Visa insurance for visitors to Canada
Travellers coming to Canada need to understand the insurance requirements for different visa types. While standard visitor visas don’t have mandatory insurance requirements, Super Visa applicants must obtain specific coverage.
Visitor visa insurance
While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Canada. Healthcare in Canada is not free for visitors, and costs can be substantial for medical treatment.
Super Visa insurance requirements
The Super Visa is a special visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike the standard visitor visa, the Super Visa has specific and mandatory insurance requirements:
- Minimum amount: $100,000
- Minimum duration: 1 year
- Issued by: a Canadian insurer, or a foreign insurer authorized by OSFI
- Coverage: health care, hospitalization and repatriation
Compare visa insurance requirements
Understanding the differences between visitor visa and Super Visa insurance requirements is important when planning your trip to Canada.
Frequently asked questions about visa insurance
What insurance is required for a visitor visa to Canada?
What insurance is required for a Super Visa to Canada?
For a Super Visa, you must provide proof of medical insurance that:
- Is valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
- Provides a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD
- Covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation
- Is issued by a Canadian insurance company, or by a foreign insurance company authorized by OSFI to provide accident and sickness insurance in Canada
Without this mandatory insurance, your Super Visa application will be rejected.
How does insurance coverage differ between visitor visa and Super Visa?
Here’s a comparison of insurance requirements:
| Feature | Visitor Visa | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | No | Yes |
| Minimum Coverage | No minimum | $100,000 CAD |
| Duration | No minimum | Minimum 1 year |
| Insurer restrictions | None | Canadian or OSFI-authorized foreign |
| Repatriation coverage | Optional | Required |
While insurance is optional for standard visitor visas, we strongly recommend having adequate coverage regardless of visa type.
Do I need to extend my insurance if I extend my stay in Canada?
Yes, you should always ensure your insurance coverage lasts for your entire stay in Canada:
For visitor visa holders: While not legally required, maintaining continuous coverage is strongly recommended for your protection.
For Super Visa holders: You must maintain valid medical insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay. If you extend your stay, you must extend your insurance coverage accordingly. Failure to maintain adequate insurance may affect future visa applications.
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Call us to find out which product suits you: (514) 500-7220.