{"id":248485,"date":"2025-07-25T09:51:53","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/?p=248485"},"modified":"2025-11-30T14:06:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T19:06:22","slug":"travel-medical-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need Travel Medical Health Insurance to Move to Canada?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 30px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p><strong>Yes, you do.<\/strong> If you&#8217;re moving to Canada and not immediately eligible for public healthcare, <strong>travel medical insurance<\/strong> is vital. Without it, a medical emergency could cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket. Here&#8217;s what you need to know before you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>More than <strong>half of newcomers (54%) say financial stress is their top well-being challenge<\/strong> after arriving in Canada, according to a 2025 Securian Canada study. Travel medical insurance can help ease that stress by protecting you from emergency costs right from day one.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 30px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-1.jpg\" alt=\"A young Asian woman is standing in front of a departures board in an airport and checking her boarding pass.\" class=\"wp-image-248515\" style=\"width:625px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10175827\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10175827\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10175827\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-newcomers-to-canada-need-travel-medical-insurance\">Why Newcomers to Canada Need Travel Medical Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada has a universal healthcare system, but <strong>you must qualify for it<\/strong>. Most newcomers face a waiting period before they\u2019re eligible for provincial or territorial coverage. During that time, you are responsible for <strong>100% of your medical bills<\/strong> unless you have private insurance. Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/living\/healthcare\/how-can-newcomers-get-free-healthcare-in-canada\">how to get free healthcare in Canada<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Government of Canada recommends that newcomers have at least $100,000<\/strong> in travel insurance coverage for unforeseen accidents or emergencies. Yet despite this recommendation, <strong>1 in 5 newcomers (20%) have no insurance at all<\/strong>, and <strong>60% are underinsured<\/strong>, making them more financially vulnerable in an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n    <section id=\"jason-nagy-video\" class=\"\">\n        <iframe class=\"w-full mx-auto aspect-video\" style=\"max-width: 900px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uWY-awU4I_k\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-related-post\">Related Post:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/managing-money\/financial-first-steps\/canadian-financial-tips-before-you-move-to-canada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canadian Financial Tips Before You Move to Canada<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada, travel medical health insurance is often called \u2018Visitors to Canada insurance\u2019 (VTC). It refers to the same type of coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Travel-Medical-Health-Insurance-April.png\" alt=\"A stethoscope with and a red rubber heart are placed on top of health insurance forms. \" class=\"wp-image-248213\" style=\"width:625px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/03144951\/Travel-Medical-Health-Insurance-April.png 900w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/03144951\/Travel-Medical-Health-Insurance-April-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/03144951\/Travel-Medical-Health-Insurance-April-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-should-buy-visitors-to-canada-insurance\">Who Should Buy Visitors to Canada Insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You should buy <strong>Visitors to Canada (VTC) insurance<\/strong> if you&#8217;re:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Waiting for provincial healthcare coverage to begin as a <strong>new permanent resident<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applying for a <strong>super visa<\/strong> to visit family<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coming to Canada on a <strong>work or study permit<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visiting Canada for an <strong>extended stay<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>VTC insurance typically covers you for up to 365 days and may be renewed depending on the provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-3.jpg\" alt=\"A young girl is recovering in a hospital bed with an iv drip. Visitors to Canada insurance will cover hospital care for sickness or injury.\" class=\"wp-image-248520\" style=\"width:625px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10183107\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-3.jpg 900w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10183107\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10183107\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-can-medical-treatment-cost-without-insurance\">How Much Can Medical Treatment Cost Without Insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Health care in Canada is <strong>expensive<\/strong> if you\u2019re not covered. Here\u2019s what you might pay:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Walk-in clinic visit: <strong>$100\u2013$200<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ER visit: <strong>$3,000\u2013$5,700 per day<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inpatient hospital stay: <strong>$3,000+ per day<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intensive care: <strong>$17,000+ per day<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"rounded-btn border-b-2 border-light-grey bg-off-white lg:grid lg:grid-cols-3 gap-2\">\n    <article class=\"lg:col-span-2 flex flex-col gap-4 p-6 lg:p-12\">\n        <h3 class=\"text-2xl\">Your First Weeks in Canada | Developing Your Action Plan<\/h3>\n        <p>Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you\u2019ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently. <\/p>\n                    <a class=\"flex flex-row w-fit gap-2 rounded-btn btn-secondary p-5 transition ease-in-out text-lg font-bold\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/webinars\/first-weeks\">REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 28 28\" fill=\"none\">\n                    <path\n                        d=\"M13.1752 20.175L14.8248 21.8247L22.6497 13.9999L14.8248 6.17505L13.1752 7.82472L18.1837 12.8332H7V15.1665H18.1837L13.1752 20.175Z\"\n                        fill=\"white\"\/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/a>\n            <\/article>\n    <div class=\"relative lg:col-span-1\">\n                    <video src=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/01\/18123703\/First-weeks-in-Canada.mp4\" autoplay loop playsinline muted\n                   class=\"absolute inset-0 h-full w-full object-cover rounded-3xl\"><\/video>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 30px; padding-bottom: 25px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-visitor-to-canada-insurance-cover\">What Does Visitor to Canada Insurance Cover?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Coverage varies, but most plans include:<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-off-white \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emergency hospital care for illness or injury<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doctor consultations and specialist visits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ambulance services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prescription medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>X-rays, lab tests, and diagnostic imaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>24\/7 emergency assistance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 30px; padding-bottom: 30px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-4.jpg\" alt=\"A stethoscope is placed on top of a medical health insurance policy.\" class=\"wp-image-248524\" style=\"width:625px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10183904\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-4.jpg 900w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10183904\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10183904\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-4-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-look-for-in-a-travel-medical-insurance-plan\">What to Look for in a Travel Medical Insurance Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all plans are equal. Here\u2019s what to check before you buy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pre-existing conditions:<\/strong> Some plans cover <em>stable<\/em> pre-existing conditions (conditions that have not changed in treatment, symptoms, or medication for a set period)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waiting period:<\/strong> If you buy after arrival, expect a 48-hour wait before coverage begins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Customer service:<\/strong> Multilingual and 24\/7 support is a plus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligibility:<\/strong> Some policies require a medical questionnaire if you\u2019re over 60<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Refunds or cancellations:<\/strong> Useful if you gain public coverage earlier than expected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-does-provincial-coverage-begin-understanding-waiting-periods\">When Does Provincial Coverage Begin? Understanding Waiting Periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on the province. Some have mandatory waiting periods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>PROVINCE<\/th><th>WAITING PERIOD FOR COVERAGE<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/living\/healthcare\/ontario-health-card-application-process\">Ontario<\/a><\/td><td>3 months after arrival<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>British Columbia<\/td><td>Up to 3 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/living\/healthcare\/alberta-health-card-what-it-covers-how-to-apply-for-it\">Alberta<\/a><\/td><td>Coverage begins immediately (if eligible)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Manitoba<\/td><td>Up to 3 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinesales.xodus.ca\/quote?lang=en&amp;flow=vtc&amp;utm_content=AHA00002&amp;utm_campaign=Prepare+For+Canada&amp;utm_source=Prepare+For+Canada&amp;utm_medium=\">Buy travel insurance<\/a> that <strong>covers the full gap<\/strong> until your provincial plan starts.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 30px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-7-.jpg\" alt=\"Suitcases are placed on a conveyer belt. \" class=\"wp-image-248542\" style=\"width:625px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10195920\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-7-.jpg 900w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10195920\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-7--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10195920\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-7--768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Travel insurance covers things such as lost luggage.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-travel-insurance-the-same-as-travel-medical-insurance\">Is Travel Insurance the Same as Travel Medical Insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Travel insurance typically covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trip cancellation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lost luggage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flight delays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergency evacuation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Travel medical insurance<\/strong>, on the other hand, focuses on <strong>medical expenses<\/strong>. Some packages offer both, but check carefully.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 30px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-5-.jpg\" alt=\"A mother and daughter are speaking to a doctor in a hospital room. While they wait to join Canada's universal healthcare system, they have private insurance to cover costs. \" class=\"wp-image-248525\" style=\"width:625px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10185138\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-5-.jpg 900w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10185138\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-5--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/10185138\/Travel-Medical-Insurance-Image-5--768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-does-travel-medical-health-insurance-cost\">How Much Does Travel Medical Health Insurance Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s more affordable than you might expect. On average:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Individual:<\/strong> $60\u2013$120\/month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family of 3:<\/strong> Around $500 for 3 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Super visa coverage:<\/strong> $100,000 minimum required for 1 year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices vary based on age, health, and coverage amount.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-questions-about-travel-medical-health-insurance\">More Questions about Travel Medical Health Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigating insurance isn\u2019t easy. <strong>One-third (33%) of newcomers say it\u2019s difficult or expensive to get professional advice<\/strong>, and <strong>42% worry about being misled<\/strong>. That\u2019s why understanding your options before you arrive is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761253270841\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should I buy travel medical health insurance?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Ideally, before you leave your home country. Many providers require you to purchase the plan before your arrival date for full coverage.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761253339661\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I buy insurance after I arrive?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but many policies have a 48-hour waiting period if purchased after arrival, so it\u2019s better to buy before you land.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761253391669\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I extend or cancel my insurance?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, many policies are flexible. You can:<br\/>Extend coverage if your provincial health care is delayed<br\/>Cancel early and receive a partial refund if your public insurance starts sooner (proof required).<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761253411663\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long should I get travel medical insurance for?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You should get coverage for at least 3 months, or until you&#8217;re eligible for your provincial or territorial health plan. Some provinces (like BC or Ontario) have a mandatory 3-month waiting period.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761253447333\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What happens if I don&#8217;t have insurance and get sick?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You\u2019ll be responsible for 100% of the medical costs. A hospital visit or ambulance ride can cost thousands of dollars, so insurance is strongly recommended.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761253470363\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do I need insurance for my children or spouse too?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. All accompanying family members should be covered during the waiting period.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761253495624\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use insurance from my home country?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can, but many international policies don\u2019t meet Canadian standards. They may:<br\/>Exclude certain types of care;<br\/>Have low coverage caps;<br\/>Lack emergency repatriation;<br\/>Offer no local support in Canada.<br\/>When possible, choose a Canadian-based provider with plans designed for newcomers.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"\">\n    <\/section>\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-a-quote-and-protect-your-health-before-you-arrive\"> Get a Quote and Protect Your Health Before You Arrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"\" class=\"bg-transparent \" style=\" padding-top: 30px; padding-bottom: 0px;\">\n        <div class=\"container relative z-10\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re immigrating, working, studying, or visiting family, <strong>travel medical insurance protects your health and finances from day one.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 Don\u2019t risk costly medical bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 Get covered before your flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 Compare plans and get a free quote now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">With <strong>58% of underinsured newcomers reporting high financial stress<\/strong>, getting the right insurance before you arrive in Canada can give you peace of mind and protect your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">\ud83d\udc49<strong>Start your coverage today \u2192 <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinesales.xodus.ca\/quote?lang=en&amp;flow=vtc&amp;utm_content=AHA00002&amp;utm_campaign=Prepare+For+Canada&amp;utm_source=Prepare+For+Canada&amp;utm_medium=\">get a travel medical insurance quote!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":248205,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[317],"tags":[342],"class_list":["post-248485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insurance","tag-travel-medical-health-insurance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Travel Medical Insurance: What You Need to Know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Moving to Canada? 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Understand costs, coverage, and when provincial healthcare begins.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Prepare for Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PrepareforCanada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-25T13:51:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-30T19:06:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/2024-prepare-for-canada\/2025\/04\/03142307\/Featured-Image-Travel-Medical-April.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"628\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Corinna Frattini\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Prepare4Canada\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Prepare4Canada\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Corinna Frattini\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/2626f9be0d839b1d4e27195f4a6985c2\"},\"headline\":\"Do You Need Travel Medical Health Insurance to Move to Canada?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-25T13:51:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-30T19:06:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance\"},\"wordCount\":986,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\\\/2024-prepare-for-canada\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/03142307\\\/Featured-Image-Travel-Medical-April.png\",\"keywords\":[\"Travel medical health insurance\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Insurance\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance\",\"name\":\"Travel Medical Insurance: What You Need to Know\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/prepareforcanada.com\\\/blog\\\/managing-money\\\/insurance\\\/travel-medical-insurance#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/2024-rd-staging.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\\\/2024-prepare-for-canada\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/03142307\\\/Featured-Image-Travel-Medical-April.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-25T13:51:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-30T19:06:22+00:00\",\"description\":\"Moving to Canada? 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Many providers require you to purchase the plan before your arrival date for full coverage.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253339661","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253339661","name":"Can I buy insurance after I arrive?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, but many policies have a 48-hour waiting period if purchased after arrival, so it\u2019s better to buy before you land.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253391669","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253391669","name":"Can I extend or cancel my insurance?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, many policies are flexible. You can:<br\/>Extend coverage if your provincial health care is delayed<br\/>Cancel early and receive a partial refund if your public insurance starts sooner (proof required).","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253411663","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253411663","name":"How long should I get travel medical insurance for?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You should get coverage for at least 3 months, or until you're eligible for your provincial or territorial health plan. 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All accompanying family members should be covered during the waiting period.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253495624","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/managing-money\/insurance\/travel-medical-insurance#faq-question-1761253495624","name":"Can I use insurance from my home country?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You can, but many international policies don\u2019t meet Canadian standards. They may:<br\/>Exclude certain types of care;<br\/>Have low coverage caps;<br\/>Lack emergency repatriation;<br\/>Offer no local support in Canada.<br\/>When possible, choose a Canadian-based provider with plans designed for newcomers.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248485","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=248485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248485\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/248205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=248485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=248485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=248485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}