Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended stay is exciting, but the super visa application has one requirement that trips up more families than any other: medical insurance. IRCC sets clear rules for what a policy must include, and a plan that looks fine on paper can still fall short.
This guide explains exactly what IRCC requires, how to verify a policy before you buy, and what to look for when comparing super visa insurance in Calgary. At Punjab Insurance Calgary, we help families across Alberta match the right coverage to their parents’ needs, and these are the questions we hear most.
What Is Super Visa Insurance?
Super visa insurance is private emergency medical insurance for visiting parents and grandparents. Super visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, but they aren’t eligible for Alberta’s public health plan. The policy pays for unexpected illness or injury during the stay, so a hospital bill doesn’t land on your family. It isn’t a general wellness plan. It’s designed to meet IRCC’s conditions.
IRCC Super Visa Insurance Requirements
To be accepted, a policy must:
- Provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage
- Stay valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada
- Cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation
- Come from a Canadian insurance company, or from a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance in Canada (allowed since January 2025)
- Be valid for each entry into Canada
You’ll also submit proof of the policy and proof of payment. Keep copies with your parents’ travel documents, since officers can ask to see them at the port of entry.
Super Visa Insurance vs. Regular Visitor Insurance
A standard visitor or holiday policy is built for short trips. Many have shorter terms or lower limits than IRCC allows, so buying one by mistake is a common reason applicants have to start over. Super visa plans are structured around the $100,000 minimum and the one-year validity rule.
How to Verify Your Policy Meets IRCC Standards
- Check the coverage limit. The certificate should show at least $100,000. Many insurers offer higher limits.
- Confirm the term and start date. One year minimum from the date of entry, so align the effective date with your parents’ arrival.
- Verify the insurer. It should be a Canadian company or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer.
- Review inclusions. Emergency hospitalization, emergency medical care and repatriation must be covered.
- Keep proof of payment. If you pay monthly, confirm the insurer’s documents will satisfy IRCC.
- Understand refund terms. Many insurers refund the premium if the visa is refused, usually if you ask before the effective date and provide the refusal letter. Terms vary.
What Affects the Cost of Super Visa Insurance?
Premiums differ by insurer and by applicant. The main factors are your parents’ ages, the coverage amount, the deductible, their health history and how the plan treats pre-existing conditions, and whether you pay annually or monthly. Because pricing varies between insurers, comparing several quotes is the most reliable way to find good value without giving up IRCC compliance.
Choosing Among Insurance Companies in Calgary
When you compare insurance companies in Calgary, look past the price. Ask how emergency claims are handled, what the plan says about pre-existing conditions, what the refund policy is, and whether the insurer meets IRCC’s eligibility rules. A local broker can lay several plans side by side, so you see the trade-offs instead of a single number.
Why Families Choose Punjab Insurance Calgary
- Local knowledge. We’re a Calgary-based team that works with IRCC’s super visa insurance rules every day.
- Plans compared side by side. You see your options and the differences, not just one quote.
- Flexible payment. Explore our monthly super visa insurance plans if paying in full isn’t ideal.
- Plain-language guidance. We explain what’s covered, what isn’t, and what to submit with the application.
- Coverage beyond the visa. We also help with travel, life and international student insurance, and we serve Edmonton through our super visa insurance Edmonton page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a travel policy below $100,000 or without repatriation
- Choosing a term shorter than one year, or a start date that doesn’t match arrival
- Skipping the exclusions, especially around pre-existing conditions
- Forgetting renewals: with stays up to five years, IRCC expects coverage for the whole visit
Frequently Asked Questions
How much super visa insurance do I need?
At least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, valid for one year from the date of entry.
Can I pay monthly?
Many insurers offer monthly plans. Keep proof of payment either way.
Can I use an insurer outside Canada?
Since January 28, 2025, yes, if the company is OSFI-authorized for accident and sickness insurance and the policy is issued under its business in Canada.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Coverage is for emergencies. Some insurers cover stable pre-existing conditions under set terms, others exclude them. Read the exclusions first.
What if the super visa is refused?
Many insurers offer a refund with proof of refusal, typically before the policy takes effect. Confirm the terms before paying.
Can I buy the policy for my parents?
Yes. Hosts commonly arrange and pay for it, with the parent or grandparent as the insured person.
Get Your Super Visa Insurance Quote in Calgary
Ready to compare plans that meet IRCC’s requirements? Get your super visa insurance quote from Punjab Insurance Calgary, or read our super visa insurance FAQs to keep learning.
