Updated on April 16, 2026 by canadian immigration experts
This is the question some Canadian children seeking to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada on a Super Visa ask too late, after they have already filed the application.
The answer is this: your parents will be able to use their health insurance coverage, purchased as part of their Super Visa application, if they become ill while in Canada.
As Super Visa holders, your parents can not receive Canadian government health insurance. They are not eligible for provincial health coverage, not OHIP in Ontario, not AHCIP in Alberta, not RAMQ in Quebec. Canada’s public healthcare system does not extend to visitors, regardless of how long they stay or how closely related they are to Canadian citizens.
This is exactly why IRCC mandates private medical insurance as a requirement for every Super Visa application.
The Mandatory Private Health Insurance Requirement for Super Visa applicants
Before a Super Visa can be approved, the applicant must provide proof of valid private health insurance that meets IRCC requirements. An application submitted without qualifying insurance will be refused.
The minimum requirements are:
- Coverage of at least $100,000 CAD for emergency medical expenses
- Valid for a minimum of one full year from the date of entry into Canada
- Must cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation to the home country
- Must be purchased from a Canadian insurance provider.
The insurance policy must be valid and available for review by a CBSA border officer each time your parents enter Canada. If the policy has expired or lapsed, entry may be refused.
What Super Visa Medical Insurance Covers
To meet IRCC requirements, a Super Visa insurance policy covers costs that provincial health plans would otherwise cover for residents.
Depending on the amount of coverage, it will include emergency hospitalization, physician and specialist visits related to emergencies, diagnostic tests including blood work and imaging, ambulance services, emergency dental treatment resulting from an accident, and repatriation, the cost of returning your parents to their home country if medically necessary.
Some policies offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, provided those conditions have been stable for a defined period, typically 90 to 180 days before the policy takes effect.
This is critical for older parents who may have managed health conditions. Please read the policy terms on pre-existing conditions carefully before purchasing.
What Super Visa Insurance Does Not Cover
It is important to understand what the Super Visa insurance usually does not cover.
Usually, this type of medical insurance does not cover routine medical care such as regular check-ups, ongoing prescription medications, planned specialist visits, physiotherapy, or vision and dental care unrelated to accidents. It usually does not cover treatment for conditions that were not stable before the policy began, nor does it cover treatments that are excluded from the coverage.
If a pre-existing condition flares up and the insurer determines it was not stable at the time the policy was purchased, the claim may be denied.
Some policies may cover travel to third countries but exclude the country of origin.
How Much Does Super Visa Insurance Cost?
The cost usually varies based on three primary factors: the parent’s age, the presence of pre-existing conditions, and the chosen coverage amount. As a general range, monthly premiums typically fall between $100 and $300 CAD per person. For parents over 70 or those with significant pre-existing conditions, costs may be higher.
Annual premiums for one person usually range from $1,500 to $3,500 CAD. A minimum $100,000 policy is required by IRCC.
It is important to note that hospital costs in Canada are quite substantial. A single emergency room visit with imaging and overnight observation can exceed $10,000. A week of hospitalization can cost up to $50,000, depending on the medical tests and treatments received.
Therefore, we recommend purchasing $150,000 in insurance coverage, especially for older parents. The premium difference between $100,000 and $150,000 coverage is usually minimal. But the financial risk in case something goes wrong with your parents’ health is enormous.
Can My Parents Purchase Medical Insurance for Their Super Visa From a Foreign Provider?
Yes, they can. IRCC changed this rule to allow policies from foreign insurance companies authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). The policy must meet all the same coverage requirements as a Canadian policy.
In practice, however, most of our clients find it simpler to purchase medical insurance from a well-known, reputable Canadian provider because so much can be at stake.
In addition, CBSA Border officers who will be examining the policy at the time of entry are familiar with Canadian insurance companies and less likely to question them. While foreign policies are permitted, they may require additional verification upon entry, adding a new layer of complexity.
What Happens If My Medical Insurance Expires During My Parents’ Stay In Canada?
Super Visa holders and their sponsors are responsible for maintaining valid insurance coverage for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. If the policy expires before your parents leave, they must renew before the expiry date, not after.
In addition, having no medical coverage might become a serious financial problem if your parents fall ill during their stay. Insurance renewal from inside Canada is straightforward with most providers. Therefore, we highly recommend checking the validity periods of the insurance policies and extending them before they expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my parents use their home country’s government health plan in Canada?
A: No. Home country government health plans do not cover treatment received in Canada. Your parents require separate private insurance for their stay.
Q: What if my parents have a medical emergency and their insurance has lapsed?
A: They will be personally responsible for all medical costs. Hospital bills in Canada can reach tens of thousands of dollars within days. This is the scenario the insurance requirement is designed to prevent.
Q: Can I buy the insurance on behalf of my parents?
A: Yes. Any family member can purchase the policy on behalf of the visiting parent or grandparent. You simply provide the parents’ information during the application process.
Q: Will the insurance be refunded if the Super Visa is refused?
Q: Yes. Most Canadian insurance providers offer a full refund of premiums if the Super Visa application is refused, provided no claim has been made. Confirm this refund policy before purchasing.
Q: Can my parents be covered for pre-existing conditions?
A: Many policies offer coverage for stable pre-existing conditions. The definition of “stable” varies by insurer; typically, it means 90 to 180 days without changes in medication, treatment, or symptoms. Read the policy terms carefully and answer all health questions truthfully. Misrepresentation voids all coverage.
Important Advice: Choose the Right Policy!
My consistent advice to families is this: Do not make the insurance decision based solely on price. Make it based on what the policy covers and what it excludes, how clearly those exclusions are written, the insurer’s claims process and reputation, and whether pre-existing conditions relevant to your parent’s health history are covered.
The $50 per month you might save on a cheaper policy will mean nothing if your parent falls ill and the claim is denied while they are in the emergency room.
Having your parents or grandparents come to visit Canada is an important ask, and any oversight when it comes to insurance can quickly become costly, which is why we are here to lay out all the options available to you, so that you can make an informed decision. Our managers at Jane Katkova & Associates fully grasp the situation when it comes to applying for a supervisa and the subtle nuances surrounding it. From the insurance decision, the timing of entry, and the renewal strategy require knowledge.
We have been working with families to structure Super Visa applications that hold up at the border and throughout the full period of stay. We want to ensure that your family doesn’t experience any inconvenience while staying with you in Canada, and that, if something unexpected happens, you are confident knowing you are prepared. Let us help you and your family today!
