ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Your Essential Questions

1. Legal Requirements (Super Visa)

What is the minimum coverage amount required by the government for a Super Visa?

The Canadian government requires valid medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Do I need to pay for the insurance for a full year in advance?

Yes. For the initial Super Visa application, you must purchase and pay for an insurance policy covering at least one year (365 days) before submitting the application.

Is Super Visa insurance refundable if the visa is denied?

Absolutely. If the visa application is denied by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the premium is fully refunded upon presentation of the refusal letter.

Can I purchase monthly insurance for the Super Visa?

Some companies now offer monthly payment options, although the policy must legally cover a one-year period. Conditions apply.

Is standard visitor insurance sufficient for the Super Visa?

No. Super Visa insurance has specific requirements set by IRCC (minimum $100,000, one-year validity, Canadian insurer). Standard travel insurance will not be accepted.

1. What is the difference between visitor insurance and Super Visa insurance?

Visitor insurance covers tourists, parents, or friends visiting Canada temporarily.

Super Visa insurance is mandatory for parents and grandparents applying for a Canadian Super Visa and must meet the Government of Canada’s requirements.

2. Is Super Visa insurance mandatory?

Yes. To obtain a Super Visa, the government requires valid medical coverage of at least $100,000 for a minimum period of one year.

3. Are medical services free in Canada for visitors?

No. Visitors must pay for medical expenses themselves if they do not have insurance.

4. How much does a hospital visit in Canada cost without insurance?

Costs can be very high:

  • Ambulance: $500 to $1,500
  • Minor emergency: $1,000 to $3,000
  • Hospitalization: $3,000 to $10,000 per day
  • Heart attack: $50,000 to $150,000
  • Emergency surgery: $30,000 to $100,000
  • Intensive care: over $20,000 per day

5. Does insurance cover pre-existing health conditions?

It depends on the plan chosen. Some policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Others cover them if they are considered “stable.”

6. What does a “stable” medical condition mean?

A condition is generally considered stable when there has been no:

  • change in medication,
  • new prescription,
  • hospitalization,
  • new symptom,
  • recommended treatment or pending test

for a specified period (often 90 to 180 days depending on the insurer).

7. If my parent takes medication for blood pressure or diabetes, can they be covered?

Yes, in many cases. If the condition is stable according to the insurer’s criteria, coverage may include these health issues.

8. If the doctor changes the dose of a medication, is it still considered stable?

Not always. A dosage change can make the condition “not stable” according to some insurers.

9. Can a pending test or medical examination affect coverage?

Yes. If a test or medical investigation is pending before departure, the insurer may deny a claim related to that condition.

10. Does insurance cover visits to the doctor?

Yes, for sudden and unforeseen medical emergencies covered by the policy.

11. Are medications covered?

Yes, prescription medications resulting from a covered medical emergency are often included.

12. Does insurance cover sudden illnesses like pneumonia or an infection?

Yes, in most cases if the illness is sudden and not related to a policy exclusion.

13. If my parent has had a stroke or heart attack before, can they obtain insurance?

Yes. Many insurers accept these conditions if they have been stable for the required period.

14. Does insurance cover COVID-19?

Many insurers offer COVID-19 coverage for medical emergencies related to the virus. Protections vary by policy.

15. Are chronic illnesses automatically excluded?

No. Many people think that diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension prevent them from being insured. This is not true if the condition is stable and properly declared.

16. What happens if a medical condition is not declared correctly?

The insurer may deny the claim and cancel the coverage. It is very important to answer medical questions honestly.

17. Can the insurance be canceled and refunded?

Yes, in many cases:

  • before arrival in Canada,
  • if the visa is refused,
  • or if no claim has been made.

Conditions vary by insurer.

18. Can Super Visa insurance be paid monthly?

Yes. Several insurers offer monthly payments with an initial deposit.

19. Does the price increase with age or health issues?

Yes. The older the age or the higher the medical risk, the higher the premium may be.

20. Why compare several insurers before buying?

Each insurer has:

  • different rules on stability,
  • different exclusions,
  • different prices,
  • different coverages.

Comparing several companies often saves hundreds of dollars while securing better protection.

2. Health Stability (Pre-Existing Conditions)

What is a pre-existing condition?

Any illness, injury, or medical condition for which you consulted a doctor, received treatment, or took medication before your insurance effective date.

What does the 90 to 180 day stability period mean?

For your pre-existing condition to be covered in case of an emergency, it must be stable (no medication changes, no new treatment, and no new symptoms) for a period of 90 to 180 days prior to departure.

If I change my medication dosage, is my condition still stable?

Generally, no. Any adjustment (increase or decrease) to medication, or stopping a medication, is considered a change in health status and resets the required stability period.

Do routine check-ups affect my stability status?

A routine medical exam with normal results does not affect your stability. However, if the doctor orders an investigative test, stability is compromised.

Is controlled hypertension covered?

Yes, as long as the condition has been stable (same medication dosage, no new symptoms) for the period required by your policy (commonly 120 or 180 days).

3. Coverage Clarifications (Inclusions/Exclusions)

Are routine dental care services included?

No. Travel insurance covers only dental emergencies, such as relief of acute pain or a dental fracture resulting from an accident (up to a specified limit).

Does insurance cover family doctor appointments?

Only if it is for an emergency or a new illness that arose in Canada. General follow-ups, annual exams, and preventive care are excluded.

Is the renewal of my prescription medications covered?

No. Insurance covers prescription medications only to treat a new medical emergency (usually limited to a 30-day supply).

What happens if I temporarily return to my country of origin?

Your coverage is suspended while you are in your country of origin, but the policy remains active for your return to Canada, provided there has been no interruption of the contract.

Is medical repatriation always included?

Yes, but it must be pre-approved and arranged by your insurer’s assistance center. Never arrange repatriation on your own without prior agreement.

4. The Reality of Costs Without Insurance

How much does a simple ER visit cost without insurance?

ER registration fees for non-residents often start around $800 to $1,200, before seeing a doctor or running tests.

How much does a day of hospitalization in Canada cost?

A standard room (without intensive care) typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000 for a foreign visitor. Intensive care can exceed $10,000 per day.

Are emergency surgeries very expensive?

Extremely. An emergency surgery (such as an appendectomy) can cost between $15,000 and $25,000 including hospitalization and anesthesia.

Are ambulance transport fees costly?

An ambulance transport in Canada for a non-resident can cost between $250 and $800 depending on the province and distance traveled.

Do I have to pay in advance at the hospital or does the insurance pay directly?

SecurVisit arranges direct billing with most hospitals for large amounts. Without insurance, the hospital will require a credit card deposit before admission.

The Cost of a Medical Emergency

Without Insurance $15,000+ Surgery & Hospitalization
With SecurVisit $0 After deductible

Based on average hospital rates in Canada for non-residents. Direct billing avoids up-front payments.

Stability Requirement (Pre-existing Conditions)

For your existing conditions to be covered, they must be stable before travel.

Start of the period (90 to 180 days)
No medication changes, no new symptoms.
Stability Period Maintained
Routine check-ups accepted. No investigative tests ordered.
Departure Date for Canada
Your condition is officially covered in case of a sudden deterioration.