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A super visa lets parents and grandparents stay for up to 5 years at a time, and it has strict insurance rules: at least $100,000 of emergency coverage from an approved insurer, valid for at least 1 year from entry. Visitor insurance helps pay emergency medical costs for other visits. Visitors shouldn’t assume they’re covered by B.C.’s Medical Services Plan.
Super visa insurance requirements
- From a Canadian insurance company, or a foreign insurer authorized by OSFI to provide accident and sickness insurance in Canada.
- Covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation.
- At least $100,000 of emergency coverage.
- Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, and for each entry. Renew it if it would end before your parent or grandparent leaves.
- Paid in full, or in instalments with a deposit. A quote is not accepted as proof.
How long super visa holders can stay
For applications on or after June 22, 2023, holders can stay for 5 years at a time. Most other visitors can stay for up to 6 months, and the border officer decides.
Visitor insurance
MSP coverage is based on BC residency and eligibility requirements. Visitors should not assume they are covered and should arrange appropriate private medical insurance for their stay. Visitor insurance can help cover emergency medical costs during a trip.
Questions to ask
- Does the policy meet every super visa requirement, including the insurer?
- How are pre-existing conditions treated?
- Can it be paid monthly, and what is the deposit?
Ready to compare plans? Start a Super Visa insurance quote.
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An example
A family invites parents to stay for a year and a half on a super visa. Their policy must meet the super visa rules and should be renewed so coverage doesn’t lapse before they leave. Exact eligibility depends on IRCC’s current rules and the policy terms.
FAQs
Can super visa insurance be paid monthly?
IRCC accepts a policy paid in full or in instalments with a deposit. A quote alone is not accepted.
Does a foreign insurance company qualify?
Only if it is authorized by OSFI to provide accident and sickness insurance, appears on OSFI’s list, and issued the policy while doing business in Canada.
Are visiting parents covered by MSP?
MSP coverage is based on BC residency and eligibility requirements. Visitors should not assume they are covered and should arrange appropriate private medical insurance for their stay.
Sources
General information only, not advice for your situation. Coverage depends on each policy's terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.