Visitors to Canada Insurance
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Medical coverage for visitors to Canada
Our Visitors to Canada insurance includes emergency medical and dental coverage when you are visiting Canada or are not eligible for a provincial health insurance plan.
- You are visiting Canada
- You are a foreign student or worker
- You are waiting to be eligible for the provincial health insurance plan
- You have a Work Permit
Our coverage
Emergency Medical Care
This coverage insures common and reasonable expenses incurred as a result of a medical emergency resulting from an accident or illness in Canada or during a side trip.
Choice of coverage amounts of 50 000 $, 100 000 $, 150 000 $ per traveler
Choice of coverage amounts of $50,000, $100,000 or $150,000 for the following expenses:
- Hospitalization, medical and paramedical expenses
- Emergency dental care
- Transportation and repatriation costs
- Subsistence allowance
Details:
- Emergency repatriation is covered only if the person's medical condition requires it, subject to the approval of the appropriate medical authorities. Lack of access to medical care or overcrowding in health care facilities alone is not a reason for emergency repatriation.
- Hospitalization fees apply to a semi-private room. The insurance does not cover private rooms.
- The “Trip Break" lets you return to your country of permanent residence and then return to Canada without terminating the contract. During this period outside of Canada, no insurance coverage is valid, and no premium refund is available for days spent in the country of permanent residence. Insured persons must meet the insurance eligibility criteria each time they wish to return to Canada.
Important information about COVID-19:
- Emergency medical care for COVID-19 is covered as long as you have not contracted or experienced symptoms of the virus prior to the effective date of your contract.
- The Emergency Medical Care coverage does not cover the cost of a COVID-19 test while travelling unless prescribed by a physician because of a medical emergency or sudden illness.
Examples of exclusions:
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or related complications
- High-risk sports or activities
- Suicide and self-inflicted injury
- Use of alcohol, drugs and other intoxicating substances
- Illegal act
- Act of war and civil unrest
There are other exclusions in the policy. We've listed some examples here but be sure to check your policy for a complete list.
Exclusions related to pre-existing medical conditions may also apply.
Included with your insurance
Side Trips
Enjoy the same coverage if you go to the United States or anywhere else in the world during your trip to Canada.
Trip Break
Return to your country of residence and come back to Canada without ending your contract.
24/7 Accessibility
In case of a medical emergency, our assistance team is available 24/7 to guide you, wherever you are.
Frequently asked questions
The Canadian government health insurance does not cover visitors to the country. If you are visiting Canada, a student, a foreign worker, if you are returning to the country after a long absence, a newcomer waiting to be eligible for provincial health insurance, or a Super Visa applicant, individual coverage is recommended.
Only reasonable and usual medical and surgical charges are covered at 100% under this plan. Individuals without provincial health care insurance are sometimes charged higher fees for treatment than the fees set and allowed by the government schedule of the province where the medical service is rendered. Blue Cross does not refund any additional fees that some doctors may charge.
Yes, you can buy a Visitors to Canada plan if you meet the following criteria.
The contract must be purchased:
- Before your date of arrival in Canada, or
- Before the termination date of an insurance coverage in Canada similar to ours that you hold with another insurance company, or
- Within 30 days of either of the two preceding dates.
Individuals who purchase after the effective date of another insurance contract offering similar coverage in Canada must present proof of that insurance.
When the contract is purchased within 30 days of the date of arrival in Canada or the termination date of an insurance coverage in Canada similar to ours, there is a waiting period of 3 days from the date of purchase.
During this waiting period, insured persons are covered for accidents and injuries, but not for illness.