Most policies can be extended up to one year of time in Canada, provided you are still in good health and do not have any prior or pending claims on the policy.

It depends on the pre-existing condition, and the terms and conditions of the policy. Cover pre-existing conditions as long as they have been stable for a certain period of time (120 days) before the effective date. Sometimes, pre-existing conditions will not be covered. It is important to read your entire policy to make sure you are aware of the definitions affecting coverage, as well as the possible exclusions that may apply.

1. be a visitor to Canada, a person with a Canadian work visa or super visa, an immigrant to Canada or a Canadian resident, who is not eligible for a provincial or territorial government health insurance plan in Canada;
2. be at least 15 days old on the date of purchase;
3. not have been diagnosed with a terminal illness; or not have been diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 cancer; or
4. not have been diagnosed with or have required medical treatment for kidney disease requiring dialysis; or
5. not have been diagnosed with or have had an episode of congestive heart failure;.or
6. not have had a lung condition for which, in the last 12 months, you have been prescribed or used home oxygen; or
7. not have received or is awaiting a bone marrow or major organ transplant.

It may be convenient, but it might be more expensive and it might not be the coverage you think you have. Once you take into account the annual fees that your credit card company will charge you to provide annual coverage, you'll probably be able to find a better travel insurance plan (higher coverage, better wording) for a lower cost. It is very important for you to read the coverage that you have through your credit card company to determine if it includes emergency medical insurance coverage.

Your policy may come with a deductible, or you may choose to obtain a policy without a deductible. The deductible amount that your policy has is the amount of expenses that you must pay (deduct from the bill) before the insurance company will begin to pay for expenses. The higher the deductible amount of your policy, the lower the premium you are asked to pay. If for example, you have chosen to lower your premium by choosing a $500 deductible, if you have a claim, you will need to pay the first $500 of expenses, and then the insurance company will cover the rest (of the eligible expenses).

1. If cancellation of your policy is requested prior to the effective date of your policy, the full premium will be refunded.
2. If termination of your policy is requested because you must return to your country of origin prior to your scheduled return date, a partial amount (less an administration fee of $40 per insurance policy) of the premium paid may be refunded, provided no claim has been incurred at any time during your trip

Even though the emergency medical coverage might not apply to an existing condition, your travel insurance will cover any new illnesses or accidental injuries.

No. There is no medical exam required prior to purchase. There may be some medical questions that are asked as a part of your online application.

In the Event of emergency or hospitalization, you must call Ontime Care Worldwide Inc. (OTC) immediately:

From Canada and U.S., call toll free 1-866-209-5804

From all other locations, call collect 905-707-9555

Your medical emergency coverage begins after your arrival in Canada. After that time, as long as the majority of your period of coverage is spent in Canada, you may be covered for during travel outside Canada. However, expenses incurred in your own country will not be covered.

Yes. Anyone can purchase a visitors insurance policy on behalf of someone coming to Canada. In fact, you should know that if a person is coming to Canada and you have sponsored their stay, you will be responsible for their medical bills if they cannot pay for them. So even if they don't want to pay for higher coverage, you might want to buy it for them anyway. 

• Visitors to Canada here on business or vacation
• Immigrants to Canada waiting for government health coverage approval
• Canadians who have returned to Canada and are not yet covered under a provincial health plan.