Super Visa medical insurance: requirements, cost and how to compare

IRCC's hard requirements

A super visa application must include proof of private medical insurance. IRCC requires a policy that: ^[1]

• provides at least $100,000 of emergency coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation
• is valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, and for each entry
• is paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren't accepted)
• names the insurance company that issued it

Since January 28, 2025, policies from foreign insurers are also accepted if the insurer is authorized by OSFI to provide accident and sickness insurance in Canada; OSFI publishes the list. ^[2][9]

Super visa holders can stay up to 5 years per entry, on a visa valid up to 10 years, so a long stay may mean renewing the policy. ^[2][3]

What a year costs

Price depends mostly on age, whether pre-existing conditions are covered, and the deductible. These are the ranges the comparison site PolicyAdvisor published in 2026 for several insurers (365 days, $100,000, $0 deductible). They come from a broker, so treat them as a ballpark only. ^[4]

A higher deductible lowers the premium. Paying monthly usually means a deposit of 1–2 months plus a $10–120 set-up fee, and costs roughly $100–120 more over a year than paying up front. ^[4][5]

Where claims go wrong: stability periods

If a parent has a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes, buy a plan that covers stable pre-existing conditions, and know that the condition must have been stable for a set time before the policy starts. Common periods are 90, 120 or 180 days, longer at older ages. ^[6]

"Not stable" usually means new symptoms, a change in medication or dose, new treatment or a hospital visit; some insurers count a lower dose as a change too. Insurers check medical records at claim time, so knowing your parent's last six months of visits and prescriptions matters more than shaving a few dollars off the price. ^[6]

Six questions to ask before you buy

1. Who is the underwriter, and is it on OSFI's list or authorized in BC? ^[1][9]
2. How are pre-existing conditions defined, how long is the stability period, and is there a health questionnaire? ^[6]
3. What if the visa is refused? Most insurers refund in full with the refusal letter, usually within 30–60 days. ^[7]
4. What if your parent goes home early? Usually a pro-rated refund if no claims were made, minus a $25–50 fee. ^[7]
5. How do claims work: call the assistance centre first, or pay and claim back? Some policies reduce payment if you don't call first.
6. What are the age limit and renewal rules? Some plans stop at 80 or 85, and renewals usually must be requested before expiry.

Checking who you buy from

• Anyone selling insurance in BC must be licensed; search their name in the Insurance Council of BC directory. ^[8]
• Check the insurer's name on the policy once you get it. ^[1]
• For disputes, use the insurer's complaint process first; after 90 days or a final answer you disagree with, OLHI reviews complaints for free. ^[10]

Super visa and MSP

Super visa holders are visitors and cannot enrol in MSP. If a parent later becomes a permanent resident, MSP starts after the usual wait (rest of the month plus two full months), so keep private coverage until then. ^[11][12]

This site does not sell insurance and takes no commission from any insurer. The prices above are only there to help you tell whether a quote is reasonable.