Travel Insurance FAQs - Super Visa, General FAQs, and More

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.

Some companies do offer discounts for companion travel or group travel insurance policies. If a discount applies, it will be mentioned on your quote.

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).

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.

That depends.  

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. 

• Super Visa was refused:

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. 

• Different reason:

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 your 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.

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 also 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 options - 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 Canada
• Insurer 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.

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: 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. 

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 Canada
    • Your 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.

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 stable 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 periods. If you have any questions about your pre-existing conditions and obtaining coverage, please contact us.

There are some restrictions that the Canadian government sets out 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.can

A: Travel health insurance protects you against significant financial setbacks due to medical emergencies. No advisor would be doing you a favour to advise you to travel without travel health insurance. Without travel insurance, a broken leg or the flu could turn into a substantial medical bill, especially in the U.S., but elsewhere too. Without travel insurance, you expose yourself to unlimited financial risk. Travel insurance will also cover items that regular health insurance will not. For example, incidental hospital expenses, out-of-pocket costs of accommodation and meals while a travel companion is in hospital. Some policies will also include returning your vehicle home when you can't, flying you home for (better) medical attention, and more. You can get a plan that protects you in the event of family emergencies, delays, theft, and last-minute plan changes happen once in a while to all travellers. 

A: When you purchase a policy from us online, the insurance company will send you a 'confirmation of coverage' document, which summarizes your coverage. You should print this and take it with you. A copy of the policy wording will also be emailed to you, but we will mail one to you if you email us and ask us to send you a paper copy. You will also receive a wallet card to keep on hand in case you need it.

If you have left your purchase to the last minute, don't worry. When you purchase a policy, we will process your purchase within 24 hours. You will receive a confirmatory email with details immediately after processing. 

A: Yes. The companies on our website are very well regarded in the travel insurance industry. They have been chosen above other travel insurance providers because of their 24/7 customer service, policy wording and financial strength. Best, an independent organization that rates the financial strength of Canadian insurance companies.

A: Once you have asked for a quote and provided with your policy choices, you will notice two options to help you navigate through the policy wording details: (Summary and Policy). You are advised to download the policy and review it before purchasing it. But you probably don't want to download 6 different policies and read them all before deciding which one to get. We've made it easier to compare coverage with a summary chart providing information on the secondary benefits (for example, dental, paramedical services, follow-up provisions) for each company. Once you've narrowed down your choice, you can read through the policy that interests you by downloading it. 

A:  The deposit date is the first date that money paid towards your trip becomes non-refundable. The first date that you have to pay a non-refundable deposit or deposits or reservation charges that are not 100% refundable is your 'deposit' date. This question is asked for those purchasing trip cancellation insurance because some companies restrict your purchase to within a few days of your deposit date. 

A: Your policy may come with a deductible, or you may choose to obtain a policy without a deductible. The deductible amount that your policy has is the amount of any expenses that you must pay (deduct from the bill) before the insurance company begins to pay for the remainder of the costs. The higher the deductible amount of your policy, the lower the premium you are asked to pay. If, for example, you have decided to lower your premium by selecting a $500 deductible, if you have a claim, you will need to pay the first $500 of expenses. Then the insurance company will cover the rest (of the eligible costs). On your quote screen, you will find it easy to change the deductible and see how it affects your premium.

A: It may be convenient, but it might be pricier, and it might not be the coverage you think you have. Once you consider the fees that your credit card company will charge to provide annual coverage, you'll probably be able to find better travel insurance for a lower cost. It is crucial for you to read the coverage that you have through your credit card company to determine if it includes emergency medical insurance coverage. Some credit cards might seem like they provide 'travel insurance' when their policy only covers accidental death when you pass away on a common carrier! Other's have low coverage, or a time limit. Also, be mindful that most credit card companies only offer coverage for those under 65.