21st Century is a visitors-to-Canada and Super Visa travel insurance brand underwritten by Manulife, operating since 1979. It's best known for higher-quality secondary benefits and a rare monthly-payment option for Super Visa holders (just a $50 administration fee, no other surcharges). It tends to be most competitive for Super Visa applicants aged 75+ and IEC applicants under 59 - with a Basic plan that has no age limit and an Enhanced plan that covers stable pre-existing conditions.
21st Century at a Glance
Underwriter: | Manulife |
Operating Since: | 1979 |
Insurance Categories: | Visitors to Canada, Super Visa, IEC |
Plans: | Basic, Standard, and Enhanced |
Age limit: | Basic Plan: None - Standard & Enhanced Plans: up to 85 |
Pre-existing Conditions: | Stable Pre-existing conditions are covered on the Enhanced plan. |
Monthly Payments: | Yes - for Super Visa Insurance |
Deductible Options | Up to $10,000 |
About 21st Century Travel Insurance
21st Century Travel Insurance is an independent travel insurance brand, available through approved agents and underwritten by Manulife. Operating since 1979, it has a long history of insuring visitors to Canada, and has negotiated a higher-quality product from Manulife - including a unique monthly-payment plan for Super Visa holders. Because it's a Manulife-backed product, it pairs an established claims infrastructure with some benefit enhancements you won't find on Manulife's standard plans.
21st Century Standout Policy Benefits
Paramedical Services
$1,000 per profession (Standard and Enhanced Plan)
Deductible
Up to $10,000 (Basic, Standard & Enhanced Plan)
Travel to Other Countries
Max 30 days coverage. The majority of covered period needs to be spent in Canada. (Basic, Standard & Enhanced Plan)
21st Century Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Higher quality secondary benefits, including follow-up provisions. | Higher premium on select age groups. |
Unique monthly payment option for Super Visa policyholders: only a $50 administration fee when choosing a monthly payment plan, no other surcharges. | 21st Century Super Visa insurance: this policy is not cancellable unless you present a visa denial or withdrawal letter. |
Easy to cancel upon early return to home country. | |
The Basic Plan has no age limit. | |
Each 21st Century policy has deductible options that help to reduce upfront costs. |
21st Century for Super Visa
21st Century is a popular Super Visa insurance choice, particularly for older applicants (it's frequently competitive for the 75+ age group). Its plans meet the IRCC Super Visa requirements - a minimum of $100,000 in coverage and a policy valid for at least one year - and its standout Super Visa feature is the monthly-payment option below. Note the trade-off: a 21st Century Super Visa policy can only be cancelled with a visa denial or withdrawal letter, so it best suits applicants confident in their application. Compare it against other Super Visa insurers on our Super Visa insurance rates page.
21st Century Monthly Payment Option
Who is it for? The monthly-payment plan is available to applicants who are applying for or hold a Temporary Resident, Super Visa, Work, Student, or other visitor visa where mandatory medical insurance is a condition of the visa.
Minimum requirements: a coverage period of at least 365 days and an aggregate policy limit of at least $100,000.
How it works: Coverage begins on your policy's effective date once activated (a waiting period applies if you activate after your arrival date). Under the monthly option, an initial deposit equal to two months' premium is payable at application, and a third month is payable when the policy is activated. After that, monthly premiums are due each month until the full premium is paid, or until you provide proof you've returned to your country of origin, whichever comes first. If the policy isn't activated within two years of the effective date, it must be cancelled; on confirmation, your deposit less a $50 policy fee is refunded (if there's no response within 30 days, the deposit and fee become non-refundable). Additional cancellation restrictions and other terms apply.
Who is 21st Century Best For?
Super Visa applicants aged 75+ - frequently competitive at older ages, where many insurers aren't.
Families needing a monthly payment plan - one of the few Super Visa options with monthly instalments at only a $50 fee.
IEC applicants under 59 - often well-priced for younger working-holiday travellers.
Budget-conscious buyers - the deductible options can bring the premium down.
It's a weaker fit if you want maximum cancellation flexibility on a Super Visa policy (see the cancellation note above).
How to Get a 21st Century Quote
You can compare 21st Century against every other insurer available through BestQuote in one quote. Enter your trip details in the tool on this page to see 21st Century's real price for your age and coverage next to the alternatives, then buy online and receive your documents by email. Insurance rates are regulated, so you pay the same price through BestQuote as buying direct and as your broker, we work for you at no extra cost. Have questions? Call 1-888-888-0510.