Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada on a Super Visa means facing one non-negotiable hurdle: the insurance requirement. This 2026 guide breaks down the $100,000 minimum coverage rule, the deductibles that swing monthly costs by hundreds, and the new foreign insurer change you need to understand.

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Minimum coverage required: $100,000 CAD ·
Policy validity required: 1 year from entry ·
Average monthly cost: $100–$200 CAD ·
Common deductible range: $0–$5,000 CAD ·
Number of major providers: 5+ (Manulife, Sun Life, Co-operators, etc.)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Minimum $100,000 coverage mandatory (IRCC)
  • Policy must be valid 1 year from entry (IRCC)
  • Insurance can be from a Canadian or eligible foreign insurer (IRCC news)
  • Policy must be paid in full or with a deposit (IRCC)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact monthly cost varies by age, health, deductible (Rates.ca)
  • Deductible availability differs by insurer (GMS)
  • Prescription drug coverage beyond emergencies varies by plan (PolicyAdvisor)
3Timeline signal
  • 2011 – Super Visa program introduced (CanadaVisa)
  • 2022 – Medical exam removed for many applicants (IRCC)
  • 2025-01-28 – Foreign insurers allowed with conditions (IRCC news)
4What’s next
  • Compare quotes across approved insurers (Rates.ca)
  • Choose deductible and coverage amount (GMS)
  • Buy policy and submit proof with visa application (IRCC)

Key facts at a glance

The $100,000 minimum is non-negotiable, but the cost swings dramatically depending on deductible and age.

Requirement Value
Minimum coverage amount $100,000 CAD
Policy duration 1 year from entry date
Typical monthly premium $100–$200 CAD
Deductible options $0–$5,000 CAD
Approved insurers Any Canadian licensed insurer or eligible foreign insurer (OSFI-authorized)

Do I need insurance for a super visa?

What are the minimum insurance requirements?

  • You must have private health insurance valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry into Canada (IRCC (Canadian immigration authority)).
  • The policy must cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation (IRCC).
  • The minimum emergency coverage is $100,000 CAD (IRCC).
  • Proof of insurance must be provided when applying, and the policy must be available for review at the border (IRCC).
Bottom line: The Super Visa program requires every applicant to carry private medical insurance. Parents and grandparents: start shopping early. Canadian sponsors: budget for the premium as a recurring annual expense.

Why is insurance mandatory for the Super Visa?

Provincial health plans do not cover visitors to Canada (Rates.ca (Canadian insurance comparison site)). Without private insurance, a single emergency room visit could bankrupt a family. The rule exists to protect both the visitor and Canada’s healthcare system.

Why this matters

A Canadian sponsor who doesn’t ensure continuous coverage risks their parent or grandparent being denied entry, or worse, stuck with six-figure medical bills.

How much is insurance for super visa?

What factors affect the cost of Super Visa insurance?

What is the average monthly cost?

The average Super Visa insurance cost for one person is between $100 and $200 CAD per month (Rates.ca). A 70-year-old with a $0 deductible may pay $300+, while a 55-year-old who chooses a $5,000 deductible could pay under $70.

Bottom line: Cost is highly variable. Sponsors: get quotes from at least three providers before committing. Parents: a higher deductible makes sense if you’re healthy and have savings to cover small incidents.

What is the deductible in super visa insurance?

What is a typical deductible amount?

Deductibles range from $0 to $5,000 CAD (GMS). Many policies use $1,000 as a standard example (PolicyAdvisor).

Can I choose a zero deductible?

Yes. Several Canadian insurers offer $0 deductible options, but the monthly premium will be substantially higher (GMS). For a 65-year-old, a $0 deductible might double the premium compared to a $5,000 deductible.

The trade-off

A sponsor who pays $200/month with a $0 deductible is betting on a claim. One who pays $100/month with a $5,000 deductible is betting on no claim — and saving $1,200 a year.

Does super visa insurance cover prescription drugs?

What other medical expenses are covered?

  • Emergency prescription drugs, hospital stays, and ambulance services are typically covered (IRCC).
  • Outpatient prescription drugs outside an emergency are usually not covered (PolicyAdvisor).

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Coverage is limited. Most insurers require a stability period of 90–180 days before the policy start (PolicyAdvisor). Conditions that are unstable or require ongoing treatment may be excluded.

Bottom line: Parents with chronic conditions need to read the fine print. A plan that covers emergencies but excludes medication refills could leave a big gap.

What is the new rule of super visa in Canada?

When did the new rule take effect?

On January 28, 2025, IRCC updated the Super Visa insurance requirement to allow eligible applicants to use private health insurance from companies outside Canada (IRCC news).

What changed in the 2026 guidelines?

  • Foreign insurers must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance (IRCC news).
  • The policy must be issued under the company’s insurance business in Canada (IRCC news).
  • No other major rule changes were announced; the minimum $100,000 and 1-year validity remain.
What to watch

The new rule opens the door to foreign insurers, but the OSFI list is limited. A “foreign” policy that isn’t OSFI-authorized will be rejected at the border.

Comparison of major Super Visa insurers

Three providers, one pattern: coverage differences hinge on deductibles, pre-existing condition stability, and maximum benefit limits.

Provider Max Coverage Deductible Range Pre-existing Conditions Sample Monthly Cost (65 yr)
Manulife $100,000–$150,000 $0–$5,000 Stable 90 days $150–$250
Sun Life $100,000 $0–$2,500 Stable 180 days $130–$220
GMS $100,000–$300,000 $0–$5,000 Stable 90 days $120–$230

The implication: Sun Life’s narrower deductible range may suit conservative buyers, while GMS and Manulife offer more flexibility for those willing to take on higher deductibles for lower premiums.

Insurance specification breakdown

Eleven specifications differentiate Super Visa policies — here is what to check before purchase.

Specification Typical Value
Minimum coverage $100,000 CAD
Policy term 365 days from entry
Emergency hospital Covered up to limit
Ambulance Often included
Prescription drugs (emergency) Covered up to limit
Outpatient prescription drugs Usually not covered
Repatriation Covered (subject to limit)
Pre-existing condition stability 90–180 days
Deductible options $0 – $5,000
Payment requirement Full payment or deposit required
Proof at border Policy must be available for review

The catch: even within these specs, policy wordings vary. Always request a copy of the full certificate before buying.

How to buy Super Visa insurance step by step

Step 1: Compare insurers and quotes

  • Visit comparison sites like Rates.ca or contact providers directly (Rates.ca).
  • Get quotes from at least three Tier 2 insurers (Manulife, Sun Life, GMS, Co-operators, Blue Cross).

Step 2: Choose deductible and coverage limit

  • Decide on a deductible: $0 if you want first-dollar coverage; $1,000 or more to lower premium.
  • Decide on coverage amount: $100,000 minimum, but $150,000 or $300,000 adds a safety margin.

Step 3: Buy the policy online

  • Complete the application with accurate health information.
  • Pay in full or make a deposit (as required by the insurer) (IRCC).
  • Receive the certificate of insurance immediately by email.

Step 4: Submit proof with visa application

  • Upload the insurance certificate to your IRCC online application.
  • Keep a printed copy for the border officer on arrival.
Bottom line: Sponsors: budget two weeks to compare and buy. Parents: confirm the policy is active before you book your flight.

Timeline: key moments for Super Visa insurance

  • 2011 – Super Visa program introduced (CanadaVisa).
  • 2022 – Medical exam requirement removed for many applicants (IRCC).
  • 2025-01-28 – Foreign insurers allowed under OSFI authorization (IRCC news).
  • March 2026 – Updated eligibility page published, reaffirming insurance requirements (IRCC).

The pattern: each change has made the program more accessible without weakening the insurance safeguard.

What we know and what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Super Visa applicants must have private health insurance with at least $100,000 coverage (IRCC).
  • Insurance must be valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry (IRCC).
  • Insurance must be from a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer (IRCC news).
  • The policy must be paid in full or with a deposit before application (IRCC).
  • Provincial health plans do not cover visitors (Rates.ca).

What remains unclear

  • Exact monthly cost varies significantly by applicant profile – age, health, and deductible make a precise quote impossible without shopping.
  • Deductible availability and amounts differ by insurer – not all offer $0 or $5,000 options.
  • Coverage details for prescription drugs beyond emergencies vary by plan – some may cover a few days of emergency meds, others a month.
  • Pre-existing condition clauses – stability windows and covered conditions vary widely.

What the authorities say

“You must show proof that you have private health insurance valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry.”

— Government of Canada (IRCC), official Super Visa document checklist

“The average super visa insurance cost for one person … is between $100 and $200 dollars per month.”

— Rates.ca, Canadian insurance comparison platform

“Your parents or grandparents will need travel medical insurance to get a super visa in Canada.”

— Sun Life Canada, leading life and health insurer

What this means for you

The Super Visa insurance rule is straightforward in policy but tricky in execution. The $100,000 minimum is easy to meet, but the real decisions — deductible, coverage limit, pre-existing condition stability — can save or cost your family thousands. For sponsors in Canada, the choice is clear: compare three insurers, pick a deductible you can afford, and never let coverage lapse. Parents and grandparents overseas must have a valid policy: it is their ticket into the country and their protection against an unthinkable hospital bill.

Additional sources

jcalaw.ca, gms.ca, parentsupervisa.ca, rates.ca, parentsupervisa.ca, coverme.com

Understanding the minimum coverage requirement of $100,000 is essential, and our comprehensive guide on Super Visa insurance requirements and costs explains how to meet this condition.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use travel insurance from my home country for the Super Visa?

Only if the insurer is OSFI-authorized and the policy is issued under the company’s insurance business in Canada. Most home-country travel insurance will not qualify.

Is Super Visa insurance tax deductible in Canada?

Medical expenses for a dependent relative may be claimed as a tax credit, but only if the relative is a resident of Canada for tax purposes. Super Visa holders are typically non-residents. Check with a tax professional.

Can I change insurers after the visa is approved?

Yes, but you must have valid coverage at all times. If you switch, ensure there is no gap. Border services officers may ask for proof of insurance on each entry.

What happens if my parents or grandparents do not have insurance upon arrival?

They may be denied entry. The officer can request proof of insurance at the port of entry, and without it, the Super Visa is not valid for travel.

Do both parents need separate insurance policies?

Yes. Each Super Visa applicant must have their own policy meeting the minimum requirements. Family policies are not accepted for this purpose.

How do I file a claim under Super Visa insurance?

Contact the insurer’s claims department directly, usually via a 24/7 hotline. Keep all receipts and medical reports. Pre-authorization is required for non-emergency services.

Is there a specific list of approved Canadian insurers?

IRCC does not publish a list. Any Canadian-licensed insurer offering travel medical insurance with at least $100,000 coverage and 1-year validity qualifies. For foreign insurers, check the OSFI list.

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