Reviewed by Pankaj Bhatia, PFA, CHS · Last updated October 2026
What is Super Visa insurance?
Super Visa insurance is the private emergency medical insurance that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. It must cover at least $100,000 per person for health care, hospitalization and repatriation, be valid for at least one year from entry, and be issued by a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer.
The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for up to five years at a time on a multiple-entry visa. Because visitors aren't covered by provincial health plans like OHIP, the insurance requirement protects both your family and Canada's health system from large hospital bills.
IRCC Super Visa insurance checklist
| Requirement | What it means for your policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | At least $100,000 of emergency medical coverage per applicant |
| Duration | Valid for at least 1 year (365 days) from each date of entry |
| Benefits | Health care, hospitalization and repatriation |
| Insurer | Canadian insurance company, or a foreign insurer authorized by OSFI |
| Proof | Policy confirmation showing coverage, dates and payment (full or approved instalments) |
Immigration rules change — confirm current requirements on the official IRCC Super Visa page before applying.
What a Super Visa insurance plan typically covers
- Emergency hospitalization, semi-private room
- Physician, surgeon and anaesthetist fees
- Walk-in clinic and emergency room visits
- X-rays, ultrasound, CT/MRI and lab tests
- Prescription drugs for an emergency
- Ground and air ambulance
- Private-duty nursing and medical appliances
- Paramedical services (physio, chiro) after an emergency
- Emergency dental and dental pain relief
- Family transportation to bedside
- Meals and accommodation if a return is delayed
- Repatriation and cremation/burial costs
- Side trips outside Canada (plan-dependent)
- Accidental death & dismemberment (some plans)
Single vs couple Super Visa insurance
When both parents are travelling, many insurers offer a couple rate or a family discount. Some price each person by age separately — so an older spouse can make a couple policy more expensive than two individual plans with different insurers. Our comparison shows both ways so you can choose the lowest total.
Pre-existing medical conditions
High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid conditions, arthritis and heart conditions are common for parents and grandparents. Plans differ on three points:
- Stability period — how long the condition must be stable (no new treatment, medication change or symptoms) before coverage starts, often 90 or 180 days.
- Coverage limit — some plans cover pre-existing conditions up to the full sum insured, others cap it.
- Age bands — rules often tighten at ages 70, 75, 80 and above.
Pankaj reviews these definitions with you before purchase, because the right plan on paper must also pay at claim time.
Waiting periods when you buy after arrival
If a policy is purchased after your parents arrive in Canada, most insurers apply a waiting period (commonly 48 hours for accident and up to 7–15 days for sickness). Buying before arrival avoids this — another reason to arrange coverage early.
How to apply for Super Visa insurance
- Compare plans above and choose coverage amount and deductible.
- Confirm health questions and pre-existing condition options with your advisor.
- Pay in full or choose an approved monthly plan.
- Receive the policy and confirmation letter for your Super Visa application.
- Renew before expiry if your parents extend their stay.
Need help with the application itself? Ask us about our immigration partner referral.
Wondering about price? Read how much Super Visa insurance costs and how to lower it, or compare general visitors to Canada insurance for shorter trips.