Travel insurance for visitors to Canada

Comparing any type of insurance is always recommended. It's one of the best ways to uncover your cheapest travel insurance rate as a visitor to Canada. No two insurance companies will offer identical policies and rates.

In fact, some insurance companies are more equipped to handle your coverage needs than others, which is why it is so important to shop the market to not only find your best travel insurance rate, but also to ensure you have the proper amount of coverage to fit your travel needs.

Travel insurance is never mandatory, but it is highly recommended especially if you're staying at your destination for an extended period of time.

The cost for any medical expenses can be significant and having a travel policy as a visitor to Canada would cover you for any unfortunate injury, accident or ailment during your stay.

Plus, if your flying you can include more coverage options within your policy, such as:

• Trip interruption & trip cancellation insurance
• Baggage loss/damaged or delayed insurance

Health insurance for visitors to Canada is only mandatory if you’re applying for a visa. For example, if you’re applying for a Super Visa, proof of valid health insurance from a Canadian company is required when you submit your application.

Travel insurance, on the other hand, isn't required but is recommended for anyone travelling outside their home country, especially if you’re a senior citizen, student or international worker, or will be travelling in Canada for long periods of time.

It’s best to buy travel insurance from a Canadian company because they work with hospitals, clinics and dental offices to process your claim faster and may offer direct billing. Several major Canadian banks and insurance companies such as Sun Life, Manulife, TD and RBC offer insurance coverage for visitors to Canada, and you can also purchase coverage online with us today. Most policies range from $50,000 to $200,000 in coverage, and cover costs related to doctors' fees, hospital stays, prescription drugs, emergency dental care, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. Exact coverage, exclusions and limitations will vary by company and policy.

It varies by province and territory, but even just seeing a doctor at a walk-in clinic is going to cost around $100 to $250 for non-residents, on top of any prescription medication and additional treatment. An ambulance ride can cost anywhere between $240 in Ontario and $1,099 in Nova Scotia. The national average cost of a hospital stay in Canada is $6,137, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, with intensive care costing even more. These numbers are approximates, but all things considered, the cost of travel insurance is considerably cheaper.

No. Anyone who visits Canada for business or pleasure is responsible for the cost of their own medical care, according to the Government of Canada. And technically, health care isn’t “free.” Canada’s health care system is publicly funded by taxes, so while it’s true that citizens don’t pay many upfront costs when seeking treatment, it’s paid for by taxpayers. Health care costs in Canada may not be as high as in the United States, but it can still be expensive for anyone who isn’t a resident.