If you are bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada, Super Visa Insurance is not optional it is a legal requirement that determines whether the visa gets approved or denied. Without it, the application will be rejected before it is even reviewed.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the policy must include, how much it costs, whether monthly payments are allowed, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to rejected applications.
What Is Super Visa Insurance?
Super Visa Insurance is a specialized emergency medical insurance policy required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for all Super Visa applicants.
Visitor Visa vs. Super Visa
Unlike a standard visitor visa, which allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa permits parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay for up to two years per entry, with the visa itself valid for up to ten years.
Visitors are not covered by provincial health plans (such as OHIP). Canada's healthcare system is world-class, but it is expensive for non-residents. A single hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars per day. Super Visa Insurance protects your family from those costs and ensures IRCC approves the application.
Super Visa Insurance Requirements (2025–2026)
To satisfy IRCC requirements, the insurance policy must meet all of the following conditions:
Minimum $100,000 Coverage
The legal minimum is $100,000 CAD in emergency medical coverage. Most families choose $150,000–$300,000 given the high cost of major medical events.
Valid for at Least One Year
The policy must be valid for a minimum of 365 consecutive days from the date of entry into Canada, regardless of actual trip length.
Three Core Coverages
Emergency healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation (return of remains to the home country) must all be explicitly included.
Canadian or OSFI-Approved Insurer
Must be issued by a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
Proof of Full Payment
Applicants must include proof the premium is paid at the time of application. IRCC does not accept quotes or pending payment confirmations.
Can You Pay for Super Visa Insurance Monthly?
Yes, many Canadian insurers now offer monthly payment plans for Super Visa Insurance, which makes the cost more manageable for families.
However, there are conditions:
- The policy must be fully active and binding before the visa holder arrives in Canada
- Monthly payment plans must confirm the full coverage is guaranteed from day one of entry
- IRCC will not accept a quote or a pending installment plan as proof the policy must be confirmed and paid
If you want to use a monthly payment option, your advisor needs to confirm the policy is binding and full coverage is guaranteed from day one. At Ege Insurance, we walk clients through this process to make sure nothing is left to chance.
How Much Does Super Visa Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary based on several factors:
| Factor | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|
| Age of applicant | Older applicants pay significantly higher premiums |
| Coverage amount | $100K vs. $300K vs. $500K changes the cost considerably |
| Pre-existing conditions | Policies that cover stable conditions carry higher premiums |
| Deductible chosen | Higher deductible = lower monthly premium, but more out-of-pocket in a claim |
| Insurer | Rates vary meaningfully across carriers for the same coverage |
As a general range, Super Visa Insurance premiums typically fall between $100 and $200 per month per person. This can be higher for older applicants or those requiring pre-existing condition coverage.
Getting multiple quotes matters. Working with an independent broker gives you access to all major carriers rather than just one.
Pre-Existing Conditions: What You Need to Know
This is one of the most important and misunderstood aspects of Super Visa Insurance.
Most standard policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless the applicant selects a plan that specifically covers them. To qualify for pre-existing condition coverage, the condition typically must have been stable for 90 to 180 days prior to the policy effective date.
"Stable" generally means:
What Does "Stable" Mean for Pre-Existing Conditions?
- No new symptoms or diagnosis
- No change in medication type or dosage
- No new tests or treatments ordered by a physician
If your parent or grandparent has a heart condition, diabetes, hypertension, or another chronic condition and their policy does not cover it, any medical event related to that condition will be paid entirely out of pocket. This is the most expensive claim scenario that Super Visa visitors face. Always review pre-existing conditions before purchasing a policy.
5 Mistakes That Get Super Visa Applications Rejected
- Buying the wrong type of travel insurance some travel policies look similar but do not meet the $100,000 / one-year / hospitalization + repatriation requirements. Always confirm the policy explicitly states it meets IRCC Super Visa criteria.
- Using an insurer not recognized by OSFI if you purchase from a foreign insurer not on the OSFI approved list, the application will be rejected.
- Submitting a quote instead of proof of payment IRCC requires proof the premium is paid. A quote or pending application is not accepted.
- Policy dates not aligned with entry date the policy must be valid for one year from the date of entry, not the date of purchase. If entry is delayed, the coverage window may not align.
- Not disclosing pre-existing conditions: failing to disclose can invalidate the policy at the time of claim, leaving your family with no coverage when they need it most.
How Long Does It Take to Get Super Visa Insurance?
Super Visa Insurance can typically be issued same day or within 24 hours once the application is complete and the premium is paid. If you are working against an application deadline, contact us directly. We move quickly when families need coverage urgently.
What to Look for in a Super Visa Insurance Policy
When comparing plans, prioritize:
Key Features to Compare
- especially for applicants over 60
- Direct billing, meaning hospitals can bill the insurer directly, reducing stress during emergencies
- 24/7 emergency assistance, providing real-time support in case of a medical event
- Flexibility to return home temporarily. Most quality policies allow a brief return to the home country without cancelling coverage
- Renewal options. If the visit extends beyond one year, check how straightforward renewal is
Super Visa Insurance Across Canada
Whether you are in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, or anywhere else in Canada, the federal IRCC requirements are the same. Provincial healthcare plans do not cover visiting parents or grandparents, so private Super Visa Insurance is required regardless of province.
Ege Insurance serves families across Canada who are sponsoring parents from Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, India, China, the Philippines, and many other countries. Our advisors provide service in English, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Why Choose Ege Insurance for Super Visa Coverage?
Ege Insurance is a licensed independent brokerage affiliated with HUB Financial Inc. We work with all of Canada's major carriers, including Manulife, Empire Life, Sun Life, Canada Life, iA Financial, and more, so we compare rates across the market rather than being locked into a single insurer.
All major carriers
We compare Manulife, Sun Life, Empire Life, iA, Canada Life & more
Multilingual service
English, Turkish, Ukrainian & Russian
Same-day coverage
Fast issuance when deadlines are tight
No pressure
Free consultation. Licensed LLQP advisors.
Monthly payment help
We guide you through flexible payment options
Pre-existing condition review
We check before you buy
Get Your Super Visa Insurance Quote Today
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Quick Summary
- Super Visa Insurance is a legal requirement for all Super Visa applications
- Minimum $100,000 CAD coverage, valid for at least one year from entry date
- Must cover emergency healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Must be from a Canadian insurer or OSFI-approved foreign insurer
- Proof of full premium payment must accompany the IRCC application
- Monthly payment plans are available but coverage must be fully binding before entry
- Always review pre-existing conditions before choosing a policy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Super Visa Insurance cost per month?
Super Visa Insurance typically costs between $100 and $200 per person per month, depending on age, coverage amount, and health history. Older applicants or those with pre-existing conditions may pay more. Getting quotes from multiple carriers is the best way to find competitive pricing.
Can I buy Super Visa Insurance from a foreign insurance company?
As of January 2025, yes but only from foreign insurers that are authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). Canadian insurers remain the most straightforward and widely accepted option for most families.
Does Super Visa Insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Not automatically. You must select a plan that explicitly includes pre-existing condition coverage, and the condition must meet the insurer's stability requirements, typically 90 to 180 days stable before the policy start date. Always disclose all health conditions when purchasing.
What happens if my parents' Super Visa Insurance expires while they are still in Canada?
If coverage lapses while your parent or grandparent is still in Canada, they are no longer meeting the conditions of their Super Visa. This can jeopardize their current visa status and affect future travel. Renew before the policy expires. Our team tracks renewal dates and helps you avoid gaps.
Can I pay for Super Visa Insurance in monthly installments?
Many Canadian insurers offer monthly payment plans. The policy must be fully active and binding before the visa holder arrives in Canada. IRCC does not accept quotes or pending applications. We help clients navigate monthly payment options with the right carriers.
Which insurance companies offer Super Visa Insurance in Canada?
Major providers include Manulife, Sun Life, Empire Life, Canada Life, iA Financial Group, and others. As an independent broker, Ege Insurance compares all of these carriers on your behalf to find the best rate and coverage for your family's situation.
How long does it take to get Super Visa Insurance?
Super Visa Insurance can typically be issued same day or within 24 hours once the application is complete and the premium is paid. Contact us directly if you are working against an application deadline.