Mandatory IRCC Insurance Criteria
To apply for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, applicants **must** provide proof of valid private medical insurance. Your visa application will be automatically delayed or rejected if your policy documentation fails to satisfy any of these five criteria:
- $100,000 CAD Minimum Coverage: The policy must cover at least $100,000 CAD in health and emergency medical care. Quotes or lower limits are not accepted.
- 1-Year Minimum Duration: The policy must be valid for at least **365 days** starting from the date of your expected entry into Canada.
- Scope of Care: The policy must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization inside Canada, and **repatriation** (costs to return the deceased's remains back to their home country).
- Canadian Insurer Mandate: The policy must be purchased from a **Canadian licensed insurance company**. (Select approved foreign insurers may qualify in limited programs, but standard Canadian brokers are recommended to prevent border delays).
- Proof of Full Payment: You must submit an official receipt showing the policy has been **paid in full**. Insurance quotes, invoice statements, or payment-due notices are rejected.
Monthly Installments vs. Annual Upfront Payment
Private medical insurance for elderly parents can range from **$1,000 to $4,500+ CAD per year** depending on their age and pre-existing medical conditions. Many brokers offer monthly payment options:
| Payment Structure | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Upfront Payment | - No administrative installment fees - Guarantees instant application approval - Easier to process full refunds | - Requires high initial out-of-pocket cash layout |
| Monthly Installments | - Lower initial setup cost (usually pay 2 months deposit) - Keeps your budget flexible | - Surcharges of 3-5% applied to overall cost - Must maintain active cards to prevent coverage lapse |
Pre-Existing Conditions & Acute Onset Rules
Super Visa insurance is strictly for **unforeseen emergency medical events**. It is not standard health insurance:
- Stable Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma can be covered *only* if they have been medically stable (no dosage changes, no hospital visits) for a set period (usually 120 or 180 days before travel).
- What is Excluded: Routine checkups, prescription drug refills for existing medications, standard eye exams, and elective surgeries are completely excluded.
- Acute Onset Rider: When comparing policies, look for an **Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions** rider if your parents have chronic conditions, which covers sudden, unexpected flare-ups.
Visa Refusal & Refund Policy Rules
If your parent or grandparent's Super Visa application is refused by IRCC:
- 100% Refund: Almost all Canadian insurance companies offer a **full refund** of your premium.
- Administrative Fee: Some insurers charge a small processing fee ($50 to $100 CAD) to cancel the policy.
- Proof Required: To claim your refund, you must submit the official **IRCC Refusal Letter** and a written request to your insurance broker within a specified period (typically 30 to 60 days from the refusal date).
This guide compiles official immigration policies, residency requirements, and insurance mandates sourced directly from:
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Official Guide: canada.ca/super-visa-eligibility
• Super Visa Private Insurance Guidelines: canada.ca/super-visa-about