome. I trust VisitorGuard for all my travel insurance needs.
    Waseem S.Google review · Service
    ★★★★★
    They responded very quickly to provide us an insurance quote. It was the best customer service.
    Mayur P.Google review · Quick quote
    ★★★★★
    Manish provided information about all available plans clearly and service was exceptional. I would definitely recommend...
    Manpreet K.Google review · Plans
    ★★★★★
    Manish from Visitor Guard helped me buy medical insurance for my parents and diligently explained all the details of the policy.
    Jasmeet S.Google review · Parents
    ★★★★★
    The information Manish provides before buying insurance, and the customer service after that, are really awesome. I trust VisitorGuard for all my travel insurance needs.
    Waseem S.Google review · Service

    FAQ

    Visitor insurance questions

    Do visitors to Canada need medical insurance?+

    It is generally not required to enter Canada as a visitor, but it is strongly recommended because provincial health plans do not cover visitors. It is required for parents and grandparents applying for a Super Visa. Always check the current government rules for your visa or eTA.

    Why do visitors need insurance if Canada has public health care?+

    Provincial plans are for residents. Visitors usually pay for their own medical care, and emergency treatment can cost thousands of dollars.

    What does visitor insurance cover?+

    Plans typically cover emergency hospital care, physician services, diagnostic tests, emergency dental from an accident, ambulance, prescriptions for a covered emergency and return home. Limits and exclusions vary by plan, so read the policy wording.

    Are pre-existing conditions covered?+

    Some plans cover conditions that have been stable for a set period before the policy starts, commonly about 90 to 180 days. Other plans exclude them. Tell us your health history so we can show suitable plans.

    Can I buy insurance after I arrive in Canada?+

    Often yes, but many insurers apply a waiting period for sickness, the length varies by insurer. Accidents are usually covered sooner. Buying before you travel avoids the wait.

    How long can a policy last?+

    Visitor plans commonly cover trips up to 365 days. Coverage ends when you leave Canada or the policy expires, whichever is first.

    Are side trips outside Canada covered?+

    Side trips usually must start and end in Canada, and some insurers limit the time spent away. Rules differ, so check your policy.

    How do I make a claim?+

    Call the assistance number on your policy as soon as an emergency happens, before paying the provider if you can. Then send your receipts, medical records and the claim form. Call us at 1-855-500-8999 if you need help.

    Can I extend my policy while in Canada?+

    Often yes, if you request it before the policy expires and meet the insurer's conditions. Some insurers require approval. Call us early so there is no gap in cover.

    Can I get a refund?+

    Cancelling before coverage starts usually earns a full refund, and many policies offer a short free-look period. After coverage starts, refunds depend on the insurer and your unused days.