Canada remains one of the most welcoming destinations for tourists, family visitors, and temporary residents. However, one thing many travelers don’t realize is that Canada does not provide free healthcare to visitors. As we enter 2025, having proper visitor health insurance is more important than ever due to rising medical costs and evolving immigration guidelines. At Planet Insurance Canada, we help visitors secure affordable, comprehensive coverage that protects them throughout their stay.
Do Visitors Need Health Insurance in Canada in 2025?
While visitor visa insurance is not legally mandatory for a regular tourist or visitor visa, it is strongly recommended—and in some cases, practically essential. Unlike Canadian citizens and permanent residents who benefit from provincial health plans, visitors must pay 100% out-of-pocket for medical care.
Here’s why coverage is crucial:
– A simple emergency room visit can cost $1,000–$3,000
– Hospitalization may cost $4,000–$7,000 per day
– Emergency surgery can exceed $20,000
With healthcare expenses expected to rise further in 2025, even a minor medical issue can become a major financial burden without insurance.
Latest Rules & Recommendations for 2025
Although IRCC does not mandate insurance for all visitors, they do emphasize that travelers should be prepared for unexpected medical needs. Additionally, certain programs—like the Super Visa—require mandatory medical insurance.
For regular visitors, having proof of insurance can:
– Strengthen your visa application
– Demonstrate financial preparedness
– Provide peace of mind during travel
Many travel advisors and immigration consultants now recommend that visitors secure minimum $100,000 in emergency medical coverage to protect against Canada’s high healthcare costs.
What Should Visitor Health Insurance Cover?
A reliable visitor insurance plan in 2025 should include:
Emergency Medical Care: Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and ambulance services.
Prescription Drugs: Important for unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Emergency Dental Treatment: Covers accidental injuries to teeth.
Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: Covers transportation to your home country if required.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Provides financial protection in severe emergencies.
Some insurers also offer optional coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, which is highly recommended for older travelers.
Tips for Choosing Visitor Medical Insurance in 2025
- Compare Plans Before Travelling
Rates vary significantly from one provider to another. Using a broker like Planet Insurance Canada helps you compare top insurers effortlessly.
- Choose Adequate Coverage Limits
Many visitors now opt for $100,000 to $300,000 coverage due to rising medical costs.
- Understand Pre-Existing Condition Stability Periods
If you have conditions like diabetes or hypertension, choose a plan with stable pre-existing condition coverage.
- Purchase Insurance Before Arriving in Canada
Buying early ensures coverage begins as soon as you land—and sometimes provides extra discounts.
Why Buy Visitor Insurance from Planet Insurance Canada?
At Planet Insurance, we partner with leading Canadian insurers to offer:
– Competitive rates
– Coverage for pre-existing conditions
– Instant policy issuance
– Expert guidance for all types of visitors
We help tourists, family members, business travelers, and temporary residents secure the right coverage at the best price.
