Manulife vs GMS Visitors Insurance: Which Is Better?
Manulife Overview
120-day pre-existing condition stability period (Enhanced Plan), a major Canadian brand with CoverMe online purchasing.
Strengths: Big brand, convenient online purchasing, solid pre-existing condition coverage.
GMS Overview
90-day pre-existing condition stability period, a Canadian homegrown brand with reliable service.
Strengths: Local brand, good pricing on short-term plans.
Policy Terms Compared
Here is a side-by-side look at the key policy terms:
| Term | Manulife | GMS |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-existing stability period | 120 days | 90 days |
| Deductible type | Per Policy | Per Policy |
| Waiting period | None if bought before arrival | None if bought before arrival |
| Direct billing | Available | Available |
Note: this is general information; the effective policy governs. For the full comparison, see the plan comparison overview.
Price Comparison
Price depends on age, coverage amount, deductible, and length of stay. Which insurer is cheaper varies by age group and coverage combination.
Enter your specific details in the comparison table to see a real price comparison.
Claims Process Comparison
Both insurers follow a similar claims flow: contact the assistance centre before treatment, keep receipts, submit the claim online, and get paid after review.
Claims deadlines are usually 30-90 days after treatment ends.
The Verdict
Choose Manulife if: Big brand, convenient online purchasing, solid pre-existing condition coverage.
Choose GMS if: Local brand, good pricing on short-term plans.
Final advice: enter your age and needs in the comparison table and decide based on real prices. Terms and prices vary by person — there is no absolute "best", only the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Manulife or GMS?
Price depends on age, coverage amount, and length of stay. Enter your details in the comparison table to see real prices.
Can I buy insurance from both insurers?
Not recommended. Duplicate coverage requires coordination between insurers at claim time, and total payouts cannot exceed actual costs. Pick one.
Can I switch insurers after buying?
During the free-look period (usually 10-15 days) you can cancel for a full refund and buy elsewhere. After that, a cancellation fee may apply.
Next Steps
See the plan comparison overview for what this site covers, or open the full comparison table (page in Chinese) with terms and prices from all 6 insurers.