Visitor insurance and Super Visa insurance are two similar products with one important difference: Super Visa insurance must meet the specific requirements of the Canadian government for the Super Visa.
Quick comparison
| Visitor Insurance | Super Visa Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Who purchases it? | Any temporary visitor to Canada | Parents/grandparents applying for a Super Visa |
| Minimum amount | Recommended: $100,000 | Mandatory: $100,000 |
| Minimum duration | Based on the stay | Mandatory: 1 year minimum |
| Issued by | Canadian or foreign insurer | Canadian insurer or OSFI-authorized foreign insurer |
| Refund if refused | Varies | Often available (with IRCC refusal letter) |
| Government requirement | No | Yes, required by IRCC |
Since January 28, 2025, IRCC also accepts policies issued by foreign insurers authorized by OSFI to provide accident and sickness insurance in Canada. In practice, most policies bought abroad do not qualify: the insurer must appear on OSFI’s list and the policy must be issued in the course of its insurance business in Canada.
What is identical
Both products essentially cover the same risks: emergency medical care, hospitalization, ambulance, repatriation. The difference is in the formal conditions, not in the nature of the coverage.
Is standard visitor insurance sufficient for the Super Visa?
No, unless it meets all IRCC requirements: minimum amount of $100,000, duration of one year minimum, issued by an eligible insurer (Canadian, or foreign and OSFI-authorized). If all three conditions are met, the policy can be used for the Super Visa.
What to choose?
If you are applying for a Super Visa: Choose explicitly a “Super Visa insurance”. These products are designed to satisfy IRCC requirements and generally include a refund clause in case of refusal.
If you are visiting Canada without a Super Visa: Standard visitor insurance is sufficient. You can choose the duration and amount that match your stay.
Learn more
To find out which product is right for you, call us: (514) 500-7220.