Visitors to Canada Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions

Visitors to Canada Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Visitors to Canada (VTC) insurance protects non-residents from unexpected emergency medical bills in Canada. But pre-existing medical conditions are treated differently by every insurer and coverage often depends on how the policy defines “stable,” “treatment,” and “medical condition.”

Some plans exclude pre-existing conditions entirely. Others may cover them only if the condition has been stable for a set period (often 90–365 days, depending on the insurer and age).

Use the quote form on this page to compare plans side-by-side and see which options may fit your age, deductible, trip length, and medical history.

Tip: Even if a plan doesn't cover your pre-existing condition, it can still cover new, unrelated emergencies

Types of Visitors to Canada Insurance

There are three main types of emergency medical insurance that visitors to Canada can purchase. These policies help protect against unexpected medical expenses, whether for a short stay in Canada or for longer visits under programs such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) work visa or the Super Visa.

Coverage Only For Emergencies

Medical expenses are covered only if they are unrelated to any pre-existing condition and incurred as a result of a medical emergency. This is the most affordable option and is most suitable for visitors who are healthy with no medical history

Stable Pre-Existing Conditions Covered

A pre-existing condition may be covered if it meets the insurer's stability definition for the required stability period before your effective date. Conditions must be unchanged for 90 to 365 days depending on the policy.

Limited Coverage for Stable Conditions

Some plans cover stable conditions but may exclude certain systems or diagnoses - most commonly cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary conditions - even if they have been stable.

How Providers Differ

Insurers vary in three big ways:

Stability Period

Commonly 90, 120, 180, or 365 days. The longer the required stability period, the harder it is to qualify - but premiums are often lower as a result.

Age Limits

Some plans reduce or remove stable-condition coverage after certain ages - often at 49, 59, 69, or 79 depending on the insurer. Age is one of the most important factors when comparing plans.

Exclusions

Some plans exclude common categories such as heart or lung conditions even if stable. Always read the specific exclusions before purchasing - not just the stability period.

Because wording and eligibility rules differ, the most reliable way to compare is to run a quote and review each plan’s eligibility and pre-existing condition wording.

What can make a pre-existing condition "unstable"

Many policies consider a condition unstable if, during the stability period, any of the following occurred:

  • New or worsening symptoms

  • A change in medication type or dosage (some policies allow exceptions)

  • A new diagnosis, referral, test, or treatment plan

  • An ER visit, hospitalization, or specialist intervention related to the condition

Always check the insurer's definition - "stable" can be stricter than people expect. If you are unsure whether a condition qualifies as stable, call us at 1-888-888-0510 and we will review the specific policy wording with you before you purchase.

Company Specific Stability Periods and Age Limits

Each company has its own definition of a stable condition. Typically, a condition must remain unchanged for 90, 120, or 180 days before coverage begins. During that stability period no new symptoms may appear, no medical treatment or dosage changes can occur, and no new diagnoses are allowed. Some insurers make exceptions for routine medication adjustments such as warfarin, coumadin, and insulin.

We prefer not to summarize coverage because that can always lead to dismissing relevant information. All policies are subject to specific eligibility criteria, limitations, definitions, and exclusions which may further restrict coverage. While it is beyond the scope of this page to list all of the pre-existing conditions, limitations, definitions, and exclusions of every policy offered on this website, we list some of the policy wording below - please refer to the policy wording for full details.

Please look at the summary below for a quick reference before looking at some of the particular wording:

ProviderStability PeriodAge LimitNotes
Allianz Global Assistance
90 days (under 60) / 180 days (ages 60-89)
Up to age 89
Visitors Plan
Destination Canada
120 days
Up to age 79
No coverage for pre-existing conditions age 80+
GMS
180 days
Up to age 79
JF
120 days
Up to age 99
Manulife
180 days
Up to age 85
Plan B
MHS Discover Canada
90 days (under 70) / 180 days (ages 71-80)
Up to age 80
Travel Guard
90 days (under 49) / 180 days (ages 50+)
Varies by plan
Travel Shield Starr
120 days
Up to age 79
Travelance Premier
180 days (under 69) / 120 days (ages 70-79, exl. cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, lung)
Up to age 79
TuGo
90 days (under 59) / 120 days (60–69) / 180 days (70–85) / 365 days (86+)
Up to age 85+
Stability period increases with age

Below are the exact policy wordings related to pre-existing medical conditions (along with some relevant definitions) for some of the policies offered on this website:

Company Specific Exclusions and Definitions

Each Canadian insurer uses its own language for defining pre-existing conditions, stability, changes in treatment, and exclusions. While it is beyond the scope of this page to list every detail, below are examples from leading providers so you can see how much the wording can differ.

Manulife Visitors to Canada - Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion

We will not pay any expenses or benefits relating directly or indirectly to:

1. Any sickness that manifests during the waiting period even if related expenses are incurred after the waiting period.

2. For Plan A —

  1. any medical condition, diagnosed or undiagnosed, which existed or for which you sought or received medical advice, consultation or investigation, or for which treatment was required or recommended by a physician, within the 180 days prior to the effective date;

  2. any heart condition if, in the 180 days before the effective date, you required any form of nitroglycerine for the relief of angina pain; and/or

  3. any lung condition if, in the 180 days before the effective date, you required treatment with oxygen or Prednisone for a lung condition.

3. For Plan B —

  1. a pre-existing condition that is not stable in the 180 days before the effective date of insurance;

  2. any heart condition if, in the 180 days before the effective date, you required any form of nitroglycerine for the relief of angina pain; and/or

  3. any lung condition if, in the 180 days before the effective date, you required treatment with oxygen or Prednisone for a lung condition.

4. Expenses for a pre-existing condition for which you were hospitalized either more than once, or for at least two (2) consecutive days, in the 12-month period before your effective date of insurance.

Relevant Manulife Definitions

Means the medication dosage, frequency, or type has been reduced, increased, or stopped, and/or new medication has been prescribed. The following is not considered a change in medication: A change from a brand-name drug to an equivalent generic drug of the same dosage; A routine adjustment in the dosage of your medication, as a result of your blood levels only, if you are taking Coumadin (warfarin) or insulin and are required to have your blood levels tested on a regular basis, and your medical condition remains unchanged.

Means the date on which your coverage begins. Your coverage starts on the later of: a. The effective date of insurance as shown on your confirmation; or b. The time and date you arrive in Canada from home. Except in the case of an injury, the applicable waiting period applies to all claims if you purchased insurance after your arrival in Canada. When coverage is purchased prior to leaving home with an effective date equal to the date and time you are scheduled to arrive in Canada, coverage will also be provided with no additional premium during your uninterrupted flight directly to Canada. An uninterrupted flight can include a stop-over provided you do not leave the airport.

Means sudden bodily harm that is caused directly by external and solely accidental means. Under Travel Accident Insurance, the injury must also be independent of sickness or disease.

Means sickness, injury, disease, or symptom(s); complication of pregnancy within the first 31 weeks of pregnancy.

Means a medical condition that exists before your effective date of insurance

Means illness or disease, or any symptom related to that illness and/or disease.

A stable medical condition means that all of the following apply: 1. There have not been any new symptoms; and 2..Existing symptoms have not become more frequent or severe; and 3. A physician has not found that the medical condition has become worse; and 4. No test findings have shown that the medical condition may be getting worse; and 5. A physician has not provided, prescribed, or recommended any new medication, or any change in medication; and 6. A physician has not provided, prescribed, or recommended any investigative testing, new treatment, or any change in treatment; and 7. There has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist or specialty clinic; and 8. A physician has not advised referral to a specialty clinic or a specialist for further testing, and there has been no testing for which the results have not yet been received.

Means hospitalization, prescribed medication (including prescribed as needed), medical, therapeutic, diagnostic or surgical procedure prescribed, performed or recommended by a licensed medical practitioner. IMPORTANT: Any reference to testing, tests, test results, or investigations excludes genetic tests. “Genetic test” means a test that analyzes DNA, RNA or chromosomes for purposes such as the prediction of disease or vertical transmission risks, or monitoring, diagnosis or prognosis.

Means the 48-hour period following and including your effective date of insurance if you purchase your policy: 1. After the expiry date of an existing Manulife Visitor to Canada policy; or 2. After you arrive in Canada.

BlueCross Visitors to Canada - Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion

A) Exclusions due to pre-existing medical conditions

No amount is payable, under the terms of this coverage, if the loss sustained or the costs incurred result directly or indirectly from one of the following causes:

1. For people of all ages:

All the conditions listed in one of the categories found in the adjacent column will be excluded if, for one of the conditions in this category:

  • You have already undergone a procedure, seen the physician, been diagnosed, treated or hospitalized, or if you have received a prescription or taken a medication, or

  • It has been recommended by a physician that you receive treatment, undergo tests, take medication or undergo a procedure.

CardioVascular COnditionsNeurological ConditionsPulmonary Conditions
Angina
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
Chronic bronchitis
Angioplasty
TIA (transient ischemic attack)
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Aortic aneurysm
Cystic fibrosis
Bypass surgery
Emphysema
Defibrillator
Heart attack
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia)
Peripheral vascular problems
Valvulopathy

2. For people aged 54 and under, during the 3 months preceding the effective date of coverage, in addition to the exclusions in point 1:

  1. Any medical condition that affects you and that is not stable

  2. Any heart condition for which you have used nitroglycerin

3. For people aged 55 to 79, during the 6 months preceding the effective date of coverage, in addition to the exclusions in point 1:

  1. Any medical condition that affects you and that is not stable

  2. Any heart condition for which you have used nitroglycerin

Relevant BlueCross Definitions

Means an event due to an external cause and of a violent nature which causes, directly and independently of any other cause, bodily injury while the insurance is in effect. The accident is always unforeseen, sudden, unintentional and does not in any way mean illness or infection.

Means admission and stay in a hospital as a bedridden patient to receive acute care for a minimum period of 18 hours. Day surgery will always be considered a hospitalization, regardless of its duration. Hospitalization under no circumstance means convalescent care or physical or mental health rehabilitation.

Indicates a deterioration of health or a disorder of the organism observed by a physician.

Means a health issue, illness or injury (including symptoms of undiagnosed conditions).

Means any existing medical condition when the coverage comes into effect or upon return to Canada after a Trip break.

Means a pre-existing medical condition that has remained unchanged for several months prior to the effective date of coverage. For a pre-existing medical condition to be considered stable, it must meet all the following criteria: 1. No new medical diagnosis has been made 2. No new symptoms appeared and there was no worsening or increase in the frequency of existing symptoms 3. No hospitalization has taken place 4. No new medication was prescribed or recommended 5. No change of dosage was made to a medication already prescribed or recommended (dose increased or decreased, or consumption stopped) 6. No new treatment or medical test is pending or has been prescribed, ongoing or recommended 7. No ongoing treatment has been changed or discontinued 8. No prescribed or recommended treatment, nor medical advice has been ignored We do not consider the following to be a change of dosage in existing medication: 1. Routine insulin or Coumadin® adjustment 2. Replacement of a medication by an equivalent generic brand if its dosage remains unchanged 3. Decrease in dosage of cholesterol medication 4. Adjustment to a hormone replacement therapy treatment 5. Change in consumption of non-prescribed medication such as: Aspirin®, vitamins, minerals, etc. 6. Use of cream or ointment prescribed for skin irritation

Means a medical procedure prescribed, performed or recommended by a physician for a medical condition. These are a few non-exhaustive examples: prescribed medication, investigative testing, surgery, etc.

Destination Canada Visitors to Canada - Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion

This policy will not provide coverage, provide services, or pay claims for expenses incurred directly or indirectly as a result of:

1a) If at the time of application you are 79 years of age or under and selected Option 1 (with coverage for stable pre-existing conditions):

Any pre-existing medical condition unless it was stable in the 120 days immediately before the effective date.

1b) If at the time of application you are 79 years of age or under and selected Option 2 (without coverage for pre-existing medical conditions): Any pre-existing medical condition.

1c) If at the time of application you are 80 years of age or over: Any pre-existing medical condition.

Relevant Destination Canada Definitions

Means the medication type, dosage, or frequency is reduced, increased, stopped, and/or new medications are prescribed. Exceptions: 1. Regular blood tests that result in routine adjustments of Coumadin, warfarin, or insulin as long as these medications are not newly prescribed or stopped; or, 2. Changing from a brand name medication to the same dose of a generic medication.

Means sickness, injury, disease or symptom.

Means any medical condition that exists prior to your effective date.

Means any evidence of sickness experienced by you or recognized through observation.

Means a medical condition that is considered stable when all of the following statements are true: 1.There has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or change(s) to existing treatment (including a stoppage in treatment); and 2. There has not been any change in medication (including increase or decrease of dosage), or any recommendation or starting of a new prescription drug, and 3. The medical condition has not become worse, and 4. There has not been any new, more frequent or more severe signs or symptoms, and 5. There has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist, and 6. There have not been any tests, investigation or treatment recommended, but not yet complete, nor any outstanding test results, and 7. There is no planned or pending treatment. All of the above conditions must be met for a medical condition to be considered stable.

Means medical, therapeutic or diagnostic procedure prescribed, performed or recommended by a physician including, but not limited to, prescribed medication, investigative testing and surgery. Important: Any reference to testing, tests, test results, or investigations excludes genetic tests. “Genetic test” means a test that analyzes DNA, RNA or chromosomes for purposes such as the prediction of disease or vertical transmission risks, or monitoring, diagnosis or prognosis.

Travel Shield Starr Visitors to Canada - Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion

We will not pay for any expenses relating to:

  • A Pre-existing Condition that was not Stable in the one hundred twenty (120) days before your Effective Date;

  • A heart condition, if, in the one hundred twenty (120) days before your Effective Date, any heart condition has not been Stable or you have taken any form of nitroglycerine for the relief of angina pain; or

  • A lung condition, if, in the one hundred twenty (120) days before your Effective Date, any lung condition has not been Stable or you required treatment with oxygen or prednisone for any lung condition.

Relevant Travel Shield Starr Definitions

Means accidental bodily harm to you unrelated to Sickness or any other cause and which occurs during a Trip.

Means an irregularity in a person's health which required or requires medical advice, consultation, investigation, treatment, care, service or diagnosis by a Physician, and includes complications of pregnancy within the first thirty-one (31) weeks of pregnancy.

Means any procedure which is medical, therapeutic or diagnostic in nature, which is Medically Necessary and which is prescribed by a Physician. Medical Treatment includes Hospitalization, investigative testing, surgery, prescription medication or other treatment directly related to the Sickness, Injury or symptom.

Means a medical doctor, other than you or your Immediate Family Member, who is licensed to administer Medical Treatment and prescribe drugs in the place where he or she provides medical services. Naturopaths, herbalists and homeopaths are not considered to be Physicians.

Means a Medical Condition that existed before your Effective Date

Means any disease, illness, or infection of an Insured Person during a Trip that requires Emergency Medical Care.

Means that all of the following apply to your Medical Condition: 1. There has been no new symptom; 2. Any existing symptom has not become more frequent or severe; 3. There has been no new Medical Treatment or prescribed medication; 4. No test findings have shown that the Medical Condition may be getting worse; 5. There has been no change in Medical Treatment or prescribed medication (including the amount, frequency or type of medication, and the frequency or type of Medical Treatment); and 6. There has been no admission to a Hospital or specialty clinic or referral to a specialist, and there has been no testing for which the results have not yet been received.

GMS Visitors to Canada - Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion

The following expenses are not covered by this policy.

GMS does not cover expenses resulting from medical condition(s) which have not been stable for 180 days immediately prior to your effective date, including:

  1. Medical condition(s) for which you received medical treatment or medical consultation; and/or

  2. Undiagnosed medical condition(s) related to symptoms which you received medical treatment or medical consultation.   

You must be stable based on the definition of stable in this policy, regardless of the opinion of your physician or any other person who may provide an opinion on your medical condition(s).

Relevant GMS Definitions

An alteration to an existing prescription drug includes any of the following: 1. A new medication; 2. A change in medication type; 3. An increase or decrease in medication dose; 4. The discontinuation of a medication; or 5. An adjustment (stop and start) in an anticoagulation medication dosage due to surgery within 10 days prior to your effective date. The following alterations resulting from the regular maintenance of a condition where there is no change in the condition are not considered an alteration: 1. A dosage adjustment for an anti-hypertensive or cholesterol lowering medication; 2. A change from a brand name medication to a generic brand medication of the same dosage; 3. If you are taking Coumadin/Warfarin for anticoagulation therapy and are required to have your blood levels tested on a regular basis (INR) and you are adjusting the dosage of your anticoagulation medication to ensure your INR is maintained within therapeutic range as directed by your physician(s); or 4. If you are taking insulin or oral anti-diabetic medication for diabetes and are required to have your blood levels tested on a regular basis and you are adjusting the dosage of your medication to ensure your blood glucose level is maintained within therapeutic range as directed by your physician(s).

Is the impairment of your physical condition caused from a sudden and unforeseen accidental event that is independent from an illness or disease which includes but is not limited to a physical wound, fracture or blow to the body.

Are any irregularities to your health such as an illness, injury or emotional, psychological or psychiatric condition(s): 1. For which you receive medical treatment or medical consultation; 2. Related to undiagnosed symptoms for which you received medical treatment or medical consultation; or 3. Related to undiagnosed symptoms which would have caused an ordinary person to seek medical treatment or medical consultation.

A meeting with a physician to discuss and evaluate symptoms to diagnose a medical condition, illness or injury. It also includes meeting with a physician to evaluate your progress and/or medical treatment of a medical condition, illness or injury.

Any medical, therapeutic or diagnostic measure prescribed or recommended by a physician in any form, including; prescription medication; investigative testing; in-hospital care; surgery; or other prescribed or recommended action directly referable to the applicable condition, symptom or problem.

A medical condition is stable if: 1. You have no reason to expect medical treatment after your effective date for the medical condition or any symptoms; 2. You have not received new or different medical treatment for the medical condition; 3. You have not had an alteration to an existing prescription drug or were prescribed a new prescription drug for the medical condition; 4. Your medical condition has not become worse; 5. You have not experienced new, more frequent or more severe symptoms; 6. You have not had or needed medical consultation for undiagnosed symptoms; 7. You have not needed in-hospital care; a referral to a specialist, or a follow-up visit; and 8. You have not had tests or further investigation, whether you know the results or not, related to the medical condition.

Get a Free Visitors to Canada Price Comparison Quote

Use the quote tool on this page 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.

How to Buy Visitors to Canada Insurance

  1. Get a Quote: Enter your trip details into the quote tool on this page. You will see real prices, deductible options, coverage details, and pre-existing condition information from multiple providers side by side.

  2. Compare Plans: Review the available policies carefully. Pay close attention to the stability period required, the age limits for pre-existing condition coverage, and any condition-specific exclusions that may apply to your health profile.

  3. Complete Medical Information (if required) and Purchase: Some policies require you to complete a medical questionnaire before purchasing. Answer all questions accurately - incorrect answers can result in a denied claim. 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 as proof of insurance when you arrive in Canada.

Interested in Reading More Travel Insurance Reviews?

Want to see how these policies compare in real life? Visit our Visitors to Canada Insurance Reviews section, where we break down providers, coverage options, and customer experiences. From seniors’ plans to all-inclusive packages, our guides can help you make informed decisions before you buy.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our services.

Yes, some Visitors to Canada insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, but only if the condition has been stable for a set period of time before departure. Coverage depends on the insurer and your medical history, so always review the policy wording carefully.

Hospital costs in Canada can exceed $4,000 per day, and medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why we advise visitors to buy at least $100,000 CAD in emergency medical coverage for proper protection.

It’s best to buy Visitors to Canada insurance before departing your home country so coverage begins on your arrival date. If you wait until after arrival, most insurers apply a waiting period of 1–8 days with limited coverage, leaving you at risk.

Yes, many Visitors to Canada policies include limited coverage for emergency dental care. This usually covers treatment for accidental injury or sudden pain relief, not routine or preventative dental services.