Super Visa Insurance

What does IRCC require for Super Visa insurance?

A Super Visa application must include private medical insurance that meets every one of the following conditions. These are set by IRCC, not by the insurer, so they are not negotiable.

• At least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.
• Valid for at least one year from the date of entry, and valid for each entry to Canada.
• Covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
• Paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit. A quote is not accepted as proof.
• Available for review by a border services officer on request.

Does the insurance have to be from a Canadian company?

Not any more. Until 28 January 2025 the policy had to come from a Canadian insurer. IRCC now also accepts a policy from a company outside Canada, provided that company is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance, appears on OSFI’s public list of federally regulated financial institutions, and issued the policy through its insurance business in Canada.

In practice most families still buy from a Canadian insurer, because it is simpler to confirm the policy qualifies. If you are considering an insurer outside Canada, check it against the OSFI list before paying.

How long does the policy need to last?

The policy must be valid for a minimum of one year from the date your parent or grandparent enters Canada. A Super Visa itself allows stays of up to five years at a time, so many families buy a one-year policy and renew it rather than paying for several years at once.

What affects the cost of Super Visa insurance?

Premiums are driven mainly by the age of the person being covered, the coverage amount chosen, the deductible, and whether any pre-existing medical conditions need to be covered. Age is usually the largest single factor, and costs rise noticeably after 70.

Choosing a higher deductible lowers the premium, but it is the amount your family pays before the insurer pays anything, so it is worth matching to what you could cover comfortably.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Most policies will cover a pre-existing condition only if it has been stable for a defined period before the policy starts — commonly 90, 120 or 180 days, depending on the insurer and the plan. "Stable" usually means no new symptoms, no new diagnosis, no change in medication or treatment and no hospitalization during that window, but each insurer defines it in its own wording, and misreading it is a common reason a claim is denied.

This is the part of a Super Visa policy most worth checking carefully before buying, and the question we are asked most often.

Can the policy be refunded if the visa is refused?

Most Canadian insurers will refund the premium in full if the Super Visa application is refused, usually on proof of the refusal letter. If your parent or grandparent returns home early, a partial refund of the unused portion is often available provided no claim has been made.

Refund terms differ between insurers, so confirm them before you buy rather than afterwards.

Super Visa requirements at a glance

Requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, current as of October 2026. Policy features vary by insurer and are subject to the terms of the policy contract, which prevails. This is general information, not advice on a specific policy.

Common questions

How much Super Visa insurance is required?

IRCC requires a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, valid for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada, covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation. The policy must be paid for rather than quoted, and available for review at the port of entry.

Does Super Visa insurance have to be from a Canadian company?

No. Since 28 January 2025, IRCC also accepts a policy from an insurer outside Canada if that company is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance, appears on OSFI’s public list of federally regulated financial institutions, and issued the policy through its insurance business in Canada. Before that date, only Canadian insurers qualified.

Is Super Visa insurance refundable if the visa is refused?

Most Canadian insurers refund the premium in full if the Super Visa application is refused, on proof of the refusal. Partial refunds are often available for an early return home if no claim has been made. Terms vary by insurer.

Are pre-existing conditions covered by Super Visa insurance?

Many policies cover pre-existing conditions if they have been stable for a set period before coverage begins, commonly 90, 120 or 180 days depending on the insurer and the plan. Stable usually means no new symptoms, no new diagnosis, no change in medication or treatment and no hospitalization in that window, but each insurer uses its own wording, so it should be checked before buying.

How long does a Super Visa policy need to last?

At least one year from the date of entry to Canada. Many families renew annually rather than buying multiple years at once, since a Super Visa permits stays of up to five years at a time.