What to know before choosing a plan
Plain-language information, designed to help you compare meaningful differences.
What does IRCC require for Super Visa insurance?
For a parent or grandparent Super Visa application, IRCC requires proof of private health insurance valid for at least one year from the date of entry, covering health care, hospitalization and repatriation, with at least CAD $100,000 in emergency coverage. A quote is not acceptable as proof of insurance: the policy must be issued and paid in full or by instalments with a deposit.
IRCC accepts policies issued by Canadian insurers and certain qualifying insurers outside Canada. An eligible foreign insurer must meet specified federal authorization and issuance requirements. Do not assume a policy bought overseas is automatically acceptable.
Choose a policy for the traveller—not just the application
A low premium may reflect a higher deductible, narrower medical eligibility or different treatment of stable pre-existing conditions. Compare benefit limits, stability wording, emergency assistance procedures, effective date, exclusions and refund rules.
For older travellers or anyone managing blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions, pay close attention to medication changes, pending tests, recent symptoms and the policy’s definition of “stable.” An insurer decides claim eligibility using the contract and facts of the claim.
Emergency medical coverage is not a replacement for routine care or a provincial health plan. Coverage for ongoing treatment, planned procedures and routine prescriptions is typically limited or excluded.
Can you use monthly payments?
IRCC allows instalments with a deposit for qualifying Super Visa insurance. An instalment arrangement is not a one-month insurance policy: the required coverage period still matters. Availability, fees and missed-payment consequences depend on the insurer.
Ask for the complete payment schedule, deposit amount, automatic-payment terms and whether cancelling future payments would terminate coverage. Maintain valid insurance during every entry and for the duration of the stay.
Host income rules also changed on March 31, 2026. The official IRCC announcement ↗ explains alternative income-assessment methods; insurance is only one part of eligibility.
Practical buying checklist
Before choosing coverage, have each applicant’s birth date, anticipated Canadian arrival date, desired coverage limit, deductible preference and full medical history ready. Verify the insurer’s application questions carefully and provide accurate answers.
After purchase, keep the confirmation of coverage, policy wording, emergency assistance number and payment confirmation where the traveller can access them at the border. Ask about date-change, visa-refusal and early-departure procedures before paying.