Super Visa insurance must provide at least $100,000 of emergency coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation, be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, come from a Canadian insurer (or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer doing business in Canada), and be paid in full or paid in instalments with a deposit. A quote is not accepted as proof.
What is the Super Visa?
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for long periods without renewing their status every six months. Eligible visitors can stay for up to five years at a time, and the visa can be valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. The child or grandchild in Canada must meet a minimum income requirement (based on Statistics Canada's low-income cut-off) and provide a letter of invitation.
Every applicant must also show proof of private medical insurance. That's where Pankaj comes in.
IRCC insurance requirements (2026)
| Requirement | What IRCC asks for |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | $100,000 for emergency health care, hospitalization and repatriation |
| Length | At least 1 year from the date of entry; proof needed on each entry and renewed if it will expire during the stay |
| Insurer | A Canadian insurance company, or a foreign insurer authorized by OSFI to sell accident and sickness insurance in Canada |
| Payment | Paid in full, or paid in instalments with a deposit — quotes are not accepted |
| Document | Must name the insurance company and be available for the border officer to review |
Source: Government of Canada, Super visa forms and documents (page reviewed October 2026). Rules can change — Pankaj confirms current requirements before you apply.
What Super Visa insurance covers
- Emergency hospital stays and surgery
- Doctor, surgeon and anesthetist fees
- Walk-in clinic and emergency room visits
- X-rays, ultrasound and lab tests
- Prescription drugs for an emergency
- Ambulance (ground and air)
- Private-duty nursing and medical appliances
- Physiotherapy and chiropractic (limits apply)
- Emergency dental for pain or accidents
- Repatriation, burial or cremation
- Family transportation to the bedside
- Meals and accommodation while hospitalized
- Accidental death & dismemberment (most plans)
- Side trips outside Canada (plan rules apply)
- 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance
- Stable pre-existing conditions (optional)
Super Visa insurance is for emergencies. Routine check-ups, ongoing treatment of a known condition and non-emergency care are not covered.
How much does Super Visa insurance cost?
There is no single price — premiums depend on:
- Age of each traveller on the start date (insurers price by age band).
- Pre-existing conditions and whether you choose a plan that covers stable conditions.
- Deductible — $0, $100, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and higher. A higher deductible lowers the premium.
- Coverage amount — $100,000, $150,000, $200,000, $300,000 or more.
- Couple vs. single — some insurers price couples together.
Use the quote tool above to see real prices in seconds, then read our cost guide to see how to lower the premium without weakening the cover.
Monthly payment plans
You don't have to pay the full year up front. IRCC accepts policies paid in instalments with a deposit, and several insurers offer monthly plans. See how Super Visa monthly payments work →
Pre-existing conditions
High blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid and heart conditions are common for parents in their 60s and 70s. Many plans cover them if they are stable for a set period before the policy starts. Getting this right is the single most important part of buying Super Visa insurance. Read the pre-existing conditions guide →
Refunds and changes
- Visa refused: full refund with proof of refusal, as long as coverage hasn't started.
- Early return: refund of unused months if there are no claims, minus a small admin fee.
- Travel date changed: move the start date free of charge before the effective date.
Reviewed by Pankaj Bhatia, PFA, CHS · Last updated October 22, 2026