Short answer: in most cases you can get your premium back. If your parent or grandparent is refused a super visa, the medical insurance you bought for the application is generally refundable — as long as you follow a few simple steps.
Why you buy the insurance before the decision
To apply for a super visa, IRCC requires proof that your parent or grandparent already holds valid medical insurance — at least $100,000 in emergency coverage, valid for at least one year. So the policy has to be purchased before you know whether the visa is approved. That feels like a gamble — but insurers build refund provisions into these policies for exactly this situation.
How the refund works if the visa is refused
Three conditions typically apply:
- Cancel before the coverage start date. If the policy hasn't taken effect, you're generally eligible for a refund of the premium.
- Provide the IRCC refusal letter. Insurers require the official refusal letter as proof.
- Expect a possible admin fee. Some insurers deduct a modest administration fee and refund the rest; some refund in full. The amount varies by insurer — we confirm it before you buy.
In practice, when the visa is refused and coverage never started, you may be eligible for a full or partial refund — often less an insurer's administration fee, depending on the policy's terms.
What if coverage already started?
If your parent has already arrived and the policy is active, most insurers allow cancellation with a partial refund for the unused portion — typically provided no claim has been made. Full refunds are generally only available before the effective date, and exact terms are set by each policy's wording.
The mistake families make most
Starting the coverage too early. If the policy's effective date lands before the visa decision arrives, you can lose the cleaner before-effective-date refund path. Families often choose the expected travel date rather than the application date — but confirm the timing with your advisor, because IRCC processing times and each policy's wording vary.
How we handle this for you
We walk through the refund terms shown in your policy's wording before you buy, so you understand what to expect if the visa is refused. If it is, we handle the cancellation and refund paperwork and walk you through submitting the refusal letter — in English, Hindi or Punjabi. One advisor who knows your file, no call-centre.
This article is general information, not insurance advice. Refund terms vary by insurer and policy. Your licensed advisor confirms the exact terms that apply to your coverage.