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Canada - ENSuper Visa for Parents and Grandparents: Travel Insurance Basics
For many Canadian families, the super visa program offers a meaningful way to stay connected across generations. It makes it easier for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to spend extended periods in Canada without the cost, inconvenience, and uncertainty of frequent travel.
However, eligibility for a super visa comes with responsibilities — and one of the most significant is health insurance. This is a mandatory requirement designed to ensure visitors are financially protected in the event of a medical emergency while in Canada.
This article explains how the super visa insurance requirements work and shares practical tips for choosing coverage that fits both your needs and budget.
Key takeaways
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The super visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit.
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Health insurance is mandatory and a key requirement for super visa approval.
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Visitors to Canada generally aren’t covered by the public healthcare system, meaning medical costs must be paid out of pocket — and can be costly.
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Super visa insurance must provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and remain valid for at least one year from entry into Canada.
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Choosing a Canadian insurance provider may offer advantages, including familiarity with Canada’s healthcare system and access to local support.
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Coverage details can vary, so it’s important to review exclusions, limits, and coverage for pre-existing conditions carefully.
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Super visa applicants must meet additional eligibility requirements, including passing medical exams, providing proof of relationship, and demonstrating intent to return home after their stay.
What is a super visa?
A super visa allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their family for up to five consecutive years per entry. It also allows multiple entries into Canada for up to 10 years, making it ideal for longer visits without frequent renewals or repeat travel. However, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including obtaining emergency medical insurance coverage — one of the program’s most important conditions.
For those who plan to stay for six months or less, applying for a visitor visa may be the right choice. To better understand how the super visa compares to a regular visitor visa, here’s a quick overview:
Regular Visitor Visa |
Super Visa |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Who Is Eligible |
Citizens of foreign countries who are not visa-exempt and visiting Canada for tourism, business, or family visits. |
Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. |
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Maximum Stay Per Entry |
Up to 6 months per visit, unless otherwise specified |
Up to 5 years per entry |
|
Validity Period |
Up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first |
Up to 10 years |
|
Health Insurance Requirements |
Optional |
Mandatory, with minimum of $100,000 in coverage |
|
Medical Exam Requirements |
Generally not required. |
Required. Applicants must undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) conducted by a designated panel physician. |
What are eligibility requirements for a Super Visa?
According to the Government of Canada, applicants for a Super Visa must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. However, there are additional eligibility requirements. To apply, you must:
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Apply from outside Canada.
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Have valid private health insurance from an approved provider, with at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage for a minimum of one year from the date of entry.
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Complete immigration medical examinations with IRCC-designated panel physician.
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Hold a valid passport or travel document for the duration of your stay.
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Provide a signed letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada. The host must be at least 18 years old, live in Canada, and meet or exceed the minimum income requirement.
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Provide proof of relationship (such as birth certificates or adoption paperwork).
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Pass medical, security, and criminality checks.
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Demonstrate intent to return home after an authorized stay.
Super Visa health insurance requirements
Health insurance isn’t just another box to tick on a Super Visa application. It’s absolutely essential to obtain.
Unexpected medical situations can happen to anyone. A fall, a car accident, a serious illness, or even a short hospital stay could result in big bills. Since visitors to Canada aren’t generally covered under provincial healthcare plans, those expenses are often paid out of pocket without insurance.
The Government of Canada requires that your health insurance policy must:
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Include the insurance company name that issued the policy (sometimes known as “the insurer” or “the underwriter”).
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Provide a minimum emergency medical coverage of $100,000.
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Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Canada.
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Provide valid health insurance for the entire duration of the stay in Canada.
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Be paid in full or in installments with a deposit (where applicable).
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Cover the applicant’s health care, hospitalization, and repatriation costs.
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Remain valid for each entry into Canada.
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Be available for review by the border services officers, if requested.
The $100,000 minimum might sound like a lot of money, but medical costs can add up very quickly, especially if emergency treatment or hospitalization is involved. The right coverage helps protect both visitors and their families from unexpected financial stress.
The cost of health insurance depends on a number of factors, including age, health history, length of stay, and coverage limits and deductibles.
Insurance options for Super Visa holders
While RBC Insurance doesn’t offer a policy created specifically for Super Visa holders, eligible applicants may qualify for RBC Insurance’s Visitors to Canada Insurance (Visitors Plan III). A few important things to know:
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Only Visitors Plan III offers coverage above the $100,000 minimum required for a Super Visa.
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Applicants must be visitors to Canada between one month old and 69 years of age.
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Coverage must be purchased before arriving in Canada or within 5 days of arrival.
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Additional eligibility requirements apply.
One thing to note: the policy is valid only if you purchase it before landing in Canada or within five days of arrival. Timing matters here.
Why super visa holders should choose a Canadian insurance provider
In 2025, the Government of Canada updated the rules so that insurance providers outside of Canada can offer super visa coverage, as long as they meet specific criteria and regulatory standards. To qualify, insurers must:
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Be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI)to provide accident and sickness insurance in Canada.
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Appear on OSFI’s official list of approved financial institutions.
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Issue policies through their Canadian operations.
That gives applicants more choice, which is great. But in some cases, choosing a Canadian insurer can make things easier, especially when you’re trying to navigate healthcare in a country that may be unfamiliar. Here’s why choosing a Canadian health insurance provider may have an advantage:
1. Local knowledge
Canada’s healthcare system isn’t the same everywhere. In remote communities, getting emergency medical care might involve air transport. In bigger cities, the challenge might be figuring out which hospital to go to or how care is coordinated. An insurer that works within the Canadian system may be better positioned to help if things get complicated.
2. Simpler communications
Insurance questions have a way of showing up at inconvenient times. Working with a provider operating in Canadian time zones — and with support available in English and French — can make getting answers a little easier.
That matters when you’re dealing with a stressful situation.
3. Peace of mind
For some people, there’s reassurance in choosing a company with a long history in Canada and experience supporting visitors.
Plus, options like Visitors to Canada Insurance (Visitors Plan III), comes with from the largest bank-owned insurance company in Canada. That way, you know your insurer will be there if you need them.
4. Round-the-clock support
Medical emergencies don’t wait for 9-5 business hours. Having access to 24/7 assistance means you have support and resources no matter the day or hour.
More visits. More memories.
A super visa is ultimately about one thing: more time with loved ones. Understanding the requirements — especially around health insurance — can help make those visits feel a little less stressful and a lot more memorable. Choosing the right coverage matters, not only to meet visa requirements but to help protect against unexpected medical costs while in Canada. For eligible applicants, options such as RBC Visitors to Canada Insurance (Visitors Plan III) may provide coverage that aligns with Super Visa requirements. Get an online quote, talk to one of our licensed insurance advisors or telephone 1-866-8172 to learn more.
RBC Travel Insurance
If you need help during your trip for a medical or other travel emergency, help is available 24/7.
FAQs about Super Visas and insurance
What is the minimum insurance coverage required for a super visa?
To qualify for a super visa, you need at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage from an approved insurer. The policy must also cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation costs.
Can I buy super visa insurance from outside Canada?
Yes, you can. As of 2025, some approved insurers outside Canada can provide super visa coverage if they meet Canadian regulatory requirements.
That said, there are advantages to choosing a Canadian insurer. Some applicants prefer Canadian companies because they may have more experience with the healthcare system and insurance claims processes.
How long must my super visa insurance remain valid?
Your policy must remain valid at least one year from your date of entry into Canada. Keeping the coverage active for the entirety of your stay is important, especially if you plan to remain in Canada for an extended period.
Does super visa insurance include dental?
Sometimes, but usually only in limited situations. Many policies include emergency dental treatment related to an accident or sudden injury, rather than routine care like cleanings or checkups. But coverage varies by plan, so it’s worth reading the details carefully.
What happens if I let my super visa insurance expire in Canada?
Letting your super visa insurance expire could create complications for future travel or re-entry. Additionally, you’d also be responsible for paying any medical expenses out of pocket while uninsured, which can add up fast.
Does super visa insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
It can, but coverage isn’t automatic. Some policies cover stable and controlled pre-existing medical conditions, while others exclude them entirely.
Insurers usually require the condition to remain “stable and controlled” for a specific period (often 90 to 180 days) before the policy start date. But definitions of “stable” vary between providers, so check the policy wording.
*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
