Anyone who’s tried to plan a parent’s visit to Canada under the Super Visa program quickly learns one thing: the insurance rules are non-negotiable. The Government of Canada (official immigration authority) mandates a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, and the policy must be valid for a full year from entry. Getting it right matters — a rejected application can mean a delayed reunion.
Minimum coverage required by IRCC: $100,000 ·
Average monthly premium range (younger parents): $80–$100 ·
Average monthly premium range (older parents / pre-existing conditions): $100–$200+ ·
Mandatory policy duration: Minimum 1 year ·
Deductible common range: $0–$5,000
Quick snapshot
- IRCC requires minimum $100,000 emergency medical coverage (Government of Canada) (The Co-operators (Canadian insurer))
- Policy must be valid for at least 1 year from entry (Government of Canada) (The Co-operators (Canadian insurer))
- Coverage must include hospitalization, repatriation, and evacuation (The Co-operators (Canadian insurer))
- Insurance must be from a Canadian company (Government of Canada) (The Co-operators (Canadian insurer))
- Exact pre‑existing condition stability period varies by insurer (180 vs 365 days) (AEVA (insurance broker))
- Future IRCC policy changes to the $100,000 minimum are possible but unannounced (Government of Canada (news notice))
- 2011: Super Visa program launched (Government of Canada)
- 2022: IRCC extended maximum stay to 5 years per entry
- 2025: Minimum coverage remains $100,000; policy must be valid 1 year from entry (Government of Canada)
- IRCC announced a change to the health insurance requirement in January 2025 to make the super visa more accessible (Government of Canada (news notice))
Six key facts about Super Visa insurance requirements, one pattern: the government’s $100,000 floor is just the starting point — costs and coverage vary widely.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| IRCC minimum coverage | $100,000 CAD (Government of Canada) |
| Mandatory policy term | At least 1 year (Government of Canada) |
| Average premium (age <60, no pre‑existing) | $900–$1,200/year (Rates.ca (insurance comparison site)) |
| Average premium (age 60+, pre‑existing) | $1,800–$3,600+/year (DaddySafe (pricing guide)) |
| Deductible common choices | $0, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 (DaddySafe) |
| Number of approved Canadian insurers | 20+ (PolicyAdvisor (insurance marketplace)) |
The implication: the $100,000 minimum is a floor, not a ceiling — and premiums can triple depending on age and health.
How much insurance is required for a super visa?
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets a hard rule: every Super Visa applicant must hold private medical insurance with a minimum of $100,000 CAD in emergency coverage. The Government of Canada (federal immigration authority) states the policy must be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry into Canada. That means if your parent plans to stay for two years, the insurance must be renewed before the first year expires.
Coverage must include:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Repatriation (return of remains to home country)
- Evacuation (medical transport to a hospital)
According to The Co-operators (Canadian insurance provider), these are the core elements IRCC looks for. Additionally, the insurance must be purchased from a Canadian insurance company or a foreign company approved by the Minister (in practice, almost all applicants use Canadian insurers). PolicyAdvisor (insurance marketplace) confirms that the insurer must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
The $100,000 minimum is non‑negotiable. A policy with coverage below that amount — even by $1,000 — will result in a rejected application.
The trade-off: meeting the minimum is easy, but the real cost depends on how much coverage you choose above that floor and how you structure the deductible.
What does super visa insurance cover and what pre-existing conditions are included?
Standard covered events
Most Super Visa insurance policies cover a broad set of emergency medical services. Standard coverage includes:
- Emergency medical care and hospital stays
- Ambulance services (ground and air)
- Dental accidents (usually up to a cap, e.g., $4,000)
- Prescription drugs administered in hospital
- Diagnostic tests (X‑rays, lab work)
Sun Life Canada (major Canadian insurer) lists these as part of their Super Visa medical insurance. Routine check‑ups, eye exams, and elective procedures are generally excluded.
Pre-existing condition stabilization requirements
If your parent has a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis, the insurance may still cover it — but only if the condition is stable. The definition of “stable” varies by insurer, but a common standard is:
- No new symptoms or complications in the 180 days (or 365 days) before the policy effective date
- No change in medication or treatment dosage
- No hospitalization for that condition
AEVA (insurance broker) notes that the stability period can be 180 days or 365 days depending on the insurer. Some insurers, like Manulife CoverMe (Canadian travel insurer), offer coverage for pre‑existing conditions only if the insured has been stable for a full year.
Conditions that are typically excluded:
- Unstable chronic conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes)
- Terminal illness
- Routine check‑ups or preventive care
- Self‑inflicted injuries
If your parent has a history of heart disease or stroke, expect a higher premium — and a stricter stability review.
The pattern: the more stable the health history, the more likely the claim will be paid. Insurers are not in the business of covering pre‑existing flare‑ups.
What is the deductible in super visa insurance?
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts covering costs. For Super Visa insurance, deductibles typically range from $0 to $5,000, with some insurers offering higher options like $10,000 for very healthy applicants.
Common deductible choices and their impact on premium:
- $0 deductible: highest monthly premium, full coverage from the first dollar
- $500 deductible: moderate premium reduction
- $1,000 deductible: roughly 20–30% lower premium than $0 deductible (WealthNorth (insurance broker))
- $2,500–$5,000 deductible: steep discount, best for healthy applicants who want low premiums
DaddySafe (pricing guide) lists standard deductible options across five major insurers. The deductible is usually applied per claim or per policy period, depending on the insurer. Read the fine print — some policies apply the deductible per claim, which can add up if multiple medical events occur.
The catch: a higher deductible means lower premiums, but it also means you pay more upfront if a claim arises. For a healthy parent, a $1,000 deductible is often the sweet spot.
How much does super visa insurance cost per month?
Costs vary dramatically based on age, health status, coverage amount, deductible, and insurer. Here are the typical ranges:
- Parents under 60, no pre‑existing conditions: $80–$100/month (approx. $960–$1,200/year) (Rates.ca)
- Parents 60+, with stable pre‑existing conditions: $150–$200/month ($1,800–$2,400/year)
- Parents 65+ with multiple conditions: $200–$300+/month ($2,400–$3,600+/year) (DaddySafe)
These figures assume a $0 deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can reduce the monthly cost by 20–30%. Sun Life Canada and Rates.ca both offer online quote tools where you can get a personalized estimate.
One important note: insurers require the full annual premium to be paid upfront. GMS (Canadian insurance provider) warns that monthly installment receipts do not prove full-year payment, and IRCC will reject a policy that isn’t fully paid.
A 65‑year‑old parent with a $0 deductible could pay $2,800/year — but with a $1,000 deductible, that drops to around $2,100. That’s a saving of $700, or 25%.
The trade-off: paying upfront can be a cash flow shock, but it’s the only way to meet IRCC’s proof requirement.
Can a super visa be rejected?
Yes. A Super Visa application can be rejected if the insurance does not meet IRCC requirements. The most common rejection reasons are:
- Coverage below $100,000
- Policy duration less than 1 year from entry date
- Insurance purchased from a non‑Canadian company (unless explicitly approved by the Minister)
- Incomplete medical exam or missing documents
Government of Canada’s eligibility page lists all requirements. AEVA adds that many applicants are rejected because they submit a quote instead of a paid policy. The policy must be purchased and active, not just quoted.
Other factors that can lead to rejection:
- Insufficient financial support from the host child in Canada
- Weak ties to the home country (risk of overstaying)
- Previous immigration violations or overstays
If your application is rejected, you can re‑apply after correcting the issue. There is no formal appeal process, but a new application with proper documentation is the standard route.
The implication: a rejected application is almost always fixable. The key is to triple‑check the insurance proof before submitting.
Six specifications for Super Visa insurance, one standout: the $100,000 minimum is the most common stumbling block.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | $100,000 CAD emergency medical |
| Policy duration | At least 1 year from entry (Government of Canada) |
| Coverage includes | Hospitalization, repatriation, evacuation, ambulance, dental accidents (The Co-operators) |
| Pre‑existing condition waiting period | 180–365 days of stability, depending on insurer (AEVA) |
| Deductible options | $0, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 (DaddySafe) |
| Payment required | Full annual premium upfront (GMS) |
| Insurer must be Canadian | Licensed by OSFI (PolicyAdvisor) |
| Proof required | Paid policy certificate, not a quote (Manulife CoverMe) |
The catch: a policy that meets all specs on paper can still be rejected if the insurer is not OSFI‑approved. Always verify the insurer’s license.
How to get Super Visa insurance: step‑by‑step
- Choose a Canadian insurer — Look for companies approved by OSFI. Major providers include Sun Life, Manulife, Allianz, CAA, and GMS. Comparison sites like Rates.ca (insurance comparison platform) can help you shop.
- Get a quote — Provide the applicant’s age, health history, and desired coverage amount (at least $100,000). Decide on a deductible (e.g., $1,000 to balance premium and out‑of‑pocket cost).
- Select a policy — Ensure the policy term is at least 1 year from the intended entry date. Confirm that pre‑existing conditions are covered if stable.
- Pay the full premium upfront — GMS (Canadian insurance provider) warns that IRCC will not accept monthly installment plans. You must pay the entire year’s premium in one go.
- Obtain the insurance certificate — The insurer will issue a certificate or policy document. Make sure it states the coverage amount, policy dates, and insurer’s name clearly.
- Submit with your Super Visa application — Include the certificate as proof. Keep a copy for yourself and for the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Why this matters: skipping step 4 (paying upfront) is the most common reason for a rejected application. A paid policy is your only valid proof.
Confirmed facts
- IRCC requires minimum $100,000 emergency medical coverage (Government of Canada)
- Policy must be valid for 1 year from entry (Government of Canada)
- Coverage must include hospitalization, repatriation, evacuation (The Co‑operators)
- Insurance must be from a Canadian company (Government of Canada)
- Policy must be paid in full upfront (GMS)
What’s unclear
- Exact stability period for pre‑existing conditions (180 vs 365 days) varies by insurer (AEVA)
- Future IRCC changes to the $100,000 minimum are possible but not announced (Government of Canada news notice)
- Whether a $10,000 deductible option is available with all insurers
The applicant must hold valid medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada, with a minimum coverage of $100,000.
— Government of Canada (official IRCC eligibility page)
Our Super Visa medical insurance covers emergency hospital, doctor, and ambulance services with optional coverage for pre‑existing conditions if stable for 180 days.
— Sun Life Canada (major Canadian insurer)
The average cost for a 65‑year‑old parent with a $0 deductible is around $200 per month, dropping to $150 per month with a $1,000 deductible.
— Rates.ca (insurance comparison site)
For parents planning to visit Canada, the choice is clear: secure a compliant policy from a Canadian insurer upfront, or risk a visa rejection that delays your reunion. The $100,000 minimum is your floor, the deductible is your lever, and pre‑existing condition stability is your gatekeeper. Get all three right, and the Super Visa becomes a straightforward path to family time in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my super visa insurance expires while I am in Canada?
You must renew your insurance before it expires. If it lapses, you are out of compliance with IRCC rules, which could affect your status. Government of Canada notes that super visa holders may need to renew health insurance during their stay if coverage expires before departure.
Can I buy super visa insurance from a non‑Canadian company?
IRCC states the insurance can be issued by a Canadian insurance company or by a foreign company approved by the Minister. In practice, almost all applicants use Canadian insurers because approval is rare. PolicyAdvisor recommends using an OSFI‑licensed Canadian insurer.
How do I prove my insurance meets IRCC requirements?
You must submit a paid policy certificate showing the coverage amount ($100,000+), policy term (1 year from entry), and the insurer’s name. Quotes are not accepted. Manulife CoverMe confirms that proof must be a fully paid policy.
Does super visa insurance cover COVID‑19?
Most comprehensive Super Visa insurance policies cover COVID‑19 if it requires emergency medical treatment. However, if the policy has a pre‑existing condition exclusion, COVID‑19 may be covered as a new illness. Check with your insurer. Sun Life includes COVID‑19 in their standard coverage.
Can I change my super visa insurance provider mid‑policy?
No, you cannot switch providers mid‑year because the policy is paid upfront for a full year. You can choose a different insurer when you renew at the end of the policy term. GMS advises that the policy must be continuous and valid for the entire stay.
Are prescription drugs covered under super visa insurance?
Prescription drugs administered during a hospital stay are typically covered. Outpatient prescriptions are often excluded. The Co‑operators includes emergency prescription drugs as part of their emergency medical coverage.
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Noah Gagnon is Senior Reporter at Canada Scope, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.