Super Visa Insurance
Last reviewed: October 2026
To get a Super Visa, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents must show proof of valid Canadian private medical insurance. Parents and grandparents on a Super Visa are not covered by a provincial health plan, so this policy is what pays for emergency care during the stay. This page explains what Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires, who can issue the policy, and what to check before you buy.
What the policy must include
According to IRCC, the policy must:
name the insurance company that issued it
be valid for a minimum of one year from the date you enter Canada
be paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit. A quote is not accepted as proof
cover the applicant's health care, hospitalization and repatriation
provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage
be valid for each entry to Canada
be available for a border services officer to review on request
give continuous coverage for the whole stay, with no breaks or gaps
The $100,000 figure is the minimum, not a recommendation. Consider a higher limit for a long stay.
Who can issue Super Visa insurance?
IRCC accepts a policy from either a Canadian insurance company or a company outside Canada that is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance, appears on OSFI's list, and issued the policy while doing insurance business in Canada. Policies from foreign insurers must include a statement to that effect. Approved foreign insurers have been accepted since January 28, 2025, but most families still choose Canadian insurers, which are directly regulated and carry Assuris protection. Insurance brokers and claims administrators are not insurance companies and do not appear on OSFI's list, so check the name of the underwriter on your policy, not just the seller.
Canadian life and health insurers are members of Assuris. If a member insurer fails, Assuris guarantees you keep up to $250,000 or 90% of your health expense benefit, whichever is higher.
How long can a Super Visa holder stay?
If you applied on or after June 22, 2023, you can stay in Canada for up to five years at a time. If you applied earlier, the rules depend on when you entered Canada, and you may be able to extend your stay. Check IRCC's length of stay page for your situation.
Your insurance must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, so plan ahead for a longer stay. IRCC says that if your policy will expire before you leave Canada, you should renew it to stay covered. Talk to your insurer about renewal before the policy ends. In most cases an insurer will review a request to extend. Because a Super Visa stay can last years, look for flexibility on early returns, breaks in the trip and refunds, since not every Super Visa policy offers them.
Other Super Visa requirements
Insurance is only one part of the application. The host child or grandchild must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, be at least 18, meet the minimum necessary income, and write a signed letter of invitation. The applicant must also complete an immigration medical exam with an approved panel physician and be outside Canada when applying. The immigration medical exam is separate from the health questions an insurer asks. See IRCC's who can apply and forms and documents pages.
Pre-existing medical conditions
Insurers will ask about your health. Most cover a pre-existing condition only if it has been stable for a defined period before the policy starts, and the length of that period and the definition of stable vary by insurer and by age. Answer every question honestly: an incomplete declaration can lead to a denied claim. If a new condition appears between purchase and departure, tell the insurer. Our pre-existing conditions guide explains how stability works.
What Super Visa insurance does not cover
It is emergency coverage. Routine exams, preventive care and planned treatment are generally not covered. Always read the policy wording for exclusions.
Can I buy insurance for a family member?
Yes. A child or grandchild in Canada can buy the policy for their parent or grandparent before they travel. If you are the sponsor, you may be responsible for their medical bills in Canada, so arranging proper coverage in advance is strongly recommended.
What if the Super Visa is delayed or refused?
Super Visa insurance usually has to be bought before the visa is approved, so ask about refunds before you buy. Policies differ significantly on refunds, date changes, early returns and fees. Refund eligibility often depends on whether the policy has reached its effective date and whether it has already been used, for example as proof of insurance to support the visa application. Check the policy's refund terms, and contact the insurer before the effective date if your plans change.
How can I compare Super Visa policies?
Compare quotes from several insurers and look beyond the price at the coverage limit, deductible options, exclusions, how the insurer treats pre-existing conditions, and renewal terms. A higher deductible can reduce the premium but increases what you pay at claim time. Skip optional extras you do not need.
Frequently asked questions
How much coverage does Super Visa insurance need?
At least $100,000 in emergency coverage, valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry.
Can I use a quote as proof of insurance?
No. IRCC requires proof of a policy that has been paid in full or in instalments with a deposit.
Does the insurance have to be from a Canadian company?
It must come from a Canadian insurance company or an eligible foreign insurer authorized by OSFI. Insurance brokers and claims administrators are not insurers.
Do I need to renew my insurance?
IRCC says to renew if the policy will expire before you leave Canada.
Compare policies with BestQuote
Ready to see your options? BestQuote lets you compare Super Visa medical insurance from several Canadian insurers side by side, so you can check the coverage limit, eligibility and pre-existing condition rules before you buy.