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Choosing the right travel insurance for visitor to Canada is more than just a box to tick on your pre-travel checklist — it is a vital financial safety net. Canada is known for its world-class healthcare, but what many visitors don’t realize is that these services are only free for Canadian residents. For a visitor to Canada, a single trip to the emergency room or an unexpected illness can lead to medical bills totaling thousands of dollars.
At Punjab Insurance Calgary, we specialize in helping families protect their loved ones with comprehensive and affordable insurance solutions. Here is everything you need to know about choosing the best policy for your upcoming trip.
Why You Need Visitor to Canada Travel InsuranceWhether you are coming for a short vacation or a long-term family reunion, the risks of traveling without coverage are high. Canadian hospitals often charge non-residents upwards of $3,000 to $5,000 per day for a standard stay, and specialized care can cost significantly more.
Visitor to Canada travel insurance is designed to cover:
- Emergency Medical Expenses: Hospitalization, surgeon fees, and diagnostic tests.
- Prescription Drugs: Essential medications required during an emergency.
- Emergency Dental: Pain relief for dental accidents or infections.
- Repatriation: The cost of returning to your home country for further medical care or in the event of a tragedy.
Selecting the “best” insurance depends on your specific needs, age, and health status. Here are the top factors to consider when comparing plans:
1. Coverage LimitsMost policies offer coverage ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. While $50,000 might seem like a lot, a major surgery or a prolonged hospital stay can quickly exceed that amount. For peace of mind, most experts recommend a minimum of $100,000, which is also the mandatory requirement for Super Visa applicants.
2. Pre-Existing Medical ConditionsIf the traveler has a history of health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, it is crucial to find a policy that covers stable pre-existing conditions. “Stable” usually means there have been no changes in medication, new symptoms, or hospitalizations for a specific period (typically 90 to 180 days) before the policy starts.
3. Deductibles and CostsA deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible (e.g., $1,000 or $2,500) can significantly lower your premium. However, at Punjab Insurance Calgary, we often suggest a $0 deductible for seniors to ensure they don’t face upfront costs during a stressful medical event.
4. Policy Flexibility and RefundsTravel plans change. Look for a provider that offers:
- Full Refunds: If the visa is denied.
- Pro-rated Refunds: If the visitor decides to return home earlier than planned (provided no claims have been made).
- Easy Extensions: If your loved one decides to stay in Canada longer.
If you buy travel insurance visitor to Canada after you have already arrived, there is usually a “waiting period” (often 48 hours to 7 days) during which illness is not covered. It is always best to purchase your policy before the traveler leaves their home country to ensure coverage starts the moment they land.
Why Choose Punjab Insurance Calgary?We understand the unique needs of the South Asian community and the complexities of the Canadian insurance market. Our team at Punjab Insurance doesn’t just sell you a policy; we help you navigate the fine print.
- Multilingual Support: We speak your language (Punjabi, Hindi, and English), making it easier to explain complex medical terms and policy exclusions.
- Local Expertise: Being based in Calgary, we understand the local healthcare landscape and can provide personalized advice for families in Alberta and across Canada.
Don’t let an unexpected medical bill turn a happy family visit into a financial burden. Choosing the right travel insurance for visitor to Canada ensures that your focus remains on making memories, not worrying about “what ifs.”
