Best Visitor Insurance Plans in Canada – Compare 2026 Plans & Ratings Compared

Yes, but some plans have a waiting period. Buying before arrival ensures full coverage from day one.

Most plans do but always verify in writing before purchasing.

You can request a prorated refund for unused days if no claims have been filed.

It is not legally mandatory for regular visitor visas, but it is a mandatory requirement for Super Visa approval and renewal under IRCC rules.

Yes, in most cases, as long as coverage hasn’t started. Contact us immediately to assist with any changes.

We’ve seen this happen. One client’s aunt was admitted for pneumonia and needed nine days of care. Suppose the plan includes inpatient coverage (which most good plans do). In that case, the insurance company covers eligible hospital stay costs, including room charges, tests, and physician fees, but only if the condition wasn’t excluded or considered pre-existing. That’s why we always double-check the fine print with families before they buy.

Yes. You don’t need to commit to a full-year plan. We often help families visiting for weddings, short holidays, or religious events secure plans for just 2–4 weeks. The key is making sure the start and end dates match the actual travel period — even a single-day gap can create complications if there’s a claim.

Many people forget about what happens after the ER visit. Some policies do cover outpatient follow-ups, lab tests, and prescription medications for ongoing care, but not all. We had a family from Scarborough who called after their mother’s insurance didn’t cover post-hospital medication. The issue? They had picked a basic plan without extended outpatient benefits. We help clients avoid these blind spots.

We get this question often. Limited plans cover only major emergencies like hospital admission or ambulance transport. Comprehensive plans include extras like dental emergencies, paramedical services, diagnostics, and repatriation. One isn’t better than the other — it depends on the visitor’s age, health, and length of stay. That’s why we do a needs-based assessment for each family.

In many cases, hospitals can bill the insurer directly, especially if it’s a well-known provider like Allianz or Manulife. However, there are situations where the family may need to pay out of pocket and submit a claim. We guide families on what to keep (invoices, discharge papers, prescriptions) and help with claim filing step by step.

Yes, but it must be disclosed upfront. One of our clients from Vancouver bought a plan for her cousin, who ended up going snowboarding in Whistler. The plan didn’t cover sports injuries, and his knee surgery cost thousands. We now always ask: “Will your visitor be doing anything physically risky?” If yes, we choose a policy that includes adventure sports or offers an add-on.

Not all. Travel interruption, baggage loss, or flight delay coverage is sometimes part of bundled travel insurance or an add-on to visitor plans. We usually recommend this if the visitor is taking multiple connecting flights or has high-value luggage. One missed connection can lead to $800 in rebooking fees — and we’ve seen this happen more times than we can count.

If coverage hasn’t started yet, you can usually update the deductible. But once the policy is active, it’s locked in. That’s why we go over every detail with clients beforehand, explaining how a $500 vs. $1,000 deductible affects the premium and potential out-of-pocket costs in case of a claim.

Emergency dental treatment is included in many comprehensive plans, usually for accidental injuries or sudden infections. Routine check-ups, cleanings, or cosmetic procedures are not covered. We clarify this with every client upfront, so expectations are realistic. If your visitor has existing dental needs, we’ll help you plan accordingly.

We always recommend purchasing at least 7–10 days before arrival. This ensures there’s time for underwriting (if needed) and avoids gaps in coverage. Plus, early purchases may give you better pricing. One client who waited until the night before arrival had to pay extra rush fees, and almost ended up with a policy that didn’t cover their visitor’s needs properly.