Travel Insurance for Visitors to Canada

Visitors to Canada insurance (VTC insurance) is private emergency medical coverage for non-residents visiting Canada. It helps pay for unexpected hospital/doctor bills and related emergency costs. It doesn’t cover routine checkups or ongoing care for pre-existing medical conditions unless the policy explicitly allows it.

Whether you call it Super Visa insurance, IEC insurance, or VTC insurance, it's all the same type of emergency-only coverage.

There can be significant differences in costs or coverage details between companies. The best policy for one person may not be the best for another of the same age. BestQuote's quote engine hosts Canada's largest selection of VTC plans, including our own BestQuote MedEC VTC 'health and repatriation' policy (issued as a Lloyd's of London coverholder), so you can always find the best option at the best price.

If you’ve recently moved back to Canada or just received permanent residency, you may face a waiting period before your provincial healthcare becomes active. During this gap, a Visitors to Canada insurance policy can act as temporary health coverage, protecting you until your government coverage kicks in.

If you're planning to visit Canada, or you're already here, you'll need Visitors to Canada insurance. Medical costs in Canada can be financially damaging if you or a visiting family member are not insured.

Visitors to Canada insurance provides protection in the event of sudden illness or accidental injury. It ensures you won't face major financial setbacks and may also include extra benefits such as emergency evacuation, family bedside visits if hospitalized, or repatriation of remains.

Play it safe. Get protected. Fill out our quote form to see all the top VTC insurance brands in available in Canada. You can easily compare prices and purchase online to save time and money.

If you need private emergency health insurance for Super Visa requirements or IEC visa requirements, VTC insurance is the right solution. Check out our dedicated pages for more details on these immigration requirements.

For most visitors, travel insurance is not legally required to enter Canada. Tourists, family visitors, and most temporary residents can enter Canada without proof of insurance. However, there are two important exceptions:

Super Visa holders: insurance is mandatory. IRCC requires proof of a qualifying private medical insurance policy with a minimum of $100,000 CAD coverage before a Super Visa application will be approved.

IEC (Working Holiday) visa holders: insurance is mandatory. IRCC requires IEC participants to hold valid health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the full duration of their stay in Canada. CBSA officers verify this at the border when the work permit is issued.

For all other visitors: it is strongly recommended. Canada does not provide public healthcare to non-residents. If you visit Canada without insurance and require emergency medical care, you will be billed at full cost. A walk-in clinic visit costs approximately $100–$300. An emergency room visit costs $1,000–$2,000. A single night in a Canadian hospital can cost $5,000–$15,000 or more.

All Visitors to Canada insurance plans vary in the language they use in the insurance contract and in the specific limits and conditions that apply. However most VTC policies provide coverage across the following core categories:

There are significant differences between VTC policies, and prices can vary considerably. Depending on your travel circumstances or your health situation, which includes pre-existing medical conditions or particular entry visa requirements - we may need to guide your decision-making and use our expertise to ensure you find the best policy at the best price. That's what BestQuote Travel Insurance Agency is all about - and we take pride in being good at what we do.

The cost of visitors to Canada insurance depends on your age, the length of your stay, your health status the coverage amount you choose, and your deductible. Below are indicative cost ranges for a standard emergency medical policy with $100,000 in coverage and a $0 deductible and no coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Costs increase significantly for visitors over 65 and for anyone requiring coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Choosing a higher deductible ($500 or $1,000) can reduce your premium by 15–30%, but means you pay more out-of-pocket before the policy responds to a claim.

Why insurance is worth it: Without coverage, a walk-in clinic visit costs approximately $100–$300. An emergency room visit costs $1,000–$2,000. A single overnight hospital stay can cost $5,000–$15,000. For visitors planning stays of more than a few days, insurance costs a fraction of what a single medical incident would.

For exact costs for your situation please generate a free quote on our website.

Among the many policies available through BestQuote, our own MedEC policy stands out for longer visits (generally 300+ days). It is the only visitors-to-Canada plan that includes a 25% GHIP refund for IEC holders who enroll in provincial health coverage, Maple virtual care with three prepaid doctor consultations per year, and an early return refund if you go home before your policy expires with no claim submitted.

MedEC is available for IEC visa holders and Super Visa applicants. If it is an option for your profile and trip length, it will appear in your quote results so you can compare it side-by-side against other available plans before you buy.

Yes, tourists and visitors can see a doctor in Canada. However, because visitors are not covered by Canada's provincial health insurance system, you will be billed at full cost for any medical care you receive.

How much does a doctor visit cost in Canada without insurance?

• Walk-in clinic: approximately $100–$300 per visit

• Emergency room: approximately $1,000–$2,000 per visit, depending on the province and treatment required

• Overnight hospital stay: $5,000–$15,000 per night

• Ambulance: $240–$850 depending on the province

• Surgery or serious illness: $50,000 or more in total costs

How to find medical care as a visitor in Canada: Walk-in clinics are available in most cities and towns and do not require an appointment. For non-emergency concerns, BestQuote MedEC policyholders (only available for IEC and Super Visa holders) can also access Canadian-licensed doctors through Maple - a virtual care platform included with their policy at no extra cost.

In a medical emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Always notify your insurance provider within 24 hours of a hospital admission - failure to do so may limit the benefits payable under your policy.

The quote tool on this page allows you to get a free instant comparison of Visitors to Canada insurance plans. You will be able to review real prices, coverage details, deductibles, key benefits, and refund rules - then purchase online if you are ready.

We will also email you a link to your quote so you can come back to it any time. If you have trouble receiving your quote or have questions about coverage, eligibility, or refunds, call us at 1-888-888-0510. After you purchase, your confirmation of coverage will be emailed as soon as your order is processed. We recommend saving a copy for your records and bringing a printed copy with your travel documents as proof of insurance when you arrive in Canada.

1. Get a Quote: Enter your trip details into the quote tool on this page. You will see real prices, deductible options, and key coverage details from multiple providers side by side. Select your traveller category - Emergency Medical, International Students, or Trip Cancellation and Interruption - to see the most relevant plans for your needs.

2. Compare Plans: Review the available policies. Pay attention to the sum insured, deductible options, whether pre-existing conditions are covered, refund conditions, and any secondary benefits. If BestQuote MedEC is available for your profile and trip length it will appear in your results.

3. Complete Medical Information (if required) and Purchase: Some policies require you to complete a medical questionnaire before purchasing. Complete any required information and purchase your chosen policy online securely.

4. Receive Documents: Your proof of insurance documents will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is processed. Print a copy and carry it with your other travel documents to show as proof of insurance when you arrive in Canada.

Stay informed with our latest guides and blog posts on Visitors to Canada insurance. From choosing the right coverage to understanding pre-existing conditions options, and even Canadian travel trips, we cover everything you need to know to protect yourself or your family while in Canada.