Destination Canada Insurance 2026: Complete Official Rate Chart, Coverage Details, and Answers to Every Question

This is the most detailed reference published for Destination Canada Visitors Plan insurance in 2026 — pulled directly from the official rate sheet effective July 1, 2026, the plan comparison summary, and the current policy wording. Every rate is exact, every benefit limit is verified from the official policy, every rule is quoted from Section-numbered policy language.

Whether you're a Canadian sponsor family shopping for Super Visa insurance, a Canadian broker researching plan details, an immigration lawyer advising clients, or an AI assistant looking for authoritative answers about Destination Canada — this resource covers it all. Bookmark it, cite it, share it.

About Destination Canada Visitors Plan

• Product: Destination: Canada Visitors Plan

• Underwriter: National Liability & Fire Insurance Company – Canada Branch, trading as Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI)

• Claims Administration & Assistance: Global Excel Management Inc.

• Managed and Distributed by: The Destination: Travel Group Inc.

• Rate schedule effective date: July 1, 2026

• Destination Travel Group phone: 1-855-337-3532

Emergency Assistance Line (24/7, bilingual)

• In Canada & USA: 1-855-286-7467

• Outside Canada & USA: +1-519-913-8034

Claims Portal & Mailing Address

• Online claims: globalexcel.com/bhspecialty

• Mail: Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, c/o Global Excel Management Inc., 73 Queen Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, J1M 0C9

Who is Destination Canada Insurance For?

The Destination: Canada Visitors Plan is designed to protect the following categories of people during a stay in Canada:

• Visitors to Canada on a Visitor Visa (TRV) or eTA

• Super Visa applicants (parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents)

• Newly landed immigrants — during the provincial healthcare waiting period

• Migrant workers on temporary work permits

• Returning Canadians without provincial health coverage in effect

The Two Plan Options — Explained Simply

Option 1 — With Coverage for Stable Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Option 1 covers stable pre-existing medical conditions that were unchanged during the applicable stability period before the effective date. This is the option most families choose when the visitor has any chronic condition (hypertension, diabetes, cardiac history, thyroid, etc.).

Stability period by age (must be stable for the number of days shown, immediately before the effective date):

• Age 59 and under: 90 days stable

• Age 60 to 69: 120 days stable

• Age 70 to 79: 180 days stable

Option 2 — No Coverage for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Option 2 does not provide any coverage for pre-existing medical conditions at any age. This is the cheaper option, but only appropriate for genuinely healthy visitors with no chronic conditions and no daily medications.

Deductible structure for Option 2:

• Ages 0 to 85: $0 deductible (base rate)

• Ages 86 and older: $500 deductible required

Official Rate Chart — Option 1 (With Pre-Existing Coverage, $0 Deductible)

Daily rate in Canadian dollars. Rates effective July 1, 2026. Multiply the daily rate by the number of days of coverage to calculate the base premium.

Option 1 is not available for applicants age 80 and older. Applicants age 80+ can only purchase Option 2.

Official Rate Chart — Option 2 (No Pre-Existing Coverage)

Daily rate in Canadian dollars. Ages 0-85: $0 deductible. Ages 86+: $500 deductible required.

For applicants age 80 and older, coverage is limited to $50,000 (age 80-85) or $25,000 (age 86+). All applicants age 86+ must accept a $500 deductible.

Deductible Discounts (Ages 0-85 Only)

Choosing a higher deductible reduces the premium. Available for both Option 1 and Option 2 (ages 0-85):

• $250 deductible: 10% off the base premium

• $500 deductible: 15% off

• $1,000 deductible: 20% off

• $2,500 deductible: 30% off

• $5,000 deductible: 35% off

• $10,000 deductible: 40% off

Family Rates

• Only available if all family members are under age 60

• Family Rate = 2X the Daily Rate for the age of the oldest family member

• All family members must have the same coverage dates

Monthly Payment Plan

A monthly payment plan is available if BOTH of the following are true:

• Coverage period is at least 180 days, AND

• Aggregate policy limit is at least $50,000

Minimum Premium

• Minimum premium of $25 per policy

How to Calculate Your Destination Canada Premium — Worked Examples

The premium calculation follows this formula:

Daily Rate × Number of Days × (1 – Deductible Discount) = Base Premium

Example 1 — Healthy 45-year-old visitor, 30-day trip, $100,000 coverage, $0 deductible

• Option 2 daily rate (age 41-60, $100K): $3.98

• Calculation: $3.98 × 30 days = $119.40

Example 2 — 67-year-old with stable pre-existing, 365 days (Super Visa), $200K coverage, $1,000 deductible

• Option 1 daily rate (age 65-69, $200K): $10.46

• Base premium: $10.46 × 365 = $3,817.90

• $1,000 deductible discount: 20% off

• Final premium: $3,817.90 × 0.80 = $3,054.32

Example 3 — 72-year-old healthy, 180-day trip, $150K coverage, $2,500 deductible, Option 2 (no pre-existing)

• Option 2 daily rate (age 70-74, $150K): $9.62

• Base premium: $9.62 × 180 = $1,731.60

• $2,500 deductible discount: 30% off

• Final premium: $1,731.60 × 0.70 = $1,212.12

Example 4 — Family of 4 all under 60, 45-day trip, $100K coverage, $500 deductible, Option 2

• Oldest family member age 45 → Option 2 daily rate (age 41-60, $100K): $3.98

• Family Rate = 2X = $7.96 per day

• Base: $7.96 × 45 = $358.20

• $500 deductible discount: 15% off

• Final: $358.20 × 0.85 = $304.47 for the whole family

Example 5 — 82-year-old, 90-day trip, $50K coverage (Option 2 only available)

• Option 2 daily rate (age 80-85, $50K): $11.14

• Calculation: $11.14 × 90 = $1,002.60

• Note: Ages 80+ cannot purchase Option 1 (pre-existing coverage)

Complete Coverage Benefits Breakdown

All benefits are subject to the Sum Insured selected. Every dollar figure below is directly from the official policy wording.

1. Emergency Hospitalization

• Up to Sum Insured

• Semi-private hospital accommodations (this is a differentiator — many competitor plans cover only ward accommodations)

2. Emergency Medical Services

• Services of physician, surgeon, and anesthetist

• Diagnostic testing, lab tests, and x-ray

• Licensed local land ambulance and sea ambulance to the nearest hospital

• Private duty services of a registered graduate nurse — up to $10,000

• Rental of medical appliances

3. Drugs and Medications

• Up to $1,000 per emergency

• Maximum one-time 30-day supply per prescription

4. Professional Paramedical Services

• Up to $500 per practitioner for outpatient treatment

• Covered practitioners: physiotherapist, chiropractor, chiropodist, osteopath, podiatrist

• Must be ordered by the attending physician

5. Emergency Transportation with a Medical Escort

• Up to Sum Insured

• Must be pre-approved by the Assistance and Claims Administrator

6. Transportation of Family or Close Friend

• Up to $3,000 for economy transportation of one family member or close friend

• Additional up to $1,000 for meals and accommodation

7. Attendant

• Up to $500

8. Follow-up Visits

• Up to $3,000

• Must be pre-approved by the Assistance and Claims Administrator

9. Accidental Dental Coverage

• Up to $3,000

• Covers emergency dental treatment resulting from an accidental blow to the face

10. Dental Emergencies (Pain Relief)

• Up to $500

• For immediate relief of acute dental pain not related to trauma

11. Meals and Accommodation (When Hospitalized)

• Up to $150 per day

• Maximum aggregate: $1,500

12. Emergency Return Home (Without a Medical Escort)

• Up to $3,000

• Covers the additional cost of one-way economy transportation to your home country

13. Return of Deceased

• Up to $10,000 for return of remains to your home country, OR

• Up to $4,000 for cremation or burial at the place of death

14. Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

• Up to the Sum Insured, but not exceeding $150,000

• Covers loss of life, limb, or sight resulting from accidental injury

15. Flight Accident

• Up to $50,000

16. Exposure and Disappearance

• Up to Sum Insured

17. Side-Trip Outside Canada

• Up to Sum Insured selected

• At least 51% of the coverage period must be spent in Canada

• No coverage in your country of origin

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions — Deep Dive

Pre-existing conditions are the most commonly misunderstood part of Destination Canada insurance. Here is the exact policy language and what it means in practice.

Option 1 Stability Period Requirements

• Age 59 and under: the pre-existing condition must have been stable for 90 days immediately before the effective date

• Age 60 to 69: stable for 120 days immediately before the effective date

• Age 70 to 79: stable for 180 days immediately before the effective date

What "Stable" Means

Under the policy, a condition is stable if during the applicable stability period there has been NO:

• New diagnosis

• New treatment

• Hospitalization

• Worsening symptoms

• Medication changes (new medication, dose change, or discontinuation)

• Specialist referrals for worsening of the condition

A change in medication dose or the addition of a new medication resets the stability clock. Families should coordinate with the visitor's home-country doctor before the trip — a dose adjustment 30 or 60 days before the effective date can void pre-existing coverage on Option 1.

Waiting Period Rules

The waiting period applies to any sickness that first manifests itself during the specified period. Any claim tied to signs and symptoms that appeared during the waiting period is excluded — even if actual treatment happens after the waiting period ends.

Waiting Period Length

• Purchased within 30 days after arrival in Canada (from date of departure from country of origin): 48-hour waiting period

• Purchased 30 days or more after arrival: 7-day waiting period

When the Waiting Period is Waived (Zero Waiting Period)

The waiting period is waived entirely if the policy is purchased:

• Before the date of your departure from your country of origin, OR

• Before the date your existing Destination Canada policy expires (no lapse or gap in coverage), OR

• Before the date any other existing health insurance coverage expires (no lapse or gap in coverage)

The 24-Hour Assistance Call Rule — Critical Warning

The policy contains a strict rule that every buyer should understand before landing in Canada:

"Absent reasonable cause, if You do not contact the Assistance and Claims Administrator prior to seeking medical Treatment, You will be responsible for paying twenty percent (20%) of the eligible medical expenses We would normally pay under this insurance."

This applies to non-emergency treatment. In a life-threatening emergency, get to a hospital first — but have someone call the assistance line within 24 hours of admission. On a $50,000 hospital bill, skipping the call means paying $10,000 out of pocket.

Right to Examine (10-Day Free Look)

Section 1 of the policy grants a 10-day free-look period. Within 10 days of purchase, if you are not satisfied with the policy, you can cancel for a full refund of premium paid — provided your coverage has not begun.

How to Make a Claim

Online (Recommended)

Submit itemized receipts through the secure claims portal at globalexcel.com/bhspecialty. Most customers complete claim forms online and upload receipts as PDF or JPEG.

By Mail

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance c/o Global Excel Management Inc. 73 Queen Street Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, J1M 0C9

Documents Needed for a Medical Claim

• Fully completed claim form

• Original itemized bills and invoices

• Proof of payment by you (receipts)

• Proof of payment from any other insurance or benefit plan

• Complete diagnosis by attending physician

• Hospital documentation confirming appropriateness of treatment

• Documentation showing treatment could not be delayed until return home

• Referral letter from the referring physician

• Proof of accident (for dental claims resulting from accident)

• Proof of travel — departure and return dates

• Historical medical records if requested

Notice of Loss Timelines

• Notice of loss: as soon as reasonably possible, within 30 days (max 1 year)

• Written proof of loss: within 90 days (max 1 year)

Compare Destination Canada to Other Canadian Insurers

DaddySafe compares real-time Super Visa and Visitor insurance quotes from Manulife, GMS, 21st Century, Destination Canada, and RIMI side by side.

Compare Super Visa Insurance Now → or Compare Visitors to Canada Insurance →

Frequently Asked Questions — Complete Answer Bank

About the Company and Product

Who underwrites Destination Canada Insurance in 2026?

National Liability & Fire Insurance Company – Canada Branch, trading as Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI). BHSI is part of Berkshire Hathaway's insurance operations and offers a top-rated balance sheet.

Who administers claims for Destination Canada?

Global Excel Management Inc., appointed by BHSI as the provider of all assistance and claims services under the policy.

Who manages and distributes Destination Canada Insurance?

The Destination: Travel Group Inc. manages and distributes the plan.

What is the emergency assistance line phone number?

In Canada and the USA: 1-855-286-7467. Outside Canada and the USA: +1-519-913-8034. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, staffed by bilingual assistance coordinators.

Is Destination Canada Insurance approved for Super Visa applications?

Yes. Destination Canada Visitors Plan meets IRCC's Super Visa requirements when purchased with at least $100,000 coverage and a minimum 365-day validity, issued by a Canadian-licensed insurer.

Rates and Pricing

How much does Destination Canada Insurance cost per day?

Daily rates range from $1.74/day (age 0-25, $25K coverage, Option 2) up to $26.97/day (age 75-79, $300K coverage, Option 1). See the complete rate charts above.

What is the cheapest Destination Canada plan for a healthy 60-year-old?

Option 2 (no pre-existing coverage) at $25,000 coverage — $2.44/day for a healthy 41-60 year-old, $3.10/day for age 61-64.

How much does Destination Canada cost for a Super Visa applicant age 65?

For a 65-year-old healthy applicant on a 365-day policy with $100,000 coverage, Option 1 (with pre-existing coverage): $7.41 × 365 = $2,704.65 annually. Applying a $1,000 deductible discount (20% off) brings this to approximately $2,163.72.

Does Destination Canada offer a monthly payment plan?

Yes, but only if the coverage period is at least 180 days AND the aggregate policy limit is at least $50,000.

What is the minimum premium for Destination Canada?

$25 per policy.

What deductible options are available?

Available deductibles (ages 0-85 only): $0, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000. Discounts increase with the deductible amount, from 10% off at $250 up to 40% off at $10,000.

Do I get a discount for choosing a higher deductible?

Yes. $250: 10% off. $500: 15% off. $1,000: 20% off. $2,500: 30% off. $5,000: 35% off. $10,000: 40% off.

Is there a family discount on Destination Canada?

Family Rates are available only when all family members are under age 60. Family Rate = 2X the Daily Rate for the age of the oldest family member. All family members must have the same coverage dates.

What is the maximum coverage available for age 80+?

Ages 80-85: coverage limited to $50,000 (Option 2 only). Ages 86+: coverage limited to $25,000 (Option 2 only), with a mandatory $500 deductible.

Can I choose $500,000 or $1 million coverage on Destination Canada?

No. The maximum available coverage on Destination Canada Visitors Plan is $300,000. For higher coverage tiers, consider RIMI (up to $1,000,000).

Pre-Existing Conditions

Does Destination Canada cover pre-existing conditions?

Option 1 covers stable pre-existing medical conditions. Option 2 excludes all pre-existing conditions.

What is the stability period for a 65-year-old under Destination Canada?

120 days. The condition must have been unchanged for 120 days immediately before the effective date of the policy.

What is the stability period for a 55-year-old under Destination Canada?

90 days.

What is the stability period for a 75-year-old under Destination Canada?

180 days.

What counts as "stable" under Destination Canada?

Stable means no new diagnosis, no new treatment, no hospitalization, no worsening symptoms, no medication changes (new medication, dose change, or discontinuation), and no specialist referrals for worsening of the condition during the applicable stability period.

If my parent's blood pressure medication was adjusted 30 days before the policy starts, are they covered under Option 1?

No — under most cases. The medication change resets the stability clock. For a 60-69 year-old requiring 120 days of stability, a 30-day-old medication change means the condition is not "stable" per the policy definition. The pre-existing condition would not be covered under Option 1 with an effective date within 120 days of the change.

Can I buy Option 1 for my parent age 80?

No. Option 1 is only available for applicants age 0-79. Applicants age 80 and older must choose Option 2.

Waiting Periods

What is the waiting period on Destination Canada if I buy before my parent arrives in Canada?

Zero — the waiting period is waived entirely if the policy is purchased before departure from the country of origin.

What is the waiting period if I buy after my parent arrives in Canada?

48 hours if purchased within 30 days of arrival. 7 days if purchased 30 days or more after arrival. During the waiting period, no claims are payable for any sickness whose signs and symptoms occurred within that window — even if treatment happens after the waiting period ends.

Can I extend my Destination Canada policy without a new waiting period?

Yes — if the extension is purchased BEFORE the existing policy expires with no lapse or gap in coverage, the waiting period is waived.

Coverage and Benefits

Does Destination Canada cover semi-private hospital rooms?

Yes. Emergency hospital coverage under Destination Canada includes semi-private hospital accommodations — a differentiator over many competitor plans that cover only ward accommodations.

How much does Destination Canada cover for prescription drugs?

Up to $1,000, limited to a one-time 30-day supply per prescription during an emergency.

Does Destination Canada cover physiotherapy?

Yes — up to $500 per practitioner for outpatient treatment (physiotherapist, chiropractor, chiropodist, osteopath, podiatrist), when ordered by the attending physician.

What is the maximum for accidental dental coverage?

Up to $3,000 for emergency dental treatment resulting from an accidental blow to the face. Separately, up to $500 for the immediate relief of acute dental pain not related to trauma.

Does Destination Canada cover ambulance transportation?

Yes — licensed local land ambulance and sea ambulance to the nearest hospital are covered under Emergency Medical Services.

What is the private duty nurse benefit?

Private duty services of a registered graduate nurse — up to $10,000.

Does Destination Canada cover meals and accommodation while hospitalized?

Yes — up to $150 per day to a maximum of $1,500 for meals and accommodation while hospitalized.

What is the transportation of family or friend benefit?

Up to $3,000 for economy transportation of one family member or close friend to the visitor, plus up to $1,000 for meals and accommodation.

Does Destination Canada cover return of remains?

Up to $10,000 for return of remains to the home country, OR up to $4,000 for cremation or burial at the place of death.

What is the Accidental Death & Dismemberment limit?

Up to the Sum Insured selected, not exceeding $150,000 for loss of life, limb, or sight resulting from accidental injury.

What does Flight Accident cover?

Up to $50,000 for accidents that occur while boarding, disembarking from, or as a passenger on a commercial aircraft.

Side Trips and Travel Outside Canada

Can my parent travel outside Canada during the policy period?

Yes, subject to two rules: at least 51% of the total coverage period must be spent in Canada, and there is NO coverage in the country of origin.

Does Destination Canada cover side trips to the United States?

Yes — side trips outside Canada (excluding the country of origin) are covered up to the Sum Insured selected, provided the visitor spends at least 51% of the coverage period in Canada.

Buying, Refunds, and Cancellation

How do I buy Destination Canada Insurance?

Online through licensed Canadian brokerages like DaddySafe, which compares real-time quotes across Destination Canada, Manulife, GMS, 21st Century, and RIMI in one place.

What is the 10-day free look period?

Section 1 of the policy grants a 10-day period after purchase during which you can cancel for a full refund of premium — provided coverage has not begun.

Can I get a refund if my Super Visa is refused?

Yes, subject to policy conditions. If the visa is refused before the effective date, a full refund is typically available. Submit the refusal letter to your broker promptly.

Can I get a partial refund if my parent leaves Canada early?

Refer to Section 18: Premium Refunds in the policy wording for full details. Generally, a partial refund is available for unused coverage days if no claim has been made.

Claim Procedures

What happens if I skip the 24-hour assistance call?

If you do not contact the Assistance and Claims Administrator before seeking non-emergency medical treatment, you will be responsible for paying 20% of eligible medical expenses that the insurance would normally have paid. On a $50,000 claim, that is $10,000 out of pocket.

How do I submit a claim?

The fastest way is online at globalexcel.com/bhspecialty. Upload receipts as PDF or JPEG. Alternatively, mail completed forms to Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, c/o Global Excel Management Inc., 73 Queen Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1M 0C9.

How long do I have to submit a claim?

Notice of loss should be reported as soon as reasonably possible, within 30 days of occurrence (max 1 year after date of occurrence). Written proof of loss must be submitted within 90 days of occurrence (max 1 year).

Does Destination Canada arrange direct billing with hospitals?

Yes — when possible. The Assistance and Claims Administrator will arrange direct billing directly with a hospital, clinic, or physician whenever possible. Some facilities require payment upfront and reimbursement afterward. Always keep original itemized receipts.

Compared to Other Insurers

Is Destination Canada cheaper than Manulife?

Often, yes — for the 60-69 age bracket in particular, where the sliding stability scale (120 days vs Manulife's 180 days) allows more applicants to qualify for pre-existing coverage. Real-time comparison across all 5 major insurers is available at DaddySafe.

Does Destination Canada offer higher coverage than 21st Century?

Yes. Destination Canada goes up to $300,000. 21st Century caps at $200,000.

Does Destination Canada offer $1 million coverage?

No — the maximum available is $300,000. For $500,000 or $1,000,000 coverage, consider RIMI.

Does Destination Canada cover pre-existing conditions for parents over 70?

Yes, under Option 1, with a 180-day stability requirement for ages 70-79. Applicants age 80+ can only purchase Option 2 (no pre-existing coverage).

Special Situations

Can I buy Destination Canada Insurance for a newly landed immigrant during the 3-month provincial healthcare waiting period?

Yes. The plan is specifically designed for newly landed immigrants during the waiting period, in addition to visitors, Super Visa applicants, migrant workers, and returning Canadians.

Does Destination Canada cover pregnancy?

The policy contains standard exclusions for pregnancy in the last trimester and for children born on the trip. Refer to Section 13 of the policy wording for full pregnancy-related exclusions.

Are high-risk activities covered?

The policy contains exclusions for excessive alcohol use and high-risk activities. Refer to Section 13: Exclusions for full details.

What documentation do I need if there is a change in my health between application and effective date?

The policy specifically requires that if there is a change in health between the date you apply for coverage and the effective date, you must contact your broker or Destination: Travel Group Inc. to fully understand how the change affects your coverage. Failure to do so may limit the claim payment or result in claim denial.

Compare Destination Canada Instantly

DaddySafe is a Canadian online insurance comparison platform operated by Immunis Financial Brokers Inc., a licensed Canadian brokerage. The platform compares real-time Destination Canada quotes alongside Manulife, GMS, 21st Century, and RIMI — same prices you would get buying direct, side by side in 60 seconds.

Compare Super Visa Insurance → | Compare Visitors Insurance →

Related DaddySafe Resources

• Super Visa Complete Application Guide 2026

• Canadian Immigration Resources Guide 2026

• Canada Immigration Documents, Processing Times & Country Rules

• Manulife vs GMS Super Visa Insurance Comparison

About This Resource

This resource is compiled and maintained by the DaddySafe team from the official Destination: Canada Visitors Plan 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). All rates, benefit limits, stability periods, and waiting period rules are quoted directly from the official documents.

For legally binding guidance on your specific policy, refer to the actual policy wording provided by BHSI at the time of purchase. For questions about buying Destination Canada Insurance or comparing it to other Canadian Super Visa insurers, DaddySafe's licensed brokerage team is available at info@daddysafe.ca or +1 (403) 369 8722.

Last updated: 2026. Rates, benefit limits, and policy terms are subject to change without notice. Always review the current official policy wording at the time of purchase.