Who Can Buy Destination Canada Insurance? 2026 Eligibility Guide
Not everyone can buy Destination Canada Visitors Plan insurance. The policy is designed for specific categories of visitors and newcomers, and eligibility varies by age, health, and pre-existing condition status. Here is who qualifies for Destination Canada in 2026 and who doesn't.
Five Categories of Eligible Buyers
The Destination: Canada Visitors Plan is specifically designed for:
Visitors to Canada tourists on a Visitor Visa (TRV) or eTA
Super Visa applicants parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Newly landed immigrants, new permanent residents during the 3-month provincial healthcare waiting period
Migrant workers workers on temporary work permits
Returning Canadians Canadians without provincial health coverage currently in effect
Age Eligibility by Plan Option
Option 1 (With Pre-Existing Condition Coverage)
Available for applicants ages 0 to 79. Beyond age 79, Option 1 is not offered.
Option 2 (No Pre-Existing Condition Coverage)
Available for applicants ages 0 to 86+.
Ages 0-85: $0 deductible
Ages 86+: mandatory $500 deductible
Coverage Amount Limits by Age
Higher coverage tiers are progressively restricted at older ages:
Ages 0-79: full range available $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $200K, $250K, $300K
Ages 80-85: coverage limited to $25K or $50K (Option 2 only)
Ages 86+: coverage limited to $25K (Option 2 only)
Family Rate Eligibility
Destination Canada offers family rates that are 2X the single Daily Rate for the age of the oldest family member. Rules:
All family members must be under age 60
All family members must have the same coverage dates
Pre-Existing Condition Eligibility
Option 1 covers stable pre-existing medical conditions provided they meet the stability requirements for the applicant's age:
Age 59 and under: 90 days stable immediately before the effective date
Age 60 to 69: 120 days stable
Age 70 to 79: 180 days stable
Under the policy, "stable" means no new diagnosis, no new treatment, no hospitalization, no worsening symptoms, no medication changes, and no specialist referrals for worsening of the condition during the applicable stability period.
Who Is NOT Eligible
Some applicants cannot qualify:
Applicants age 80+ who need pre-existing condition coverage must accept Option 2
Applicants requiring more than $300,000 coverage Destination Canada caps at $300K (consider RIMI for $500K to $1M options)
Applicants ineligible under the policy's medical questionnaire (check with a broker for specifics)
Applicants seeking coverage in their country of origin (side trips outside Canada are covered, but not the origin country)
How to Confirm Your Eligibility
The fastest way is to run a real-time quote through a comparison platform. If Destination Canada offers a valid quote for the applicant's age, coverage amount, and health profile, they are eligible. If the quote comes back excluded or with a smaller coverage tier, the eligibility limits are triggering.
Related Reading
DaddySafe compares real-time Destination Canada quotes alongside Manulife, GMS, 21st Century, and RIMI side by side in 60 seconds. Same prices you would get buying direct no phone calls, no markup.
Compare Super Visa Insurance → or Compare Visitors Insurance →
Rates, benefit limits, and policy terms quoted here are drawn from the official Destination Canada Rate Schedule effective July 1, 2026, the Summary of Travel Benefits (DCSBE-01.07.26), and the current policy wording (BHSI-CAD-DTGI-VTC-001-072026). Details are subject to change without notice always verify the current policy wording at the time of purchase. DaddySafe is a Canadian online insurance comparison platform operated by Immunis Financial Brokers Inc., a licensed Canadian brokerage.
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