Visitor Insurance for Parents Visiting Canada
Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada? Visitor medical insurance protects them — and your savings — from hospital bills of $3,000–$5,000 per day that provincial health plans will not pay for visitors. A 3-month visit typically costs $320–$660 in premiums depending on age. Real prices below, from official Canadian insurer rate tables (effective March 1, 2026).
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Compare Plans for My ParentsCost for a typical visit ($100,000 coverage)
| Parent's age | 1 month (30 days) | 3 months (90 days) | 6 months (180 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41-60 | $106.50 | $319.50 | $639.00 |
| 61-64 | $125.10 | $375.30 | $750.60 |
| 65-69 | $160.20 | $480.60 | $961.20 |
| 70-74 | $220.20 | $660.60 | $1,321.20 |
| 75-79 | $273.30 | $819.90 | $1,639.80 |
| 80-85 | $439.20 | $1,317.60 | $2,635.20 |
Standard rates without pre-existing condition coverage, $0 deductible. Deductibles of $100–$3,000 reduce premiums by 5–30%. Visiting for a full year on a Super Visa? See the Super Visa cost page.
Visitor visa or Super Visa — which insurance?
Regular visitor visa or eTA (up to 6 months): insurance is not legally required, but one uninsured emergency can cost more than a decade of premiums. Buy coverage matching the visit length — it can be extended from inside Canada if the stay is extended.
Super Visa (parents & grandparents, multi-year entries): IRCC requires $100,000 minimum coverage valid for 365 days from a Canadian insurer, and proof must be submitted with the application. Full requirements in our Super Visa insurance guide.
What's covered
- Emergency hospital & medical care up to the coverage amount chosen ($10,000–$300,000)
- Physician visits, diagnostics (X-ray, lab), and emergency prescriptions
- Emergency dental from an accident (up to $3,000)
- Paramedical practitioners (up to $500 each)
- Repatriation and return of remains
- Accidental death & dismemberment up to $25,000, including flight accidents
- Optional: stable pre-existing conditions (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and more)
Frequently asked questions
Do my parents need medical insurance to visit Canada?
Insurance is mandatory for Super Visa applicants and strongly recommended for every visitor: Canadian provincial health plans pay nothing for visitors, and a single emergency room visit costs $1,000+, with hospital admission at $3,000–$5,000 per day. Without insurance, the family in Canada is left with the bill.
How much does visitor insurance cost for parents?
For $100,000 coverage without pre-existing conditions, a 3-month (90-day) visit costs about $320 at ages 41–60, $375 at 61–64, $480 at 65–69, and $660 at 70–74. A 6-month visit is roughly double. Pre-existing condition coverage adds about 20–40%.
What does visitor insurance for parents cover?
Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, physician fees, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs for emergencies, emergency dental from accidents, paramedical services, repatriation home, and accidental death & dismemberment. It does not cover routine check-ups or treatment of conditions that were unstable before arrival.
Can my parents get coverage for high blood pressure or diabetes?
Yes — plans on PolarCover can cover pre-existing conditions that have been stable (no change in condition or medication) for a defined period before the start date, typically 90–180 days depending on age and plan. Stable hypertension and diabetes are among the most commonly covered conditions.
Should I buy insurance before my parents book flights?
Yes, it's safe to buy early: the start date can be moved free of charge any time before coverage begins, and if the visit is cancelled or a visa is refused the premium is refundable (with documentation, if no claim). Buying early also matters for Super Visa applications, which require proof of insurance.
My mother is 82 — can she still get visitor insurance?
Yes. Applicants up to age 85 can get coverage instantly ($10,000 to $200,000 tiers at 80–85), and 86+ can still be covered up to $100,000. Premiums are higher at these ages, and a deductible helps bring them down.
Preparing for their arrival? Our friendly guides cover the first-visit checklist, how Canadian healthcare works for visitors, and long-flight tips for older travellers.
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