Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended visit is a special opportunity to create lasting memories and share life’s important moments. Whether it's helping with childcare, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying everyday family life together, long-term visits can strengthen family bonds across generations.
Thanks to Canada’s Super Visa program, families can now welcome their loved ones for stays of up to two years at a time. But before booking the flight or preparing the guest room, there’s one crucial step to take: purchasing Super Visa insurance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about parent Super Visa insurance, including why it’s required, what it covers, how much it costs, and how to choose the best plan for your family.
?️ What Is Super Visa Insurance?
Super Visa insurance is a mandatory medical insurance policy required for individuals applying for a Super Visa to Canada. The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their families for extended periods—up to two years per entry, with a multi-entry validity of up to ten years.
To ensure visitors are adequately protected during their stay, parent Super Visa insurance must meet the following criteria:
- Be issued by a Canadian insurance company
- Offer a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage
- Be valid for at least one year from the intended date of arrival
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
This policy protects not only the visitor but also the host family from high medical expenses in the event of illness or injury.
? Who Needs Super Visa Insurance?
Anyone applying for a Super Visa must submit proof of qualifying medical insurance as part of their application. This includes:
- Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Visitors planning to stay longer than six months
- Individuals who want to enter Canada multiple times without reapplying for a visa each time
This requirement helps ensure that long-term visitors do not become a financial burden on Canada’s public healthcare system and that their hosts are not left covering unexpected medical bills.
? What Does Parent Super Visa Insurance Cover?
Most parent Super Visa insurance plans are designed to offer comprehensive protection during a visitor’s stay in Canada. Standard coverage typically includes:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Ambulance services
- Emergency prescription medications
- Doctor and specialist fees
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., lab work, X-rays)
- Emergency dental treatment
- Repatriation (return to home country in case of severe illness or death)
Some plans also offer optional coverage for pre-existing conditions, provided the condition has remained stable for a specified period (often 90–180 days before arrival).
? How Much Does Super Visa Insurance Cost?
The cost of Super Visa insurance can vary significantly based on several personal and policy-related factors. On average, you can expect premiums to be influenced by the following:
✅ Age of the Visitor
Older applicants generally pay higher premiums due to increased health risks.
✅ Health Status
Pre-existing medical conditions or chronic illnesses may require specialized coverage, which can increase the cost.
✅ Duration of Coverage
While a full year of coverage is required, some providers offer refunds for unused coverage if the visit is cut short and no claims are made.
✅ Coverage Amount
While $100,000 is the minimum, many families choose $150,000 or even $200,000 in coverage for extra peace of mind.
✅ Deductible
Selecting a higher deductible (the amount paid out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in) can lower the premium.
✅ Payment Options
Most insurers allow monthly payment plans, but they may come with administrative fees or slightly higher rates.
? What Documents Are Required?
To buy Super Visa insurance, you typically need:
- Full name and date of birth of the visitor
- Visitor’s passport details
- Date of arrival and expected duration of stay
- Medical history, especially regarding pre-existing conditions
- Canadian address of the host
- Payment information
Once the policy is purchased, the insurance provider issues a confirmation letter or certificate, which must be submitted with the Super Visa application.
? How to Choose the Best Super Visa Insurance Plan
With many options available, selecting the right plan may feel overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers
Rates and coverage vary widely, so it’s wise to shop around. Many brokers offer comparison tools to help you find the best value.
2. Review Inclusions and Exclusions
Understand what is covered—and what is not. Check for conditions around pre-existing illnesses, refund policies, and hospital coverage limits.
3. Check the Insurance Provider’s Reputation
Choose a licensed and reputable Canadian insurance company. Look for customer reviews, claim approval rates, and 24/7 support.
4. Ask About Refund Policies
Some insurers offer partial refunds if the visa is denied, if the visitor leaves Canada early, or if no claims have been made.
5. Consider Monthly Plans
For budget flexibility, monthly installment plans can ease the financial burden. Just ensure the total commitment meets the Super Visa’s requirement.
? Recommended Super Visa Insurance Providers
Many well-established insurance providers in Canada specialize in parent Super Visa insurance, including:
Insurance Provider | Highlights |
Manulife | Flexible plans, strong reputation, wide coverage |
Tugo | Good for pre-existing conditions, customizable options |
Travelance | Competitive pricing and fast application processing |
21st Century | Refund-friendly policies and extensive coverage |
GMS | Ideal for applicants with ongoing medical needs |
Each of these providers offers policies that meet or exceed IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requirements for Super Visa insurance.
? Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind for Your Family
Getting Super Visa insurance is more than just a checkbox for visa approval—it's a thoughtful, practical investment in your loved ones' safety and well-being. With the right policy in place, you can rest easy knowing that your parents or grandparents will be protected against unexpected medical expenses during their stay.
Whether you're hosting for a few months or a few years, parent Super Visa insurance ensures that your family's time together in Canada is memorable for all the right reasons—not disrupted by medical emergencies or financial stress.