Regardless of whether your visiting friends or family are going to be here for a few days, a few months, or a couple of years, emergency medical insurance for visitors to Canada is absolutely essential. Why? Even though the Canadian healthcare system is one of the best in the world, it can be very expensive for those who don’t have Provincial Health Care coverage.
Your visitors need to know that their medical coverage from their home country may not cover unexpected emergencies in Canada. The Canadian government highly recommends that all visitors have adequate travel insurance coverage during their stay since Canadian medical care can be costly.
Travel insurance is the first step to be prepared for any unexpected medical mishaps or emergencies. With it in place, they will not be left with out of pocket healthcare costs resulting from the unexpected like a slip and fall, gallbladder attack or eye problem – and the catastrophic financial impact on themselves or on your family that they are visiting, as this family found out.
What kind of travel insurance does your visitor need?
Making sure your visitors’ medical needs are covered in the event of an emergency doesn’t have to be complicated. There are insurance options that have been specially designed for visitors to Canada.
The type of emergency medical travel insurance they require will be based on the nature and duration of their stay in Canada. There are different plans available for people who are coming for a week-long trip to see the sights and for those who are planning to be here for an extended period of time.
- Visiting for less than one year, new immigrants and returning Canadians need Visitors Travel Insurance
In some provinces, newly arrived immigrants and expatriates returning to Canada must undergo a three month waiting period before they’re eligible to apply for Provincial healthcare coverage. They can fill this gap with Visitor To Canada travel insurance.
- Foreign students need International Students Travel Insurance
If your visitor is going to post-secondary school in Canada during their stay, some universities will provide coverage for students who are on a foreign student visa. Students who are not covered by their university will need to buy their own insurance to help cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- SuperVisa applicant
Canada offers a special type of visa known as the super visa which is valid for up to 10 years and can allow multiple entries into our country. Before obtaining the visa, your family member must show proof of super visa insurance, illustrating that they have purchased medical insurance from a Canadian provider. Read this for more information, and be prepared to pay one single annual premium in advance for the super visa insurance.
What will the visitor’s emergency travel medical insurance cover?
Visitors emergency medical insurance plans vary by insurance provider. Look for these benefit features:
COVID-19 coverage
Visitors can be covered for COVID-19 related medical emergencies if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and test positive for and are diagnosed with COVID-19 while visiting Canada. Mandatory COVID-19 tests (including any COVID-19 test taken to meet government requirements) aren’t covered, regardless of the test results. Simple eligibility requirements
It’s quick and easy for travelers 59 or younger to qualify. Travelers 60 and older may be required to complete a Medical Questionnaire.
Plans may include pre-existing medical condition coverage
Even if your visitor already has a pre-existing medical condition, they can be covered, as long as they meet the policy’s stability requirements.
No waiting period
If the travel insurance is purchased before arriving in Canada, there is likely no waiting period on sickness. However, if they didn’t buy coverage before arriving in Canada, they can still buy coverage once they get here that will have a waiting period on disease or illness, usually from 2 to 7 days long.
Follow-up post-medical emergency visits
If your guest needs to visit the doctor after an emergency medical treatment, they may be entitled to follow-up visits, as long as they take place within a specified time period after the initial emergency medical treatment.
Professional medical services
After a medical incident costs to visit a licensed practitioner may be covered, including:
- Physiotherapists
- Chiropractors
- Chiropodists
- Osteopaths
- Podiatrists
- Optometrists
- Acupuncturists
Sports and activity coverage
Many sports and activities are covered at no extra cost. If your visitor wants to be a little more adventurous and go backcountry skiing or snowboarding, mountaineering, or participate in white water sports, they should consider getting specialty coverage.
Family plans
Special rates are available for up to 2 adults 59 and younger, travelling with up to 6 children. This is applicable to children up to age 21, if residing with their parents/guardians or up to age 25, if they’re full-time students. No age limit applies for children with cognitive, developmental or physical disabilities.
Is company coming? Help ensure their visit is protected with travel insurance.
If you are looking forward to a wonderful visit from those you dearly miss to introduce your spouse, your grandkids, show them your home or your wonderful country, and give us a call. Our friendly experts are happy to help explain the importance of visitors travel insurance and help put the coverage your visitors needs in place. Give us a call today at 416.601.0429 or 1.800.667.0429 toll-free.
