Super Visa insurance must stay valid for the whole time your parents are in Canada, so a one-year policy needs to be renewed before it expires. Start 30–45 days early. A renewal is often treated as a new policy: the insurer may ask the medical questions again and price it at the parent's new age. Never let coverage lapse — a gap can mean no cover for anything that starts during or after it.
When to start
Set a reminder 45 days before the end date. That leaves time to compare prices, re-answer medical questions if needed, and get the new policy in place before the old one ends.
Your options at renewal
| Option | Good when | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Renew with the same insurer | No health changes, price still competitive | New age band may raise the price |
| Switch insurers | A better price or better pre-existing cover is available | New stability periods and waiting periods for policies bought in Canada |
| Extend the current policy | Short extension needed and the insurer allows it | Must be done before expiry, usually with no claims |
If health changed during the year
A new diagnosis, a hospital stay or a medication change can affect the renewal. It may change which plans accept your parent or whether the condition is covered. Tell Pankaj about any changes before renewing — never assume last year's answers still apply.
Extending status in Canada
If your parents apply to IRCC to extend their stay, keep insurance in force for the whole time they're in Canada and keep proof of coverage ready. Check current requirements on the IRCC website or with a licensed immigration professional.
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