Super Visa insurance requirements in 2026

IRCC requires proof of private health insurance that is valid for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada, provides at least $100,000 in emergency coverage, and covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation. The policy must be valid for each entry and must be available to show to a border services officer if requested.

A quote is not enough. The policy must be issued and paid according to IRCC's current rules. Coverage may be issued by a Canadian insurer or by an eligible foreign insurer that meets the federal requirements.

Important: Super Visa immigration rules and insurance policy wording are separate issues. Meeting IRCC's minimum insurance requirement does not mean every medical condition or expense is covered by the policy.

How to compare Super Visa plans

The lowest premium is not always the lowest-cost choice after a claim. Compare the limit, deductible, medical-condition wording and refund terms together.

Feature	What to check	Why it matters
Coverage limit	$100,000 minimum for IRCC; higher limits may be available.	A larger emergency can exceed the minimum limit.
Deductible	$0 or higher deductible options, depending on plan.	A higher deductible may reduce premium but increases what you pay when a claim occurs.
Pre-existing conditions	Whether eligible conditions are covered and the required stability period.	Definitions differ by insurer; age and medical history can change eligibility.
Effective date	When coverage begins and whether any waiting period applies.	Buying after arrival can affect when sickness coverage starts.
Refund/cancellation	Visa refusal, early return and other refund conditions.	Refund eligibility varies and documentation may be required.
Emergency assistance	Claims contact process and whether pre-authorization is required.	Calling the assistance centre promptly can be important during a medical emergency.

Which deductible should you choose?

A deductible is the amount you may have to pay before the insurer pays eligible expenses. Choosing a higher deductible can reduce the premium, but it also means accepting more out-of-pocket risk.

$0 or low deductible: higher premium, less out-of-pocket exposure for an eligible claim.
Higher deductible: lower premium, but more of the claim cost stays with you.
Before choosing, confirm whether the deductible applies per policy, per claim or under another definition in the contract.

Pre-existing medical conditions: read the definition carefully

Some plans may cover certain stable pre-existing medical conditions, while others may exclude them. “Stable” has a specific contractual meaning and can include changes in medication, treatment, symptoms, tests or referrals during a defined period before coverage begins.

Do not rely only on a salesperson saying a condition is “covered.” The policy wording and the applicant's medical history determine whether a claim is eligible.

Before you buy: 5-step check

1. Confirm travel dates. The policy must cover at least the required period from entry.

2. Review age and medical history. These can affect price and pre-existing-condition eligibility.

3. Compare more than premium. Look at coverage limit, deductible, exclusions and stability wording.

4. Confirm refund terms. Check what happens after visa refusal, early return or changed travel dates.

5. Keep proof of insurance accessible. IRCC says proof may be requested when entering Canada.

Common Super Visa insurance questions

Is $100,000 enough?

It is the current IRCC minimum emergency coverage requirement. Families can consider higher limits based on age, health, budget and risk tolerance.

Are pre-existing conditions automatically covered?

No. Coverage depends on the insurer, plan, age, medical history and the policy's stability-period definition.

Can I submit an insurance quote with the application?

No. IRCC states that quotes are not accepted as proof of health insurance.

Can insurance be purchased from outside Canada?

Potentially, but the foreign insurer must meet IRCC's current eligibility rules. Confirm eligibility before purchase.

What if the visa is refused?

Refund provisions vary by insurer. Review the contract before purchase and keep the visa-refusal documentation that the insurer may require.

What if my parent stays longer than one year?

IRCC advises Super Visa holders to maintain valid health insurance while in Canada. Renewal options and eligibility depend on the insurer and policy.

Official IRCC source

Insurance and immigration rules can change. Verify the current requirements directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before applying or travelling.

Check current IRCC requirements

Super Visa Insurance Canada 2026 Guide & Quotes