With two more World Cup 2026 matches at Vancouver’s BC Place this July, chances are someone you know may be planning a visit to cheer on the knockout round teams. Before they arrive, there's one important item worth checking off the list: emergency medical insurance.

Most visitors to Canada are not covered by British Columbia's Medical Services Plan (MSP), so any medical care they need is paid out of pocket. That can get expensive very quickly for even routine emergency treatment.

Visitors should make sure they have emergency medical insurance in place before flying, ideally with at least $100,000 CAD in emergency medical coverage, including hospitalization and ambulance services. Sorting their coverage before they fly is a small step that prevents a large bill – here’s how.

On this page:

• Existing coverage might not be enough 
• What a plan should include
• Can you buy it after arriving?
• Where to get care near BC Place 
• FAQ

Is a credit card or work health plan enough coverage for visitors to Canada?

Ask your guest to confirm what they're already covered for – often it’s not enough. Many visitors are partially covered through one of the following, but the details matter, because credit card insurance can be limited and pre-existing conditions are commonly excluded.

• Credit card – some cards include travel medical insurance; check the limit and exclusions.
• Employee benefits or a home health plan – confirm whether it covers care while travelling abroad.
• A healthcare agreement between their country and Canada – rare, but worth confirming with their government or travel provider.

A five-minute review here can prevent a much larger surprise later.

What should a visitor travel insurance plan include? 

If your guest needs to buy coverage, look for a plan that includes the three benefits below.

Can you buy coverage after arriving in Canada?

Sometimes – some plans allow it. Pacific Blue Cross Visitors to Canada plan has a 72-hour waiting period if you apply for insurance after you’ve already landed, and any medical issue that begins during that window isn't covered. To be safe, buy emergency medical insurance before your guest arrives, so they're covered from the moment they get here.

Where can visitors get medical care near BC Place?

If your guest needs medical attention while they're here, knowing where to go saves time and stress.

• Urgent and Primary Care Centres (UPCCs) – a good option for non-life-threatening issues, often faster than a hospital emergency department.
• St. Paul's Hospital (1081 Burrard St.) – about a 15-minute walk from BC Place, with emergency care.
• Vancouver General Hospital (899 W 12th Ave.) – comprehensive acute and emergency care.
• HealthLink BC (811) – free, 24/7 access to registered nurses in multiple languages. A good first call when you're unsure what level of care is needed.

Before they travel, ask your guest to save their policy number and their insurer's emergency assistance phone number on their phone. Having it handy makes it far easier to access care and submit a claim.