Paying Super Visa insurance monthly: how it actually works
A year of Super Visa coverage is a large single payment — especially alongside flights and settling costs. Several Canadian insurers let you split it into monthly instalments. Here is what that costs, how the mechanics work, and when it makes sense.
The short answer
Yes, you can pay Super Visa insurance monthly. Several Canadian insurers offer it: you typically pay an initial deposit (often around two months' premium), then monthly instalments for the rest of the policy year. The coverage itself is identical to the annual-pay version — the same $100,000 minimum, the same 365-day term IRCC requires.
The trade-off: monthly plans usually cost more over the year than paying annually, because of policy or administration fees. Monthly payment is a cash-flow tool, not a discount. Always ask to see both totals side by side before choosing.
Monthly vs annual: an illustrative comparison
Figures below are illustrative 2026 examples to show the mechanics — not quotes. Your own numbers depend on the applicant's age, insurer, deductible and medical history.
| Pay annually | Pay monthly | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront | Full premium (e.g. ~$2,400) | Deposit (e.g. ~2 months ≈ $440) |
| Ongoing | Nothing further | ~$220/month × remaining months |
| Fees | None | Policy/admin fee added by most insurers |
| Illustrative 12-month total | ~$2,400 | ~$2,640+ |
| Risk if you miss a payment | None — already paid | Policy can lapse after the grace period |
The monthly column costs more in nearly every case. Families choose it when the upfront annual premium would strain the budget alongside flights, the application fee, and settling costs — not to save money.
Four things to check before choosing monthly
1. IRCC still sees the same policy
The visa officer assesses coverage, not the payment schedule. As long as the policy meets the four IRCC conditions ($100,000 minimum, 365 days, approved insurer, emergency/hospital/repatriation cover), monthly payment changes nothing about the application.
2. Refunds work differently on monthly plans
If the Super Visa is refused, most insurers refund what you have paid before the effective date — but monthly plans can carry non-refundable fees or their own cancellation mechanics. Read the monthly plan's refund wording specifically, not just the annual policy's. See the refund guide.
3. A missed payment can lapse the policy
Unlike an annual premium, a monthly plan depends on every instalment clearing. A lapsed policy means no coverage — and no valid proof of insurance. Set up automatic payments and keep a backup card on file.
4. Not every insurer offers it
Monthly availability, deposit size and fees vary by insurer and by applicant profile. This is worth checking during the comparison, not after you've chosen a plan — ask us to show both options for the insurers that fit your parent's situation.
Who monthly suits — and who should pay annually
Monthly suits families juggling the premium alongside flights, application fees and setup costs, or sponsors who simply prefer spreading large expenses. Annual suits everyone who can afford the single payment without strain: it's cheaper, simpler, and carries zero lapse risk.
Our default advice: if the annual premium is affordable, pay it annually and put the difference toward a higher coverage limit or a lower deductible instead of toward monthly fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay for Super Visa insurance monthly?
Yes — several Canadian insurers offer monthly payment: typically an initial deposit followed by monthly instalments. Availability, deposit size and fees vary by insurer and applicant.
Is monthly more expensive than annual?
Usually. Monthly plans generally add a policy or administration fee, so the 12-month total exceeds the annual premium. Compare both totals before deciding.
Does IRCC accept monthly-payment policies?
Yes, provided the policy meets all four IRCC conditions. The payment schedule doesn't affect what the visa officer assesses.
What if the visa is refused on a monthly plan?
Most insurers refund amounts paid before the effective date if no claim was made, but monthly plans may have non-refundable fees — check that plan's specific refund wording. See our refund guide.
What happens if I miss a payment?
The policy can lapse after the grace period, leaving no coverage and no valid insurance proof. Use automatic payments.
Which insurers offer monthly Super Visa payments?
It changes by insurer and year. Rather than guess from a static list, send us the applicant's details and we'll show which of the fitting insurers currently offer monthly — with both totals side by side, free.
See both totals before you decide
Send the applicant's age and arrival date — we'll compare eligible insurers and show you the annual and monthly figures side by side, with the refund wording explained. Free, no obligation.