Visitors to Canada and Newcomer Health Insurance
Family visiting from abroad, or new to Ontario and not yet covered by OHIP? We connect you with licensed advisors who find emergency medical coverage that fits the stay.
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Health Insurance for Visitors and Newcomers
Visitors to Canada are not covered by OHIP, and a single emergency room visit or hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars. Visitors to Canada insurance covers emergency medical care for people staying temporarily, from a two week family visit to a long stay.
Newcomers moving to Ontario have better news. Ontario has not applied its three month OHIP waiting period since 2020, so eligible permanent residents and many work permit holders can have coverage from arrival. But not everyone is eligible, and some newcomers still need private coverage.
Connect NowHow CommercialInsurance.ca works
We are not an insurer or an advisor. We find you the right one.
Matched by need
We connect you with an advisor who works with businesses and families like yours.
Licensed life and health advisors
Life and health insurance advisors in Ontario are licensed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
Fast follow up
Once we receive your information, a professional in our network will connect with you within 24 hours.
No cost to be matched
Our referral service is free. You deal directly with the advisor for quotes and coverage.
Who needs private coverage
These are the situations where private insurance usually matters.
Visiting family and friends
Visitors are not eligible for OHIP. Emergency medical coverage protects against hospital, doctor and ambulance costs during the stay.
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Parents and grandparents
Long stays on a super visa require compliant coverage. See our super visa insurance guide.
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Newcomers who do not qualify for OHIP
OHIP eligibility depends on your immigration status and residency. For example, work permit holders generally need a full time job with an Ontario employer for at least six months. Many international students are not eligible and use a school health plan.
Check your eligibility with ServiceOntario as soon as you arrive.
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Returning Canadians
Canadians returning to Ontario after living abroad may need to re-establish residency before OHIP applies. Short term private coverage can bridge the gap.
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What visitor coverage includes
Emergency medical care
Hospital stays, physician fees, diagnostic tests, prescriptions and ambulance for sudden illness or injury.
Repatriation
Returning the insured person home, or their remains, if needed.
Pre-existing conditions
Coverage for stable pre-existing conditions varies by policy and age. Read the stability definition carefully.
Visitors and Newcomers FAQs
Is there still a three month wait for OHIP?
Ontario has not applied the three month OHIP waiting period since 2020. Eligible newcomers can have coverage from arrival, but you still need to meet OHIP’s status and residency rules and register with ServiceOntario.
Are visitors to Canada covered by OHIP?
No. Visitors, including family members visiting from abroad, are not eligible for OHIP and should have private emergency medical insurance.
Do work permit holders get OHIP?
Many do if they work full time for an Ontario employer for at least six months and meet the residency rules. Their spouse and dependent children may also qualify.
Can I buy visitor insurance after my family arrives?
Often yes, but many policies apply a waiting period for illnesses that start after purchase when coverage is bought after arrival. Buying before the trip is best.
What to expect from a benefits advisor
A licensed advisor handles the details so you can make a clear decision.
1Discovery call
Share who needs coverage, what matters most and your budget. For businesses, bring your current plan and renewal if you have one.
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2Plan design
Your advisor recommends coverage levels and cost sharing that fit your needs, and explains the trade offs in plain language.
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3Compare insurers
Your advisor gathers quotes from multiple insurers and compares price, coverage and service side by side.
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4Enrol and support
Once you choose, your advisor handles the application and enrolment, and stays available for claims questions and renewals.
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