Super Visa insurance - also called Super Visa travel insurance - is the private emergency medical coverage that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires for parents and grandparents visiting Canada on a Super Visa. A qualifying policy must provide at least $100,000 in coverage, be valid for at least one year, and cover emergency healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation, from a Canadian or IRCC-approved insurer . Super Visa insurance policies typically cost $1000-$3000 per year. BestQuote compares IRCC approved Super Visa insurance policies from 14 Canadian insurers so you can find the right plan for your parent's age, health, and budget - and buy online in minutes.
What is Super Visa Insurance?
Super Visa insurance (also called Super Visa travel insurance) is private emergency medical coverage required for parents and grandparents visiting Canada on a Super Visa. Because Super Visa visitors aren't covered by provincial health plans, IRCC requires proof of a policy that meets specific rules (coverage amount, term length, and insurer eligibility). BestQuote helps you compare prices and coverage details side-by-side, so you can choose the plan that fits your family's budget and needs.
Super Visa Insurance for Parents
If you're sponsoring your parents' Super Visa, their insurance is your responsibility to arrange before they travel and as the sponsoring child you may be liable for their medical bills in Canada. Super Visa insurance for parents must meet the IRCC rules ($100,000+ coverage, valid one year, from a Canadian or IRCC-approved insurer). BestQuote compares parent-friendly plans from 14 insurers by age, health, and budget, with monthly payment options and coverage for stable pre-existing conditions.
Super Visa Insurance for Grandparents
Grandparents on a Super Visa need the same IRCC-compliant coverage as parents, but pricing rises with age, so the right plan matters most for applicants in their 70s and 80s. Compare grandparent Super Visa insurance across 14 insurers to find the best rate for their age and health profile, including plans that cover stable pre-existing conditions and options to pay monthly.
Super Visa Insurance Requirements (2026)
To qualify for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, applicants must provide proof of private medical insurance that meets the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. This insurance ensures that visitors are protected against unexpected healthcare costs while in Canada. IRCC has outlined three mandatory conditions that every Super Visa insurance policy must meet:
Minimum $100,000 Coverage
Policies purchased must provide a minimum coverage amount of $100,000 CAD.
Valid for 1 Year
The policy must be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry into Canada. Coverage must be continuous during the entire length of stay in Canada. There can be no breaks or gaps in coverage while in Canada.
Canadian or IRCC-Approved Insurer
Coverage must come from a Canadian company or an IRCC-approved provider, and it must include health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
As of January 28, 2025, IRCC updated the Super Visa insurance rules to allow approved foreign insurers in addition to Canadian providers. All policies available through BestQuote meet the current 2026 requirements.
To get up-to-date Super Visa details, check out the Government of Canada Super Visa page.
Super Visa Length
A Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that can be valid for up to 10 years (depending on passport validity). It allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with the option to apply for an extension while in Canada. This makes it significantly more flexible than a standard visitor visa, which typically allows stays of up to 6 months.
Because Super Visa visits can be long - sometimes spanning multiple years - choosing an insurance policy that offers flexibility around early returns, trip breaks, and refund options is especially important. Not all Super Visa insurance policies offer these features. BestQuote MedEC does.
Where to Buy Super Visa Travel Insurance in Canada
Super Visa insurance must be purchased from a Canadian insurer or an IRCC-approved foreign provider. There are two main ways to buy:
Through a licensed Canadian broker: A licensed broker like BestQuote lets you compare plans from multiple IRCC-approved Canadian insurers side by side in one place, so you can see real prices, deductible options, and coverage details across the market before choosing. There's no obligation to buy, and broker advice is free.
Direct from an insurer:
If paying the full annual premium upfront is a barrier some brokers (like BestQuote) offers monthly payment plans. IRCC accepts monthly payment policies for Super Visa applications. BestQuote offers monthly payment options.
All Super Visa insurance policies available through BestQuote are from Canadian or IRCC-approved insurers and meet current 2026 government requirements.
What Happens if the Super Visa Application is Refused?
One of the most common concerns for families purchasing Super Visa insurance is: what happens to the premium if the visa application is refused? This is a legitimate worry because Super Visa insurance must be purchased before the visa is approved, meaning you're paying upfront without a guarantee of approval.
BestQuote MedEC refund policy for visa refusals: If the Super Visa application is refused and the insured person never travels to Canada, you are eligible for a full refund of the premium paid, provided the policy has not yet reached its effective date and no use of the policy has been made (including using it as proof of insurance to obtain the visa).
How to request a refund:
Submit your request in writing to info@bestquotetravelinsurance.ca
Include a copy of the visa refusal letter from IRCC
Include a copy of every page of your passport showing no Canadian entry stamp
Refunds are processed back to the original payment method
Important note: If the policy was used as supporting documentation to apply for the Super Visa - even if the visa was ultimately refused - a full refund may not be available, as use of the policy has occurred. Contact BestQuote at 1-888-888-0510 to discuss your specific situation.
How to Choose the Right Super Visa Insurance
The best Super Visa policy is the one that meets IRCC requirements and matches your parent or grandparent's health profile and budget. When comparing options, focus on these six factors:
Coverage
$100,000 is the IRCC minimum, but many families choose higher coverage for peace of mind. Consider the cost of emergency hospitalization.
Deductible
A higher deductible usually lowers the monthly premium. Choose a deductible your family can comfortably cover out of pocket if a claim is needed.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Check whether the policy covers stable pre-existing conditions and understand what "stable" means under that policy's definition.
Refund Rules
Understand what happens if the visa is refused, delayed, or your parents return home early. Policies vary significantly on refund eligibility and processing fees.
Exclusions & Limitations
Pay close attention to exclusions around chronic conditions, follow-up care, and treatment that could be delayed until return to the home country.
Claims Support
Know the claims process before you need it like emergency assistance contact details and documentation requirements.
Your quote results show pricing and key policy details side-by-side, so you can choose confidently and purchase online.
BestQuote MedEC: a unique Super Visa insurance option
The BestQuote MedEC policy is a visitors-to-Canada emergency medical plan available through our quote comparison tool for longer trips (generally 300+ days), including many Super Visa applicants. It’s designed to cover new urgent and emergency medical situations while in Canada, including medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
MedEC is also one of the most unique visitors-to-Canada super visa travel insurance plans on the market because it includes benefits you typically won’t find elsewhere. For everyday health concerns, eligible MedEC policies also include access to Maple, a virtual doctor service, with three prepaid doctor consultations per year at no additional cost. Our policyholders find this helpful for common issues like prescriptions, minor infections, and general medical advice.
There are two MedEC versions available depending on your needs:
MedEC Visitors Emergency Health & Repatriation Insurance - with Maple Healthcare Access - This policy provides standard coverage for Super Visa applicants. All policy benefits are included except the Winter Sports addition.
MedEC Visitors Emergency Health & Repatriation with Winter Sports and Maple - This policy provides standard coverage for Super Visa applicants. All policy benefits are available, including the Winter Sports addition.
To see whether MedEC is available for your trip, generate a quote on this page. If it’s an option for your profile and trip length, it will appear in your results so you can compare price, deductibles, and key benefits side-by-side before you buy.
BestQuote MedEC: Key Features
Early Return Refund
If your parents or grandparents return home before their policy expires with no claim submitted, MedEC allows a pro-rated refund on unused premium.
Maple Virtual Care Access
MedEC policies include 3 prepaid virtual doctor visits per year through Maple. Great for quick advice, prescriptions, and common health concerns.
Flexible for Long Stays
Designed for longer visits: MedEC may allow an early return refund (if you go home early with no claim) and side trips outside Canada for up to 35 days.
BestQuote MedEC Policy for Super Visa Insurance - Indicative Pricing (2026)
Super Visa insurance cost depends on your parent or grandparent's age, the coverage amount selected, the deductible, and whether pre-existing conditions need to be covered. Below are indicative annual price ranges for a 1-year BestQuote MedEC Super Visa policy with $100,000 in coverage and a $0 deductible. Prices increase with age and with lower deductibles.
| Age | BestQuote MedEC Policy (No Pre-existing conditions) | BestQuote MedEC Policy (with Pre-existing conditions) |
|---|---|---|
40-49 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,400 |
50-59 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,500 |
60-69 | ~$1,500 | ~$2,000 |
70-79 | ~$2,400 | ~$3,300 |
80+ | ~$3,400+ | ~$4,700+ |
Prices vary based on the sum insured selected ($100,000, $150,000, $200,000, $300,000, or $500,000), the deductible chosen ($0, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000), and the applicant's exact age and health profile. Choosing a higher deductible can meaningfully reduce the annual premium. For example, selecting a $1,000 deductible instead of $0 can reduce costs by 10–20%.
Coverage amount matters: While $100,000 is the IRCC minimum, many families choose $150,000 or $200,000 for added peace of mind. A single overnight hospital stay in Canada can cost $5,000–$15,000 without insurance and a serious illness or surgery can cost significantly more.
Visit our page on Super Visa insurance cost and compare rates between 14 Canadian insurers.
Super Visa insurance for parents and grandparents visiting Canada costs approximately ~$1,000–$3,500 per year, depending on the insurer, age, coverage amount, deductible, and whether pre-existing conditions need to be covered. The IRCC minimum required coverage is $100,000 CAD. All Super Visa insurance policies available through BestQuote are from Canadian or IRCC-approved insurers and meet government requirements .
Super Visa Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions are one of the most important factors when buying Super Visa insurance - especially for older parents and grandparents who may be managing chronic health conditions. Here is what you need to know.
What counts as a pre-existing condition? Any illness, injury, or medical condition that existed before the insurance policy's start date - including well-managed, stable conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or COPD.
What is a stability period? Most policies that cover pre-existing conditions require the condition to have been stable for a set period before the policy start date (typically 90 to 180 days). Stable means no new symptoms, no changes to medication or dosage, no hospitalisation, and no new treatment or investigations during that period. The stability requirement varies by insurer and by condition, so it is important to check the specific policy wording.
Coverage options for pre-existing conditions:
Policies through BestQuote: Several additional policies available through BestQuote's comparison tool offer pre-existing condition coverage with varying stability periods, coverage limits, and price points. Generate a quote to compare all available options for your parent or grandparent's specific health profile.
If your parent has a complex health history: Contact BestQuote directly at 1-888-888-0510. Our advisors can help identify the most appropriate policy for applicants with multiple conditions or recent medical events.
Can I Pay for Super Visa Insurance Monthly?
Yes. IRCC accepts monthly instalment plans as valid proof of Super Visa insurance, and BestQuote offers monthly payment through five insurers - you pay a small initial deposit, then monthly instalments for the rest of the policy year. To compare monthly rates and see exactly how it works, visit our Super Visa insurance monthly payment plans page, or toggle to "Monthly Payments" in the quote tool above.
Get a Free Super Visa Insurance Quote
Get a free Super Visa insurance quote comparing all 14 Canadian insurers side-by-side in under two minutes. Enter your parent or grandparent's trip dates and date of birth in the tool on this page to see real prices, deductible options, and coverage details - then purchase online and receive your IRCC-ready documents by email.
We'll also email you a link to your quote for future reference. If you have any problems receiving a quote or have some specific questions you need to ask, don't hesitate to call us (1-888-888-0510). After purchasing online, confirmation of coverage policy document(s) will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is processed. We suggest that you keep a copy for your records, print out a copy and carry it with your other travel documents to show as proof of insurance at the border when you enter Canada.
How to Buy Super Visa Insurance
Get a Quote: Enter your trip details into the quote tool on this page. You will see real prices, deductible options, and key coverage details from multiple providers side by side.
Compare Plans: Review the available policies. Pay attention to the sum insured, deductible options, refund conditions, and any secondary benefits like Maple virtual care.
Purchase and Receive Documents: Complete your purchase online and receive your proof of insurance documents by email. We recommend printing a copy and carrying it with your other travel documents to show as proof of insurance at the border when you enter Canada.
Learn More About Super Visa Insurance
Stay informed with our latest guides and blog posts on Super Visa insurance. From understanding coverage requirements, to travel tips, we cover everything you need to know to choose the right plan for your parents or grandparents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our Super Visa Insurance offerings.
The best Super Visa insurance provider depends on your age, health history, and coverage needs. Since prices and benefits vary by company, the easiest way to find the right policy is to generate a Super Visa insurance quote, which lets you compare multiple providers side by side to see both costs and coverage options.
Yes, some insurers offer discounts on Super Visa insurance when two or more travellers buy together. Discounts vary by provider and will be shown on your quote if available.
Yes, you can buy Super Visa insurance for your parents or grandparents before they come to Canada. If you have sponsored their stay, you may be responsible for their medical bills, so arranging proper coverage in advance is strongly recommended.
Yes, as of January 28, 2025, Super Visa insurance can be purchased from an approved foreign insurer, but the policy must meet strict requirements set by the Canadian government. Most families still choose Canadian insurers because they are directly regulated, offer faster claims processing, and include Assuris protection.
The insurance company will review your request, and in most cases, the policy can be extended.