Many visitors arrive in Canada without health insurance, or find out their coverage from home doesn't work here. The good news: you can still buy visitor insurance after you arrive. This guide explains how it works and what to watch for.
Yes. Most Canadian insurers sell visitor insurance to people who are already in Canada. You will need your arrival date, the dates you want coverage, and answers to some medical questions.
When you buy after arrival, most plans apply a waiting period before illness is covered. It is often 48 hours to 8 days, depending on the insurer and your age. During the waiting period:
Some insurers waive the waiting period if you buy within a short time after arrival or if you are replacing another plan with no gap. Ask us which plans offer this.
Pre-existing conditions are judged as of the date the policy starts. If a condition has been stable for the insurer's required period (often 90 or 180 days), many plans can cover it. Any symptoms or changes in treatment before the policy starts can affect coverage, so answer the medical questions carefully.
If you already have visitor insurance and plan to stay longer, extend the policy before it ends. Extending is much easier than buying a new policy after a gap.
Life Advice Insurance Inc. in Kitchener helps visitors who are already in Canada find coverage quickly. Get a free visitor insurance quote or call 1-855-500-5041. Planning a longer family visit? See our Super Visa insurance page.