If your parents or grandparents are visiting from abroad, medical insurance can help with unexpected health costs during the visit. Sam Pakbaz helps Barrhaven and Ottawa families look at Super Visa medical options in plain language.

What happens without coverage

Visitors to Canada are not covered by provincial health plans. A Super Visa also requires proof of private medical insurance that meets government rules. This coverage is meant to help with emergency medical costs if someone gets sick or is injured while in Canada.

Real costs and official rules

• Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. IRCC says you should get health insurance before you come to Canada. Visitors to Ontario do not qualify for OHIP. (IRCC; Government of Ontario)
• The policy should be from a Canadian insurance company, or from a company outside Canada that is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and issued the policy while doing insurance business in Canada. It should be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes are not accepted), cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation (a medical return home), and provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage. It must be valid for each entry to Canada. (Government of Canada / IRCC)
• If you applied on or after 22 June 2023, you can stay for five years at a time. If your insurance will expire before you leave, you should renew it so coverage continues during your stay. (Government of Canada / IRCC)

Who it's for

• Adult children or grandchildren in Canada whose parents or grandparents are applying for a Super Visa
• Super Visa holders who need to renew coverage during a longer stay

How Sam helps

Sam is an independent licensed life and health insurance agent. He compares Super Visa medical options from several insurers and explains the $100,000 minimum and one-year rule in plain language. Coverage for a condition someone already has is not automatic. Insurers ask about health history, and many policies require a stable period. He does not represent every insurer. You decide what fits.

Let's look at your options

If you'd like to look at Super Visa medical insurance, you can ask for a quote or book a time to talk it through. There's no pressure either way.

Note: We don't give immigration advice. Insurance that meets IRCC's rules is one of the documents Super Visa applicants are asked to show. It does not help a visa get approved, and it is not a decision on a visa application. For Super Visa rules, see IRCC.