What Does Visitor Insurance Cover?

Visitor insurance in Canada protects non-residents from unplanned medical costs during their visit. A medical insurance plan for visitors provides coverage for medical expenses like emergency medical treatment, hospital visits, prescription drugs, etc. Visitors will be able to visit any hospital, emergency room, and walk-in clinic in Canada with Visitor Insurance coverage.

Here is what is typically included in a medical insurance plan for visitors to Canada:

• Doctor Consultations: Coverage for reasonable and customary fees incurred for medical treatment provided by a licensed doctor, inside or outside a hospital.
• Prescription Coverage: Health insurance may also provide coverage for the costs associated with prescription medications you may require during your stay.
• Diagnostic tests & procedures: The Plan includes coverage for tests and procedures, including lab work, X-rays, and CT / MRI.
• Paramedical Services: Visitor Insurance coverage for professional care provided by licensed, trained professionals, including a physiotherapist, chiropractor, podiatrist, or massage therapist.
• Pre-existing conditions coverage: Some Visitor Insurance plans will cover some stable pre-existing medical conditions which you declare in your application.
• Repatriation ( Medical Evacuation): In cases of serious medical emergency, repatriation covers the costs involved to return home.
• Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D): Lump-sum benefit payable if you die, or are seriously injured, causing loss of limb or other functions.
• Emergency dental care: Emergency dental care is provided for an accident or immediate treatment.
• Ambulance Services: Coverage is provided for ambulance services on both the ground and in the air, to the nearest medical facility, in case you become injured or ill.
• Additional Living Expenses: The insurance will cover the costs of hotels, food, etc., for any extended stays due to medical reasons, while receiving care and treatment.
• Childcare Assistance: If you get hospitalized and can no longer provide care to a dependent child, there may be coverage for the temporary expenses incurred to care for that child.
• Trip Breaks & Side Trips: Some plans allow for short-term travel back to your home country, or travel to other countries without voiding your Visitor Insurance coverage.

What Visitor Insurance Does Not Cover?

Although visitor insurance provides necessary temporary medical coverage, it has certain exclusions. These insurance plans are designed for emergencies, not day-to-day or long-term medical care. The services that visitor insurance does not cover typically include:

• Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, physical exams, immunizations, and other preventive care.
• Major Dental Care: Major dental work, like crowns, bridges, and/or root canals, is covered under the majority of plans.
• Maternity & Newborn Care: Maternity care, expenses during pregnancy, childbirth, or prenatal care would typically be excluded.
• Eye Care: Coverage does not include eye exams, bifocals, (or prescription glasses or contacts.
• Undeclared or Unstable Pre-Existing Conditions: If a traveller has a medical issue that existed prior to travel, without specifically declaring that issue beforehand to the insurance company, it would not be covered.