Since IRCC confirmed on July 15, 2026 that the Parents and Grandparents Program is paused for new applications, many families in Kitchener-Waterloo are asking the same thing: should Mom and Dad come on a regular visitor visa with visitor insurance, or apply for a Super Visa? The insurance you buy depends on that choice. Here is how to decide, and what to do first.
Super Visa insurance and visitor insurance are often the same type of product, emergency medical insurance for people visiting Canada. The difference is in the rules each one must follow. Choosing the wrong one can mean a refused application, or paying for more than you need.
| Visitor insurance | Super Visa insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Required by IRCC? | No (recommended) | Yes |
| Minimum coverage | You choose ($10,000+) | $100,000 |
| Length | Any number of days | At least 1 year from entry |
| Insurer | Any | From a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorized insurer outside Canada. |
| Payment | Full or monthly | Full, or instalments with deposit |
| Must cover repatriation | Optional | Yes |
| Typical cost | Lower (shorter, flexible) | Higher (full year, $100,000+) |
Choose Super Visa insurance if your parent or grandparent is applying for a Super Visa. The policy must meet every IRCC rule, including $100,000 of coverage for at least a year. Read the full 2026 requirements.
Choose regular visitor insurance when your relative is coming on a regular visitor visa or eTA, for a shorter stay (for example 3 or 6 months). You can pick the exact dates, the coverage amount and the deductible that fit.
Not if it fails the Super Visa rules. Each time your parent enters Canada on a Super Visa, they should have a policy that meets the requirements and covers at least one year from that entry. A border officer can ask to see it.
Because Super Visa insurance runs for a year at $100,000 or more, the total price is higher than a 3-month visitor plan. Per month, the prices are often similar for the same age and coverage. Monthly payment plans can spread the Super Visa cost; see how monthly plans work.
New PGP applications are paused until further notice. Applications already in the queue are still being processed. For many families, the Super Visa is now the main way for parents and grandparents to stay for long periods.
Super Visa insurance is only one part of the application. The host must meet the minimum income for their family size and send an invitation letter. The parent needs an immigration medical exam. Applications are made online through IRCC.
Example: Imagine your parents want to spend most of each year in Waterloo near the grandchildren. A visitor plan would not meet the Super Visa rules. A Super Visa plan with $100,000 coverage for one year from entry would.
Most families we help in Kitchener-Waterloo are inviting parents from India. Before they buy, they ask the same four questions:
Compare plans online on our Super Visa insurance or visitor insurance page, or call 1-855-500-5041. Help in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Neither visitors nor Super Visa holders are covered by OHIP. Hospitals such as Grand River Hospital, St. Mary's General Hospital, Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Brampton Civic Hospital bill visitors at non-resident rates. Parents only qualify for OHIP after they become permanent residents, apply in person at ServiceOntario and are approved. Ontario no longer has a 3-month waiting period.
Life Advice Insurance Inc. compares visitor and Super Visa plans from 20+ Canadian insurers. Visit our office at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener (Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Sunday) or call 1-855-500-5041.
It is a type of travel medical insurance for visitors, with extra rules set by IRCC.
Usually not. Buy a policy that meets the Super Visa rules from the start.
A visitor plan that covers the full stay. You can usually extend online before it ends. Remember the visitor status limits set by IRCC.
Talk to a licensed Life Advice broker
We compare plans from many Canadian insurers and explain the fine print in plain language. Call +1 855-500-5041 (Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m.), get a quote on our Super Visa or Visitor Insurance page, or visit us at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, ON N2E 0B6.
This article is general information, not advice for your situation. Coverage, prices and rules vary by insurer and can change. Always read your policy wording.
Queued applications are still processed. Until your parents become permanent residents and are approved for OHIP, they need private coverage. A Super Visa plan or a visitor plan for the exact dates can fill that gap.
Up to 5 years per entry. The visa itself can be valid for up to 10 years, with multiple entries.
IRCC requires at least one year from entry. OHIP still does not cover your parent after that, so most families keep coverage in place for the whole stay.
Compare Super Visa insurance quotes from 20+ Canadian insurers on our Super Visa insurance page. You may also like our visitor insurance page. Or visit Life Advice Insurance Inc. at 912 Isaiah Pl, Kitchener, call 1-855-500-5041, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Help in English, Hindi and Punjabi.