Updated October 21, 2026 · By Pankaj Bhatia
What visitors may face
Most temporary visitors cannot rely on provincial health plans. Emergency expenses may include ambulances, hospitalization, physician services and diagnostic testing.
Understanding exclusions
Medical stability restrictions, routine care exclusions, deductibles and waiting periods all affect whether a claim is payable.
Buying at the right time
Consider purchasing before the traveller arrives in Canada, since some post-arrival policies impose a sickness waiting period.
Important: A policy is not a visa approval. Compare the actual insurer policy, medical stability clauses, deductibles and cancellation terms before purchasing.