Canada's Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for extended periods. One requirement is proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company.
What applicants are typically asked to show
At the time of writing, the immigration rules ask for medical insurance that:
- Is from a Canadian insurance company.
- Covers at least one year from the date of entry.
- Provides at least $100,000 of coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
- Is valid for each entry.
Rules change, so check the current requirements on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before buying.
What families commonly ask
- Payment options. Some insurers allow premiums to be paid in instalments. Cancellation and refund rules apply if the visa is refused.
- Pre-existing conditions. Coverage for conditions that existed before arrival varies. Some policies exclude them or have stability requirements.
- Age. Premiums rise with age, and some policies have maximum ages.
- Deductible. Choosing a higher one can lower the premium.
- Proof. The policy documents are part of the application, so ask the insurer for the type of confirmation needed.
Things to understand
- This insurance is for emergencies, not routine care. It does not generally cover things like regular check-ups.
- Policies pay out under their own conditions. Read the exclusions.
- Provincial health coverage is not available to visitors.
Questions to ask
- Does the policy meet the current IRCC requirements, in writing?
- How does it treat pre-existing conditions?
- What is the refund policy if the visa is refused or the visit is shortened?
This article is general information and not immigration advice. IRCC's website is the source for requirements.