You've applied for OHIP and you're waiting for your health card to arrive. But what happens if you get sick during those 4-6 weeks? A single emergency room visit without insurance can cost $1,000 or more. A hospital stay? Easily $2,500 per day.
This is why temporary private health insurance isn't optional—it's essential. This guide compares the best coverage options for newcomers, international students, work permit holders, and visitors to help you choose the right plan without breaking the bank.
Why You Need Temporary Coverage (Even for Just 4-6 Weeks)
Many newcomers think, "I'm healthy, I'll take the risk." But consider these real costs in Ontario without insurance:
Emergency Room Visit:
- Basic ER visit: $600-$1,000
- ER with tests (X-rays, bloodwork): $1,500-$3,000
- ER requiring specialist: $2,000-$5,000+
Ambulance:
- Emergency ambulance: $240-$450
- Air ambulance: $5,000-$10,000+
Hospital Stay:
- Standard room: $1,000-$2,500 per day
- Intensive care: $3,000-$5,000 per day
- Surgery: $5,000-$20,000 depending on procedure
Prescription Medications:
- Antibiotics: $30-$100
- Chronic condition medications: $100-$500+ per month
- EpiPen: $100-$150 per dose
One medical emergency can cost more than a year of insurance premiums. Even if you're only waiting 4-6 weeks for OHIP, temporary coverage is worth it.
Best Private Health Insurance for Newcomers
1. Visitors to Canada Insurance
Best For: Permanent residents and returning Canadians waiting for OHIP
This is short-term emergency medical insurance designed for people visiting or temporarily residing in Canada.
What It Covers:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Emergency prescription drugs
- Ambulance services
- Emergency dental (accident-related)
- Medical evacuation (in some plans)
What It Doesn't Cover:
- Routine check-ups
- Pre-existing conditions (usually)
- Preventive care
- Non-emergency prescriptions
- Maternity care (unless specifically added)
Typical Cost:
- Ages 18-40: $50-$100/month
- Ages 41-60: $80-$150/month
- Ages 61+: $150-$300/month
- Children: $40-$80/month
Coverage Amounts: Most plans offer $50,000 to $300,000 in coverage, with some going up to $5 million for comprehensive plans.
2. University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
Best For: International students in Ontario universities
UHIP is mandatory health insurance for all international students and their dependents at Ontario universities who are not covered by OHIP.
What It Covers:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital services (emergency and inpatient)
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests)
- Medical exams
- Up to $1 million in primary healthcare services
- Similar coverage to OHIP for medically necessary services
What It Doesn't Cover:
- Routine dental care
- Routine eye care
- Prescription medications (outside hospital)
- Private or semi-private rooms
Cost:
- Annual UHIP fees: $600-$900 per student
- Usually included in tuition fees
- Automatically enrolled when you register for classes
Major Providers:
- Guard.me (serves many Ontario universities)
- Morcare
- University-specific plans
3. Travel Medical Insurance
Best For: Visitors, tourists, and those on short stays
What It Covers:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital care
- Ambulance
- Emergency dental
- Prescription drugs for emergencies
- Trip interruption due to medical emergency
Typical Cost:
- $2-$5 per day for younger travelers
- $5-$15 per day for seniors
- Can be purchased for 1 day to 365 days
Popular Providers:
- Allianz Global Assistance
- Manulife
- Blue Cross
- RBC Insurance
4. Super Visa Insurance
Best For: Parents and grandparents visiting Canada on a Super Visa
Super Visa holders are required by law to have health insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 valid for entire visa period.
Mandatory Requirements:
- Minimum $100,000 coverage
- Valid for at least 1 year
- Must be from a Canadian insurance company
- Emergency medical care coverage
- Hospitalization coverage
- Medical repatriation
Typical Cost:
- Ages 60-69: $1,500-$2,500/year
- Ages 70-79: $2,500-$4,500/year
- Ages 80+: $4,500-$7,000+/year
Top Providers:
- Manulife Financial
- Sun Life
- Desjardins Insurance
- Blue Cross
Top 5 Private Insurance Providers: Detailed Comparison
Manulife – Visitors to Canada Insurance
Coverage: $15,000 to $300,000 options Deductible Options: $0, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000
Pros:
- Established Canadian company with excellent reputation
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
- Direct billing to many Canadian hospitals and clinics
- Flexible coverage amounts
- Easy online claims process
Cons:
- Pre-existing conditions excluded
- Higher premiums for older applicants
- Some limitations on prescription drug coverage
Best For: Newcomers of all ages seeking reliable, comprehensive coverage
Monthly Cost Example (Age 35):
- $25,000 coverage: ~$60/month
- $100,000 coverage: ~$85/month
- $300,000 coverage: ~$120/month
Blue Cross – Visitors to Canada
Coverage: Up to $150,000 Plans: Basic and comprehensive options
Pros:
- Strong network across Canada
- Accepted at most clinics and hospitals
- Option to add coverage for pre-existing conditions (at higher cost)
- Good customer service in multiple languages
Cons:
- More expensive than some competitors
- Strict pre-existing condition exclusions in basic plans
- Some exclusions on dental coverage
Best For: Those wanting recognized brand name and extensive network
Monthly Cost Example (Age 40):
- $50,000 coverage: ~$70/month
- $100,000 coverage: ~$95/month
- $150,000 coverage: ~$130/month
Allianz Global Assistance
Coverage: $50,000 to $5,000,000 options Plans: Single trip and annual multi-trip
Pros:
- Very high coverage limits available
- Excellent emergency assistance services
- 24/7 multilingual support
- Trip cancellation coverage available
- Competitive rates for younger people
Cons:
- Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Some administrative hurdles with claims
- Must be purchased before arrival in Canada
Best For: Younger newcomers and those wanting very high coverage limits
Monthly Cost Example (Age 30):
- $100,000 coverage: ~$55/month
- $1,000,000 coverage: ~$90/month
- $5,000,000 coverage: ~$150/month
Guard.me – International Student Insurance
Coverage: Comprehensive student health plans Specialized: For international students
Pros:
- Specifically designed for students
- Covers study permit requirements
- Mental health support included
- Prescription drug coverage (with limits)
- Accepted at student health clinics
Cons:
- Only available to students
- Annual commitment required
- Limited customization options
Best For: International students seeking UHIP alternative (where allowed)
Annual Cost:
- $600-$900 per student
- Family coverage available
- Dental and vision add-ons available
Morcare – Student and Newcomer Insurance
Coverage: Student and temporary resident plans Flexibility: Monthly or annual options
Pros:
- Works with major universities
- Quick enrollment process
- Good prescription drug coverage
- Mental health benefits
- Travel coverage included
Cons:
- Must meet student or temporary resident criteria
- Some limits on specialist visits
- Dental coverage limited
Best For: Students and young professionals on work permits
Monthly Cost (Student):
- Basic plan: ~$60/month
- Comprehensive: ~$90/month
- With dental/vision: ~$120/month
How to Choose the Right Plan for You
For Permanent Residents Waiting for OHIP
Recommended Plan: Visitors to Canada Insurance Suggested Coverage: $100,000-$300,000 Duration: 1-3 months Budget: $80-$150/month
Look for:
- No waiting periods
- Emergency coverage
- Hospital and ambulance included
- Prescription drug coverage
- Direct billing to hospitals
Best Providers: Manulife, Blue Cross, Allianz
For International Students
Recommended Plan: UHIP or equivalent university plan Coverage: Mandatory $1 million+ Duration: Full academic year Budget: $600-$900/year (usually included in tuition)
Look for:
- Meets study permit requirements
- Doctor and hospital visits covered
- Diagnostic tests included
- Student
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