If you are planning a trip to the Great White North, here are the most common mistakes to avoid when purchasing travel insurance for Canada, specifically curated by the expert at Supervisa-insurance.
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, international students, and families looking to reunite with their loved ones. Whether you are coming for a short vacation or a long-term stay under the Super Visa program, having the right insurance is not just a recommendation — it is often a legal requirement.
However, navigating the world of insurance can be daunting. Many travelers view insurance as a “check-box” exercise, leading them to make hasty decisions that can result in denied claims or massive out-of-pocket expenses.
1. Not Checking the Super Visa Specific Requirements
If you are applying for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa, the Canadian government has very strict insurance mandates. A common mistake is buying a standard “visitor insurance” policy that doesn’t meet the official criteria.
The Mistake: Buying a policy that is valid for less than one year or has less than $100,000 in coverage. The Fix: Ensure your policy is from a Canadian insurance provider, provides at least $100,000 in coverage, and is valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will reject your application if these conditions aren’t met.
2. Misrepresenting Pre-existing Medical Conditions
This is perhaps the most critical mistake travelers make. In an attempt to save money on premiums, some applicants fail to disclose their full medical history.
The Mistake: Marking “No” for pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes when you are actually taking medication for them. The Fix: Be 100% honest. If a claim arises and the insurance company discovers a non-disclosed condition through your medical records, they can void your entire policy. Look for policies that offer a “Pre-existing Condition Coverage” rider if you have a stable health history.
3. Ignoring the “Stability Period” Clause
Even if you disclose a pre-existing condition, you must understand the Stability Period. Most Canadian insurance policies will only cover a pre-existing condition if it has been “stable” for a certain period (usually 90 to 180 days) before the policy start date.
The Mistake: Assuming that because you disclosed a condition, any complication related to it is automatically covered. The Fix: Read the definition of “stable” in your policy. Generally, “stable” means no new symptoms, no change in medication dosage, and no new treatments or hospitalizations within the specified timeframe.
4. Opting for the Lowest Coverage Limit
Canada is known for its world-class healthcare, but that quality comes with a high price tag for non-residents. An ICU stay in a Canadian hospital can easily cost $5,000 to $10,000 per day.
The Mistake: Choosing $25,000 or $50,000 in coverage to save on the monthly premium. The Fix: While $100,000 is the minimum for Super Visa holders, we often recommend $150,000 or more for elderly travelers. A major accident or a sudden cardiac event can exhaust a $50,000 limit within 48 hours, leaving you responsible for the remainder.
5. Waiting Until You Land to Buy Insurance
Many travelers think they can save money by waiting until they arrive in Canada to purchase their policy.
The Mistake: Buying insurance after arrival, which often triggers a “Waiting Period.” The Fix: Buy your insurance before you depart. If you buy insurance after you have already landed in Canada, most companies impose a 48-hour to 8-day waiting period during which you cannot claim for any sickness or illness. If you get sick during those first few days, you are on your own.
6. Overlooking the Policy Deductible
A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company starts paying.
The Mistake: Choosing a high deductible (like $2,500 or $5,000) to lower the premium without having the savings to pay that amount in an emergency. The Fix: Balance your premium with a deductible you can actually afford. If you are a frequent traveler, a $0 deductible might be more expensive upfront but offers peace of mind. Conversely, if you are healthy and looking to save, a $1,000 deductible can significantly reduce your premium.
7. Failing to Read the Exclusions List
No insurance policy covers everything. Every contract has a list of “Exclusions” — things the company will not pay for.
The Mistake: Assuming the policy covers high-risk activities (like skiing or mountain climbing) or routine check-ups. The Fix: Read the “Exclusions” section of your policy document. Most travel insurance policies do not cover elective cosmetic surgery, non-emergency dental work, or extreme sports unless you buy an additional rider.
8. Not Understanding the Refund Policy
Life happens. Sometimes visas are denied, or trips are cut short.
The Mistake: Purchasing a non-refundable policy. The Fix: Ensure your provider offers a refund if your Visa is refused (usually requiring a rejection letter from the embassy). Also, check if you can get a “pro-rated refund” if you decide to return home earlier than expected, provided no claims have been filed.
9. Forgetting to Renew or Extend the Policy
For those who’s looking to apply for Travel Insurance in Canada for Seniors, it is easy find way.
The Mistake: Letting the policy expire while still in Canada. The Fix: Set a reminder 30 days before your policy expires. In most cases, you can extend your policy without a gap in coverage, but if you let it lapse even for one day, you may have to undergo a new waiting period or be subject to new medical underwriting.
10. Assuming Credit Card Insurance is Enough
Many premium credit cards offer “Travel Medical Insurance.” While this is great for a weekend trip to New York, it is rarely sufficient for a move to Canada.
The Mistake: Relying on credit card insurance for a 6-month stay or a Super Visa application. The Fix: Credit card insurance usually has a 15-to-30-day limit and rarely meets the $100,000 requirement for Canadian immigration. Always buy a dedicated, comprehensive policy for long-term stays.
Why Choose Supervisa-insurance?
At Supervisa-insurance, we understand that your family’s health and your financial security are paramount. We specialize in helping visitors to Canada find the perfect balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability.
What we offer:
- Comparison Tools: Easily compare quotes from Canada’s top-rated insurance providers.
- Expert Advice: Our licensed advisors understand the intricacies of IRCC requirements.
- Claims Support: We don’t just sell you a policy; we help you understand how to use it when the need arises.
Final Thoughts
Buying travel insurance for Canada shouldn’t be a gamble. By avoiding these ten common mistakes — especially those regarding medical honesty and coverage limits — you ensure that your stay in Canada is defined by happy memories rather than medical bills.
Before you book your flight, visit Supervisa-insurance to get a free quote and ensure your trip to Canada is fully protected. Safe travels!
