What is travel insurance for visitors to Canada
If you’re visiting Canada on business or pleasure and no matter your length of stay, having the right travel insurance as a visitor to Canada is important. A travel medical insurance for visitors to Canada policy covers expenses related to emergency medical treatment, ambulance, and hospitalization in the event of injury or illness.
It's important to note that visitors to Canada are responsible for covering the cost of their own medical care, so having travel insurance coverage for visitors to Canada is especially recommended if you’ll be partaking in any outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, playing sports, hiking or camping.
Many travel insurance plans are also designed to meet the Government of Canada's requirements for super visas and the International Experience Canada program.
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How visitors to Canada travel insurance coverage works
Ideally, you should buy visitors travel insurance as soon as your visa, work or vacation travel plans are in place. Plus, to ensure there aren’t any gaps in your health insurance coverage, aim to have your policy in place before you leave for Canada. Some travel-focused insurance companies like World Nomad also offer the option to buy coverage while abroad, giving you the ability to access coverage from anywhere in the world, but there is a waiting period of up to 36 hours for benefits to kick in.
Canada is well known for its natural beauty and the opportunity to visit 38 national parks and more than 1,000 provincial and territorial parks. If you’re visiting Canada to enjoy outdoor activities, having coverage for emergency medical care is especially important. Along with coverage for emergency medical costs, World Nomad offers speciality coverage for more than 150 adventure activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and camping and trekking—a good idea if you’re camping by Lake Louise in Banff National Park or hitting the slopes of Whistler or Mont-Tremblant.
Travel insurance is also available for anyone working in Canada on a seasonal or temporary basis in jobs that don’t offer benefits. For example, World Nomad insurance also offers coverage for visitors to Canada working in childcare, farm work, fruit picking, teaching, hospitality, restaurants, office and administration, and ski and snowboarding instruction. Landed immigrants must wait three months after arrival before provincial health benefits kick in, and visitors insurance is also available so you’re covered during that period.
As with all types of insurance, premiums will depend on your age and any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as the total coverage and deductible amount.
How to get cheap travel insurance for visitors to Canada.
You'll love Canada, but you need to make sure you're covered for whatever your trip entails. Get a free online travel quote for your upcoming trip to Canada.
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Common questions about travel insurance for visitors to Canada
Why should I compare travel insurance quotes 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.
Do I need travel insurance for visitors to Canada?
Travel insurance is never mandatory, but it is highly recommend especially if your 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 like:
- Baggage loss/damaged or delayed insurance
Do visitors to Canada need health 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.
What is the best travel insurance for visitors to Canada?
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. 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.
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Canada?
It varies by province and territory, but even just seeing a doctor at a walk-in clinic is going to cost around $100-$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.
Do tourists get free health care in Canada?
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.
Does my health insurance cover me in Canada?
It varies by province and territory, but even just seeing a doctor at a walk-in clinic is going to cost around $100-$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.
Matt Hands, Business Director of Insurance
With 6+ years of experience at Ratehub.ca, Matt’s focus has been on growing its newest business unit, Insurance. He is a thought leader and a valuable resource to respected publications across Canada. read full bio
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