If your parents are coming to Ontario on a regular visitor visa or an eTA, visitor insurance for parents is one of the smartest things you can arrange before they arrive. Visitors aren’t covered by OHIP, so even a short hospital stay or an ambulance ride can lead to a large bill. This guide explains how visitor insurance works and what to compare.
Visitor insurance for parents vs. super visa insurance
Super visa insurance is required for a super visa application, and it must meet IRCC rules: at least $100,000 of coverage for at least one year. In contrast, visitor insurance for parents on a regular visitor visa isn’t mandatory. That means you can choose the length of the policy and the coverage amount that fit the trip, whether it’s three weeks or six months. For super visa applications, see our super visa insurance page.
What visitor insurance usually covers
Coverage depends on the plan, but most visitor insurance policies help with emergency medical costs such as:
- Emergency hospital stays and doctor visits
- Diagnostic tests and prescriptions related to an emergency
- Ambulance services
- Emergency dental care after an accident
- Return of the insured person to their home country if medically necessary
Visitor insurance is designed for emergencies. As a result, routine check-ups and ongoing treatment for existing conditions are usually not covered.
How to choose the right coverage amount
Policies are available with a range of coverage limits. For older parents, a higher limit gives more peace of mind, because the cost of a serious emergency can add up quickly. Meanwhile, think about how long they’ll stay, their age and their health, and whether they’ll travel outside Canada during the visit.
Pre-existing conditions and stability periods
Many parents have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Most plans only cover a pre-existing condition if it has been stable for a certain period before the policy starts, and the definition of “stable” differs between insurers. Therefore, it’s worth comparing these rules carefully and answering the health questions honestly.
Buy before they arrive
You can often buy visitor insurance after your parents arrive in Canada, but a waiting period usually applies before illness is covered. For that reason, buying before departure gives the best protection from day one.
Ask about refunds and extensions
Plans change. Before you buy, ask whether you can extend the policy if the visit gets longer, and whether you’ll get a refund for unused days if your parents return home early without making a claim.
Compare visitor insurance for parents with a licensed agent
We help Ontario families compare visitor insurance for parents from several Canadian insurers, including coverage limits, deductibles and pre-existing condition rules. Request a free quote or call (647) 770-2694. You can also verify any agent’s licence on the FSRA website.
This article is general information, not personal insurance, tax or legal advice. All coverage is subject to the insurer’s underwriting approval. Rajesh Vaghela is a licensed insurance agent in Ontario (licence no. 26245978) and an independent associate of World Financial Group (WFG).