Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system does not extend to foreign visitors. Uninsured emergency hospital stays, doctor visits, and air evacuations must be paid out-of-pocket, making private travel insurance essential for tourists, students, and family members.
Top Canadian Visitor Insurance Companies (2026 Comparison)
Selecting the right provider depends on your age, health status, and visa conditions:
| Provider | Ideal For | Key Features & Strengths | Pre-Existing Condition Terms |
| Manulife | Older Visitors & Seniors | Large established claims network; offers up to semi-private room rates and flexible trip break allowances. | Plan B covers stable conditions up to age 85 (180-day stability period). |
| TuGo | Flexible / Custom Protection | Includes virtual healthcare via Maple, follow-up visits, and short stability requirements. | Offers short stability periods starting at 7 days for select conditions. |
| Allianz Global Assistance | Students & Global Travelers | High coverage caps up to $2,000,000 CAD, direct billing network, and 24/7 multilingual support. | Covered if stable for 180 days prior to policy effective date. |
| GMS (Group Medical Services) | Long-Term & Super Visa Stays | Transparent policy terms, competitive annual rates, and flexible deductible tiers. | Covered under specific stability riders (90–180 days). |
| Destination Canada (Zurich) | Budget-Conscious Travelers | Backed by Zurich Insurance; popular for zero-deductible options and IRCC Super Visa compliance. | Standard 90 to 180-day stability requirement. |
Cost Factors & Deductible Structure
Travel insurance premiums are calculated based on four main parameters:
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Age: Rates increase exponentially after age 60–65.
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Coverage Limit: Ranges from $50,000 CAD (minimum recommended baseline) to $500,000+ CAD.
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Trip Duration: Daily rates drop for multi-month or annual policies.
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Deductibles ($0 to $10,000 CAD): Selecting a $250 or $500 CAD deductible reduces your upfront premium by 10% to 25%, but requires you to pay that amount out-of-pocket per emergency claim.
Essential Requirements by Traveler Category
VISITOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MATRIX
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| STANDARD TOURIST / VISITOR |
| • Recommended: $100,000 CAD emergency medical limit |
| • Voluntary purchase, highly recommended |
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| SUPER VISA (PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS) |
| • Mandatory by IRCC |
| • Minimum $100,000 CAD medical + repatriation cover |
| • Must be purchased for 1 full year from a Canadian insurer|
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| INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS / IEC WORKING HOLIDAY |
| • Mandatory for institutional enrollment or visa entry |
| • Must cover full study/work permit validity duration |
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