Written by the Ehcover.ca team
Spend five minutes in a Super Visa Facebook group or on r/SuperVisaCanada and you’ll see the same questions over and over: how much coverage do I need, can I get a refund, and which insurer should I pick? We answer these every day, so we gathered the ten most common in one place.
1. Which insurer is best for Super Visa insurance?
There is no single best insurer. The right choice depends on your parent’s or grandparent’s age, health and your budget. Manulife, TuGo, Travelance, GMS, Allianz and Destination Travel come up often in online communities. A broker can compare several quotes in minutes so you don’t have to guess.
2. How much coverage do I really need?
IRCC requires at least CA$100,000 in emergency medical coverage, valid for at least one year from the date of entry. Many families choose $150,000 to $300,000 because a serious hospital stay in Canada can blow past the $100,000 minimum.
3. Is the insurance refundable if the Super Visa is refused?
Generally, yes. If the visa is refused and no claim was made, most insurers refund the premium when you send the refusal letter. With monthly plans, set-up fees (often about $50 to $120) may be non-refundable. Always check the refund conditions before buying.
4. Can I pay monthly instead of all upfront?
Yes. IRCC accepts qualifying monthly instalment plans for Super Visa insurance. Plans often require two months upfront plus a small set-up fee, while the policy must still show a full 365 days of coverage.
5. Does the policy cover pre-existing medical conditions?
It can — but usually only when the condition meets the policy’s definition of “stable” for a set period before travel, often 90 to 180 days. Stability typically means no new medication, dosage changes, new symptoms or new tests or specialist referrals. If your parents have diabetes, high blood pressure or another chronic condition, read this part carefully.
6. Is insurance mandatory to enter Canada?
For Super Visa holders, yes: proof of valid, paid insurance is required, and border officers may ask for it. Ordinary visitors don’t face the same federal requirement, and Canadians travelling abroad aren’t legally required to buy travel insurance — but provincial plans like RAMQ and OHIP don’t cover visitors and cover very little outside Canada, so it’s strongly recommended.
7. Can I buy from a foreign insurer?
Since 2025, eligible non-Canadian insurers can provide Super Visa coverage, but they must meet IRCC requirements, including OSFI authorization. An unqualified provider can get an application refused even with enough coverage. Ask your broker to confirm before you pay.
8. What happens to my refund if my parent leaves Canada early?
Most policies offer a prorated refund for the unused period if no claim was made, with proof of departure such as a boarding pass or passport stamp. If your parent plans to come back, make sure qualifying coverage is in place for every entry.
9. Is credit card travel insurance enough for Canadians going abroad?
Credit card coverage can work for a short trip, but it often has strict trip-length limits, age restrictions and activity exclusions. For longer trips or riskier destinations, a separate policy usually fits better. Check medical evacuation carefully — cards may limit or exclude it.
10. How much does Super Visa or visitor insurance cost?
Premiums depend mostly on age and pre-existing conditions. As an illustration, a healthy person in their 50s might pay $900 to $1,700 a year for $100,000 of coverage; travellers in their 60s or 70s, especially with pre-existing-condition coverage, may pay $3,000 to $6,000 or more. These are examples, not quotes.
Key takeaways
- IRCC requires at least CA$100,000 in medical coverage for a Super Visa.
- Qualifying monthly payment plans are accepted.
- Pre-existing conditions usually need a 90- to 180-day stability period.
- A visa refusal generally allows a premium refund; monthly set-up fees may be excluded.
- Foreign insurers must meet IRCC and OSFI requirements.
- A personalized quote is the only way to know your real price.
Want a quote for your parents or grandparents? Try our Super Visa premium estimator →
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