Planning a trip to Canada for work or to visit your loved ones in 2025 and looking to buy visitor insurance? Whether you're applying for a Super Visa or simply want to avoid massive out-of-pocket expenses in case of medical emergencies, understanding how visitor insurance quotes are calculated can save you time and money.
In this blog, we'll break down the 7 most important factors that directly impact the cost of visitor insurance premiums in Canada, from age and health status to coverage choices and plan types.
Factors that affect visitor insurance quotes in Canada: Top 7 picks
When applying for visitor insurance in Canada, your premium depends on several important factors. Insurers assess your age, health, travel plans, and coverage choices to calculate the cost of your policy. Here are some of the main factors that affect your visitor insurance quotes in Canada:
1. Age of the visitor
Your age significantly affects your travel medical insurance premium. Older visitors, especially those over 60 or 70, pay more for coverage because they're more likely to require medical care during their stay. Premiums can increase sharply with each age bracket, making it essential to compare quotes carefully if you're buying visitor medical insurance for parents or seniors.
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2. Pre-existing medical conditions
Insurers pay close attention to any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems.
If you disclose these conditions, they may raise your premium or limit your coverage. Most plans also include a stability period, where the condition must remain unchanged (typically for 90 to 180 days) to qualify for coverage.
3. Coverage amount and type
The level of coverage you choose will directly impact the cost. A policy with $250,000 in emergency medical benefits costs more than one with $100,000, but it also offers broader protection.
Comprehensive visitor insurance plans that cover hospital visits, prescription drugs, and diagnostic tests are more expensive than basic plans that offer minimal benefits.
4. Duration of stay
The longer you stay in Canada, the higher your visitor insurance quotes will be. A 12-month Super Visa insurance plan will cost more than a short-term tourist policy.
While some providers offer discounts on per-day rates for extended stays, your overall cost still increases with trip length. Make sure to only pay for the time you plan to be in Canada, especially if your travel dates are flexible.
5. Type of plan chosen
Insurance providers offer both single-trip and multi-trip plans. A single-trip visitor insurance policy covers one uninterrupted stay, while a multi-trip plan allows multiple entries into Canada within a set period, usually one year.
Although multi-trip policies offer flexibility, they can be more expensive and are best suited for frequent travellers or those making multiple visits.
6. Deductible choices
The deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium, while a lower deductible increases your cost but reduces your out-of-pocket burden during a claim.
7. Insurance provider and plan features
Visitor health insurance quotes vary depending on the provider that you've chosen and the features included in the plan.
Some insurers offer value-added services like direct billing, COVID-19 coverage, or 24/7 emergency assistance, which can influence pricing. Add-ons like trip cancellation, accidental death coverage, or baggage loss protection also increase the premium.
What is the average cost of visitor insurance in Canada?
The cost of visitor emergency insurance in Canada can depend on factors like age, family health history, trip duration, and more. On average, the cost of travel medical insurance may range between $72 to $405 per month for an individual seeking $100,000 in coverage for a single-trip insurance.
| Visitor's Age | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| 25 years | $72.30 |
| 35 years | $90.90 |
| 45 years | $101.70 |
| 55 years | $110.70 |
| 65 years | $133.20 |
| 75 years | $240.00 |
| 85 years | $405.00 |
*Illustrated cost of visitor insurance for individuals of various age ranges seeking $100,000 in coverage for a single trip to Canada
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How to reduce the cost of your visitor insurance policy while travelling to Canada?
You can save on your visitor health insurance in Canada by adjusting your coverage and comparing providers wisely. Here are practical ways to cut costs without sacrificing protection:
- Increase your deductible amount to lower your monthly or daily visitor insurance premium significantly
- Choose a $100,000 emergency medical coverage plan if it satisfies your travel and visa requirements
- Buy your travel insurance policy online to take advantage of lower rates
- Avoid optional benefits like trip interruption, accidental death, or baggage loss coverage if you don't need them
- Compare multiple visitor insurance quotes from different Canadian providers to find the most cost-effective plan
- Purchase your insurance policy well in advance to lock in better rates and avoid last-minute price increases
Frequently asked questions
The cost of Canadian medical insurance for visitors depends on factors like age, coverage amount, trip duration, and pre-existing conditions. On average, plans start around $2 to $6 per day. Premiums are higher for older visitors or those with health concerns.
Yes, you can customize visitor health insurance plans in Canada to suit your travel needs, health conditions, and budget. Insurers let you choose the coverage amount, deductible, and policy duration. You can also add optional benefits like pre-existing condition coverage or trip interruption.
You should buy visitor insurance for Canada as soon as your travel dates are confirmed—ideally at least a few weeks before your departure. Early purchase ensures you're covered from the moment you arrive, giving you time to compare visitor insurance quotes and choose the right plan.
Some policies also offer better rates or coverage options when bought in advance, especially if you need coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
No, not all visitor insurance plans in Canada automatically cover emergency medical evacuation. Some basic policies exclude it or offer limited coverage. If you want additional coverage that includes air ambulance, repatriation, or transfer to a better-equipped hospital in a different province, you must choose a plan that includes this benefit.
Yes, you can get visitor insurance for parents with diabetes or high blood pressure, but the cost and coverage depend on their medical stability. Many Canadian insurers offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, provided the condition has been stable for a set period, usually 90 to 180 days.