GMS (Group Medical Services) is a Canadian health insurer offering a low-cost visitors-to-Canada and Super Visa plan. Its strengths are a low price - helped by four deductible options from $0 to $1,000 - plus 180-day stable pre-existing coverage up to age 80, easy administration with minimal cancellation fees, and useful secondary benefits like transportation of a relative or friend. One key limit: it isn't available to visitors based in Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut.
GMS at a Glance
Provider: | GMS - Group Medical Services (Canadian health insurer) |
Product: | Visitors to Canada Plan |
Age limit: | Up to 80 years old |
Pre-existing conditions: | Covered (stable) - 180-day stability period |
Not available to: | Visitors whose main place of visit is Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut |
About GMS
GMS (Group Medical Services) is a growing company in the Canadian health insurance industry, offering individual, group, and travel-related health insurance plans. Its Visitors to Canada plan is a value-focused option that's especially popular with Super Visa applicants aged 59 to 75, thanks to competitive pricing and coverage for stable pre-existing conditions.
GMS Standout Features
Transportation of a Relative or Friend
Cover up to $5,000 for the transportation of a relative or friend. (Visitors to Canada Plan)
Child Care
Cover up to $500 for licensed child care for dependent children traveling with you if you are hospitalized during your visit to Canada. (Visitors to Canada Plan)
Follow-up Visits
Unlimited number until medical emergency ends. (Visitors to Canada Plan)
GMS Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
GMS does cover expenses related to stable (180 days) pre-existing medical conditions. | Coverage for some secondary benefit items is not as high as it is on other plans (for example, dental and paramedical services). |
Very easy to deal with from an administrative point of view. No fees for early cancellation, only a $40 partial refund fee. | Not available for visitors to Canada who are using an address in Quebec, New Brunswick or Nunavut as their main place of visit. |
Low rates. Especially for those travellers willing to use a higher deductible. GMS offers $0, $100, $500 and $1000 deductible versions of their coverage, with healthy discounts. | A long list of eligibility requirements related to medical conditions. |
Some quality secondary benefits such as:
- Transportation of a Relative or Friend
- Follow-up Visits
- Travel to Other Countries |
GMS for Super Visa
GMS is a popular Super Visa insurance choice, particularly for applicants aged 59 to 75 - a sweet spot where its competitive pricing and pre-existing coverage stand out. Its plan meets the IRCC Super Visa requirements ($100,000 minimum, one-year validity), and the deductible options ($0–$1,000) give families a lever to lower the premium. Note the age limit of 80 and the regional exclusion (not available if the main place of visit is Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut). Compare GMS's Super Visa pricing against other insurers on our Super Visa insurance rates page.
GMS for Pre-Existing Conditions
The GMS Visitors to Canada plan covers stable pre-existing medical conditions with a 180-day stability period, up to age 80. Because GMS applies a detailed list of medical eligibility requirements, it's worth generating a quote to confirm your specific conditions qualify. See how GMS's stability rules compare with other insurers on our visitors to Canada pre-existing conditions page.
Who Is GMS Best For?
Super Visa applicants aged 59–75 - its most competitive segment.
Budget-conscious buyers - the higher-deductible options ($500 or $1,000) bring the premium down meaningfully.
Travellers with well-managed pre-existing conditions - the 180-day stability rule up to age 80 is workable for many.
Anyone who values flexibility - easy cancellation with only a $40 partial-refund fee.
It's a weaker fit if your main place of visit is Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut (not eligible), if you want the highest dental/paramedical limits, or if you're 80+.
How to Get a GMS Quote
Compare GMS against every other insurer available through BestQuote in a single quote - enter your trip details in the tool on this page to see GMS's real price for your age, deductible, and coverage next to the alternatives, then buy online and get 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.