We know that international travel to Canada during the pandemic can be a challenge; not only do you have to make sure that you fulfill travel requirements from your home country, but you’ll also have to stay up-to-date on the Government of Canada’s travel restrictions. It’s best to check Canada’s travel restrictions regularly, as measures like mandatory testing and quarantine continuously evolve, in response to the ever-changing situation.

Canadian Visitor Visas & Permits

Whether you’re planning to come to Canada on a visitor visa (known as a “temporary resident visa”) or if you’re a parent or grandparent looking into a Super Visa, you’ll need to make sure your paperwork is in order. Don’t leave your research until the last minute! The pandemic has brought on many changes to travel policies and depending on your situation, it may have affected your ability to visit, work or study in Canada. Read about the criteria specific to your visitor's needs.

Tip: There are also resources for new immigrants to Canada who are waiting on their provincial healthcare to kick in. You might even be a Canadian ex-pat who’s returning home to Canada but aren’t eligible for provincial healthcare due to an extended leave.

10 Reasons to Choose TuGo’s Visitors to Canada Insurance

Even outside of a pandemic, it’s important for visitors like you to know that your medical insurance from your home country may not cover you for unexpected emergencies. In fact, the Government of Canada highly recommends that you have adequate travel insurance coverage during your stay since Canadian medical care can be costly if you aren’t a resident. You should arrive prepared for any unexpected mishaps or emergencies with travel insurance.

TuGo’s Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical Insurance is a comprehensive option that includes coverage for hospital care and emergency medical treatment for sickness or injury, doctor, ambulance, x-ray and diagnostic lab services, prescription medication and more—including 24/7 emergency assistance.

Enjoy these 10 benefits when you choose to protect yourself with TuGo’s Visitors to Canada Insurance:

1. COVID-19 coverage

You’ll be covered for COVID-19 related medical emergencies if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and test positive for and are diagnosed with COVID-19 while visiting Canada. However, there are two points to note before you buy:

• Mandatory COVID-19 tests (including any COVID-19 test taken to meet government requirements) aren’t covered, regardless of the test results.

• Coverage isn’t provided for COVID-19 if you travel outside of Canada when a Level 4 travel advisory is issued by the Canadian Government to “avoid all travel”.

Tip: If you need to get tested in Canada for COVID-19 and you’re staying in Vancouver, Nanaimo or Calgary, consider getting tested at CVM Medical, a Canadian-owned company providing accredited gold standard COVID-19 PCR testing. You’ll have your results within 48 hours!

2. Simple eligibility requirements

It’s quick and easy for travellers 59 or younger to qualify. Travellers 60 and older must take an easy-to-fill-out Medical Questionnaire.

3. Competitive pre-existing medical condition coverage

Even if you already have a stable pre-existing medical condition, we’ve got you covered, as long as you meet the policy’s stability requirements.

4. No waiting period

If your travel insurance is purchased before arriving in Canada, there’s no waiting period on sickness. However, if you didn’t buy coverage before arriving in Canada, you can still buy coverage once you get here:

• 48-hour waiting period on disease or illness if the policy is purchased within 60 days after arrival in Canada

• 7-day waiting period on disease or illness if policy is purchased 61 days or more after arrival in Canada

5. Coverage outside of Canada

You can enjoy coverage for worldwide travel, as long as the majority of your period of coverage is spent in Canada. To be covered for side trips outside of the country, you must have travelled to Canada first.

Note: Visiting your home country during your coverage period is allowed during the policy period, but expenses incurred in your home country won’t be covered.

6. Follow-up post-medical emergency visits

If you need to visit the doctor after an emergency medical treatment, you’re entitled to 5 follow-up visits, as long as they take place within 14 days of your initial emergency medical treatment.

7. 24-hour accident insurance

Get up to $25,000 coverage for death or dismemberment as a result of an accident.

8. Professional medical services

Up to $600 for anyone incident per licensed practitioner, including:

• Physiotherapists

• Chiropractors

• Chiropodists

• Osteopaths

• Podiatrists

• Optometrists

• Acupuncturists

9. Maternity benefit

You can be covered up to $6,000 for prenatal care and delivery, and/or complications from these.

10. Family & Friends plan

This special rate is available for up to 2 adults 59 and younger, travelling with up to 6 children. This is applicable to children up to age 21, if residing with their parents/guardians or up to age 25, if they’re full-time students. No age limit applies for children with cognitive, developmental or physical disabilities.

Did you know? Many sports and activities are covered under the Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical Insurance plan at no extra cost. If you want to be a little more adventurous and go backcountry skiing or snowboarding, mountaineering, or participate in white water sports, you might want to consider getting Sports & Activities Coverage.

Lastly, if you’re looking for additional coverage as a visitor, you can always add non-medical options like Baggage Insurance and Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption.

Safe travels,