Canada is well known for having a Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP), sometimes referred to as universal health care. GHIP provides coverage for some hospital and medical expenses to most Canadian citizens or permanent residents.  But for people travelling to Canada, it’s important to know that the Canada Government Plan does not provide coverage for any medical services or expenses (e.g., hospital stays, ambulance transportation, medical diagnostics, prescription drugs etc. ) for visitors to Canada.  Travel insurance is designed to cover losses arising from sudden and unforeseen circumstances. Having a travel insurance plan that covers you for unexpected and unforeseen emergency medical expenses due to sickness or injury is crucial, so you don’t end up responsible for expensive and unexpected medical costs. Travel Guard offers a Visitors to Canada plan designed for just such a situation.

New immigrant to Canada? Returning Canadian? Our Visitors to Canada plan can provide you with emergency medical coverage while you wait to be eligible for coverage under your Provincial or Territorial GHIP.

You should check with the Government of Canada to determine what requirement you must meet to enter Canada, including how long you are allowed to stay in Canada. Currently, most  visitors can  stay up to six months and must apply for an extension if they wish to stay longer.  Coverage under our Visitors to Canada Plans can be purchased for up to a maximum of 365 days (some conditions apply).

Super Visas

The Canadian Government has implemented a Super Visa program to help parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents gain easier access to visit their families in Canada.  One of the requirements during the application process is proof of medical insurance. Currently, applicants must show proof that they have purchased private medical insurance coverage from a Canadian insurance provider, and it must be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry into Canada.  The insurance coverage must also have at least $100,000 in medical expense coverage. Travel Guard can help Super Visa applicants meet this insurance requirement through the Visitors to Canada travel insurance plan (Plan 3 or Plan 4).

More information on Travel Guard’s Visitors to Canada travel insurance plan including coverage options is available on TravelGuard.ca or call us at 866-648-8422.