The Super Visa for parents and grandparents is a temporary resident visa valid for up to ten years (depending on passport expiry date). One of the requirements for the Super Visa (SV) is that all applicants must obtain private Visitor to Canada (VTC) health insurance (a.k.a. 'Super Visa Insurance'). for their stay in Canada.
There are two requirements for Super Visa insurance: Coverage must be continuous during the entire length of stay in Canada, meaning that there can be no breaks or gaps in coverage while in Canada on a super visa.
Getting a Super Visa Insurance Quote Super Visa insurance costs vary by age, health, and company. To find the best coverage and price, you need to look through the widest selection of insurance companies possible. Our quote engine can help you review all available options quickly. All insurance options displayed on BestQuote's SV quote presentation meet the Super Visa insurance requirements. BestQuote presents pricing and policy details from all of Canada's top Super Visa insurance providers — we currently have more policies to choose from than any other online service in Canada!
To compare prices and policy benefits (including what happens if you select a higher deductible, or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions), fill in and submit the quote request form, providing the dates and birth date of traveller(s), and you'll get an instant look at all the top insurance companies in Canada.
If you’re unsure about your quote, we can help you if you need:
4 Steps for Purchasing a Super Visa Insurance Policy
Show Step 1 Generate a quote by filling out our quote request form on the left-hand side of the page. Once you have filled out the quote details, click the blue ‘Get Quote’ button.
Show Step 2 You will have multiple policy options to consider. Click the ‘Summary’ button underneath any policy to get a quick summary of coverage details, eligibility criteria, information on pre-existing conditions, and more. You can also select the ‘Policy’ button for policy wording.
Show Step 3 What you need to do next depends on the policy. There are three buttons that could appear on your quote: the 'Answer Medical,' 'Medical Screening,' and 'Buy Now' button.
a. The red ‘Answer Medical’ button requires you to answer a policy-specific medical questionnaire. This questionnaire will determine the policy premium.
b. The green ‘Medical Screening’ button is for Super Visa applicants with medical conditions. This button will take you to a form where you need to fill out your trip details and all medical conditions and medications. Once you submit the form, one of our BestQuote team members will email you a policy recommendation.
c. The blue ‘Buy Now’ button will take you to the insurance application and payment section. The ‘Buy Now’ button will also appear on policies with the red ‘Answer Medical’ button once you have filled out the medical questionnaire. You click the ‘Buy Now’ button to submit your insurance policy application.
Show Step 4 O nce your policy has been processed, you will get your policy documents sent via email. Your email will include your policy number, policy document, and policy wording.
Should You Use a Canadian Company for Super Visa Insurance? Super Visa insurance must be purchased from a Canadian insurance provider or an insurance company approved by the minister of IRCC.
The advantage of Canadian insurance compared to a plan from one’s home country is that Canadian insurance companies will often include coverage for expenses related to pre-existing medical conditions. In contrast, lower-priced policies from overseas will not.
How to Find the Right Super Visa Insurance Buying Super Visa insurance can be relatively expensive, but the price shouldn’t be your only concern. Each policy is unique and will offer slightly different policy benefits.
Key differences to compare include:
Emergency expense benefits and access to non-emergency care Policy exclusions Deductible options Refund details Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions The instant online quote you receive from BestQuote allows you to quickly look at a 'summary' of each policy on your quote to see a breakdown of the policy's basic features and benefits. You can also click 'policy' to view the exact policy wordings.
You'll find that our site has the very lowest visitors to Canada insurance costs, that many of our plans can cover illnesses related to pre-existing medical conditions, and that the plans can be purchased easily online without lengthy medical questionnaires. We provide the widest policy choices and personalized advice. We don't always recommend the same company, and we don't sell policies without making all the details available first. Those details will matter at claim or refund time.
We've made it easy to quote, compare and buy online with our secure, Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant servers, encryption technology and simple online agency storefront system.
Our information page on available insurance rates for Super Visa applicants provides a general summary on super visa costs, but for exact pricing and policy options for you, generate a quote on the left-side of this page.
FAQ About Super Visa Insurance
Show If my parents return home early, can I get a refund on their Super Visa insurance policies? Applying for a refund prior to the policy starting:
You may be able to get a refund prior to the policy starting. This depends on the policy insurer, and the reason for the refund request.
If the Super Visa application was refused after supplying all requested information, all policies will allow you to apply for a refund. You will need to provide proof of visa refusal to apply for a refund.
Need to change travel dates: You do not need to apply for a refund for a date change. If you need to change the date of travel, we can change it for you. All you need to do is contact us prior to the policy start date to request the change.
If the refund is for a different reason, including deciding not to come to Canada, some policies will allow you to apply for a refund, minus an administration fee.
Applying for a refund during policy coverage period:
Provided there have been no claims against the policy, the premium is refundable on a pro-rata basis when the policyholders leave Canada. Simply send us a copy of the boarding pass(es) showing the policyholder’s full return trip home. Most policies apply a small administrative fee on early return refunds.
Many parents will come to visit for less than a year on their first visit, so being able to obtain a refund for the unused portion of their policy is an important consideration.
Typically, the lower the deductible, the better. However, if the 12-month policy costs $2,000, and the visitor returns home after 6 months, then about $1,000 will be refunded if no claim has been made on the policy. A policy with a $0 deductible (where the insurance immediately pays all eligible expenses) will cost more - but even if a small claim (i.e., visit a medical clinic) could be filed in the first six months, you may not want to file because the $1,000 refund would be lost. So, it may be better to use a higher deductible to lower policy costs (by 20% or more) and pay any small expenses to keep the expected refund valid.
Show Does BestQuote Travel Insurance charge extra fees? Why wouldn't I call the insurance company directly? We don't charge any extra fees. The price is the same as directly from the insurance company. Canadian insurance regulations require fees from brokers and insurance companies to remain the same. Brokers cannot charge extra fees above the advertised rates and cannot compete on price.
Here are some reasons why to choose BestQuote Travel Insurance:
Tailored experience - by using us as your broker, we work on your behalf to find you the best policy and to help you manage the decisions around your insurance choices. If you have pre-existing conditions, we can help explain options or details that may impact your coverage and help you find a policy that works best for you. Customer service - we take the time to answer any questions about your insurance options. The insurance company representatives are paid to sell what the company has to offer, even if it doesn’t fit the customer’s situation. At BestQuote, we take the time to go over any questions you have and help you find the right insurance. Range of option s - we offer many different policies from Canada’s top insurance companies for you to have a wider range of coverage options. You can conveniently compare prices and coverage details. We've worked hard to build our website database, which hosts more Super Visa insurance options than any other online resource in CanadaInsurer help - we can help you change coverage dates, get extensions, and advise you if needed during the refund or claim process - something that the insurance claims adjuster won’t do.
Show What insurance coverage amount should I purchase? Hospital costs for visitors to Canada can amount to well over $3,000 per day, and air ambulance charges to return you home could easily be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
The minimum coverage amount required for Super Visa insurance is $100,000. However, it may provide more peace of mind to purchase $150,000 coverage or more. In addition, sometimes a $150,000 policy may be a lower cost (we have a discount policy available under age 60).
Show Can I purchase a Super Visa policy for my parents or grandparents? Yes.
Anyone can purchase a visitor's insurance policy on behalf of someone coming to Canada. You should know that if a person is coming to Canada and you have sponsored their stay, you will be responsible for their medical bills if they cannot pay for them. So even if they don't want to pay for higher coverage, you might want to buy it for them anyway.
Show Are there any discounts if two or more travellers purchase a policy together? Some companies do offer discounts for companion travel or group travel insurance policies. If a discount applies, it will be mentioned on your quote.
Show If I have a medical condition, can I get Super Visa insurance coverage? It depends on the pre-existing condition and the terms and conditions of the policy.
Some insurance companies offer plans covering pre-existing conditions if they have been stable for a certain period. The stability period requirement on a policy can range from 365 days to as low as 90 days. One policy even has a 7-day stability requirement for an additional fee.
Most policies with pre-existing conditions coverage have eligibility criteria and a medical questionnaire to determine coverage and pricing. It is important to read your entire policy to make sure you are aware of the definitions affecting coverage and the possible exclusions that may apply.
For a direct comparison of the exclusions concerning pre-existing medical conditions, you can compare policy wording and stable period s. If you have any questions about your pre-existing conditions and obtaining coverage, please contact us.
Show Can my family member bring a year's supply of prescription medication to Canada? There are some restrictions that the Canadian government sets regarding importing prescription medications into Canada (whether you are a Canadian citizen or a visitor): Generally, you are limited to bringing a 90-day supply of medication into Canada.
So, trying to bring in a whole year's supply may cause some problems at the border. Visitors and non-residents can import a 90-day supply of medication by mail or courier every 3 months.
Show Do I need a medical exam before I buy Super Visa insurance? No. There is no medical exam required before purchase.
There may be some medical questions asked as a part of your online application. You must answer all questions truthfully, as not doing so may void (cancel) your coverage. If you have to submit a claim, the insurance company will investigate to determine if your condition was a pre-existing one and whether you were truthful on your application. Separately, as part of the super visa application process, applicants are required to complete a medical assessment, but that is not a requirement for buying the insurance.
Show Can I buy an insurance policy from my parent's home country? As of January 28, 2025, Super Visa insurance policies can be purchased from a company outside of Canada. However, the policy must meet several conditions for it to be considered valid insurance coverage:
be issued by a foreign insurance company authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance; appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions; be issued under the company’s insurance business in Canada. Here’s why you should still consider purchasing from a Canadian insurance company:
Canadian insurance policies are regulated by Canadian authorities - as policies purchased from Canadian insurers are regulated, they are suitable for a Super Visa application. If you purchase insurance from a company outside Canada that does not meet all of the above-noted insurance conditions, your insurance policy will not be valid. An invalid policy may jeopardize the chance of getting the visa application approved.You could get reimbursed faster - there is direct billing between hospitals and Canadian insurance companies. If you have to pay for expenses and then file a claim, your claim procedure with a Canadian company will be faster as they can verify Canadian medical expenses faster than providers in other countries.Insolvency coverage - Canadian insurance companies are re-insured by Assuris - a Canadian government agency that will cover up to $60,000 of medical expenses in case a Canadian insurance company becomes insolvent.
Show Who can apply for Canada's Super Visa? Canada’s Super Visa is intended for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
To be eligible for a Super Visa, you must have a host who is either:
Your child or grandchild A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, who must provide a copy of one of the following: Canadian citizenship document of the host (and their spouse or common-law partner’s document, if applicable) Permanent resident document of the host (and their spouse or common-law partner’s document, if applicable) Secure Certificate of Indian Status or Certificate of Indian Status (status card) Is at least 18 years old and lives in Canada Meets or exceeds the minimum necessary income requirements Signs a letter inviting you to Canada including: A promise of financial support during your stay in CanadaYour child or grandchild's spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the letter if they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The list (including name and date of birth) and number of people included when you calculate your family size to determine the minimum necessary income For additional information, please visit the Canadian Government’s Super Visa eligibility page.
Show Do Super Visa insurance policies cover regular checkups? Visitors to Canada insurance covers medical expenses and other expense benefits related to accidental injury and sudden 'unforeseeable' illness.
It does not cover medical expenses that are not urgent. For example, regular checkups are not included, nor are vaccinations, prescription renewals, professional services of a therapist, etc.
If a person purchases a policy covering their pre-existing medical conditions, they will be covered in the event of an emergency - but not covered for monitoring their condition.
Get a Free Instant Super Visa Quote to Research Insurance Options! Visitors to Canada or their Canadian friends or family can get a travel insurance quote, compare policies and purchase online. If you have any further questions, please call toll-free for assistance at 1-888-888-0510 in North America; 1-604-259-2544, 1-403-800-1582; or 647-799-2032 (outside North America).