Visiting Canada? Stay Protected
An unexpected incident during your trip shouldn’t put your finances at risk. If you or your family are visiting Canada, even one emergency visit can lead to a costly hospital bill.
Wise Planning offers customized travel insurance with high coverage limits, simple processing, and reliable claims support—don’t let unexpected events derail your business, family, or travel plans.
Estimated Medical Costs in Canada
Many people underestimate the cost of non-resident healthcare in Canada — until they experience it firsthand and realize the true scale of the risk. The figures below are typical estimated ranges for adults in BC without MSP coverage.
Inpatient Services
- Standard Ward (per day)
- $3,500 – $5,500
- Special Care Unit
(per day) - $4,500 – $7,000
- Intensive Care (ICU, per day)
- $8,000 – $13,000
- Vaginal Delivery
- $2,000 – $3,200
- Cesarean Section (Surgery)
- $4,500 – $7,500
- Newborn Care
- $1,200 – $2,000
- Surgery (First 2 Hours)
- $2,500 – $6,000
Outpatient Services
- Emergency Room Visit
- $750 – $1,000
- Outpatient Consultation
- $200 – $500
- Day Surgery
- $2,000 – $4,000
- Hemodialysis
- $700 – $1,000
- Physiotherapy
- $120 – $250
Diagnostic Services
- X-Ray Imaging
- $120 – $350
- Laboratory Tests
- $150 – $300
- CT Scan
- $1,200 – $2,000
- MRI Scan
- $1,600 – $2,500
Please note: The figures above are estimated ranges based on adults in BC without MSP coverage. They do not represent exact hospital charges and are provided for risk reference purposes only.
Who Should Consider Canada Travel Insurance?
Anyone visiting Canada on a short‑term basis who is not yet covered by a provincial health insurance plan is an ideal candidate for Visitors to Canada (VTC) travel insurance.
High‑Net‑Worth Individuals & Business Owners
Professionals focused on risk management and efficiencyDesigned for business owners and executives who travel across borders multiple times a year, or for those with zero tolerance for medical risk. Ensures that unexpected medical incidents do not disrupt your long‑term wealth planning.
Family Visitors & Coverage‑Gap Periods
Visiting parents, new immigrants, work permit holdersIncludes families traveling to Canada with parents or children, as well as newly landed immigrants. Effectively covers the protection gap before provincial health coverage (MSP/OHIP) takes effect.
Short‑Term Travelers & Prospective Students
Short‑term tourists, pre‑university students, risk‑conscious travelersSuitable for visitors coming to Canada for short‑term programs or travel. Especially valuable for those who don't want to discover coverage gaps only when something goes wrong, ensuring the claims process is straightforward and highly actionable.
Standard Coverage of Visitors to Canada Insurance
While specific terms vary between insurers, most Visitors to Canada medical plans include the core coverage areas listed below.
Coverage limits are typically available at $100,000, $300,000, $500,000, or higher.
Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency room costs arising from sudden illness or accident
- Hospitalization, surgery, and intensive care (ICU)
- Physician consultations and nursing services
- Prescription medications (within policy limits)
Emergency Medical Transportation
- Ambulance or air ambulance transfer to higher‑level medical facilities when required
- Medical evacuation and repatriation arrangements in serious conditions
- Includes costs for returning the insured to their country of residence
Additional & Optional Benefits
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
- Bedside visits and care for dependent minors
- Select premium plans include baggage loss and trip delay coverage
What Determines Your Visitors to Canada Insurance Premium?
A higher premium isn't necessarily better — the right plan and coverage limit depend on your individual situation. The following factors directly influence the cost of your Visitors to Canada insurance:
Age & Health Status
Generally, premiums increase with age; for those with pre‑existing conditions, stability periods and related policy terms require careful attention. We recommend planning coverage early for elderly family members.
Duration & Travel Dates
The longer the coverage period, the higher the total premium; some plans allow extensions while in Canada, providing flexibility to adapt to unexpected changes during your stay.
Coverage Limit & Deductible
Higher coverage limits raise premiums, while higher deductibles lower them. A well‑balanced combination can effectively reduce your overall insurance costs.
Pre‑Existing Condition Coverage
Coverage for stable pre‑existing conditions must meet stability period requirements and may incur additional premiums — but offers more comprehensive medical protection when it matters most.
Optional Add‑On Benefits
Add‑ons such as accidental death coverage or protection for high‑risk activities will increase the overall quote, delivering all‑around peace of mind for visitors who seek maximum security.
How We Help You Structure Your Visitors to Canada Insurance
Risk Assessment
- Purpose of travel (business / family / group)
- Destination, length of stay, and age composition
- Health status and planned activity types
Policy Review
- Maximum medical limits, emergency hospitalization, and examination clauses
- High‑risk activities and pre‑existing condition stability period requirements
Insurer & Plan Matching
- Prioritize insurers with well‑established claims processes in Canada
- Avoid hidden gaps in plans that look cheap but are hard to claim against
Pre‑Departure Confirmation & Briefing
- Clarify in plain language exactly what is covered and what is not
Why Choose Wise Planning
Jessie Li is a BC licensed insurance advisor and senior tax planning expert with over a decade of industry experience. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from the University of Regina in 2005. Leveraging her rigorous professional expertise and more than 10 years of dedicated practice, she has provided robust tax structuring and wealth transfer strategies for numerous immigrant families. Currently, Jessie manages policies for over 2,000 clients with $3 million CAD in assets under management. Her wholehearted service has earned the praise and trust of countless clients.
Vancouver‑Based Licensed Experts
Our advisors hold Canadian insurance licenses and are well‑versed in the product terms, pre‑existing condition policies, and claims processes of major providers. We offer tailored, professional advice based on your specific situation to ensure you receive the most suitable and comprehensive coverage.
Access to Multiple Providers
We partner with mainstream Canadian insurance companies such as Allianz and Manulife. By filling out your information just once, you can compare product terms, coverage amounts, and premiums across multiple providers, clearly and intuitively understanding the differences and advantages of each plan.
Comprehensive Chinese‑Language Support
Canadian insurance contracts are legally binding in English, featuring intricate details and dense professional jargon. Even a slight misunderstanding can lead to discrepancies during claims. We provide clear, accurate explanations in Chinese, going through the coverage scope, exclusions, common caveats, and required claims materials point by point.
Our Partners
Canadian‑owned and operated for nearly 60 years, TuGo is a deeply trusted provider dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of Canadian and international travelers.
TuGo features a 24/7 in‑house emergency medical assistance center supporting approximately 27 languages, seamlessly coordinating medical treatment and claims for clients across the globe.
As one of Canada’s largest multinational insurance and financial services firms, Manulife provides robust protection solutions to tens of millions of clients worldwide.
Leveraging an extensive service infrastructure and a vast global partnership network, Manulife offers travel insurance clients 24/7 emergency assistance, dedicated claims coordination, and comprehensive multi‑channel customer support.
General Claims Procedures
- Reporting a Claim: In the event of an emergency, call the emergency assistance company listed on your policy immediately to report your claim. Assistance representatives are available 24/7 in multiple languages. For emergency hospitalizations, you must contact the assistance company within 24 hours.
Documentation: Throughout the entire claims process, please ensure you retain all original bills and receipts.
Submission for Assessment: Submit your completed claim form along with original bills, receipts, and any other required documentation to the insurer’s claims department.
Note: Generally, written notice must be provided to the insurer within 30 days, and all original documents must be submitted within 90 days of the initial consultation. Specific timelines are subject to the terms and conditions of your individual policy.
Adjudication Process: Wait for the decision from the claims examiner. If the claim is approved, payment will be issued to the designated insured person on the policy. If the claim is denied, you will receive a written notice explaining the reasons for the denial.
Disclaimer: All information is subject to change without notice. Specific coverage, claims procedures, and contact details are governed by the respective insurer’s official website and formal policy terms. We strongly recommend reading your policy carefully before departure and contacting a licensed insurance advisor should you have any questions.
Visitors to Canada Insurance FAQ
When is the best time to purchase Visitors to Canada insurance?
It's best to complete the purchase before the visitor arrives in Canada. While coverage can also be purchased after arrival, most policies impose a 24–48 hour waiting period for illness‑related claims. Buying in advance ensures coverage starts the moment they land.
Is the claims process complicated if something happens?
How smoothly a claim goes depends largely on whether the right insurer was chosen upfront. Wise Planning carefully selects insurers with clear claims procedures, Chinese‑language support, and a strong local reputation in Canada — so potential issues are addressed before they ever arise.
Can I get a refund if I return home earlier than planned?
Most insurers offer prorated refunds for unused days (typically minus a small administrative fee). This is conditional on no claims being made during the coverage period and proof of early departure (such as a boarding pass).
Will premiums be very expensive for elderly parents?
Premiums do increase noticeably for visitors over the age of 70. We recommend choosing a higher deductible to significantly reduce the base premium, helping you strike the right balance between protection and budget.
Who should absolutely purchase Visitors to Canada insurance?
Anyone holding a visitor visa, family visit visa, or Super Visa, as well as new immigrants and international students during the waiting period for provincial health coverage (MSP/OHIP), is responsible for all medical costs on their own — making this coverage strongly recommended.
Is the travel insurance included with my credit card enough?
In most cases, no. Credit card insurance typically offers low coverage limits (often only tens of thousands of CAD) and imposes strict age restrictions. For major medical expenses that can easily reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, the exposure gap is substantial.
What is NOT covered by Visitors to Canada insurance?
Typical exclusions include: non‑emergency routine check‑ups, vaccinations, and non‑essential cosmetic dentistry, as well as pre‑existing conditions that changed during the required stability period before the policy took effect. Always confirm stability period terms before purchasing.
How much coverage should I purchase to feel secure?
We recommend a starting coverage limit of at least $100,000. For older visitors or those with pre‑existing conditions, $300,000 to $500,000 is advisable to handle Canada's high hospitalization and medical transport costs.
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CONTACT
Get in Touch Today
Regardless of where you stand in the process—whether you are currently researching services, preparing documentation, navigating unforeseen challenges, or simply seeking confirmation that your situation is being handled correctly—please feel free to reach out. Based on the details you provide, we will offer an initial assessment and recommend the most effective next steps for your specific needs.
- +1 778-200-2866
- info@wpcins.com
- 280-8351 Alexandra Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 3P3
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Reliable Medical Coverage for Visiting Parents & Travelers to Canada
Tell us your arrival date in Canada, length of stay, and health status. We’ll compare Visitors to Canada medical insurance products from multiple providers and clearly explain the coverage details, limit options, and premium differences — helping you select the Visitors to Canada insurance plan that’s right for you.
