---
title: "Manulife vs GMS Visitors Insurance: Which Is Better?"
description: "Manulife and GMS visitors to Canada insurance compared: pre-existing condition stability period, deductibles, follow-up limits, customer service, and claims. Pick the right one."
tag: "Insurer Reviews"
lang: "en-CA"
slug: "manulife-vs-gms-comparison"
canonical: "https://visitorquote.com/en/articles/manulife-vs-gms-comparison"
published: "2026-09-11"
updated: "2026-09-11"
---

# Manulife vs GMS Visitors Insurance: Which Is Better?

Updated 2026-10-28 · 4 min read

Profile

Family visitor

Super Visa

New immigrant

Student

Age

Stay (days)

Coverage

$50K

$100K

$200K

$500K

$1M

Compare now

## 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 [comparison table](https://visitorquote.com/en/compare/).

## 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.

## Related guides

- [TuGo vs Manulife Visitor Insurance: 2026 Rates, Pre-Existing Terms & Verdict](https://visitorquote.com/en/articles/tugo-vs-manulife-comparison)
- [TuGo vs GMS Visitors Insurance: Which Is Better?](https://visitorquote.com/en/articles/tugo-vs-gms-comparison)
- [TuGo vs 21st Century Visitors Insurance: Which Is Better?](https://visitorquote.com/en/articles/tugo-vs-21st-century-comparison)

This article is compiled from public information and is not insurance advice. The policy in force at the time of application governs.