Bringing your parents or grandparents to Alberta for a long visit is one of the best parts of settling in Canada. Before they board the plane, though, there is one requirement you cannot skip: valid Canadian medical insurance. If you are applying for a Super Visa, this is not optional.
This guide explains how super visa insurance works in Alberta, what the policy must include, and what to watch for before you buy.
Why Alberta families need to plan carefully
Visitors to Canada are not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. If your parents become ill or are injured during their stay, every hospital visit, test and procedure is billed to them directly. Emergency care in a major city like Calgary or Edmonton can become very expensive very quickly. A proper policy protects your family from that risk, and it is also what immigration officers expect to see in your application.
What IRCC requires from Super Visa insurance
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the policy must meet all of the following:
- Coverage of at least $100,000 for emergency medical care
- Validity of at least one year from the date your parent or grandparent enters Canada
- Coverage for health care, hospitalization and repatriation (the cost of returning home)
- Purchase from a Canadian insurance company
- Proof of purchase included with the visa application
Many Alberta families choose a higher limit, such as $150,000, for extra peace of mind. A higher limit does not make you more eligible, but it leaves more room if a serious illness occurs.
Payment plans and flexibility
A one-year policy does not have to be paid in one lump sum. Many providers offer monthly payment plans, which makes the cost easier to manage. Also look for policies that let you change the start date before the coverage begins, because visa processing and travel dates often shift.
Ask what happens if the visa is refused. Most insurers will refund the premium, minus an administration fee, when you can show a refusal letter. Get this in writing before you pay.
Pre-existing conditions
Many older applicants have a long-standing condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Some policies cover these when they are stable, and others exclude them. The wording differs from one insurer to the next, so read the stability and exclusion sections carefully instead of assuming every plan works the same way.
Choosing the right policy in Alberta
A local advisor can compare plans from several insurers side by side and explain the fine print in plain language. You can compare options on our Super Visa Insurance Calgary and Super Visa Insurance Edmonton pages, or get a quote here.
Frequently asked questions
Can my parents buy the policy after they arrive in Canada?
The policy must be in place when they enter the country, and you need proof of it for the visa application. Buying before travel is the safest route.
Does the insurance have to cover the entire stay?
IRCC requires a minimum of one year of coverage. If the visit will be longer, the policy can be renewed or extended, so ask your advisor early.
Is Super Visa insurance the same as regular travel insurance?
Not exactly. A Super Visa policy has to meet IRCC's specific conditions. A standard travel policy may not qualify.
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