Visitor to Canada Insurance
Bringing parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended stay is one of the most meaningful milestones a Canadian family can plan for. The Super Visa program makes those long visits possible, but securing the right Super Visa Insurance is the single most important step in making the application successful.
What the Super Visa Offers
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa created specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a standard visitor visa, it allows extended stays of up to five years per entry, giving families the flexibility to share holidays, milestones, and everyday moments without the disruption of repeated short visits.
Because visitors are not covered under Canada’s provincial health systems, private medical insurance is mandatory. Without it, the application cannot be approved.
What IRCC Requires
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets three non-negotiable conditions for every Super Visa medical insurance policy:
1. Minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD. Every policy must provide at least this amount in emergency medical coverage. While $100,000 legally satisfies the application, many families opt for higher limits — $150,000 to $300,000 — because Canadian healthcare costs can climb quickly during a serious medical event such as a cardiac emergency or major surgery.
2. Validity of at least one year from the date of entry. The policy must remain continuously active throughout the visit, with no breaks or gaps in coverage.
3. Purchase from an approved insurer. Historically, this meant only Canadian insurance companies. As of January 28, 2025, IRCC expanded the rule to include certain approved foreign insurers, though the list of qualified foreign providers is narrow. A Canadian-issued policy remains the safest choice for guaranteed acceptance.
Every compliant policy must cover three core elements: hospitalization, emergency healthcare, and repatriation. A policy that excludes or limits any of these will be rejected, no matter how generous it looks otherwise.
Pre-Existing Conditions
This is where families encounter the most surprises. Many parents and grandparents have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues. In 2026, insurers offer far more flexibility than they once did — many policies now cover pre-existing conditions provided the condition has been stable for a defined period (commonly 90 to 180 days before the policy start date).
“Stable” typically means no new symptoms, no medication changes, no hospitalizations, and no new treatments during the stability window. Definitions vary between insurers, so reviewing the policy wording carefully — or working with a broker who will do it for you is essential.
What Affects the Cost
Super Visa Insurance premiums vary based on several factors:
1) Age of the applicant (premiums rise sharply after 70)
2) Coverage amount selected ($100,000, $150,000, or higher)
3) Deductible chosen (a higher deductible lowers the premium)
4)Inclusion of pre-existing condition coverage
5) Length of stay
6) Medical history
Monthly payment plans are now widely accepted, including by IRCC. To qualify, applicants must pay an initial deposit typically the first two months’ premium plus fees and provide documentation showing the payment arrangement covers the full required year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most reputable Canadian insurers offer a full refund of the premium if the Super Visa application is refused, provided you submit the IRCC refusal letter and no claims have been made on the policy. Some insurers charge a small administrative fee. Always confirm the refund policy in writing before purchasing — this is one of the most important questions to ask any provider.
No. IRCC requires Super Visa insurance to be purchased from a Canadian insurance company, or from an approved foreign insurer on IRCC's specific list (a rule expanded in January 2025). Coverage from a home-country insurer — no matter how comprehensive — will not satisfy the application and will result in refusal. Always verify your insurer is IRCC-compliant before buying.
Both options are accepted by IRCC. Paying annually typically saves 5–10% compared to monthly payments, because there are no installment fees and most insurers offer a discount for paid-in-full policies. Monthly plans, however, ease cash flow around the costs of welcoming parents to Canada. Whichever you choose, the policy must remain in force for the full required year.
Yes, in most cases. Canadian Super Visa insurance policies typically allow a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of the policy, provided no claims have been made and you submit proof of the early departure (such as a stamped passport or boarding pass). Exact terms vary by insurer, so review the cancellation clause carefully before purchasing.