Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,300* in value in the first year.

1

2

3

Guided Form

Please answer a few questions, and our guided form will give you the most relevant solutions for your needs.

You can close this form by clicking outside the form, and return to it at any time by pressing the form button on the site’s navigation bar.

Are you currently living in Canada?

Do You Need Travel Medical Health Insurance to Move to Canada?

Written By

Corinna Frattini

Jul 25, 2025

Insurance

A woman doctor with a stethoscope around her neck shows a medical chart to a female patient who is sitting on an examination table. Travel medical insurance can help newcomers to Canada avoid medical visits and costs

Yes, you do. If you’re moving to Canada and not immediately eligible for public healthcare, travel medical insurance is vital. Without it, a medical emergency could cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket. Here’s what you need to know before you arrive.

More than half of newcomers (54%) say financial stress is their top well-being challenge 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.

A young Asian woman is standing in front of a departures board in an airport and checking her boarding pass.

Why Newcomers to Canada Need Travel Medical Insurance

Canada has a universal healthcare system, but you must qualify for it. Most newcomers face a waiting period before they’re eligible for provincial or territorial coverage. During that time, you are responsible for 100% of your medical bills unless you have private insurance. Read more about how to get free healthcare in Canada.

The Government of Canada recommends that newcomers have at least $100,000 in travel insurance coverage for unforeseen accidents or emergencies. Yet despite this recommendation, 1 in 5 newcomers (20%) have no insurance at all, and 60% are underinsured, making them more financially vulnerable in an emergency.

Related Post:

Canadian Financial Tips Before You Move to Canada

In Canada, travel medical health insurance is often called ‘Visitors to Canada insurance’ (VTC). It refers to the same type of coverage.

A stethoscope with and a red rubber heart are placed on top of health insurance forms.

Who Should Buy Visitors to Canada Insurance?

You should buy Visitors to Canada (VTC) insurance if you’re:

  • Waiting for provincial healthcare coverage to begin as a new permanent resident
  • Applying for a super visa to visit family
  • Coming to Canada on a work or study permit
  • Visiting Canada for an extended stay.

VTC insurance typically covers you for up to 365 days and may be renewed depending on the provider.

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.

How Much Can Medical Treatment Cost Without Insurance?

Health care in Canada is expensive if you’re not covered. Here’s what you might pay:

  • Walk-in clinic visit: $100–$200
  • ER visit: $3,000–$5,700 per day
  • Inpatient hospital stay: $3,000+ per day
  • Intensive care: $17,000+ per day.
Your First Weeks CTA

What Does Visitor to Canada Insurance Cover?

Coverage varies, but most plans include:

  • Emergency hospital care for illness or injury
  • Doctor consultations and specialist visits
  • Ambulance services
  • Prescription medications
  • X-rays, lab tests, and diagnostic imaging
  • 24/7 emergency assistance.
A stethoscope is placed on top of a medical health insurance policy.

What to Look for in a Travel Medical Insurance Plan

Not all plans are equal. Here’s what to check before you buy:

  • Pre-existing conditions: Some plans cover stable pre-existing conditions (conditions that have not changed in treatment, symptoms, or medication for a set period)
  • Waiting period: If you buy after arrival, expect a 48-hour wait before coverage begins
  • Customer service: Multilingual and 24/7 support is a plus
  • Eligibility: Some policies require a medical questionnaire if you’re over 60
  • Refunds or cancellations: Useful if you gain public coverage earlier than expected.

When Does Provincial Coverage Begin? Understanding Waiting Periods

It depends on the province. Some have mandatory waiting periods:

PROVINCEWAITING PERIOD FOR COVERAGE
Ontario3 months after arrival
British ColumbiaUp to 3 months
AlbertaCoverage begins immediately (if eligible)
ManitobaUp to 3 months

Buy travel insurance that covers the full gap until your provincial plan starts.

Suitcases are placed on a conveyer belt.
Travel insurance covers things such as lost luggage.

Is Travel Insurance the Same as Travel Medical Insurance?

No. Travel insurance typically covers:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Lost luggage
  • Flight delays
  • Emergency evacuation.

Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, focuses on medical expenses. Some packages offer both, but check carefully.

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.

How Much Does Travel Medical Health Insurance Cost?

It’s more affordable than you might expect. On average:

  • Individual: $60–$120/month
  • Family of 3: Around $500 for 3 months
  • Super visa coverage: $100,000 minimum required for 1 year.

Prices vary based on age, health, and coverage amount.

More Questions about Travel Medical Health Insurance

Navigating insurance isn’t easy. One-third (33%) of newcomers say it’s difficult or expensive to get professional advice, and 42% worry about being misled. That’s why understanding your options before you arrive is so important.

When should I buy travel medical health insurance?

Ideally, before you leave your home country. Many providers require you to purchase the plan before your arrival date for full coverage.

Can I buy insurance after I arrive?

Yes, but many policies have a 48-hour waiting period if purchased after arrival, so it’s better to buy before you land.

Can I extend or cancel my insurance?

Yes, many policies are flexible. You can:
Extend coverage if your provincial health care is delayed
Cancel early and receive a partial refund if your public insurance starts sooner (proof required).

How long should I get travel medical insurance for?

You should get coverage for at least 3 months, or until you’re eligible for your provincial or territorial health plan. Some provinces (like BC or Ontario) have a mandatory 3-month waiting period.

What happens if I don’t have insurance and get sick?

You’ll be responsible for 100% of the medical costs. A hospital visit or ambulance ride can cost thousands of dollars, so insurance is strongly recommended.

Do I need insurance for my children or spouse too?

Yes. All accompanying family members should be covered during the waiting period.

Can I use insurance from my home country?

You can, but many international policies don’t meet Canadian standards. They may:
Exclude certain types of care;
Have low coverage caps;
Lack emergency repatriation;
Offer no local support in Canada.
When possible, choose a Canadian-based provider with plans designed for newcomers.

Get a Quote and Protect Your Health Before You Arrive

Whether you’re immigrating, working, studying, or visiting family, travel medical insurance protects your health and finances from day one.

✅ Don’t risk costly medical bills.

✅ Get covered before your flight.

✅ Compare plans and get a free quote now.

With 58% of underinsured newcomers reporting high financial stress, getting the right insurance before you arrive in Canada can give you peace of mind and protect your future.

👉Start your coverage today → get a travel medical insurance quote!

WRITTEN BY

Corinna Frattini

Senior Editor and Content Writer, Prepare for Canada

Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.

© Prepare for Canada 2026

Related Articles