Do You Really Need $100,000 Coverage for Super Visa? The Truth Every Family Should Know
Canada’s Super Visa lets parents and grandparents stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. But there is one important rule that many families only learn about at the last minute: medical and travel insurance is mandatory.
To be approved for a Super Visa, visitors must show proof that they have bought private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company before they arrive. This insurance must meet specific government rules. This guide explains those rules in simple language so you can feel more confident when you apply.
What Makes the Super Visa Special?
The Super Visa is different from a regular visitor visa. It is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to stay longer with their family.
With a Super Visa:
- Parents and grandparents can stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit without renewing their status every few months.
- They can enter Canada multiple times over a period of up to 10 years, as long as the visa is valid.
- Families can spend extended time together without worrying about frequent visa renewals.
However, this longer stay also means a higher chance that visitors might need medical care during their time in Canada. That is why medical insurance is not just recommended – it is required.
Why Medical and Travel Insurance Is Required
Healthcare can be very expensive for visitors who are not covered by a provincial health insurance plans in Canada. A simple emergency room visit or a short hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars. For serious conditions, the bill can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more.
To protect both visiting family members and the Canadian healthcare system, the government requires Super Visa applicants to purchase private medical insurance before they arrive.
Medical and travel insurance for Super Visa visitors must:
- Provide a minimum of $100,000 coverage or more for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada.
- Be issued by a Canadian insurance company or an approved provider.
- Cover the visitor for medical care in Canada for the entire period they plan to stay.
- Include proof of full payment (not just a quote or estimate).
Without proof of proper insurance, the Super Visa application may be refused or the visitor may be denied entry at the border.
Current Insurance Rules (Updated 2024)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has very specific rules around Super Visa medical insurance. As of the latest update, applicants must provide proof that:
- The insurance policy is valid for at least 365 days from the date they will first enter Canada.
- The policy covers emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation back to their home country.
- The minimum coverage amount is at least $100,000, though many families choose higher coverage for extra peace of mind.
- The coverage will be in effect on the date they arrive in Canada.
- The policy can be refunded or adjusted if the visa is refused or the travel dates change (depending on the insurance company’s rules).
Every family’s situation is different, so it is important to carefully review the policy wording and make sure it meets the Super Visa requirements. Working with a licensed travel insurance advisor can help you avoid mistakes.
What Does Super Visa Insurance Actually Cover?
Super Visa medical insurance is designed to protect visiting parents and grandparents from high medical costs while they are in Canada. While details may vary by insurance company, most plans include coverage such as:
- Emergency medical care: Doctor visits, emergency room services, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations when needed because of a sudden illness or accident.
- Hospitalization: Room charges, nursing care, and other hospital-related costs if the insured person needs to be admitted for treatment.
- Prescription medications: Drugs prescribed during a covered medical emergency.
- Emergency dental treatment: Limited coverage for dental care caused by accidental injury.
- Medical equipment: Items such as crutches, splints, or other necessary support devices, when medically required.
- Repatriation: Transportation back to the home country in case of serious illness, death, or when medically advised.
Some plans may also include additional benefits, such as coverage for follow-up visits, ambulance services, or return of minor children. It’s important to read the policy and ask questions so you know what is included and what is not.
Many policies have exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions that are not stable, or certain medical treatments. Make sure you understand these exclusions before you buy.
How Much Does Super Visa Insurance Cost?
The cost of Super Visa insurance depends on several factors, including:
- Age of the visitor (older travelers usually pay higher premiums).
- Length of coverage (one full year is usually required for Super Visa).
- Coverage amount (plans with higher coverage limits often cost more).
- Deductible chosen (higher deductibles can lower the premium).
- Any pre-existing medical conditions and whether they are stable.
In general, younger parents or grandparents with no major health issues will pay less than older visitors with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies may also ask health questions or require that conditions be stable for a certain period (for example, 90 or 180 days) before the policy starts.
Because prices and coverage can vary widely between companies, it is a good idea to compare quotes from more than one Canadian insurance provider. A licensed advisor can help you do this.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is strictly for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The main applicant must be the parent or grandparent of the person inviting them to Canada.
To qualify, the Canadian child or grandchild must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- Provide a signed letter of invitation promising financial support during the visitor’s stay.
- Show proof that their household meets the minimum income requirement (Low Income Cut-Off or LICO).
Applicants must also complete a medical examination if required, have a valid passport, and meet other standard immigration requirements. Super Visa medical insurance is a key part of the application package.
The Application Process Step by Step
Here is a simple outline of the Super Visa process:
Step 1: The Canadian child or grandchild writes a letter of invitation that includes details about family, financial support, and length of stay.
Step 2: The host in Canada gathers proof of income, such as tax returns or pay stubs, to show they meet the LICO requirement.
Step 3: The parent or grandparent applies for the Super Visa online or at a visa application centre, including all required forms and documents.
Step 4: Before final approval, the applicant buys Super Visa medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company and gets proof of payment and coverage.
Step 5: The applicant submits the proof of insurance along with their application or when requested by IRCC.
Step 6: Once the Super Visa is approved, the parent or grandparent can travel to Canada with confidence, knowing they have medical coverage in place.
Benefits of Choosing Canadian Insurance Providers
While some international companies advertise coverage for visitors to Canada, the safest option for Super Visa is usually a Canadian insurance provider. Here’s why:
- Canadian companies understand IRCC requirements and design policies specifically for Super Visa visitors.
- Claims are processed in Canada, often making communication and payments faster and easier.
- Hospitals and clinics in Canada are more familiar with local insurance companies.
- Some policies offer direct billing to hospitals, which can reduce stress in an emergency.
- If plans need to be changed or cancelled because of visa issues, local advisors can help you navigate the process.
A local travel insurance advisor can compare several Canadian providers and help match your family’s needs with a suitable policy.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coverage
Because every family is different, there is no single “best” Super Visa insurance plan. Here are some tips to help you decide:
- Look beyond the price. Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions – not just the monthly cost.
- Ask about pre-existing conditions and stability periods so there are no surprises later.
- Check if the policy can be refunded or adjusted if travel plans change or the visa is refused.
- Consider higher coverage limits to protect against large medical bills.
- Make sure the policy clearly states that it meets Super Visa requirements.
- Work with a licensed advisor who can explain the fine print in plain language.
Making the Most of Extended Family Time
For many families, the Super Visa is more than just a document – it is a chance to build stronger relationships across generations. Grandparents can spend time with grandchildren, help with childcare, and share their culture and stories.
Having proper medical and travel insurance in place allows everyone to enjoy this time together with fewer worries. Instead of stressing about “what if” medical emergencies, families can focus on everyday life, celebrations, and special moments.
If you are preparing to sponsor your parents or grandparents for a Super Visa, make insurance planning a priority early in the process. Getting the right coverage in place can help avoid last-minute stress and delays.
Checklist for Buying Super Visa Travel Insurance
Before you buy, go through this quick checklist:
- Coverage is at least $100,000 or more.
- Policy is valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry to Canada.
- Insurance is from a Canadian company or approved provider.
- Benefits include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Proof of full payment is provided (not just a quote).
- Pre-existing condition rules are clearly explained and acceptable to you.
- Refund or change rules are understood in case of visa refusal or travel changes.
Consult a Private Travel Insurance Advisory Advisor
If you are not sure which Super Visa policy is right for your family, talking to a private travel insurance advisor can save you time and trouble. An experienced advisor can compare different companies, explain coverage in simple terms, and help you choose a plan that meets government rules and your budget.
Super Visa insurance in Canada is a serious requirement, but it does not have to be confusing. With the right information and guidance, you can protect your parents or grandparents while they enjoy their extended stay in the country.
Need help understanding Super Visa medical insurance? You can speak with Anette - a Filipina travel insurance advisor who works with Canadian providers and can explain your options step by step.
Ref: C-MAOG