Super Visa Insurance Requirements (IRCC)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Minimum coverage | $100,000 |
| Minimum validity | 1 year from date of entry |
| Coverage must include | Health care, hospitalization, repatriation |
| Provider | Must be a Canadian insurance company |
| Payment | Must be paid in full before visa application |
| Proof | Letter of coverage must be submitted with application |
Best Super Visa Insurance Providers Compared
| Provider | Annual Cost (Age 60) | Annual Cost (Age 70) | Pre-Existing Coverage | Deductible Options | Refund Policy |
|---|
| Manulife | $1,600–$2,200 | $2,800–$4,200 | ✅ (180-day stability) | $0–$10,000 | Pro-rated |
| Blue Cross | $1,500–$2,100 | $2,600–$4,000 | ✅ (180-day stability) | $0–$5,000 | Pro-rated |
| 21st Century | $1,400–$1,900 | $2,400–$3,600 | ✅ (90-day stability) | $0–$10,000 | Pro-rated |
| Destination Travel Group | $1,300–$1,800 | $2,200–$3,400 | ✅ (90-day stability) | $0–$10,000 | Pro-rated |
| GMS | $1,500–$2,000 | $2,500–$3,800 | ✅ (180-day stability) | $0–$2,500 | Pro-rated |
| Allianz | $1,600–$2,200 | $2,800–$4,200 | ✅ (180-day stability) | $0–$5,000 | Pro-rated |
| TuGo | $1,500–$2,100 | $2,700–$4,000 | ✅ (180-day stability) | $0–$10,000 | Pro-rated |
Rates are estimates for $100,000 coverage. Actual costs depend on age, health, trip dates, and deductible.
Super Visa Insurance Cost by Age
| Age Range | Annual Premium (No Pre-Existing) | Annual Premium (With Pre-Existing) |
|---|
| 40–49 | $800–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| 50–59 | $1,100–$1,600 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| 60–64 | $1,400–$2,000 | $2,000–$3,200 |
| 65–69 | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,800–$4,500 |
| 70–74 | $2,400–$3,800 | $3,800–$6,000 |
| 75–79 | $3,200–$5,000 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| 80+ | $4,000–$7,000+ | $6,000–$12,000+ |
How Deductible Affects Your Premium
| Deductible | Approximate Annual Cost (Age 65) | Savings vs $0 Deductible |
|---|
| $0 | $2,800 | — |
| $250 | $2,400 | ~14% |
| $500 | $2,200 | ~21% |
| $1,000 | $1,900 | ~32% |
| $3,000 | $1,500 | ~46% |
| $5,000 | $1,200 | ~57% |
| $10,000 | $900 | ~68% |
Strategy: Choosing a higher deductible can save thousands. If your parents are generally healthy and unlikely to make small claims, a $1,000–$3,000 deductible significantly reduces the premium while still covering catastrophic costs.
What Super Visa Insurance Covers
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|
| Emergency hospitalization | Routine medical checkups |
| Emergency surgery | Dental (unless caused by accident) |
| Prescription drugs (emergency) | Pre-existing conditions (if excluded) |
| Diagnostic tests (emergency) | Elective/cosmetic procedures |
| Ambulance services | Vision care |
| Repatriation to home country | Pregnancy/childbirth |
| Accidental dental (up to limit) | Mental health (varies by policy) |
| Follow-up visits for emergency | Travel to home country during policy |
Pre-Existing Condition Coverage
| Stability Period | What It Means | Who Offers It |
|---|
| 90 days | Conditions must be stable for 90 days before departure | 21st Century, Destination Travel Group |
| 120 days | Conditions must be stable for 120 days | Some Blue Cross plans |
| 180 days | Conditions must be stable for 180 days | Manulife, GMS, Allianz, TuGo |
| Excluded | Pre-existing conditions not covered (lower premium) | Most providers offer this option |
“Stable” means: No new symptoms, no change in medication dosage, no hospitalization, and no new treatment related to the condition during the stability period.
Super Visa Application: Insurance Checklist
| Step | Details |
|---|
| 1. Determine parent/grandparent’s health status | List all medications and conditions |
| 2. Get quotes from 3–5 providers | Compare with and without pre-existing coverage |
| 3. Choose coverage amount | Minimum $100,000 (consider $150K–$200K for extra protection) |
| 4. Select deductible | Balance premium savings vs out-of-pocket risk |
| 5. Pay in full | Policy must be paid before visa application |
| 6. Obtain proof of insurance letter | Include with IRCC application |
| 7. Keep policy details accessible | Parent should carry proof when entering Canada |
Super Visa vs Regular Visitor Visa Insurance
| Feature | Super Visa Insurance | Regular Visitor Insurance |
|---|
| Minimum coverage | $100,000 (mandatory) | No minimum (recommended) |
| Minimum validity | 1 year | Flexible |
| IRCC requirement | Yes | No (but recommended) |
| Stay duration | Up to 5 years per entry | Up to 6 months |
| Cost | Higher (longer coverage period) | Lower (shorter trips) |
| Must be Canadian provider | Yes | Recommended |
Tips to Save on Super Visa Insurance
| Strategy | Potential Savings |
|---|
| Choose a higher deductible ($1,000–$3,000) | 25–50% |
| Apply when parent is in good health | Avoids pre-existing condition surcharges |
| Compare at least 5 providers | 10–30% difference between providers |
| Buy annual plan (not monthly) | 5–10% |
| Ask about family/couple discounts | 5–10% (if both parents travelling) |
| Ensure stable medications before travel | Meets stability clause requirements |
| Choose appropriate coverage level (not excessive) | Stick to $100K unless specific need for more |
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