Last Updated:September 15, 2026
Supervised by Yuki Shiraishi (Immigration Consultant)
About Getting Insurance in Canada
When staying in Canada, differences in environment and climate bring the risk of unexpected accidents or illness. Medical costs abroad are often extremely high, so getting insurance is essential. Many educational institutions require students to enrol in medical insurance upon admission, and insurance is also required when applying for a working holiday visa.
For example, if you stay in British Columbia for 6 months or more on a study permit, you are required to enrol in MSP, the provincial medical insurance program. The monthly premium is 75 Canadian dollars, and there is a waiting period of about 3 months before enrolment is complete. During this period you need to have other insurance.
Both short-term and long-term visitors are recommended to have Japanese overseas travel insurance or local medical insurance. This page presents medical insurance options from a Canadian insurance company that you can apply for from inside or outside Canada. Unlike overseas travel insurance, these plans do not cover accidents on the plane or damage to or theft of baggage, but the premiums are lower as a result.
Features of Bridges Int’l Insurance Services
You Can Apply from Japan
You can start your coverage to match the day you arrive in Canada. You can also add, as an optional coverage, trip change costs in case you suddenly need to return home because a family member in Japan becomes ill. This insurance can be applied for from Japan, Canada, or anywhere in the world.
Support from Japanese Staff
Licensed Japanese insurance staff work there full-time, so you can easily consult them in Japanese about any questions regarding insurance. They also provide support with the claims process if an accident such as an injury occurs.
Excellent Coverage Unique to North America
In North America, the insurance market is more liberalized than in Japan, and excellent insurance products are developed through competition.
Types of Insurance Plans
Allianz Global Assistance (Visitor Insurance)
Available to travellers to Canada, working holiday participants, visitor visa holders, and those with immigration applications in progress.
| Eligibility | Those staying on a working holiday, study permit or tourist visa *Those in the waiting period for MSP (BC’s medical insurance) can also enrol |
|---|---|
| Premium | Minimum premium: $20 |
| Coverage Limit | Choose from $25,000, $50,000, $100,000 or $500,000. |
| Enrolment | For details, click here |
Tugo (International Student Insurance)
Anyone studying at a school in Canada can use this service, regardless of visa type.
| Eligibility | Those attending a school with a DLI number *Any visa type |
|---|---|
| Premium | $1.88/day *For coverage periods of 30 to 365 days |
| Coverage Limit | $2,000,000 |
| Enrolment | For details, click here |
Allianz Global Assistance (Out-of-Country and Out-of-Province Travel Insurance)
Residents of Canada travelling outside the country or their province (those enrolled in a provincial government health plan) can also use this service.
| Eligibility | Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and holders of a work permit or study permit |
|---|---|
| Premium | Minimum premium: $20 |
| Coverage Limit | Up to $10,000,000 for emergency hospitalization and emergency treatment beyond what the provincial health plan covers. *Some other expenses are also covered |
| Enrolment | For details, click here |
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
Looking to obtain permanent residence or a visa?
Consult with us now!
Applying for permanent residence or a visa to Canada on your own can be overwhelming due to the large number of required documents, and you may feel uncertain about whether everything is correct. However, if you're serious about immigrating to Canada, we strongly recommend seeking the support of an immigration consultant. There are many pathways to obtaining permanent residence, depending on factors such as your age, occupation, and family status. With the help of an expert, you can ensure that you plan the right approach tailored to your specific situation.
A professional immigration consultant will help solve your concerns
Get a free Counseling now
From immigration planning to application submission,
everything is completed with shiraishi Visa JP Canada
Consulting with an immigration consultant makes the process clearer and much smoother. You’ll feel more confident with document submissions and procedures, significantly reducing the risk of mistakes. Take the first step toward your Canadian dream with the guidance of an expert.
