IRCC requires a minimum of $100,000 CAD in emergency medical coverage for every Super Visa applicant. The policy must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, and must be valid for at least one year from your parent's or grandparent's planned date of entry into Canada. This is a firm requirement, and a policy that falls short can lead IRCC to refuse the application — final eligibility is always determined by IRCC. At Super Visa Quote, every plan we compare meets or exceeds these standards. Coverage options up to $1,000,000 are also available for families who want greater peace of mind.

Yes. Super Visa insurance must be purchased and in effect before your parent or grandparent arrives in Canada. The policy needs to be active and ready for review by a border services officer at the point of entry. You cannot purchase Super Visa insurance after they have already arrived in Canada. We recommend securing coverage at least a few weeks before the travel date to ensure all documents are in order for the visa application.

Yes, and in most cases you should. IRCC requires proof of paid insurance as part of the Super Visa application — a quote alone is not accepted. Most Canadian insurers, including those we work with, offer a full refund if the Super Visa is denied and no claims have been made (some may charge an administration fee), so purchasing before approval carries limited financial risk in most cases. This is one of the most common questions we receive, and it's exactly why choosing a plan that meets IRCC requirements with a strong visa-denial refund policy matters.

A standard Super Visa insurance plan covers: emergency hospitalization, physician and specialist fees, diagnostic tests (X-rays, lab work), ambulance services, prescription drugs related to a covered emergency, and repatriation to the home country if required. Many plans we offer also include emergency dental care and follow-up treatment after a covered emergency. Coverage is specifically designed for the extended stays parents and grandparents make under the Super Visa program — up to five years per entry — unlike basic visitor insurance which is typically limited to shorter trips.

Many Super Visa insurance plans do cover stable pre-existing conditions such as controlled diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions — but the condition must have been stable for a defined period before travel, typically 90 to 180 days depending on the insurer. Coverage for pre-existing conditions does affect the premium, with plans typically ranging from $130 to $650 per month depending on age and health status. During our comparison process, we'll help you identify which insurers offer pre-existing condition coverage that fits your parent's specific health history — this is one of the most important factors to get right.

The key differences are duration, minimum coverage, and IRCC compliance requirements. Super Visa insurance is specifically designed to meet IRCC's mandatory standards: minimum $100,000 coverage, valid for at least one year, paid in full (or via monthly instalments with full commitment). Visitor insurance is more flexible and typically designed for shorter trips of days or weeks. If your parent is visiting on a regular visitor visa, visitor insurance may be appropriate. If they are applying for the Super Visa — which allows stays of up to five years per entry — Super Visa insurance is required. A general visitor policy typically will not satisfy the Super Visa insurance requirement and can lead to a refusal; an advisor can help you confirm the plan meets IRCC's criteria.