Super Visa insurance is private emergency medical insurance that parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents must have to get a Super Visa. It must provide at least $100,000 of coverage, last at least one year from entry, and cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
IRCC requirements for Super Visa insurance
- At least $100,000 of emergency medical coverage per person
- Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada
- Covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation
- Issued by a Canadian insurance company, or a foreign insurer that meets IRCC's rules
- Paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit
- Proof of the policy is available for the officer to review
Source: IRCC — Super visa for parents and grandparents. Insurance is one part of the application; the host family also has to meet IRCC's income requirement, which IRCC updated in 2026.
What a Super Visa policy usually covers
- Emergency hospital care, including room, nursing and intensive care
- Physician and surgeon fees, diagnostic tests and lab work
- Emergency ambulance services
- Prescription drugs following an emergency, usually for a limited supply
- Emergency dental care after an accident, within plan limits
- Repatriation, or return of remains, if the worst happens
- Side trips outside Canada on many plans, within the plan's limits
Super Visa insurance is for emergencies. Routine check-ups, ongoing treatment of a known condition and planned procedures are not covered.
Pre-existing conditions and stability
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition that existed before the policy starts, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Many plans can cover these if they are stable — no new diagnosis, symptoms, treatment or medication change during the stability period, which is often 90, 180 or 365 days depending on the plan and the visitor's age. Coverage for stable conditions is usually an option that increases the premium. Unstable conditions are excluded.
Refunds and changes
- Visa refused: most insurers refund the premium in full if you send the refusal letter before the start date and no claim has been made.
- Early return: unused months are often refunded when there are no claims, minus a cancellation or administration fee.
- Date change: many insurers let you move the start date if the visa is delayed.
Rules differ by insurer and between annual and monthly plans, so we point them out before you buy.
How to buy Super Visa insurance
- Run a quote with each parent's age, the coverage amount and the deductible.
- Compare prices, benefits, the stability period and refund rules.
- Answer the medical questions and buy online, or call us to do it together.
- Download the policy and include it with the Super Visa application.
Super Visa insurance FAQ
What is the minimum insurance for a Super Visa?
IRCC requires private medical insurance of at least $100,000 per person, valid for at least one year from the date of entry, covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation. Many families choose $100,000 because it meets the rule at the lowest cost; higher limits such as $150,000 or $200,000 add protection for a higher premium.
Can Super Visa insurance be bought from a company outside Canada?
IRCC now accepts policies from certain insurers outside Canada as well as Canadian insurers, but the foreign company has to meet IRCC's conditions. Buying from a Canadian insurer through a licensed Canadian advisor is the simplest way to be sure the policy, the certificate and any claim are handled in Canada.
Does Super Visa insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Some plans offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, usually as an option that raises the premium. 'Stable' means no new symptoms, treatment or medication changes during a set period before the policy starts (often 90, 180 or 365 days, depending on the plan and age). Conditions that are not stable are generally excluded. Answer the medical questions honestly — a wrong answer can void a claim.
Can I get a refund if the Super Visa is refused?
Most insurers refund the premium in full if the visa is refused, as long as you send the refusal letter before the policy start date and no claim has been made. If the visitor goes home early, many plans refund the unused months when there are no claims, minus a cancellation or administration fee. Monthly plans can have different rules, so check them before you buy.
Can I pay for Super Visa insurance monthly?
Yes. IRCC accepts a policy paid in instalments with a deposit, and several insurers offer monthly plans. Monthly plans usually ask for a first payment up front, may charge a one-time setup fee, and have their own cancellation rules, so compare the total yearly cost, not only the monthly figure. See our monthly payment guide.
How long can parents stay in Canada on a Super Visa?
A Super Visa can allow parents and grandparents to stay up to five years at a time, and the visa itself can be valid for up to ten years. The insurance must be valid for at least one year from entry, and you renew it while they remain in Canada.
When should I buy Super Visa insurance?
Buy it before applying, because proof of insurance is part of the Super Visa application. Choose a start date that matches the expected travel date; many insurers let you change the start date if the visa takes longer, and refund the premium if the visa is refused.
How do I make a claim?
Call the insurer's emergency assistance line on the policy card as soon as possible — ideally before treatment. They can direct the visitor to a clinic or hospital and often pay the provider directly. Keep every receipt and report. We help our clients with the paperwork if a claim gets complicated.