A single hospital stay in Canada could cost visitors over $10,000 without insurance coverage. Super Visa insurance protects parents and grandparents visiting Canada from these potentially devastating medical expenses. This insurance isn’t optional; it is a mandatory requirement for Super Visa approval, ensuring visitors can access emergency care without financial hardship.
What is Super Visa Insurance?
Super Visa insurance is a type of travel insurance required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents visiting Canada under the Super Visa program. The Super Visa permits extended stays of up to five years per entry, valid for 10 years with multiple re-entries, which far exceeds the standard 6-month visitor visa limit.
Why does IRCC require this insurance? Visitors to Canada are not covered by provincial health insurance plans (like Ontario’s OHIP or Alberta’s AHCIP). Without insurance, a medical emergency requiring hospitalization, surgery, or intensive care could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Super Visa travel insurance protects parents and grandparents visiting Canada from unexpected and out-of-pocket medical costs during their stay.
IRCC’s Requirements for Super Visa Insurance: A Checklist
Unlike standard travel insurance, Super Visa insurance must meet specific regulatory requirements established by IRCC to qualify for visa approval:
- Minimum Coverage: The policy must provide a minimum of $100,000 coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation (the cost of returning remains to the home country in the event of death).
- Canadian Insurer Only: The insurance must be purchased from a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act. Proof of valid insurance is required both for visa application approval and upon each entry into Canada.
- Policy Duration: The policy must remain valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada, regardless of the planned time of stay.
- Proof of Payment: You must provide proof that the policy has been paid in full or that a deposit has been paid for an installment plan. A quote is not sufficient.
- Valid on Entry: The policy must be valid and available for review by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at every entry into Canada.
Beyond insurance requirements, Super Visa eligibility extends to include the applicant’s qualifications and the sponsor’s obligations.
Applicant requirements
Only parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents qualify for this insurance. Step-parents and adoptive parents also qualify if the relationship is legally established.
Applicants must provide a written letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada, stating the relationship, the planned length of stay, and the living arrangements. In addition, they must pass a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician and must have no criminal inadmissibility issues.
Applicants must also demonstrate ties to their home country through property ownership, steady employment, or close family relationships to prove intent to return home after the visit.
Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) Requirements for Sponsors
The sponsor in Canada must prove they have the financial means to support their visiting family members. This is demonstrated by meeting the Low Income Cut-Off threshold.
These thresholds are updated mid-year by IRCC and vary based on family size. Family size includes the sponsor, their spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), their dependent children, and the parent(s) or grandparent(s) applying for the Super Visa.
According to IRCC’s most recent update on July 29, 2025, the minimum gross income requirements are:
| Number of People in Family | Minimum Gross Income Required |
|---|---|
| 1 person (the sponsor) | $30,256 |
| 2 people | $38,002 |
| 3 people | $46,720 |
| 4 people | $56,724 |
| 5 people | $64,336 |
| 6 people | $72,560 |
| 7 people | $80,784 |
| For each additional person | Add $8,224 |
The sponsor must provide documentation to prove that they meet or exceed these income levels. Some examples of acceptable proof include the most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency, T4 or T1 tax forms for the last tax year, or letters from accountants confirming annual income for self-employed individuals.
What Does Super Visa Insurance Cover?
Super Visa insurance provides comprehensive emergency medical coverage during your parents or grandparents’ stay in Canada.
What does “emergency” mean? Insurers define it as a sudden, unexpected medical condition requiring immediate treatment. A condition is not an emergency if it was foreseeable, could wait for scheduled care, or involves routine management of a chronic disease.
Emergency hospitalization and medical care form the core of your coverage. This includes the hospital room fees, diagnostic testing, physician consultations, nursing care, intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and follow-up treatment directly related to the initial emergency.
Emergency dental care, such as treatment for accidental damage to natural teeth, is also covered, but with limited coverage.
Medical appliances such as crutches, wheelchairs, braces, or slings are covered when medically necessary as part of emergency treatment. Emergency surgical procedures are fully covered when required to treat acute medical conditions.
This insurance also covers ground ambulance transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility or between hospitals for specialized treatment, as well as air ambulance if ground transport is not medically feasible. These services can cost thousands of dollars without insurance.
Lastly, repatriation coverage serves two critical purposes. First, it covers emergency medical evacuation to the home country if medically necessary and more appropriate than continuing treatment in Canada. Second, it covers repatriation of remains in the event of death. This removes the financial burden of international medical transport or funeral arrangements.
Does Super Visa Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Yes. Many Super Visa insurance plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, only if the condition is considered “stable”.
What counts as pre-existing conditions? A pre-existing condition is any health issue that existed before the policy’s effective date, whether it has been diagnosed or remains undiagnosed.
A condition is considered stable only if, in the specific period before the policy started, there have been:
- No new symptoms or a worsening of existing symptoms.
- No new medication prescribed or changes in existing medication dosage.
- No new treatments or medical recommendations.
- No hospitalizations or referrals to a specialist.
The stability period varies between insurance providers, typically ranging from 90 to 180 days before the policy’s effective date. GMS and Manulife often require 180 days of stability, while some Travelance plans accept 120-day stability periods. Applicants must review specific policy terms to confirm the exact stability requirement.
Even when a pre-existing condition qualifies as stable and covered, the coverage applies only to sudden, unexpected medical emergencies related to that condition.
For example, if someone has well-controlled type 2 diabetes that has been stable for 200 days, the insurance may cover emergency treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic shock. However, routine diabetes management, scheduled endocrinologist appointments, or planned medication adjustments remain excluded.
What Does Super Visa Insurance NOT Cover?
Super Visa insurance is emergency insurance, not an all-inclusive health plan. Thus, it excludes several categories of care to prevent misuse of emergency coverage for non-urgent or pre-planned medical needs:
| Exclusion Category | What This Means |
|---|---|
| Routine Medical Care | Non-emergency preventive services Example: Annual checkups, wellness visits, vaccinations, preventive screenings |
| Planned Medical Procedures | Pre-scheduled or elective treatments Example: Eye examinations, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and corrective eye surgery |
| Non-Emergency Dental Care | Routine dental services Example: Cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry |
| Vision Care | Eye care services unrelated to injury Example: Eye examinations, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and corrective eye surgery |
| Unstable Pre-Existing Conditions | Conditions with symptom changes, medication adjustments, or hospitalizations within the stability period. |
| High-Risk Activities | Particular adventure or professional activities Example: Elective surgeries, fertility treatments, cosmetic procedures, and scheduled treatments |
Example of Super Visa Insurance Coverage: How It Works in Practice
Consider this real-world scenario to understand how Super Visa insurance coverage applies:
Your 68-year-old mother has well-controlled type 2 diabetes that has been stable for 180 days. She arrives in Canada with a Super Visa and a valid insurance policy providing $150,000 in coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
In week 3 of her visit, she experiences chest pain and shortness of breath. You call 911, and an ambulance transports her to the hospital.
What’s fully covered:
- Ambulance transport to the hospital
- Emergency room assessment and diagnostic tests (ECG, blood work, chest X-ray)
- Overnight hospital stay for observation
- Cardiologist consultation:
- Prescribed medications (30-day supply) (after $1,000 deductible)
- Follow-up appointment with cardiologist one week later
What would NOT be covered in this scenario:
- A routine diabetes checkup was scheduled with her regular doctor in Canada
- Refills of her regular diabetes medication beyond the initial 30-day emergency supply
- A dental cleaning she books while visiting
- Reading glasses she wants to purchase
How Much Does Super Visa Insurance Cost?
Super Visa insurance typically costs between $100 and $200 monthly per person in 2025, with premiums varying significantly based on factors such as age, health status, coverage amount, deductible selection, and policy length. The following examples show typical 2025 rates for standard $100,000 coverage with a $1,000 deductible:
| Age Range | Annual Premium Range |
|---|---|
| 50-54 | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| 55-59 | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| 60-64 | $2,200 – $3,200 |
| 65-69 | $2,800 – $4,200 |
| 70-74 | $3,800 – $5,500 |
| 75-79 | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| 80-84 | $7,000 – $11,000 |
| 85+ | $10,000 – $15,000+ |
Some providers offer slight discounts for purchasing multi-year coverage upfront. Couples purchasing coverage together often receive bundled discounts of 5-10% compared to two individual policies.
What is Deductible and How Does It Affect Your Premiums?
A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in. A higher deductible reduces your monthly and annual premium costs, but increases the amount you must pay if a medical claim occurs. In contrast, with zero deductibles, insurance covers all eligible claims from the first dollar, but this convenience comes at a higher cost in monthly premiums.
Example: Premium Impact (65-year-old, $100k coverage, no pre-existing conditions)
- With $0 deductible: ~$1,900/year
- With $1,000 deductible: ~$1,600/year
- With $5,000 deductible: ~$1,300/year
(Note: These are estimates from October 2025 and will vary by provider and applicant health.)
For families who are confident that their visiting parents are generally healthy and unlikely to require medical care, a higher deductible can generate substantial annual savings.
Top-Rated Super Visa Insurance Providers in Canada
Many insurers in Canada offer Super Visa insurance; some have a stronger reputation for service, claims processing, and comprehensive options.
At-a-Glance Provider Comparison
| Feature | Manulife | Blue Cross | GMS | Allianz | Tugo |
| Super Visa Coverage Limits | Up to $200,000 | Up to $150,000 | Up to $150,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Pre-existing Stability | 180 days | 90 or 180 days | 180 days | 90 or 180 days | 90, 120, 180, or 365 days |
| Deductible Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Financial Strength (A.M. Best) | A+ | B+ | N/A | A+ | N/A |
Major Canadian Super Visa Insurance providers include:
- Manulife: Strong hospital direct billing network, flexible pre-existing condition options, comprehensive support)
- Allianz Global Assistance: Competitive pricing for healthy applicants, excellent multilingual support, and a user-friendly online platform.
- GMS or Group Medical Services: Specialized in visitor insurance, flexible deductibles from 0to0 to 0to10,000, detailed pre-existing condition guidance.
- Blue Cross: Provincial organizations across Canada, stable pre-existing coverage, and established direct billing networks.
- TuGo: Straightforward policy language, transparent pricing, reasonable rates for older applicants.
Evaluating travel insurance providers requires comparing coverage features, pre-existing condition handling, pricing transparency, claims processes, and company stability rather than simply selecting based on the lowest premium. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide to the best travel insurance providers in Canada.
How Do You Apply for Super Visa Insurance?
Applying for Super Visa insurance involves seven straightforward steps to ensure your policy meets IRCC requirements and provides appropriate protection.
Step 1: Gather all required information
Collect your parents’ or grandparents’ passports, which should display their full legal names, dates of birth, and passport numbers.
Compile their complete medical history, including all current prescription medications with names and dosages, all diagnosed medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, etc.), any hospitalizations or surgeries in the past 12 months, and any ongoing treatments or planned medical care.
Step 2: Compare quotes from multiple providers
Research at least three to five insurance providers recognized by the IRCC. Use online comparison tools or contact insurance brokers who specialize in visitor insurance to review coverage options, premium costs, and policy features.
Step 3: Complete the medical questionnaire honestly
You will be asked detailed questions about your current health status, medical history, pre-existing conditions, current medications, recent hospitalizations, and lifestyle factors. Accurate disclosure is essential. Providing false information can result in claim denial and policy cancellation.
Step 4: Select Your Plan
You should choose your coverage amount and deductible based on your risk tolerance and budget. Many families opt for higher coverage than the minimum requirement of $100,000 to ensure comprehensive protection against major medical expenses. A single major surgery or extended ICU stay can easily exceed $100,000.
To choose the right deductible, balance premium savings against out-of-pocket financial risk using the analysis. Families with adequate emergency savings and good health can confidently choose higher deductibles ($3,000 to $5,000) to lower their monthly costs.
Step 5: Confirm policy dates
Once you’ve selected your coverage and deductible, the next step is confirming when the policy should begin. The policy must start on the date your parent or grandparent arrives in Canada and must provide continuous coverage for at least one year. If arrival dates are uncertain, discuss options with the insurance provider. Many allow you to change the start date before coverage begins.
Step 6: Purchase and pay the premium
Complete the purchase by paying the full annual premium or enrolling in a monthly instalment plan. Since December 2022, Super Visa insurance can be paid through monthly instalments, making coverage more accessible for families. Obtain confirmation of payment, as IRCC does not accept quotes as proof of insurance.
Step 7: Submit proof with Super Visa application to IRCC
The insurance company will issue an official proof of insurance certificate confirming coverage details, policy period, coverage amount, and that all IRCC requirements are met. Include this proof as part of the complete Super Visa application submitted to IRCC. IRCC reviews this document to verify compliance with mandatory insurance requirements before approving the visa.
In some cases, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may purchase Super Visa insurance on behalf of their parents or grandparents. This can happen if visiting family members are not comfortable navigating online applications in English or prefer the sponsor to manage policy details and payments. The sponsor provides the visitor’s personal information, health details, and travel dates during the application process.
Super Visa Insurance Refunds and Cancellations
Refund policies for Super Visa insurance can vary depending on your situation. If the application is rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, most insurance providers offer 100% premium refunds.
If the Super Visa is approved but your parent or grandparent departs Canada permanently before the one-year coverage period ends, you may qualify for a partial refund for unused months. The refund amount is calculated based on the number of complete unused months remaining in the policy term, minus any administrative cancellation fees charged by the provider.
If you purchase a policy but your parent or grandparent never arrives in Canada, possibly due to travel restrictions or personal reasons, you can typically receive a full refund as long as you cancel the policy before its start date. In case you simply need to change the arrival date rather than cancel entirely, many providers allow you to adjust the policy start date without penalty before coverage begins.
Be sure to keep detailed records of all correspondence with your insurance provider regarding cancellations or refund requests.
How Can You Get The Best Super Visa Insurance Plan in Canada?
Finding the best Super Visa insurance plan involves comparing multiple providers, understanding the nuances of coverage, and selecting a policy that strikes a balance between comprehensive protection and affordable premiums.
Working with an experienced insurance broker like Lifebuzz simplifies this process significantly. We partner with all major Super Visa insurance providers in Canada, including Manulife, GMS, Allianz, Travelance, Bluecross, TuGo, etc., providing comprehensive market access through a single consultation. Get in touch with Lifebuzz to receive instant quotes and expert guidance for your Super Visa insurance needs.
FAQs about Super Visa Insurance Canada
Is Super Visa insurance mandatory?
Yes. IRCC will refuse your application if you do not provide valid proof of insurance that meets all IRCC requirements.
Can I purchase Super Visa insurance from my home country?
IRCC explicitly requires that Super Visa insurance be purchased from a Canadian insurance company licensed to sell insurance in Canada. You can buy from a foreign insurance company if it is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act.
When does Super Visa insurance coverage begin?
Coverage begins on the effective date you select when purchasing the policy. This date must be on or before the entry date into Canada. You should set the effective date to match or precede the flight arrival date to ensure coverage is active when they arrive at the Canadian border.
Can I get a refund if the Super Visa is denied?
Yes, insurance companies provide 100% refunds if IRCC denies the Super Visa application. You must submit the official visa refusal letter from IRCC along with a refund request to your insurance provider. This refund applies only if requested before the policy’s effective date.
What happens if my parents leave Canada and re-enter within the year?
The one-year policy covers them from their date of first entry. It remains valid for subsequent re-entries within that 365-day period.
The Bottom Line
Super Visa insurance is more than a visa requirement; it’s peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By understanding the rules, comparing plans carefully, and choosing reputable providers, you can ensure your parents’ visit to Canada is both safe and worry-free.