Super Visa insurance is private emergency medical coverage that parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents must purchase before applying for a Canadian Super Visa — a multi-entry visitor visa that allows stays of up to 5 years per entry. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires at least $100,000 CDN in medical coverage valid for 1 full year (365 days) from a Canadian insurance company or an IRCC-authorized foreign insurer. Through a licensed insurance broker, OnVoyage lets you compare six top Canadian providers in one place — all offering IRCC-eligible plans — and buy online in minutes.

$100,000+IRCC minimum coverage
365 daysMinimum policy length
6 providersSide-by-side comparison
24/7Emergency assistance

IRCC Super Visa insurance requirements

To qualify for a Super Visa, your medical insurance must meet all of the following IRCC requirements:

  • Issued by a Canadian insurance company or an IRCC-authorized foreign insurer
  • Minimum coverage of $100,000 CDN
  • Valid for at least 1 year (365 days) from the date of entry to Canada
  • Covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
  • Proof of policy paid in full or via an approved monthly payment plan
  • Insurance certificate must be presented with the Super Visa application
  • Policy must be renewed if you re-enter Canada after expiry
Monthly payment plans now accepted by IRCC: Since October 2022, IRCC accepts monthly payment plans for Super Visa insurance — as long as the policy is in force for the full 365 days at the time of application. Ask about monthly payment options when getting a quote.

Compare Super Visa insurance — all six providers

ProviderCoverage amountsAge limitPre-existing conditionsBest forPlan details
Blue Cross $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $300K Up to age 89 Stable pre-existing covered (subject to stability period) Long-established provider with broad age eligibility View plan
Destination $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K All ages eligible (rates vary) Stable pre-existing covered Flexible plan structure View plan
GMS $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K All ages eligible 180-day stability rule; no medical questions under age 55 Healthy applicants under 55 wanting a straightforward, no-questionnaire option View plan
Manulife $15K–$150K Up to age 85 (Standard / Enhanced) Enhanced plan: 180-day stability rule (typical Super Visa choice). Standard: no recent treatment. Basic: no pre-existing coverage. Visitors with controlled, stable pre-existing conditions View plan
Travelance $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K All ages Stable pre-existing covered (subject to stability period) Competitive pricing for healthy applicants View plan
TuGo $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K All ages (rates vary) Stable pre-existing covered Comprehensive emergency benefits, recognized industry brand View plan
All six providers qualify for Super Visa when you select at least $100,000 in coverage for 365 days. Coverage amounts above are typical — actual amounts available depend on the applicant's age. Use the quote tool to see the exact options for the applicant's age and health.

Which Super Visa plan is right for your situation?

If the applicant…Recommended plan
Is under age 55 and in good health GMS (no medical questions) or Manulife Standard
Has stable, controlled pre-existing conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, asthma) Manulife Enhanced — 180-day stability rule
Is age 80+ with health considerations Blue Cross (up to age 89) or compare quotes across providers
Wants the highest possible coverage ($300K) Blue Cross (offers $300K tier)
Wants to keep premium low and is in excellent health Manulife Basic (no pre-existing) or Travelance (competitive rates)
Wants the most comprehensive emergency benefits TuGo or Manulife Enhanced

What's covered under Super Visa insurance

All Super Visa eligible plans include emergency medical coverage that meets IRCC's requirement. Standard benefits across providers include:

  • Emergency hospital and physician services
  • Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scans — usually with pre-approval)
  • Prescription medications (usually 30-day supply)
  • Licensed ground and air ambulance
  • Repatriation to country of origin
  • Bring family member to bedside (typically $3,000+ airfare + accommodations)
  • Accidental dental (most plans)
  • Emergency dental pain relief
  • Return of remains (typically $7,500+)
  • Side trips outside Canada (up to 30 days, excluding country of origin)
  • 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Translation services in many languages

Key exclusions across providers

Common exclusions in Super Visa insurance plans include (specifics vary by provider):

  • Pre-existing conditions that were not stable during the required stability period (typically 90 or 180 days)
  • Conditions known before the effective date that were expected to require treatment
  • Routine, elective, experimental, or investigative treatment
  • Pregnancy and child born on trip
  • Treatment of mental or emotional disorders (most plans have specific limits)
  • Excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicants
  • Self-inflicted injuries
  • High-risk activities (mountain climbing with specialized equipment, professional sports, etc.)
  • Cardiac procedures (catheterization, angioplasty, cardiovascular surgery), MRI, CT, sonograms, ultrasounds, or biopsies — unless pre-approved by the Assistance Centre
  • War, civil unrest, or participation in illegal acts

How to apply for the Super Visa with insurance

  1. Get a quote on OnVoyage — enter the applicant's age, intended arrival date in Canada, coverage amount ($100,000 minimum), and policy length (365 days minimum).
  2. Compare plans from all six providers side by side. Consider price, pre-existing condition rules, deductibles, and age eligibility.
  3. Select a plan and complete the application online. Provide accurate medical information if a questionnaire is required (typically for ages 55+).
  4. Pay the premium in full or via approved monthly plan.
  5. Receive the insurance certificate by email — usually within minutes — showing the policy number, coverage amount, dates, and applicant details.
  6. Include the insurance certificate with the parent's or grandparent's Super Visa application to IRCC.
  7. After arrival in Canada, the applicant should keep the insurance certificate and emergency assistance number readily available throughout their stay.
Refund if visa is refused: Most providers will refund the premium (minus a small administration fee, typically $25–$50) if the Super Visa application is refused by IRCC. Verify the refund policy with the specific provider before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multi-entry temporary resident visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows stays of up to 5 years per entry and is valid for up to 10 years. Applicants must demonstrate that their child or grandchild meets a minimum income threshold and that they have valid Canadian medical insurance.
How much coverage do I need to qualify?
IRCC's minimum is $100,000 CDN. Many applicants choose $100,000; some opt for $150,000 or higher for additional peace of mind. Coverage above $100,000 is typically a small incremental cost.
How long must the policy be valid?
Minimum 1 year (365 days) from the date the applicant enters Canada. If the applicant plans multiple shorter stays, the policy must be valid for each entry — renewal may be needed.
Can I purchase the insurance before the visa is approved?
Yes — and IRCC requires you to. You purchase the insurance first, receive the certificate, and submit it with the visa application. If IRCC refuses the application, most providers refund the premium minus a small administrative fee.
Can I pay monthly?
Yes. Since October 2022, IRCC accepts monthly payment plans for Super Visa insurance as long as the policy covers the full 365 days at the time of visa application. Several providers offer monthly payment options through OnVoyage.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Most providers cover stable pre-existing conditions when they have been stable for the required period (typically 90 or 180 days before the effective date). The Manulife Enhanced plan and GMS plan are commonly chosen by applicants with stable pre-existing conditions. The Manulife Basic plan does not cover pre-existing conditions at all — choose Manulife Standard or Enhanced instead.
What if the applicant gets sick or injured during the Super Visa stay?
Contact the insurance provider's 24/7 Assistance Centre before visiting a hospital or clinic. The Assistance Centre will pre-approve treatment, locate a partner hospital, and arrange direct billing when possible. Failure to contact the Assistance Centre before non-emergency treatment can result in a co-payment (typically 20–25% of covered costs).
Can I extend the policy if the visit goes longer than 1 year?
Yes. Extensions and top-ups are available from most providers, subject to eligibility (no recent claims, still within age limits). To avoid coverage gaps, purchase any extension before the original policy expires.
What if my parent travels outside Canada during the visit?
Most Super Visa plans include limited side-trip coverage outside Canada — typically up to 30 days (and not exceeding a percentage of the total policy duration), as long as the side trip excludes the applicant's country of origin and begins/ends in Canada.
Can my parent receive a refund if they return home early?
Yes — partial refunds are available from most providers if you return early and no claims have been made. The refund is calculated pro rata for unused days and is typically subject to a small administrative fee.
What is the "stability period" for pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition is considered "stable" if, during the stability period (typically 90 or 180 days before the effective date), there has been: no new symptoms, no change in medication or dosage, no new treatment prescribed, no hospitalization, and no pending test results. Each provider defines "stable" slightly differently — review the policy wording carefully for your specific plan.

About Super Visa coverage providers

OnVoyage offers Super Visa eligible plans from the following six providers. Click each provider for full plan details and exclusions:

Blue Cross Established Canadian brand, coverage to age 89 View plan Destination Flexible plan structure for visitors to Canada View plan GMS No medical questions under age 55; 180-day stability rule View plan Manulife Basic, Standard, and Enhanced tiers (Oct 2023+) View plan Travelance Competitive pricing for healthy applicants View plan TuGo Comprehensive emergency benefits and recognized brand View plan
For full information on benefits, terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions, please refer to the policy wording available in the Policy Documents section of the page. Please read and understand your policy before you travel.