Super Visa Insurance: Requirements, Cost & Deductibles

If you’re hoping to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada for an extended stay, the super visa is the most practical route — but the insurance requirement often causes the most confusion. It’s not just any travel insurance: Canada’s immigration department mandates a specific private health policy from an approved provider, with coverage of at least $100,000 and a minimum validity of one year.

Minimum coverage required: $100,000 ·
Average monthly cost: $100–$200 ·
Minimum coverage period: 1 year ·
Common deductible range: $0–$5,000 ·
Refund window (free look): 10–30 days ·
Number of major providers: 5+

Here’s a quick summary of the mandatory requirements for super visa insurance.

Which insurance is required for a super visa?

Minimum coverage amount ($100,000)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates a minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. This isn’t a suggestion — it’s the bare minimum to qualify.

Canadian insurance company requirement

The policy must be from a Canadian insurer or a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (IRCC). Provincial health plans do not cover super visa visitors, as Rates.ca (Canadian comparison site) notes.

Coverage duration (minimum 1 year)

IRCC requires coverage valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada. The policy must cover each entry and remain continuous throughout the stay.

Eligible providers

Major providers include Manulife, Sun Life, GMS, and Cooperators. Manulife CoverMe notes that quotes are not accepted as proof — the policy must be fully paid.

“Super Visa applicants must show private health insurance with at least C$100,000 in emergency medical coverage from a Canadian or OSFI‑authorized insurer, valid for at least one year.”

— IRCC, official super visa notice

The implication: the easiest way to meet the requirement is to buy from a major Canadian provider and pay the full annual premium upfront. A monthly receipt won’t be accepted, as GMS (Canadian insurer) warns.

The implication: meeting the insurance requirement involves buying an approved policy upfront, so it’s critical to budget for the full annual cost from the start.

What is the cheapest insurance for a super visa?

Average cost range ($100–$200 per month)

According to PolicyAdvisor (Canadian comparison platform), typical monthly premiums run $100 to $200. Annually that’s roughly $1,200 to $2,400, though GMS reports ranges from $1,000 to over $6,000 for minimum $100,000 coverage.

Factors affecting price: age, health, coverage amount, deductible

Older applicants pay more. BestQuote (travel insurance broker) estimates $1,000–$3,500 per year, with age as the primary driver. A higher deductible lowers the premium significantly.

Comparison of top providers: Manulife, Sun Life, GMS, Cooperators

Six providers, one pattern: premiums cluster around the same range, but deductible options and cancellation terms differ. Below is a snapshot based on 2025 market data.

Tips to lower premium

• Choose a higher deductible (e.g., $5,000 instead of $1,000) — PolicyAdvisor says this can save hundreds annually.
• Compare quotes across multiple carriers using sites like Rates.ca.
• Purchase earlier to lock in rates before an age‑based premium increase.

The trade-off: a higher deductible means more out‑of‑pocket costs if a claim occurs. For healthy older visitors, the savings often outweigh the risk.

The pattern: higher deductibles lower premiums, but the ideal choice depends on the visitor’s expected medical needs.

Is super visa insurance refundable?

Cancellation refund policies vary by insurer

Most insurers offer a full refund if you cancel within the free look period (usually 10–30 days) and have not made any claims, according to PolicyAdvisor. After that, refunds are typically pro‑rated minus administrative fees. Some policies become completely non‑refundable after the first day of coverage.

Free look period

Manulife CoverMe provides a 30‑day free look; Sun Life offers 10 days. During this window you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund (as long as no claims were paid).

Pro‑rated refund after coverage starts

If you cancel after the free look, you’ll usually get back the unused portion of the premium minus a fee (often $25–$50). GMS confirms this practice.

No refund after claim or after certain period

Once a claim has been paid out, the policy is generally non‑refundable. Some providers also impose a “no refund after 60 days” clause. Always read the policy wording.

The pattern: the free look period is your only risk‑free window. After that, you lose at least an admin fee, and potentially more.

What is the deductible in super visa insurance?

Definition of deductible

The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. For example, with a $1,000 deductible, you pay the first $1,000 of any medical expense, and the insurer pays the rest.

Common deductible amounts ($0 to $5,000)

Typical deductibles range from $0 to $5,000, per Rates.ca. A $0 deductible means the insurer pays from day one, but the monthly premium is highest.

How deductible affects premium

PolicyAdvisor gives a concrete example: switching from a $1,000 deductible to a $5,000 deductible can reduce your annual premium by several hundred dollars. The exact saving depends on your age and the insurer.

Choosing the right deductible

• If you expect few medical claims, a high deductible ($2,500–$5,000) minimizes upfront costs.
• If the visitor has chronic conditions or a history of hospital visits, a low deductible ($0–$500) may be safer.
• Compare both scenarios with current quotes to see the break‑even point.

What this means: your deductible choice is a direct bet on whether you’ll need care. Most families err on the side of a moderate deductible ($1,000) to balance premium and risk.

How much is insurance for super visa?

Average annual cost ($1,200–$2,400)

The typical annual premium falls between $1,200 and $2,400, based on data from PolicyAdvisor and BestQuote. The exact figure depends on age, health, deductible, and the chosen provider.

Cost breakdown by age

Policy Bazar (Canadian broker) estimates $1,200–$2,500 per year. Older applicants (60+) consistently hit the top end. A 70‑year‑old may pay $200/month, while a 50‑year‑old might pay $100–$120.

Cost comparison for different coverage amounts

While $100,000 is the minimum, some providers allow higher limits (e.g., $150,000 or $200,000). The premium increase is usually modest — 10–20% — for double the coverage. Manulife CoverMe offers such options.

Additional fees and taxes

Provincial sales tax (PST/GST/HST, typically 5–13%) is added to the premium. No other mandatory fees exist, but some insurers add a small policy fee ($5–$10) for paper documents.

The takeaway: the headline $100–$200 per month is realistic for most parents, but the final price can climb if you add riders (like trip interruption) or choose a $0 deductible.

“Super Visa insurance typically costs about C$100 to C$200 per month, with premiums increasing with age and health conditions.”

— PolicyAdvisor, Canadian insurance comparison platform

“Annual Super Visa premiums can range from approximately C$1,000 to over C$6,000 per person for the minimum C$100,000 coverage.”

— GMS, Canadian insurance provider

The takeaway: while the average cost is $100–$200 per month, actual premiums can vary widely based on age and coverage choices.

Pros and cons of super visa insurance

Weighing these upsides and downsides helps families make an informed decision.

Steps to get super visa insurance

1. Gather details — Know the visitor’s age, health history, and expected arrival date.
2. Compare quotes — Use a comparison site like Rates.ca to see premiums from Manulife, Sun Life, GMS, Cooperators, and others.
3. Choose deductible and coverage — Decide between $0–$5,000 deductible. For most, $1,000 offers the best balance of premium and risk.
4. Read the fine print — Check the free look period (10–30 days), cancellation policy, and pre‑existing condition clause.
5. Purchase and pay in full — Pay the annual premium upfront. Keep the policy certificate as proof.
6. Submit with super visa application — Attach the insurance certificate to the application. IRCC will verify it meets the requirements.
7. Renew if staying longer — If the visit extends beyond one year, purchase a new policy before the current one expires.

For broader context on Canadian immigration policy changes, see our coverage of Mark Carney Immigration Policy. And if you’re considering a premium travel credit card for your own trips, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege: Perks, Fees & Value review offers a deep comparison.

What’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear

Understanding which aspects are settled by regulation and which vary by provider is key to avoiding surprises.

For families seeking to manage premiums more flexibly, exploring monthly payment options for Super Visa insurance can help reduce upfront costs while still meeting IRCC requirements.

Frequently asked questions

For Canadian families sponsoring parents, the choice of deductible and insurer is clear: match the deductible to the visitor’s expected medical needs, buy from a well‑known provider, and never let coverage lapse. The right policy keeps your family together without unexpected financial strain.