Visitor and Super Visa Medical Insurance ยท Canada
One hospital visit in Canada
without coverage can cost
$100,000 or more.
Canada's provincial health plans cover Canadians, not visitors. Anyone coming to Canada from abroad needs emergency medical insurance before they land. We make it simple, fast, and affordable.
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Super Visa Insurance
Bringing your parents or
Bringing your parents or
grandparents to Canada?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for up to 5 years per entry, with multiple entries over 10 years. Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for every Super Visa application. Here is exactly what IRCC requires.
Mandatory Super Visa Insurance Requirements
Your insurance policy must meet all three of these IRCC conditions
$100K
Minimum Coverage Amount
The policy must provide a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. Many families choose $150,000 or $200,000 for added protection.
1 Year
Minimum Policy Duration
Coverage must be valid for at least one full year from the date of entry into Canada, even if the planned visit is shorter.
Canadian
Must Be a Canadian Insurer
The policy must be issued by a Canadian insurance company. Travel insurance from the home country does not qualify for Super Visa applications.
Who Needs This Coverage?
Anyone visiting Canada
Anyone visiting Canada
who is not covered by a
provincial health plan.
Canada's provincial health plans (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP, and others) are for Canadian residents only. Visitors, tourists, foreign nationals, international students in their first few months, and new immigrants waiting for provincial coverage to begin are all uninsured. A single emergency can result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills billed directly to the patient.
Get your free quote nowYou Need This Coverage If You Are
Visiting or newly arrived in Canada
- A parent or grandparent visiting on a Super Visa (mandatory)
- A tourist or visitor to Canada on a regular visitor visa or eTA
- An international student waiting for provincial health coverage to begin
- A new permanent resident in the 3-month provincial health waiting period
- A returning Canadian resident whose provincial coverage has lapsed
What Does It Cover?
Emergency medical protection
Emergency medical protection
while you are in Canada.
Visitor to Canada medical insurance covers emergency medical expenses that arise unexpectedly during your stay in Canada. This includes hospitalization, emergency surgery, physician visits, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs related to the emergency, and emergency dental treatment.
It does not cover conditions that existed before the policy was purchased unless the policy includes a pre-existing condition stability clause. If your parent has a known heart condition, for example, the policy may cover that condition if it has been stable for a defined period before the travel date, typically 90, 180, or 365 days depending on the plan chosen. This is one of the most important things to review before selecting a policy.
Most visitor insurance policies also include emergency medical evacuation: if the care required is not available locally, the insurer arranges and pays for transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This is particularly valuable in remote areas of Canada where specialized care is far away.
"A three-night hospital stay in Toronto after a cardiac event can easily exceed $45,000. Without visitor insurance, that bill goes directly to the patient."
Types of Visitor Coverage
How It Works
Fast, simple, and active
Fast, simple, and active
before your flight lands
Getting visitor medical insurance is one of the simplest insurance processes there is. Here is how it works from start to coverage.
1
Tell Me the Details
Who is being covered, their age, any pre-existing medical conditions, the travel dates, and whether the coverage is for a Super Visa application or a regular visit. This takes about 5 minutes.
2
I Compare Plans Across Multiple Carriers
I look at coverage amount options, pre-existing condition stability clauses, deductible levels, and price across 10+ Canadian insurers. For Super Visa applications I confirm the policy meets all three IRCC requirements before presenting it to you.
3
Application (10 Minutes)
The application is a health questionnaire about the insured person's medical history. Honest and accurate disclosure is essential. Under-disclosed conditions can result in a denied claim. I walk you through every question clearly.
4
Policy Issued Same Day
Once the application is complete and the premium is paid, the policy is issued immediately. You receive the policy documents, the insurer contact number, and the claim card. Coverage begins on the date specified in your policy.
5
If You Need Medical Care: Call the Insurer First
Most plans require you to call the insurer's emergency assistance line before or immediately after seeking medical care. They direct you to a covered provider, pre-authorize treatment, and coordinate directly with the hospital to avoid large out-of-pocket payments. I give you clear instructions on exactly what to do before the trip begins.
Why Visitor Insurance Matters
What Canadian hospitals charge
What Canadian hospitals charge
visitors without coverage
Emergency hospital stays: $10,000 per day
A bed in a Canadian hospital costs between $5,000 and $15,000 per day for a non-resident. An ICU stay can exceed $20,000 per day. A serious event that requires a week of care can exceed $100,000 before surgery and specialist fees are added.
Ambulance: $1,000 or more per call
Ambulance services in Canada are not free for non-residents. A single ambulance call can cost $800 to $2,000 depending on the province. Air ambulance for transport from a remote area can cost $50,000 or more. Visitor insurance covers these costs in full.
Super Visa: coverage is mandatory
IRCC will not approve a Super Visa application without proof of valid Canadian medical insurance. There is no way around this requirement. The policy must be from a Canadian insurer, be worth at least $100,000, and be valid for a full year from the date of entry.
Pre-existing conditions can be covered
Many plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions that have been stable for a specified period before the travel start date. The stability clause varies by plan: 90 days, 180 days, or 365 days. I identify which plan offers the best pre-existing condition terms for the specific health history.
Top-up coverage available if already in Canada
If a visitor has already arrived in Canada with coverage that is expiring or insufficient, top-up or extension policies can add more coverage days or increase the coverage amount. Some carriers allow this without a new waiting period if the application is submitted before the existing policy expires.
Family coverage available
Family plans cover multiple visitors under one policy at a combined rate. If both parents are coming on Super Visas, they can be covered together rather than separately, which often simplifies the application process and may reduce the overall premium.
What Is Covered
Emergency coverage that covers
the situations that matter.
Visitor medical insurance is designed for unexpected emergencies. Here is what most standard policies include and what to watch for when comparing plans.
Emergency Hospitalization
Covers the cost of an emergency admission to hospital including the room, nursing care, medications administered during the stay, and all associated diagnostic tests. This is the core protection and represents the largest potential expense a visitor can face.
Emergency Surgery and Specialist Visits
Covers emergency surgical procedures and the associated anesthesiologist, operating room, and recovery costs. Also covers emergency specialist consultations ordered as part of emergency care, such as a cardiologist or neurologist called in during a hospital admission.
Ambulance and Emergency Transport
Ground ambulance to the nearest appropriate hospital is covered in full. Many plans also include air ambulance to a facility better equipped to handle the specific emergency, and medical repatriation if returning home for ongoing care is medically appropriate.
Emergency Dental and Prescription Drugs
Covers emergency dental treatment resulting from an accidental blow to natural teeth, and prescription medications directly related to the covered emergency. Routine dental care, prescriptions for pre-existing conditions, and non-emergency care are typically not included.
Who It's For
Four people who need
Four people who need
this before they land.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง
Parents on a Super Visa
Mandatory coverage required by IRCC
"We want Mum to stay for a full year. IRCC requires proof of insurance before they will approve her Super Visa."
โ Policy meets all three IRCC requirements: $100K+, 1-year duration, Canadian insurer
โ Pre-existing condition stability clauses reviewed for their specific health history
โ Policy documents ready for inclusion in the Super Visa application
โ๏ธ
Family Visitors and Tourists
Visiting on a regular visa or eTA
"My uncle is coming from Lagos to visit for two months. He is 62. If anything happens medically while he is here, the bills will be enormous."
โ Short-term visitor plans from a few days to 365 days
โ Coverage amounts from $25,000 to $300,000 depending on age and health
โ Can be purchased even after arrival in Canada in most cases
๐
International Students
Waiting for provincial health coverage to begin
"I started school in September. OHIP doesn't kick in until December. Those first three months are completely unprotected without my own coverage."
โ Bridge coverage exactly matching the provincial waiting period
โ Affordable student-rated premiums for young and healthy applicants
โ Some plans coordinate with school-provided group coverage
๐
New Permanent Residents
3-month provincial waiting period
"We just got our PR. We're covered by OHIP in three months. Until then, anything that happens medically is entirely out of pocket."
โ Bridge policy covers the exact gap between landing and provincial health start date
โ Family plans cover everyone arriving together under one policy
โ Maternity and pediatric emergency options available on some plans
Coverage Comparison
Visitor Insurance vs Provincial Health
Visitor Insurance vs Provincial Health
vs Home Country Coverage
Why not rely on your home country's travel insurance or just take the risk? Here is the honest comparison.
| Coverage Aspect | Canadian Visitor Insurance โญ | Provincial Health Plan | Home Country Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covers visitors in Canada? | Yes. That is exactly what it is for. | No. Residents only. | Sometimes, but check exclusions |
| Qualifies for Super Visa? | Yes. Must be from a Canadian insurer. | Not applicable. | No. Must be Canadian insurer. |
| Emergency hospitalization | Covered in full up to policy limit | Not covered for non-residents | Sometimes, with limits and exclusions |
| Pre-existing conditions | Covered if stable for required period | Not applicable for visitors | Often excluded entirely |
| Emergency evacuation | Included in most plans | Not applicable for visitors | Sometimes, with geographic limits |
| Direct billing to hospital | Yes. Insurer pays hospital directly. | Not applicable | Usually reimburse after the fact |
Common Questions
Questions about Visitor and
Questions about Visitor and
Super Visa medical insurance
Can I buy Super Visa insurance after my parent has already arrived in Canada?
The Super Visa insurance must be in place before the visa is approved, which means it needs to be purchased and submitted as part of the original Super Visa application. If your parent is already in Canada on a different status and is converting to a Super Visa, the insurance must be obtained before the new visa is issued. Visitor insurance for non-Super-Visa visitors can generally be purchased after arrival, though there may be a brief waiting period of 24 to 48 hours before the policy takes effect when bought after landing.
What happens if my parent needs to go back home before the 1-year policy ends?
Most Super Visa insurance policies offer a partial refund if the insured person returns to their home country early without having made any claims. The refund is typically calculated on a pro-rated basis for the unused portion of the policy. If a claim was made during the policy period, most insurers will not offer a refund for the remaining term. I review the refund and cancellation terms of each policy before recommending it so you know exactly what to expect if plans change.
My mother has diabetes and high blood pressure. Can she get covered?
Yes, in most cases. The key factor is stability. If her diabetes and blood pressure have been stable, meaning no changes in medication, no hospitalizations, and no new symptoms for the required stability period (typically 90, 180, or 365 days depending on the plan), her conditions may be covered under a plan with a matching stability clause. Plans with shorter stability clauses tend to be priced higher because they take on more risk. I compare plans with different stability periods and explain the coverage and cost trade-offs for her specific situation before you decide.
How is a claim actually processed? Does she need to pay upfront?
For in-network providers and hospitals where the insurer has a direct billing arrangement, there is typically no upfront payment required. The insurer pays the hospital directly after pre-authorization. The most important step is to call the insurer's 24-hour emergency assistance line before or as soon as possible after seeking care. They tell you exactly which hospital or clinic to go to for direct billing. If she goes to a hospital that does not have direct billing with the insurer, she may need to pay upfront and then submit the receipts for reimbursement. I go through this process with every client before the trip begins so there is no confusion in a stressful moment.
How much does visitor and Super Visa insurance cost?
Cost depends on the age of the insured person, the coverage amount selected, the length of the policy, the deductible chosen, and the pre-existing condition terms. For a healthy person under 60, a 30-day visitor policy with $100,000 in coverage typically costs between $80 and $200. For a Super Visa policy covering one full year at $100,000 for a person in their 60s with stable pre-existing conditions, the annual premium typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 depending on the stability clause and deductible selected. I provide a specific quote for your situation during the free consultation.
Can the Super Visa insurance be renewed after the first year?
Yes. Since the Super Visa allows your parent or grandparent to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, the insurance needs to be renewed each year. Renewal is typically straightforward but requires a new health questionnaire to reflect any changes in medical history since the previous policy. If a claim was made during the prior policy year, the renewal may carry an exclusion for that condition going forward. I manage the renewal process and flag any changes in coverage terms ahead of the renewal date.
Mukosolu Blessing Ezeife
Licensed Life Insurance Agent ยท Canada-wide
I understand what it means to bring family to Canada. I take the time to read the pre-existing condition clauses carefully, compare Super Visa policy terms across carriers, and make sure the policy you purchase actually protects the people you love. No surprises at claim time.
FSRA Licensed ยท Ontario
AIC Licensed ยท Alberta
Greatway Financial MGA
Canada-wide Service
I Verify Super Visa Compliance Before You Apply
Every Super Visa policy I recommend is checked against the current IRCC requirements before it is submitted with the visa application. Coverage amount, policy duration, and Canadian insurer status are all confirmed in writing before you file.
I Explain the Pre-Existing Condition Terms Clearly
The stability clause is the most important and most misunderstood part of visitor insurance. I go through it in plain language before you commit. If a condition is not going to be covered, I tell you upfront so there are no surprises at claim time.
Phone or Video, Wherever You Are
Whether you are in Canada helping a parent apply for a Super Visa, or your relative is still abroad, I handle everything by phone or video. No in-person visit needed. Fast and simple service, Canada-wide.
Get your parent's Super Visa insurance
sorted today. Free, fast, no pressure.
One conversation. I'll compare your options, confirm the policy meets IRCC requirements, and have your documents ready the same day.
General information only. Not immigration advice. Super Visa insurance requirements are subject to change by IRCC. Always verify current requirements at canada.ca before submitting a visa application. Coverage is subject to underwriting approval, eligibility, and product availability. Pre-existing condition coverage varies by plan and stability clause. Mukosolu Blessing Ezeife, Licensed Life Insurance Agent, Canada-wide, operating under Greatway Financial.