Super Visa insurance requirements in 2026: what IRCC asks for

By Deepika Minhas, Class L3 RCIC-IRB (CICC licence R706527) · Published November 5, 2026 · Last reviewed November 5, 2026

Quick answer: For a Super Visa, your parent or grandparent needs private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer, or from a foreign insurer authorized by Canada’s financial regulator (OSFI). It must give at least $100,000 in coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation, be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, and be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit. A quote is not accepted.

What medical insurance does IRCC require for a Super Visa?

IRCC’s Super Visa document checklist says the insurance must:

• come from a Canadian insurance company, or from an insurance company outside Canada approved by the minister;
• be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry;
• cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation;
• provide a minimum coverage of $100,000;
• be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted);
• be valid for each entry to Canada and be available for a border services officer to review on request.

These are the minimum rules. A policy can give more, but not less.

Can the insurance come from a company outside Canada?

Yes, but only from an approved company. IRCC’s instructions to its officers say a foreign insurer must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act and appear on OSFI’s public list of federally regulated financial institutions. The instructions also note that brokers and claims administrators are not insurers.

So before you buy a policy in India or elsewhere, check that the company that actually issues the policy (not only the agent selling it) is on OSFI’s list. If you’re not sure, ask the seller for the insurer’s legal name and check it yourself.

Can I pay Super Visa insurance monthly?

Yes. IRCC accepts a policy paid in full or in instalments with a deposit. What it doesn’t accept is a quote. Send proof that the policy has been bought, such as the policy document and the receipt for the deposit or payment.

If you pay monthly, keep the payments up. A policy that lapses can cause problems at the border or with a later application.

What does “valid for each entry” mean?

A Super Visa lets an eligible parent or grandparent stay up to 5 years per entry. The insurance has to be valid for at least one year from the date of entry, and officers may ask to see it when your parent or grandparent arrives.

In practice, keep proof of active insurance with the traveller’s documents every time they enter Canada, and check the end date before each trip. If you’re unsure whether a policy meets the rule for a specific entry, ask the insurer in writing and keep their answer.

What are the most common Super Visa insurance mistakes?

1. Sending a quote instead of a paid policy. IRCC says quotes aren’t accepted.
2. Coverage below $100,000, or a policy that leaves out hospitalization or repatriation.
3. A foreign policy from a company that isn’t authorized by OSFI, or a policy where the seller is a broker and the real insurer isn’t named.
4. A start date that doesn’t match the planned entry, so the policy isn’t valid for a full year from the day your parent arrives.
5. Letting monthly payments lapse after the visa is issued.

Insurance is only one part of the application. The host (the child or grandchild in Canada) must also meet IRCC’s minimum necessary income and provide a signed letter of invitation, and the applicant needs a medical exam. Our Super Visa and visitor visa page explains the full application.

How can a licensed consultant help?

We can’t choose an insurer for you, and no one can guarantee a visa decision. In a paid consultation we review your documents against IRCC’s current checklist, point out gaps (insurance, income, invitation letter) before you submit, and prepare and submit the application if you hire us.

Deepika Minhas is a Class L3 RCIC-IRB, CICC licence R706527. You can confirm her licence on the College’s public register. Consultations are in English, Punjabi and Hindi, in person in Greater Vancouver or online. Request a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How much Super Visa insurance coverage do I need?

At least $100,000 for health care, hospitalization and repatriation, valid for at least one year from the date of entry.

Is a Super Visa insurance quote enough for the application?

No. IRCC asks for a policy paid in full or in instalments with a deposit. Quotes aren’t accepted.

Can I buy Super Visa insurance from an Indian insurance company?

Only if that company is authorized by OSFI under the Insurance Companies Act and appears on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.

Can the insurance be paid in monthly instalments?

Yes, with a deposit. Keep paying so the policy stays active.

Does UW recommend a specific insurer?

No. We explain IRCC’s rules; you choose the insurer.

Sources (checked November 5, 2026)

• IRCC, Super visa: Get your documents ready (date modified 2025-02-10)
• IRCC, Super visa: Who can apply
• IRCC operational instructions, Temporary residents: Super visa

General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change; check IRCC’s website or speak with a licensed professional about your situation. United World Immigration Services Inc. does not guarantee any application outcome.