Super Visa insurance: a simple guide for families
2026-10-02 · 5 min read · Policy Place
The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for long periods. One of the requirements is private medical insurance. Here's what that means in practice.
What the insurance must cover
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires Super Visa applicants to have medical insurance that is valid for at least one year from the date of entry and provides at least $100,000 of emergency coverage, including health care, hospitalization and repatriation. The rules can change, so always check the latest requirements on IRCC's Super Visa page.
How to choose a plan
- Coverage amount: $100,000 is the minimum; some families choose more for extra peace of mind.
- Pre-existing conditions: if your parent has a condition like high blood pressure or diabetes, consider a plan that covers stable pre-existing conditions. Each insurer defines "stable" differently (see our guide on stability).
- Deductible: a higher deductible lowers the premium but means you pay more if there's a claim.
- Monthly payments: several insurers let you pay monthly — useful for budgeting.
- Refunds: check what happens if the visa is refused or your parent returns home early.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing on price alone without reading the pre-existing condition rules.
- Not disclosing medical history accurately on the application — this can lead to a denied claim.
- Letting coverage lapse between policies, which can trigger a new waiting period.
Our instant quote tool shows each plan's benefits, eligibility, exclusions and official policy wording side by side, so you can compare properly before you buy.