Super Visa Travel Insurance for Parents and Grandparents in Canada (2026)

Super Visa insurance is private emergency medical coverage required for parents and grandparents visiting Canada on a Super Visa. Because Super Visa visitors aren't covered by provincial health plans, IRCC requires proof of a policy that meets specific rules (coverage amount, term length, and insurer eligibility). BestQuote helps you compare prices and coverage details side-by-side, so you can choose the plan that fits your family's budget and needs.

To qualify for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, applicants must provide proof of private medical insurance that meets the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. This insurance ensures that visitors are protected against unexpected healthcare costs while in Canada. IRCC has outlined three mandatory conditions that every Super Visa insurance policy must meet:

As of January 28, 2025, IRCC updated the Super Visa insurance rules to allow approved foreign insurers in addition to Canadian providers. All policies available through BestQuote meet the current 2026 requirements.

To get up-to-date Super Visa details, check out the Government of Canada Super Visa page.

A Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that can be valid for up to 10 years (depending on passport validity). It allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with the option to apply for an extension while in Canada. This makes it significantly more flexible than a standard visitor visa, which typically allows stays of up to 6 months.

Because Super Visa visits can be long - sometimes spanning multiple years - choosing an insurance policy that offers flexibility around early returns, trip breaks, and refund options is especially important. Not all Super Visa insurance policies offer these features. BestQuote MedEC does.

One of the most common concerns for families purchasing Super Visa insurance is: what happens to the premium if the visa application is refused? This is a legitimate worry because Super Visa insurance must be purchased before the visa is approved, meaning you're paying upfront without a guarantee of approval.

BestQuote MedEC refund policy for visa refusals: If the Super Visa application is refused and the insured person never travels to Canada, you are eligible for a full refund of the premium paid, provided the policy has not yet reached its effective date and no use of the policy has been made (including using it as proof of insurance to obtain the visa).

How to request a refund:

• Submit your request in writing to [email protected]

• Include a copy of the visa refusal letter from IRCC

• Include a copy of every page of your passport showing no Canadian entry stamp

• Refunds are processed back to the original payment method

Important note: If the policy was used as supporting documentation to apply for the Super Visa - even if the visa was ultimately refused - a full refund may not be available, as use of the policy has occurred. Contact BestQuote at 1-888-888-0510 to discuss your specific situation.

The best Super Visa policy is the one that meets IRCC requirements and matches your parent or grandparent's health profile and budget. When comparing options, focus on these six factors:

Your quote results show pricing and key policy details side-by-side, so you can choose confidently and purchase online.

The BestQuote MedEC policy is a visitors-to-Canada emergency medical plan available through our quote comparison tool for longer trips (generally 300+ days), including many Super Visa applicants. It’s designed to cover new urgent and emergency medical situations while in Canada, including medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.

MedEC is also one of the most unique visitors-to-Canada plans on the market because it includes benefits you typically won’t find elsewhere. For everyday health concerns, eligible MedEC policies also include access to Maple, a virtual doctor service, with three prepaid doctor consultations per year at no additional cost. Our policyholders find this helpful for common issues like prescriptions, minor infections, and general medical advice.

There are two MedEC versions available depending on your needs:

• MedEC Visitors Emergency Health & Repatriation Insurance - with Maple Healthcare Access - This policy provides standard coverage for visitors to Canada. All policy benefits are included except the Winter Sports addition.

• MedEC Visitors Emergency Health & Repatriation with Winter Sports and Maple - This policy provides standard coverage for visitors to Canada. All policy benefits are available, including the Winter Sports addition.

To see whether MedEC is available for your trip, generate a quote on this page. If it’s an option for your profile and trip length, it will appear in your results so you can compare price, deductibles, and key benefits side-by-side before you buy.

The cost of Super Visa insurance depends on your parent or grandparent's age, the coverage amount selected, the deductible, and whether pre-existing conditions need to be covered. Below are indicative annual price ranges for a 1-year BestQuote MedEC Super Visa policy with $100,000 in coverage and a $0 deductible. Prices increase with age and with lower deductibles.

Prices vary based on the sum insured selected ($100,000, $150,000, $200,000, $300,000, or $500,000), the deductible chosen ($0, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000), and the applicant's exact age and health profile. Choosing a higher deductible can meaningfully reduce the annual premium. For example, selecting a $1,000 deductible instead of $0 can reduce costs by 10–20%.

Coverage amount matters: While $100,000 is the IRCC minimum, many families choose $150,000 or $200,000 for added peace of mind. A single overnight hospital stay in Canada can cost $5,000–$15,000 without insurance and a serious illness or surgery can cost significantly more.

For more information on Super Visa rates from various insurers click here.

Pre-existing conditions are one of the most important factors when buying Super Visa insurance - especially for older parents and grandparents who may be managing chronic health conditions. Here is what you need to know.

What counts as a pre-existing condition? Any illness, injury, or medical condition that existed before the insurance policy's start date - including well-managed, stable conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or COPD.

What is a stability period? Most policies that cover pre-existing conditions require the condition to have been stable for a set period before the policy start date (typically 90 to 180 days). Stable means no new symptoms, no changes to medication or dosage, no hospitalisation, and no new treatment or investigations during that period. The stability requirement varies by insurer and by condition, so it is important to check the specific policy wording.

Coverage options for pre-existing conditions:

• Policies through BestQuote: Several additional policies available through BestQuote's comparison tool offer pre-existing condition coverage with varying stability periods, coverage limits, and price points. Generate a quote to compare all available options for your parent or grandparent's specific health profile.

If your parent has a complex health history: Contact BestQuote directly at 1-888-888-0510. Our advisors can help identify the most appropriate policy for applicants with multiple conditions or recent medical events.

In 2026, IRCC continues to accept monthly installment plans for Super Visa applications. On our quote engine, simply toggle the plan type to "Monthly Payments" to see these rates.

The quote engine seen on this page allows travellers to get a free instant quote and view a list of available policies under the 'Super Visa Insurance' category and then purchase a policy online. Useful policy information (prices, benefits, important secondary benefits, refund policies, etc.) that you can review and compare is provided on the quote presentation page. If you came to this website to research your insurance options, you can't do that without getting a quote!

We'll also email you a link to your quote for future reference. If you have any problems receiving a quote or have some specific questions you need to ask, don't hesitate to call us (1-888-888-0510). After purchasing online, confirmation of coverage policy document(s) will be emailed to you as soon as your purchase is processed. We suggest that you keep a copy for your records, print out a copy and carry it with your other travel documents to show as proof of insurance at the border when you enter Canada.

1. Get a Quote: Enter your trip details into the quote tool on this page. You will see real prices, deductible options, and key coverage details from multiple providers side by side.

2. Compare Plans: Review the available policies. Pay attention to the sum insured, deductible options, refund conditions, and any secondary benefits like Maple virtual care.

3. Purchase and Receive Documents: Complete your purchase online and receive your proof of insurance documents by email. We recommend printing a copy and carrying it with your other travel documents to show as proof of insurance at the border when you enter Canada.

Stay informed with our latest guides and blog posts on Super Visa insurance. From understanding coverage requirements, to travel tips, we cover everything you need to know to choose the right plan for your parents or grandparents.