If your parents or grandparents are visiting from abroad, or you're planning a trip, medical insurance can help with unexpected health costs. Sam Pakbaz helps Barrhaven and Ottawa families look at Super Visa and travel medical options in plain language.

What happens without coverage

Visitors to Canada are not covered by provincial health plans, and the Government of Canada does not pay hospital or medical costs for visitors. 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, or while travelling.

Real costs and the official rules

• Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. IRCC says you should get health insurance to cover medical costs before you come to Canada. (IRCC)
• For a Super Visa, the policy 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 (the cost of a return home for medical reasons), 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
• Families looking at visitor or travel medical insurance for a trip to or from Ottawa

How Sam helps

Sam is an independent licensed life and health insurance agent. He compares Super Visa and travel medical options from several insurers and explains the $100,000 minimum and the one-year rule in plain language. 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 or travel 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.