If relatives are coming to Kitchener-Waterloo for the holidays or the winter, the right visitor plan depends on why they are here. Since new PGP applications were paused on July 15, 2026, more parents are coming on a Super Visa, while others visit for a few weeks. Visitors are not covered by OHIP, so here is how to choose well.
Visitors to Canada are not covered by provincial health plans like OHIP. One emergency room visit, an ambulance ride and a night in hospital can easily cost thousands of dollars. Visitor insurance protects against that, but plans differ a lot. Here is how to find the one that's best for your visitor.
Plans are sold in amounts like $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, $150,000 and higher. For older visitors, or anyone with a medical history, $100,000 or more is sensible.
If the visitor has diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems, choose a plan that covers stable pre-existing conditions. Read how "stable" is defined, and answer the medical questions carefully.
A $0 deductible means no out-of-pocket cost per claim; a $1,000 deductible lowers the premium. Pick a level your family could pay in an emergency.
Buying before arrival avoids waiting periods. If the visitor is already here, most plans don't cover sickness for the first 48 hours to 8 days. See insurance for visitors already in Canada.
Planning a trip to the U.S. or a cruise during the stay? Many plans cover side trips outside Canada, but not the home country.
Can you extend the policy online? Is there a refund for an early return with no claims? These save money when plans change.
A strong insurer with a clear emergency assistance service and direct billing to hospitals makes a real difference.
Life Advice compares plans from insurers such as Manulife, Allianz, Blue Cross, TuGo, GMS, Travelance, Destination, 21st Century, Secure Travel, Travel Shield, Ingle and Trustone Health. Each has strengths for different ages and health profiles, which is why comparing them side by side matters more than picking a brand name.
Since the PGP pause, many families ask which one they need. The difference is simple:
A short visitor plan does not meet Super Visa rules. Buy the type that matches the visa. If your parent is visiting now on a regular visa but may apply for a Super Visa later, ask whether the insurer offers both, so the change is simpler.
For a parent or grandparent, the best plan is rarely the cheapest. Look at how the plan treats stable conditions, whether the coverage amount fits their age, and whether the plan can be extended online if the stay gets longer. A higher deductible can lower the price, but only choose one you could pay without stress.
Most families we help in Kitchener-Waterloo are inviting parents from India. Before they buy, they ask the same four questions:
Compare plans online on our Super Visa insurance or visitor insurance page, or call 1-855-500-5041. Help in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Visitors are not covered by OHIP. Ontario hospitals, including Grand River Hospital, St. Mary's General Hospital, Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Guelph General Hospital, bill visitors at non-resident rates.
Our office is at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, ON N2E 0B6. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Sunday). Call 1-855-500-5041. We have served families since 2015 and compare 20+ Canadian insurers, including Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Desjardins, Allianz, TuGo and GMS.
Example: Imagine an aunt visiting Waterloo for six weeks over the holidays. She does not need a Super Visa plan. Her family buys a visitor plan that starts on her arrival day and covers her stable thyroid condition.
It is mandatory for the Super Visa. For a regular visitor visa it is not legally required, but without it the visitor pays the full cost of any medical care.
Yes. Family members in Canada usually buy it for their visiting parents or relatives and pay by credit card.
One that covers their stable pre-existing conditions, has enough coverage, and has a deductible you can manage. See our guide to cheapest visitor insurance for seniors.
Talk to a licensed Life Advice broker
We compare plans from many Canadian insurers and explain the fine print in plain language. Call +1 855-500-5041 (Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m.), get a quote on our Visitor Insurance page, or visit us at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, ON N2E 0B6.
This article is general information, not advice for your situation. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer and can change. Always read your policy wording.
Only if it meets IRCC rules: at least $100,000 for health care, hospitalization and repatriation, valid at least 1 year from entry, from an eligible insurer. Most short plans do not.
No. Ontario removed the waiting period. They still need to apply in person at ServiceOntario and be approved, so keep private coverage until then.
From Sept 1, 2026: $948 for a student, $1,896 with one dependant, and $2,844 with two or more dependants.
Compare visitor insurance quotes from 20+ Canadian insurers on our visitor insurance page. You may also like our Super Visa insurance page. Or visit Life Advice Insurance Inc. at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, call 1-855-500-5041, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Help in English, Hindi and Punjabi.