Visitor Insurance in Canada and Super Visa (2026)
Are you welcoming your parents or relatives from abroad? Visitor insurance covers medical expenses in Canada, and the Super Visa requires coverage of at least $100,000 from a Canadian insurer. Here’s how to comply.
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When relatives from abroad visit you in Quebec, they are not covered by RAMQ: all their medical expenses are their responsibility. A simple visit to the doctor or, worse, a hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars. Visitor insurance in Canada covers these emergency expenses during their stay. And if you welcome your parents or grandparents with a Super Visa, the federal government mandates a minimum medical coverage from a Canadian insurer.
This page explains the federal Super Visa requirement, how visitor insurance works without RAMQ, and the monthly price ranges. The amounts are indicative only and vary according to the profile; the exact premium is determined after analysis by an insurance broker from a partner firm certified by the AMF.
The Federal Super Visa Requirement
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of permanent residents or Canadian citizens to stay in Canada for extended periods. To be eligible, the applicant must provide proof of health insurance from a Canadian insurer that meets specific conditions.
“`imposed by the federal government.
Minimum Coverage
The policy must provide medical coverage of at least $100,000, valid for entry into Canada.
Canadian Insurer
The insurance must be issued by a Canadian insurer (or a foreign insurer recognized under current federal regulations). A foreign policy alone is generally not sufficient.
Duration of Stay
The coverage must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry and cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Proof Required
Proof of insurance is part of the Super Visa application. Without it, the application may be denied.
As federal requirements may evolve, always check the updated criteria with official government sources before purchasing.
Why Visitor Insurance is Essential (Without RAMQ)
A visitor from abroad has no public coverage in Quebec: neither RAMQ nor provincial plan. In case of an accident or sudden illness, the hospital charges for care at full price, often payable in advance or on-site. Costs can quickly escalate to thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars for hospitalization.
Visitor insurance covers these emergency medical expenses during the stay: consultations, hospitalization, emergency medications, and, depending on the policy, repatriation. It protects both the visitor and the family hosting them, who would otherwise be responsible for the bills.
What Visitor Insurance Generally Covers
Emergency Medical Expenses
Hospital care, consultations, and treatments related to an illness or accident occurring during the stay in Canada.
Hospitalization
The most costly portion in the absence of public coverage: insurance covers hospitalization costs up to the chosen limit.
Repatriation
Medical return to the country of origin if the visitor’s condition requires it, a protection often included in Super Visa policies.
Options Based on Profile
The limit ($100,000 and above), deductible, and consideration of pre-existing medical conditions influence the premium. To be adjusted according to the visitor’s age and health status.
Indicative Monthly Ranges — Visitor Insurance (2026)
| Visitor Profile | Typical Coverage | Indicative Monthly Range |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Adult | $100,000 | $100 – $175 / month |
| Parent / Grandparent (Super Visa) | $100,000 and above | $150 – $250 / month |
| Aged Visitor with Medical Conditions | $100,000 and above | Higher — based on profile |
| Enhanced Coverage | Limit above $100,000 | Supplement based on limit |
Indicative ranges only, for informational purposes — they vary based on age, health status, limit, deductible, and duration. The actual premium is established after analysis by an insurance broker from a certified AMF partner firm.
How to Apply for Visitor or Super Visa Insurance
Purchase Before Arrival in Canada
For the Super Visa, proof of insurance must accompany the application, so it must be in place before entering the country. More broadly, purchase visitor insurance before the arrival of the relative: coverage bought after the first symptom does not protect against a previously declared issue. Keep the certificate and emergency assistance number handy throughout the stay.
Without Insurance, the Bill is for the Family
A visitor has no RAMQ coverage. In case of an emergency, the hospital charges for care at full price, and it is often the hosting family that ends up responsible for the amounts — sometimes tens of thousands of dollars. Compliant visitor insurance avoids this major financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is visitor insurance in Canada?
It is insurance that covers the emergency medical expenses of a person from abroad during their stay in Canada, as they do not have access to RAMQ. It covers hospitalization, emergency consultations, and, depending on the policy, repatriation.
What coverage does the Super Visa require?
The federal government requires proof of health insurance from a Canadian insurer providing medical coverage of at least $100,000, valid at entry and for the required duration. As rules may change, check the updated criteria with official sources.
Does RAMQ cover a visitor from abroad?
No. A visitor has no RAMQ coverage or provincial plan. All their medical expenses are their responsibility, hence the importance of visitor insurance upon arrival.
How much does visitor insurance cost in Canada?
Indicatively, it often ranges from $100 to $250 per month, depending on the visitor’s age, health status, chosen limit, and deductible. This amount is indicative and varies based on the profile; the actual premium is established after analysis by a broker.
Must the insurance come from a Canadian insurer?
For the Super Visa, yes: the policy must generally be issued by a Canadian insurer (or a foreign insurer recognized under current federal regulations). A foreign policy alone usually does not meet the requirement.
Can an aged visitor with medical conditions be insured?
Yes, but age and medical history influence the premium and coverage conditions. Some policies provide options for stable pre-existing conditions. An accurate declaration is essential to avoid a claim denial.
When should visitor insurance be purchased?
“`htmlBefore the visitor’s arrival in Canada, and for the Super visa, before submitting the application. Coverage purchased after the onset of a health issue does not protect against that already declared event.
Before the visitor’s arrival in Canada, and for the Super visa, before submitting the application. Coverage purchased after the onset of a health issue does not protect against that already declared event.
How to get the best price on visitor insurance?
The most effective way is to compare several Canadian insurers for equivalent coverage. Assur360 is an independent comparison platform that connects you for free with AMF-certified partner firms and insurance brokers, who shop for visitor or Super visa coverage for you.
Why compare with Assur360
Assur360 is an independent comparison platform. We do not sell insurance: we connect you for free with AMF-certified partner firms and insurance brokers who compare visitor and Super visa coverage for you.
- Free and no-obligation comparison
- Partner firms and insurance brokers certified by AMF (regulated by the Chamber of Insurance)
- Fact-based information: indicative prices, requirements to verify with official sources
- More than 100,000 Quebecers guided towards the right protection
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