Parents coming from India on a Super Visa need the same insurance as everyone else: at least $100,000 of emergency medical coverage, valid for one year from the day they enter Canada, from a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer, and paid in full or by instalments with a deposit. A health policy bought from a regular Indian insurer usually does not qualify unless that company is authorized by OSFI and issues the policy through its Canadian business.
Why families from India often get this wrong
Most mistakes we see aren't about price. They happen because the person buying the policy in Canada is answering medical questions about parents who are 12,000 km away — and the parents' prescriptions, test reports and doctor notes are in India, sometimes in Hindi or Punjabi.
A wrong answer about a blood pressure pill or a recent sugar test can make a claim fail later. Pankaj goes through the questions on a call or WhatsApp with you and, if it helps, with your parents directly in Punjabi or Hindi.
Step by step: from India to Canada
- Collect the medical details. Ask your parents to send photos of every current prescription and their last few doctor visits or test reports.
- Get quotes using their exact ages and the expected date of entry into Canada.
- Pick the plan. Most parents from India in their 60s and 70s have blood pressure, diabetes or thyroid conditions — choose a plan that covers stable pre-existing conditions.
- Pay in full or the deposit for a monthly plan, and download the policy and confirmation letter.
- Apply for the Super Visa and upload the insurance with the rest of the documents. The medical exam is done separately by an IRCC panel physician in India.
- If the visa is refused, send the refusal letter for a refund before the start date.
- If the visa is approved but travel moves, tell Pankaj — the start date can usually be changed free of charge before it begins.
Can we buy the insurance in India?
Since January 28, 2025, IRCC also accepts policies from foreign insurers — but only if the company is authorized by OSFI to sell accident and sickness insurance in Canada and issues the policy through its Canadian business. Most Indian health insurers and travel policies sold in India do not meet that rule. Before buying anything abroad, check the company on the OSFI list. Read more in our guide to Super Visa insurance from foreign insurers.
Common conditions for parents from India
| Condition | What insurers look at |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Same medicine and dose for the stability period; no new symptoms |
| Type 2 diabetes | Tablets vs. insulin, recent changes, HbA1c or sugar reports — see our diabetes guide |
| Thyroid | Usually simple if the dose hasn't changed |
| Heart conditions | Stents, bypass, angina, recent tests — see heart conditions guide |
| Cholesterol | Usually straightforward when controlled on the same medication |
Travel day tips
- Coverage starts on the policy start date — set it to the day your parents land in Canada.
- Keep a printed copy of the policy and the 24/7 assistance number in their hand luggage.
- Pack enough medication for the stay with the prescriptions; a new prescription in Canada for an existing condition is not an emergency and isn't covered.
- Save Pankaj's WhatsApp (1-647-640-2222) on their phone.
Paying for it
A full year of Super Visa insurance for two parents is a real expense. Many families choose a monthly plan (deposit plus 11 payments) or a higher deductible to lower the price. See what changes the cost.
Written and reviewed by Pankaj Bhatia, PFA, CHSLicensed insurance advisor (ON, BC, AB, MB, SK, NB, NS) · 11 years in financial services · Published October 29, 2026 · Last updated October 29, 2026