“Visitors to Canada insurance” is a type of travel insurance specifically designed to provide medical coverage for individuals visiting Canada, whether they are tourists, family members coming for an extended stay, or individuals in Canada on a temporary work permit or studying as international students. Given that Canada’s public healthcare system does not typically cover non-residents, this insurance is crucial for protecting visitors against the high costs of medical care in Canada in case of illness or injury during their stay. Some work and study permit holders can qualify for the provincial health plan, depending on the province and their permit.
Key features of visitors to Canada insurance include:
Emergency medical coverage
This insurance covers the costs of emergency medical care, including hospital stays, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and emergency medical procedures. It ensures that visitors can receive necessary medical attention without facing prohibitive out-of-pocket expenses.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions
Some policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, provided they have been stable for a certain period before the coverage starts. The specifics can vary between insurance providers and policies.
Repatriation
In case of severe illness or death, visitors to Canada insurance may cover the cost of repatriating the visitor to their home country for medical care or returning the remains in the event of death.
Coverage duration
Policies can typically be purchased for varying lengths of stay, from a few days to several months, and can often be extended if the visit lasts longer than initially planned.
Additional benefits
Many policies also offer additional benefits, such as coverage for accidental dental care, prescription medications, and sometimes even side trips outside Canada, provided the majority of the stay is in Canada.
Exclusions and limitations
As with any insurance policy, visitors to Canada insurance has exclusions and limitations. It’s important for purchasers to understand what is not covered, such as routine medical exams, ongoing treatments for chronic conditions not considered emergencies, or injuries resulting from high-risk activities.
Requirement for some visas
For a Super Visa (for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and registered Indians), you must show proof of private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company, or an insurer outside Canada approved by the government, valid for at least one year from the date of entry.