- Top Super Visa insurance providers in 2026 include Allianz, TuGo, Manulife, Destination Canada, GMS, 21st Century, and Secure Travel (RIMI)
- Super Visa insurance protects parents and grandparents during extended visits to Canada
- Mandatory coverage includes at least $100,000 for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation Premiums increase with age and pre-existing conditions
- Plans differ in coverage limits, optional riders, and added travel benefits
Planning to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada on a Super Visa? While the program makes family reunions easier, securing the right Super Visa insurance is a key step. This specialized visitor insurance protects extended-stay visitors during their stay, covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, and helping meet Super Visa requirements.
Choosing the right plan isn’t just about meeting visa requirements. It protects your family from unexpected medical costs. In this guide, we review seven top Super Visa insurance providers in Canada, comparing coverage, cost, and benefits to help you choose the right policy. Here are the top five providers at a glance, with the remaining companies reviewed in detail below.
Top five Super Visa insurance providers at a glance:
- Allianz: Best for frequent travellers
- TuGo: Best for customizable riders
- Manulife: Best for value-added services
- Destination Canada: Best for comprehensive coverage
- Group Medical Services (GMS): Best for competitive pricing
What is Super Visa insurance in Canada?
Super Visa insurance is mandatory travel medical insurance for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents applying for a Super Visa. It covers emergency medical costs that non-residents must pay for themselves. This coverage allows eligible family members to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time without renewing status.
The insurance protects against high medical expenses and ensures that your Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) application meets requirements. To qualify, the plan must meet these criteria:
- Minimum $100,000 coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Valid for at least one year from entry into Canada
- Meets IRCC requirements for emergency medical coverage; specific benefits (such as physician visits, surgeries, ambulance services, and prescription drugs) vary by insurer and must be confirmed in the policy wording
- Provides repatriation in case of serious illness or death
- Option to cover pre-existing conditions if stable for 90–180 days
- Must be paid in full before application submission. Financing or monthly payment options are acceptable only if the insurer has received full payment, and proof of paid coverage is provided
- Requires submission of proof of paid coverage meeting IRCC criteria (such as a policy document, certificate, or insurer confirmation)
Best Super Visa insurance companies in Canada (2026)
We ranked the best Super Visa insurance companies in Canada for 2026 based on cost, coverage flexibility, pre-existing condition support, and customer experience. These plans meet IRCC requirements and protect visitors during long stays.
- Allianz: Best for frequent travellers
- TuGo: Best for customizable riders
- Manulife: Best for value-added services
- Secure Travel (RIMI): Best for senior travellers
- Destination Canada: Best for comprehensive coverage
- GMS (Group Medical Services): Best for competitive pricing
- 21st Century: Best for healthy travellers
Let’s take a closer look at each of these top insurers, their unique features, and what makes them stand out in 2026.
1. Allianz: Best for frequent travellers
PolicyAdvisor rating
We rate Allianz 5/5 because it balances medical coverage with strong international service capabilities. Allianz provides 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance and efficient global claims coordination, which supports parents who travel frequently or move between countries. The plan also includes travel-related benefits in addition to emergency medical coverage, making it suitable for visitors who need broader protection.
Why choose Allianz
- Strong global claims network and international assistance infrastructure
- 24/7 multilingual emergency support
- Includes built-in travel benefits beyond emergency medical coverage
Unique selling point (USP): Allianz offers multilingual emergency assistance, strong international claims support, and select travel-related benefits alongside IRCC-compliant medical coverage, depending on the plan version.
2. TuGo: Best for customizable riders
PolicyAdvisor rating
We give TuGo 5/5 because it offers more customization than most providers. Applicants can choose plans that cover pre-existing conditions when they meet required stability periods, along with optional sports or adventure activity coverage. This flexibility makes TuGo ideal for families who need protection tailored to specific medical or travel risks rather than a standard medical-only plan.
Why choose TuGo
- One of the most flexible Super Visa insurance plans in Canada
- Optional riders for unstable pre-existing conditions
- Coverage options extend beyond basic emergency medical care
Unique selling point (USP): TuGo offers high coverage limits and customizable riders, including options for unstable pre-existing conditions and travel-related risks, under an IRCC-compliant plan.
3. Manulife: Best for value-added services
PolicyAdvisor rating
We give Manulife 5/5 because it combines comprehensive medical coverage with value-added benefits. Applicants can choose plans with or without pre-existing condition coverage. The flexibility and strong financial backing make it a reliable choice for families seeking peace of mind and complete protection during extended visits.
Why choose Manulife
- Includes prescription drug coverage, accidental dental, and companion benefits
- Flexible plan options for applicants with or without pre-existing conditions
- Strong financial backing and national recognition
Unique selling point (USP): Manulife provides comprehensive medical coverage with added benefits such as prescription drugs, accidental dental, and companion support, all under an IRCC-compliant plan.
4. Secure Travel (RIMI): Best for senior travellers
PolicyAdvisor rating
We give Secure Travel 4.5/5 because it provides one of the most affordable options for seniors aged 60 and above. The plan allows families to include or exclude coverage for stable pre-existing conditions. Monthly payment options make it accessible for long-stay visitors who want to meet Super Visa requirements without financial strain.
Why choose Secure Travel (RIMI)
- Two plan types: Standard and Enhanced for different budgets
- Optional coverage for stable pre-existing conditions
- Affordable premiums designed for senior travellers
- Monthly payments help manage upfront costs
Unique selling point (USP): Secure Travel (RIMI) delivers budget-friendly emergency medical coverage with optional pre-existing condition protection, meeting IRCC requirements for seniors.
5. Destination Canada: Best for comprehensive coverage
PolicyAdvisor rating
We give Destination Canada 4/5 because it offers one of the most flexible and comprehensive plans available. Families can customize coverage and choose to include or exclude stable pre-existing condition protection. The plan may offer payment plan options; however, IRCC requires proof that the policy has been paid in full, so applicants must ensure full payment is completed and documented before submitting their Super Visa application.
Why choose Destination Canada
- Flexible plan structure with benefits such as AD&D, accidental dental, follow-up care, and companion coverage, with availability and limits varying by plan version
- Allows inclusion or exclusion of stable pre-existing condition coverage
- Supports monthly premium payments for greater financial flexibility
Unique selling point (USP): Destination Canada provides comprehensive medical coverage with optional non-medical benefits, including AD&D, accidental dental, follow-up care, and companion support under an IRCC-compliant plan.
6. Group Medical Services (GMS): Best for competitive pricing
PolicyAdvisor rating
We rate GMS 4/5 for its strong value through competitive pricing, policy renewal options with GMS, and emergency prescription drug coverage with defined limits. The plan allows applicants to cover stable pre-existing conditions and includes prescription drug benefits subject to monetary caps and time restrictions. Applicants may choose to purchase a new policy from another insurer when coverage ends, though benefits and waiting periods do not automatically transfer.
Why choose GMS
- Provides emergency prescription drug coverage with specified limits and duration
- Covers pre-existing conditions that have been stable for 180 days
- Allows policy renewal with GMS and the option to purchase a new policy from another insurer if needed
- Payment plan options available (subject to full payment proof for IRCC compliance)
Unique selling point (USP): GMS delivers affordable, IRCC-compliant coverage with unlimited prescription drugs, 180-day stable pre-existing support, and renewal flexibility.
7. 21st Century: Best for healthy travellers
PolicyAdvisor rating
We give 21st Century 4/5 for Super Visa insurance because it offers one of the most affordable plans in Canada for healthy travellers under 60. The plan provides essential emergency medical coverage with options for higher deductibles to lower premiums. Monthly payment options make it accessible for families seeking budget-friendly protection without compromising IRCC requirements.
Why choose 21st Century
- Ideal for healthy visitors under 60 with no major medical conditions
- Higher deductible options reduce monthly premiums
- Simple, essential coverage suitable for short or low-risk visits
- Monthly payment options for easier upfront cost management
Unique selling point (USP): GMS delivers affordable, IRCC-compliant coverage with unlimited prescription drugs, 180-day stable pre-existing support, and renewal flexibility.
How much does Super Visa insurance cost in Canada?
Super Visa insurance costs vary based on age, medical history, trip length, and coverage amount. Premiums rise with age and increase if pre-existing conditions are included. Choosing the right plan can help families manage costs while meeting IRCC requirements.
For example, premiums for a 75-year-old parent can vary significantly depending on the insurer, deductible, province of stay, trip length, and underwriting. Coverage for stable pre-existing conditions typically increases the cost. Always refer to live quotes with stated assumptions and insurer documentation for accurate pricing.
Super Visa insurance premiums differ based on age and whether you have pre-existing conditions. The table below provides illustrative annual costs for a plan with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.
| Age | Without pre-existing conditions | With stable pre-existing conditions |
| 55 | $1,110.70 | $1,299.40 |
| 60 | $1,129.31 | $1,377.51 |
| 65 | $1,200.67 | $1,743.61 |
| 70 | $1,455.07 | $2,249.31 |
| 75 | $2,482.00 | $3,400.34 |
| 80 | $3,084.25 | $4,470.70 |
*Illustrative annual premiums for a Super Visa plan with $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. Costs vary by age and pre-existing conditions.
How do pre-existing conditions affect Super Visa insurance?
Pre-existing conditions directly affect Super Visa insurance eligibility, premiums, and coverage limits. Most Canadian insurers cover pre-existing conditions only if they are stable for a set period, typically 90, 120, or 180 days before the policy starts.
A condition is considered unstable based on each insurer’s policy definition. Many insurers classify instability as new or worsening symptoms, medication changes, diagnostic testing, or hospitalization, though exact wording and look-back periods vary. Common conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease may be excluded if stability requirements are not met.
Families should compare plans with optional pre-existing condition riders to ensure coverage. Applicants must answer all medical questions truthfully and completely, because material misrepresentation or non-disclosure can make an insurance contract voidable under provincial law and affect claim outcomes. Decisions depend on materiality, policy terms, and the applicable legislation.
Which Super Visa insurance is best for parents with diabetes or hypertension?
The best Super Visa insurance for parents with diabetes or hypertension is one that includes comprehensive coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Providers like Secure Travel, Destination Canada, and TuGo offer plans that cover stable pre-existing conditions, including controlled diabetes and high blood pressure.
These insurers assess the stability period, typically 90 to 180 days before the policy starts, to determine eligibility. To avoid denial of coverage, always disclose your medical history honestly during the application process.
Can I buy Super Visa insurance after arriving in Canada?
You must buy Super Visa insurance before arriving in Canada if you want your application to be approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The policy must be valid from the date of entry and provide at least one year of emergency medical coverage.
Although you can purchase travel insurance after arriving in Canada, it will not satisfy Super Visa requirements. IRCC requires proof of valid Canadian health insurance at the time of application, so make sure to compare plans and secure coverage before your parents or grandparents travel.
Can I buy Super Visa insurance from a foreign company in 2026?
Yes. From June 2022, IRCC allows applicants to purchase Super Visa medical insurance from an approved foreign medical insurance company designated by the Minister of Immigration, if and when such a designation list is issued.
The policy must still meet all IRCC requirements, including at least $100,000 in coverage and a minimum one-year validity period. Applicants should always confirm that the insurer and policy meet IRCC’s eligibility criteria before purchase.
Some of the eligibility considerations for foreign insurers offering this coverage include:
- The insurer must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance in Canada
- The policy must be issued or underwritten by an OSFI-listed insurer in Canada
- The plan must meet all Super Visa requirements, including: minimum coverage of $100,000
- Coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation
- A validity of at least one year from the date of entry
- The policy must be fully paid (no monthly payment plans unless financed through a licensed Canadian provider)
What happens if my Super Visa is denied after I buy insurance?
If your Super Visa is denied after you buy insurance, most providers in Canada will allow you to request a full refund, as long as you provide proof of visa refusal. To get your money back, you must submit the official IRCC rejection letter along with your policy details.
However, refund policies may vary by insurer, so it’s important to review the terms before purchasing. Many insurance providers in Canada, such as Manulife or 21st Century, offer hassle-free cancellation and full refunds in case of visa denial, ensuring you don’t lose your investment.
How to file a Super Visa insurance claim in Canada?
The Super Visa insurance claims process ensures that insured visitors can receive timely medical care in Canada without financial stress. It’s important to follow the correct steps to avoid claim denial or delays.
- Contact the insurer’s emergency assistance line immediately before or right after seeking medical care
- Follow the insurer’s instructions on approved hospitals or clinics to avoid out-of-network charges
- Collect and submit required documents, such as claim forms, medical records, itemized bills, and receipts
- Submit the claim within the insurer’s specified timeline (often 30–90 days)
- Track the claim status online or through customer service for updates until it’s processed and settled
How to get the most affordable Super Visa insurance quotes in Canada?
Finding affordable Super Visa insurance quotes in Canada doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you have expert guidance. At PolicyAdvisor, we work directly with Canada’s best visitor travel insurance companies that offer this coverage. Whether you are looking for basic coverage or policies that include pre-existing condition protection and add-ons, we compare all the best options to help you save both time and money.
Our licensed insurance advisors can help you find the cheapest Super Visa insurance quotes based on your unique needs, medical history, and budget preferences.
We also offer lifetime after-sales support, whether you need help with renewals, claims, or updating your coverage. Schedule a call with us today to get customized plans based on your travel needs.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my Super Visa is rejected after buying insurance?
If your Super Visa is denied, most insurance providers in Canada will offer a full refund, often minus a small administrative fee. To receive the refund, you must submit proof of visa rejection, usually the IRCC refusal letter, before the policy’s start date. It’s essential to review the refund policy at the time of purchase, as terms may vary. Trusted providers like Manulife, TuGo, and 21st Century typically allow hassle-free cancellations.
Are monthly payments available for Super Visa insurance?
While Super Visa insurance usually requires full upfront payment for one year, some providers now offer monthly payment options through approved Canadian brokers. These plans may involve a small financing fee or require a deposit up front. Monthly payments can make Super Visa insurance more affordable for families managing high premiums, especially for elderly applicants or those with pre-existing conditions.
Does Super Visa insurance cover prescription drugs and follow-up care?
Super Visa insurance typically covers emergency prescription medications related to a covered illness or accident, but it may not cover long-term medications or routine refills. Some plans include limited coverage for follow-up visits or diagnostic tests, especially if linked to the initial emergency. It’s important to review each plan’s benefit summary carefully or consult a licensed advisor to ensure you choose a policy that meets the specific health needs of your visiting parents or grandparents.
Will my Super Visa insurance cover travel to other provinces in Canada?
Yes, most Super Visa insurance policies provide coverage throughout all provinces and territories in Canada, as long as the insured person is temporarily residing in Canada. However, coverage levels may vary if you change your location permanently or travel outside Canada. Some plans also include limited emergency travel coverage for short trips to the U.S. or other countries. Always confirm with your insurer about any travel plans and review the territorial coverage limits in your policy to avoid surprises.
Explore the best Super Visa insurance providers in Canada for 2026. These plans protect parents and grandparents from emergency medical costs during long stays. We evaluated providers based on coverage limits, premiums, pre-existing condition support, flexibility, travel benefits, and customer service. This guide compares Allianz, TuGo, Manulife, Destination Canada, GMS, 21st Century, and Secure Travel (RIMI) to help families select a plan that balances cost, protection, and peace of mind.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Report on Super Visa Income Requirement, Appeal Process, Special Circumstances – Temporary Resident Visas. Government of Canada.