Super Visa insurance requirements explained (IRCC 2026)

The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents visit for extended stays, and medical insurance is a firm condition of approval. The rules are specific, and getting them right the first time keeps the application moving.

The four requirements

IRCC sets out clear criteria for Super Visa medical insurance. The policy must provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. It must be valid for a minimum of 365 days from the date of entry to Canada. It must come from a Canadian insurance company (or, where permitted, an approved provider). And it must cover healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation. A policy that misses any one of these can hold up the application.

Why a full year

Unlike a short visitor policy, Super Visa coverage has to span a full year because the visa itself is built for long stays. That is the main reason Super Visa premiums are larger than ordinary visitor insurance — you are buying 365 days of emergency medical protection, not a few weeks.

What counts as proof

You submit proof of coverage with the application: typically a confirmation letter or policy document from the Canadian insurer showing the coverage amount, the effective dates spanning at least 365 days, and the insured person’s name. Make sure the document clearly states the $100,000 minimum and the one-year validity so a visa officer can verify it at a glance.

Paying monthly and refunds

IRCC accepts instalment-paid policies as long as the coverage remains valid for the full year. Several Canadian insurers, including TripCovered, offer monthly-payment Super Visa plans. Many also refund the unused portion if the parent or grandparent returns home early and has made no claim, and refund the premium (minus an administration fee) if the visa is refused. Confirm these terms before you buy.

Pre-existing conditions and age

There is no age limit on buying coverage. Applicants 60 and over complete a short medical questionnaire that sets the premium — it affects price, not eligibility. If there are pre-existing conditions, read the stability requirement carefully, since coverage often depends on a condition being stable for a defined period before the coverage start date. Choosing a higher deductible can reduce the premium while still meeting the $100,000 minimum.

Choosing a compliant policy

The simplest path is to choose a plan purpose-built for the Super Visa so the $100,000 minimum, 365-day validity, Canadian-insurer rule and repatriation coverage are all satisfied in one policy. Our Visitors to Canada plans include Super Visa options designed to meet these IRCC requirements, and you receive proof of coverage to submit with the application.

Common reasons applications stall on insurance

A few insurance missteps slow Super Visa applications. The most common is a policy shorter than 365 days, or one whose proof document does not clearly show the dates and coverage amount a visa officer needs to see. Another is buying from a provider that does not meet the Canadian-insurer requirement. Coverage below $100,000, or proof that omits repatriation, can also cause problems. The fix is straightforward: choose a plan built for the Super Visa, and check that your confirmation letter plainly states the amount, the one-year validity and the insured person’s name before you file.

When you are ready, compare your options and get a quote so the policy — and the proof you need — is in hand before you file.