Most problems with Super Visa insurance don't happen when you buy. They happen when your parent needs a doctor and the claim is refused. These are the 12 mistakes we see most often as brokers, and how to avoid each one. Take the 2-minute check to see if your parents' policy is safe.
Enter your parent's details to see live prices and plan details from every insurer we work with.
Answer 8 quick questions. We'll show which mistakes to fix before your parent travels.
IRCC needs at least $100,000 of coverage for health care, hospital care and repatriation, valid for one year from the date of entry, from a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer. A policy that misses any of these can get the application refused.
Do this instead: Check the coverage amount, the start date and the insurer before you pay. Every plan we quote meets the IRCC rules.
The policy has to cover one year from the day your parent enters Canada. If the start date is before arrival, or the flight changes, part of the required year may not be covered.
Do this instead: Use the planned arrival date. If the flight changes, ask us to move the start date before your parent travels.
IRCC accepts a policy paid in full, or paid in instalments with a deposit. A quote alone is not proof of insurance.
Do this instead: Send the policy and the receipt or proof of the deposit with the application.
Insurers check medical records when a claim comes in. A condition, medication or test that wasn't declared can get a claim refused, even if it seems unrelated.
Do this instead: Answer the medical questions with your parent's actual prescriptions and doctor's notes in front of you. We go through the questions with you.
Pre-existing conditions are only covered if they were stable for a set time before the policy starts. On one plan we sell, it is 90 days up to age 69 and 180 days from age 70 to 84. A new pill or a changed dose can restart the clock.
Do this instead: Choose a plan with pre-existing condition cover if your parent takes medication, and tell us about any medication change before travel.
Arrival can be weeks or months after you buy. A new diagnosis or medication in between can change what is covered.
Do this instead: Call us if anything changes before your parent flies. We contact the insurer and update the policy.
Most plans require you to call their emergency assistance line before treatment, or as soon as possible in an emergency. On one plan we sell, late notice limits payment to 80% of eligible costs, up to $25,000.
Do this instead: Save the insurer's emergency number in your parent's phone and on the fridge. Call before any non-emergency visit.
Plans bought after your parent arrives usually have a waiting period for illness. On one plan we sell, it is 48 hours if bought within 30 days of arrival and 8 days after that.
Do this instead: Buy before your parent flies whenever possible.
Cheaper plans can have lower limits for pre-existing conditions, longer stability periods or fewer benefits. The difference shows up only at claim time.
Do this instead: Compare plan details, not just price. Our cost page shows 13 real quotes side by side.
A deductible lowers the premium, but your parent pays that amount first on every claim period. A few clinic visits can wipe out the savings.
Do this instead: Use the deductible calculator on this page before you choose.
Super Visa insurance is emergency medical insurance. Routine check-ups, regular prescriptions and planned treatment are not covered.
Do this instead: Book check-ups and refill prescriptions in the home country before travel.
Most insurers refund unused months if your parent returns home early, but only if no claim was made. A small claim can cost you the refund.
Do this instead: If your parent may leave early, think about it before claiming a small amount. Ask us first.
Enter the two prices from your quote and see when the deductible stops paying off.
The example prices are for illustration. Use the prices from your own quote. Some plans apply the deductible per claim, others per policy; check your policy wording.
Not declaring medical history correctly. Insurers review medical records at claim time, and an undeclared condition or medication change can lead to a refused claim. Answer the medical questions with your parent's prescriptions in front of you.
Only if you choose a plan with pre-existing condition coverage and the condition was stable for the plan's stability period before the policy starts. On one plan we sell, that is 90 days up to age 69 and 180 days from 70 to 84.
Yes, for most plans. Call the emergency assistance number before treatment, or as soon as possible in an emergency. On one plan we sell, late notice limits payment to 80% of eligible costs, up to $25,000.
Yes. IRCC accepts a policy paid in instalments with a deposit. Send proof of the deposit with the application. Monthly plans usually add a setup fee of $50 to $120.
Only if the premium savings are bigger than what you are likely to pay out of pocket. Use the deductible calculator on this page to see your break-even point.
Renewal prices mostly change with age band, typically in 5-year steps after 60. Ask us how your insurer handles renewals after a claim before you buy.
Most insurers refund unused months for an early return if no claim was made. Each insurer has its own rules and minimum fees.
Plan examples (stability period, waiting period, late-notice limit) come from one plan we sell as of October 2026; every insurer's rules differ. Read the policy wording before you buy. Last reviewed October 17, 2026 by Pankaj Bhatia, PFA, CHS. More: Super Visa insurance cost · Super Visa Canada 2026 · Emergency medical insurance for parents
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