Manulife Super Visa Insurance: Is It Right for Your Parents?

What Exactly is Manulife Super Visa Insurance?

Here's the deal: when you're bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada on a super visa, the Canadian government isn't messing around—they want proof you've got legit insurance coverage. That's where Manulife comes in.

Manulife (officially The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company) is one of Canada's biggest insurance players. They've been around since 1887, so they're not exactly new to the game. Their "Visitors to Canada" insurance product is specifically designed to tick all the boxes for super visa applications.

But here's what most people don't realize right away: Manulife isn't necessarily the cheapest option out there, and they're definitely not the only one. They're solid, reliable, eh? But whether they're the right fit depends on your parents' health situation and your budget.

The Two Manulife Plans: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Manulife gives you two choices, and honestly, this is where things get interesting. The difference between Plan A and Plan B can literally save you thousands—or cost you everything if you pick wrong.

Plan A: The "Healthy Parents" Option

This one's straightforward. If your mom or dad is in pretty good health and hasn't had any ongoing medical issues, Plan A might work. But—and this is a big but—it excludes all pre-existing conditions. Got high blood pressure that's been managed for years? Not covered. Had a heart procedure five years ago? That's excluded too.

The upside? It's cheaper. Sometimes significantly cheaper, especially for older folks. The downside? If anything remotely related to a past health issue comes up during their visit, you're paying out of pocket. And Canadian healthcare bills can be brutal—we're talking $50,000+ for a serious emergency.

Plan B: Coverage for Stable Pre-Existing Conditions

Now we're talking. Plan B is where Manulife actually shines compared to some competitors. It covers pre-existing conditions that have been stable for 180 days before the coverage kicks in.

What does "stable" mean? Basically, no changes in medication, no new symptoms, no doctor visits for that condition, and no hospitalizations. If your dad's been on the same blood pressure meds for the past year with no issues, that's stable. If his dosage got adjusted three months ago, that's not stable.

Here's the catch: if you're 35 or older and going with Plan B, you'll need to fill out a medical questionnaire. It's not super complicated, but you've gotta be honest. Insurance companies in Canada take fraud seriously, and if you fib on that questionnaire, they can deny your claim later. Not worth the risk.

Coverage Amounts: How Much Do You Actually Need?

Okay, so the government says you need minimum $100,000 coverage for a super visa application. Manulife offers coverage from $15,000 all the way up to $150,000, but for super visa purposes, you're looking at either $100,000 or $150,000.

So which one? Here's my honest take: go with $150,000 if your budget allows it. Medical costs in Canada are no joke. A single night in ICU can run $5,000-$10,000. A heart surgery? Easily $50,000-$100,000. Cancer treatment? You don't even want to know.

The price difference between $100K and $150K coverage isn't massive—usually a few hundred bucks per year—but that extra $50,000 cushion can be the difference between financial peace and a second mortgage on your house.

Want to see exactly how much more it would cost? Check out our super visa insurance calculator to get precise quotes based on your parents' age and health.

What Manulife Super Visa Insurance Actually Covers

Let's get into the nitty-gritty. When you buy Manulife visitors to Canada insurance, here's what you're getting:

What's NOT Covered (Read This Carefully)

This is where a lot of folks get tripped up. Manulife super visa insurance is emergency coverage only. It's not a substitute for regular health insurance. Here's what you're not covered for:

Routine check-ups and preventive care. Your mom can't use this to get her annual physical or mammogram. This is emergency-only coverage.

Pre-existing conditions on Plan A. We talked about this already, but it's worth repeating because it's the number one claim denial reason.

Unstable pre-existing conditions on Plan B. If your dad's condition hasn't been stable for 180 days, it's not covered even with Plan B.

Elective procedures. No cosmetic surgery, no planned knee replacement, no dental work that could wait.

High-risk activities. Skydiving, scuba diving deeper than 30 feet, professional sports—these are all excluded. Casual skiing is usually fine, but read the fine print.

Mental health conditions. This is a big gap in most travel insurance policies, including Manulife. If your parent has anxiety or depression and needs treatment while in Canada, it's typically not covered.

How Much Does Manulife Super Visa Insurance Cost?

Alright, let's talk money. This is probably why you're reading this page in the first place, right?

The honest answer is: it varies. A lot. Your parent's age is the biggest factor. Someone who's 55 will pay way less than someone who's 75. Health status matters too—Plan B costs more than Plan A. Coverage amount, deductible choice, and how long they're staying all affect the price.

Here's a rough ballpark to give you an idea (these are approximate annual premiums for $100,000 coverage):

Remember, these are ballpark figures. The actual price depends on dozens of factors. The best way to know what you'll really pay? Get a proper quote. Our cost calculator pulls real-time rates from multiple insurers, including Manulife, so you can compare apples to apples.

Manulife vs. Other Super Visa Insurance Providers

Look, Manulife is a solid choice. But is it the best choice? That depends.

Here's where Manulife stands out: they're one of the biggest, most established insurers in Canada. They have a robust claims process, 24/7 support through their assistance center, and they've been doing this for decades. If stability and brand recognition matter to you, Manulife checks those boxes.

But they're not always the cheapest. Depending on your parents' age and health, you might find better rates with companies like Tugo, GMS, or Allianz. The coverage might be virtually identical, but the premium could be 15-20% lower.

Also, some competitors offer features Manulife doesn't—like coverage for mental health emergencies or higher limits for certain benefits. It really comes down to what matters most to you: brand name and stability, or potentially saving a few hundred bucks?

Want to see how Manulife stacks up side-by-side with other providers? Our super visa insurance comparison tool lets you compare coverage details and prices from all major Canadian insurers in one place.

How to Buy Manulife Super Visa Insurance

Buying Manulife visitors to Canada insurance is pretty straightforward. You've got a few options:

Directly through Manulife CoverMe: You can go to their website and get a quote. It's simple, but you won't see how their prices compare to other insurers.

Through an insurance broker: This is actually the smarter move for most people. A good broker can get you quotes from Manulife and multiple other companies, help you understand the fine print, and sometimes even negotiate better rates. Plus, if you have questions or need to file a claim later, you've got someone in your corner.

Why we recommend comparing first: Before you commit to Manulife, take 10 minutes to compare quotes. You might find the exact same coverage for less money, or you might confirm that Manulife is indeed your best option. Either way, you'll know you made an informed decision.

Use our insurance calculator to get instant quotes from Manulife and other top providers. It's free, takes about two minutes, and there's no obligation to buy.

Important Details About the Super Visa Program (Updated 2025)

Before we wrap up, let's make sure you're clear on the super visa requirements because getting the insurance right is only part of the equation.

As of January 2025, there's been a significant change: you're no longer limited to buying insurance from Canadian companies only. The government now accepts coverage from foreign insurers listed by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). This opens up more options, potentially more competitive pricing.

However, most people still prefer Canadian insurers like Manulife because dealing with claims, customer service, and coordination is just easier when the company is based here. Plus, if there's ever a dispute, Canadian consumer protection laws apply.

Your super visa insurance must cover at least $100,000 in medical coverage, be valid for at least one year, and cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation. Manulife checks all these boxes with both their $100,000 and $150,000 options.

Want to stay up-to-date on the latest super visa program changes? Check out our page on recent super visa changes for the most current information.

What Real People Say About Manulife Super Visa Insurance

Let's get real for a second. What are actual customers saying about Manulife?

From what we've seen across hundreds of reviews, the consensus is pretty consistent: Manulife is reliable but not perfect. People praise their straightforward claims process and responsive customer service. When there's a genuine emergency, they tend to come through without too much hassle.

The complaints? Mostly around price (they're often more expensive than competitors) and the strictness of their pre-existing condition definitions. Some folks feel the medical questionnaire for Plan B is overly detailed, though honestly, that's kind of the point—the more thorough they are upfront, the fewer claim disputes later.

One thing that comes up repeatedly: their 24/7 assistance line is actually helpful. When your parent is sitting in a Canadian emergency room at 2 AM, having someone answer the phone who can coordinate care and approve treatment is worth its weight in gold.

Curious what others are saying? Check out our comprehensive super visa insurance reviews page where we break down customer experiences with Manulife and other providers.

The Bottom Line: Should You Choose Manulife?

So here's my honest take after years of helping families navigate super visa insurance: Manulife is a solid B+ choice for most people.

Choose Manulife if you value brand reputation, want a straightforward claims process, and don't mind potentially paying a bit more for peace of mind. They're especially good if your parents have stable pre-existing conditions—their Plan B coverage is competitive and their definition of "stable" is reasonable.

Consider alternatives if you're very price-sensitive, your parents are super healthy (in which case cheaper options exist), or if you need specific coverage features Manulife doesn't offer.

But here's what you should definitely NOT do: don't buy the first policy you see without comparing. Ten minutes of comparison shopping could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of the policy.

Ready to get your parents covered? Start here:

Compare Manulife with other top providers in under 2 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions About Manulife Super Visa Insurance

Can I buy Manulife super visa insurance after my parents arrive in Canada?

Technically yes, but there's a waiting period—usually 48 hours to 7 days depending on the policy—before coverage kicks in. It's way smarter to buy before they arrive so they're covered from day one.

What happens if my parents leave Canada and come back?

If they leave Canada temporarily during their coverage period, the insurance pauses while they're away and resumes when they return. Just make sure to notify Manulife about the dates.

Can I get a refund if my parents return home early?

Yes, Manulife offers partial refunds for unused coverage if your parents leave Canada before their policy expires. You'll need to provide proof of departure (like a boarding pass) and there hasn't been a claim. There might be a small admin fee.

Does Manulife cover COVID-19?

Yes, COVID-19 is treated like any other illness under their emergency medical coverage. If your parent gets COVID in Canada and needs treatment, it's covered (assuming it's not a pre-existing condition situation).

Can I pay for Manulife super visa insurance monthly?

Generally, super visa insurance requires full annual payment upfront because that's what the government requires for the visa application. However, some brokers offer payment plans where you pay in installments. Check out our guide on monthly payment options for more details.

What if Manulife denies a claim?

First, find out why. Most denials are because of pre-existing condition issues or people not following the policy rules (like not calling the assistance line before getting treatment). If you believe the denial is wrong, you can appeal through Manulife's process, and if that doesn't work, you can escalate to the ombudsman. Having a broker can really help navigate this.