What to Know About Buying Super Visa Medical Insurance
A minimum of $100,000 in emergency medical travel insurance is a requirement for Canada super visa holders. What does this type of private insurance cover? What doesn’t it cover?
You, or your children or grandchildren who act as super visa sponsors, are responsible for all your medical costs. What do you know about super visa medical insurance?
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate your car, tenant, and medical travel insurance as a newcomer to Canada on a super visa.
Did you know? TuGo is Western Financial Group's trusted travel insurance provider. TuGo offers emergency medical insurance for Canada super visa applicants.
Here’s your guide to frequently asked questions about Super Visa Medical Insurance:
Is the minimum amount of health insurance that’s required only a recommendation for super visa applicants? Can I get less insurance?
No. The Government of Canada has set a minimum amount of $100,000 in private health insurance coverage for all super visa applicants.
Will Canada’s public healthcare system pick up any costs for super visa applicants?
No, super visa applicants do not have any access to Canada’s public healthcare system and must pay for their own healthcare costs.
How do I buy travel medical insurance as a super visa applicant?
You can buy the required private travel medical insurance from a variety of Canadian insurance companies and providers that offer plans specifically designed to meet super visa requirements.
As of January 2025, you can buy private medical insurance for the Canada super visa from non-Canadian insurance providers, but foreign insurers must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) in Canada.
What are some mistakes that super visa applicants make with their private health care insurance?
- Choosing the wrong coverage amount by not meeting the minimum requirement of $100,000 in emergency medical coverage for at least one year
- Assuming that pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension are always without checking. Most basic plans exclude unstable or new pre-existing conditions or require stability periods
- Failure to disclose pre-existing conditions
- Assuming that the policy they buy covers their entire visit of up to 5 years per visit. Coverage for Canada super visa private medical insurance typically lasts for one year at a time and must be renewed each year.
- Waiting until the last-minute purchases to buy the insurance or renew it. That increases the risk of processing delays, gaps in coverage, and visa refusals.
- Not understand policy details: Some policies require insured persons to pay medical bills upfront and seek reimbursement later, which can be financially challenging during a medical emergency.
Top tip: Do you know whether your private medical insurance policy pays providers directly or requires out-of-pocket payment? Make sure that you know to avoid any financial stress.
Can the children or grandchildren buy super visa insurance on behalf of super visa applicants?
Yes, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can buy a super visa medical insurance policy from a Canadian insurance company on behalf of their parents or grandparents.
How much does it cost for private medical insurance per year for Canada super visa holders?
The yearly cost of private medical insurance for Canada super visa holders in 2025 ranges from about $1,700 to $4,600 for $100,000 in coverage, depending on age, health status, coverage limits, and deductible choices. Costs will vary depending on individual circumstances.
If you increase your coverage to $250,000 as a super visa holder, you can expect your premiums to be roughly 20% to 50% higher than the $100,000 coverage range. You could end up paying about $2,000 to $6,000 annually, depending on individual factors.
Why should you consider more than $100,000 in emergency private medical insurance coverage?
If a Canada super visa holder has medical expenses that go above the $100,000 minimum coverage, any additional costs must be paid out-of-pocket. The minimum is $100,000 in private health coverage for each year of their stay of up to 5 years per visit.
What are the most important factors that determine how much medical insurance will cost for super visa applicants?
- Age: Older applicants generally face higher premiums due to increased health risks,
- Health condition and any pre-existing medical conditions: Applicants with existing or pre-existing health issues usually pay higher rates. Some plans exclude unstable or new pre-existing conditions.
- Coverage amount: Higher coverage limits (e.g., $250,000 vs $100,000 minimum) result in higher premiums.
- Deductible Choice: Selecting a higher deductible reduces premium costs but increases out-of-pocket expenses during a claim. Lower deductibles increase premium costs.
- Plans with additional benefits like coverage for stable pre-existing conditions, typically cost more.
How many private travel insurance quotes should super visa applicants get?
Canada Super Visa applicants who need to buy private travel medical insurance should ideally get at least 3 to 5 price quotes and compare prices and coverages.
What should super visa applicants be looking for when comparing medical insurance quotes?
- Coverage details and benefits: Check exactly what the policy covers
- How are pre-existing conditions covered?
- What are the deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
- Make sure that your private medical insurance is valid for at least one full year from the date of entry, as required by the super visa program. The policy should remain active and renewable if the stay is extended.
- Choose a reputable provider that provides support: Do your research.
- Price and premiums: Look for competitive rates that balance cost with coverage.
- What exclusions are in your policy?
- Multiple entries and refunds: If you plan to leave and re-enter Canada multiple times, verify whether the policy allows multiple entries within the coverage period. Also, check the refund policy if travel plans change or the stay is shorter than planned.
- Routine doctor visits
- Dental hygiene visits
- Vision care
- Cosmetic surgery
- Medical services related to pre-existing conditions that are not declared, not stable, or excluded by your private medical insurance policy
- Healthcare services not covered by the specific terms of your private medical insurance policy
What medical costs are solely the responsibility of super visa holders?
Do I need to prove to the Government of Canada that I have private health insurance as a super visa applicant?
Yes. Proof of insurance is mandatory and failure to provide acceptable insurance can result in super visa denial.
To recap: What does the Government of Canada say about private medical insurance for super visa applicants?
A requirement for super visa applicants is that they must have a minimum $100,000 coverage in private medical insurance that’s valid for at least one year from their date of entry into Canada. If your health insurance will expire before you leave Canada, you will need to renew or maintain your health insurance during your stay.
The emergency medical travel insurance policy must be active when you arrive in Canada.
What about your other insurance needs as a Canada super visa holder? Top tip: Western Financial Group has got you covered and can help you save!
Advantages of buying car or tenant insurance with Western Financial Group as a Canada super visa holder
- Western is a national insurance broker partnering with Canada’s leading insurance companies to get you car or tenant insurance to help save you money.
- Western can help you customize your insurance.
- Western will help you bundle your tenant and car insurance to save.
- Western puts you, the customer, first.
- Western has been in the insurance business for over 100 years!
- We are 100% Canadian and we know the Canadian market.
How to reach us at Western Financial Group
You can reach a licensed Western Financial Group insurance expert by phone, text, or email. Fill out our form and get a quote for your car or tenant insurance needs (and all your insurance needs) as a Canada super visa holder.
Speak to one of our insurance experts now: 1-866-860-1958.
Where are most of Canada’s new citizens from in 2025?
Most newcomers to Canada in 2025 are coming from countries in Asia and Africa, with India remaining the top source, followed by the Philippines and China (People’s Republic of China). Other significant source countries include Nigeria, Cameroon, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Eritrea, and the United States.
Final thoughts
Peace of mind without financial stress about your medical insurance will be important during your stay as a Canada super visa holder. Make sure that your private health insurance covers all your medical needs so that you can enjoy your time with your family.
Why Western?
100% Canadian!
Get the best insurance
We’ll help you save
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5 FAQs
Do I have to buy private medical insurance from a licensed provider as a Canada super visa applicant?
Yes, you will buy private medical insurance from a licensed and authorized Canadian insurance company. As of January 2025, you can buy private medical insurance for the Canada super visa from non-Canadian insurance providers. Foreign insurers, though, must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) in Canada.
Is super visa medical insurance cheaper for younger applicants?
Super visa medical insurance is generally cheaper for younger applicants. Insurance premiums for Canada Super visa applicants are influenced by age, with older applicants paying higher premiums due to increased health risks associated with aging. It must be noted, though, that the cost of super visa insurance varies not only by age but also by health condition.
Will parents/ grandparents still have private emergency medical coverage if they leave the Canada and return to Canada?
Yes, they will as long as they spend the majority of their coverage period in Canada. Note that this insurance doesn’t cover them for any health-care costs they incur when visiting their country of origin or residence.
Does super visa health insurance need to be renewed yearly?
If a Canada super visa holder stays for up to 5 years, the required private medical insurance must be renewed yearly. The super visa insurance policy is typically valid for one year at a time, and to maintain continuous coverage throughout the entire stay, renewal, or replacement of the policy each year is necessary.
What are the consequences if I fail to renew my super visa medical insurance yearly?
Your policy will lapse after the expiry and any grace period, meaning you will have no medical insurance coverage during the gap. Any medical emergencies or hospitalizations during this period will not be covered, leaving you responsible for all medical expenses. If you don’t have a valid super visa medical insurance policy, Canadian authorities can refuse your entry into the country.
