Visitors to Canada Insurance with 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.

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.

Insurers vary in three big ways:

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.