As one of the world's top tourist and immigration destinations, Canada has gained popularity over the past few decades.
It is important to know that if you are new in Canada, whether you are a temporary guest or a permanent resident, you might need to obtain a private health insurance policy called visitor to Canada insurance, at least for a while, even though Canada has a highly accessible healthcare system.
What is visitor insurance?
The term "visitor insurance" refers to several types of coverage you can purchase for a trip to Canada, including travel medical insurance, super visa insurance, and other types of combined coverage.
Basics of Visitor Insurance
Visitors to Canada insurance offers medical coverage in the event of an accidental injury or a sudden illness during the period of coverage.
Coverage in case of emergency:
"Emergency" is used in insurance terminology to refer to a medical condition that requires immediate treatment by licensed medical professionals at properly accredited clinics and hospitals.
Typically covered services include:
- Medical visits
- Prescription medications
- Hospital admission and accommodation
- Dental damage
- Laboratory tests and diagnostics
- Pain relief treatment
Eligibility Requirements:
Each insurance policy outlines certain conditions regarding a person's health and status in Canada in order to be eligible.
There are various types of visitor insurance you can get for a trip to Canada, including travel insurance that covers trip-related delays, travel medical insurance, super visa insurance, and others.
Why should you buy travel insurance when visiting Canada?
When planning your trip to Canada, it's important to keep in mind that the country is big - much bigger than many people realize. And while most of the country is fairly similar, there are areas that can be dangerous or simply different.
That's where travel health insurance comes in. Unless you're fortunate enough not to need it, odds are you'll end up needing medical assistance while traveling to Canada. And even if something terrible doesn't happen, a costly visit to the doctor or hospital can easily add up.
So why not take steps now and protect yourself by purchasing travel health insurance? Not only will you be covered in case of an emergency, but you'll also be protected from expensive out-of-pocket expenses should something unexpected happen while you're on vacation.
What is the cost of travel medical insurance?
Visitor insurance costs vary depending on a number of factors.
Travel insurance for a 25-year-old visiting Canada for 30 days can cost as little as $59 per month for $100,000 of coverage.
If you are purchasing coverage for more than one person, a joint policy or family policy will be less expensive than a separate single policy.
Factor affecting the rate of travel insurance
Travel medical insurance premiums are affected by the following factors:
- Length of the policy
- Medical history of the applicant
- Age of the applicant
- Deductibles
- Coverage
Does visitors insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
One should always check the wording on their travel medical insurance policy to determine whether or not a pre-existing medical condition is covered by default.
You may not be considered a pre-existing condition during your coverage period if you have not shown symptoms or been diagnosed with a pre-existing medical condition for 180 days prior to the effective date of the policy and have not received treatment for the condition.
In the underwriting process, pre-existing conditions may be excluded from travel medical insurance coverage.
- A cancerous tumor
- heart disease
- Diabetic complications
- high blood pressure
You may also take prescription medication for relatively mild conditions such as:
- Depression or anxiety
- sleep apnea
- Conditions related to mental health
- Disorders of bipolarity
