GMS Super Visa Insurance for Parents and Grandparents Visiting Canada

Compare GMS Super Visa Insurance for parents and grandparents visiting Canada. Review coverage, cost, deductibles, pre-existing conditions, refunds, and payment options.

Compare GMS quote fit
Cost, deductible, and payment options
Pre-existing condition wording reminders
Refund and claim-process considerations

Why Families Compare GMS Visitors to Canada Insurance

GMS has operated since 1949 and describes itself as a not-for-profit organization. Its Visitors to Canada Insurance is designed for Super Visa applicants and other visitors who need emergency medical coverage while in Canada.

GMS states that its Visitors to Canada plan can be purchased with $100,000 or more in coverage for one year and includes 24/7 travel assistance. It is available when the insured person is under age 80 on the policy effective date.

GMS Visitors to Canada insurance is offered by Group Medical Services (GMS Insurance Inc.) and, outside Saskatchewan, is governed under Saskatchewan insurance law. It is not currently available to residents of Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut.

Introduction

GMS — Group Medical Services — is one of the Super Visa insurance options available to families through Super Visa Quote. GMS's Visitors to Canada plan is designed to meet the Government of Canada's Super Visa insurance requirement of at least $100,000 in coverage for one year, for visitors including parents and grandparents. GMS Visitors to Canada insurance is offered by Group Medical Services (GMS Insurance Inc.) and, outside Saskatchewan, is governed under Saskatchewan insurance law.

Availability note: GMS Visitors to Canada insurance is not currently available to residents of Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut. If your family lives in one of these provinces, ask our advisor about other Super Visa insurance providers that may be available to you.

GMS at a Glance

Insurer: GMS Insurance Inc. (Group Medical Services)
Coverage: $100,000 and up
Eligibility age: Under 80 on effective date
Pre-existing: 180-day stability window (8-part stability test)
Province note: Not available in Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut
Waiting period: 0, 2, or 7 days — depends on purchase timing

GMS Super Visa Insurance and IRCC Requirements

For a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, IRCC requires private health insurance valid for at least one year from the date of entry, with a minimum coverage amount. GMS's Visitors to Canada plan can be purchased with $100,000 or more in coverage for up to 365 days, which can meet this requirement when the policy wording is reviewed and confirmed — families should confirm the current IRCC minimum and the selected coverage amount with our advisor, as requirements can change.

GMS Super Visa Insurance Coverage

GMS's Visitors to Canada plan can be purchased with $100,000 or more in coverage, for up to 365 days, and includes 24/7 travel assistance. Eligibility for this plan generally applies to applicants under age 80 on the policy's effective date, and applicants aged 70 and older may need to confirm they can manage daily living activities independently.

For families comparing medical insurance for Super Visa, the most important coverage questions are

Does the policy meet the current Super Visa insurance minimum (currently $100,000)?
Is the applicant under age 80 on the effective date, and — if 70 or older — able to confirm independence with daily activities?
Does the family live in a province where GMS Visitors to Canada insurance is available (not Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut)?
How does the 180-day pre-existing condition stability rule (see below) apply to your parent's medical history?
What is the waiting period based on when the policy is purchased relative to arrival in Canada?
What happens if the visa is refused?

Coverage depends on the selected amount, applicant age and eligibility, province of residence, policy wording, and exclusions.

GMS Super Visa Insurance Cost

GMS's pricing depends on the applicant's age, the coverage amount selected, the length of the policy, and the province of residence where the plan is offered.

Cost may depend on

Age of the parent or grandparent (GMS Visitors to Canada plans are generally available for applicants under age 80)
Coverage amount selected ($100,000 or more)
Policy length (up to 365 days)
Medical history, given the 180-day pre-existing stability rule (see below)
Whether the family is in a province where GMS is offered
Travel start date relative to arrival in Canada (affects waiting period)

A personalized quote using your parent's actual age, travel dates, coverage amount, and health information is the most accurate way to compare GMS's cost with other providers.

Is GMS Cheap Super Visa Insurance?

GMS's not-for-profit structure and straightforward $100,000-and-up coverage can make it a competitively priced option for some families, but the cheapest option isn't automatically the best fit — families should still review:

Whether GMS is available in your family's province of residence
Whether your parent's age and ability to manage daily activities meet GMS's eligibility criteria
Whether the 180-day pre-existing stability rule affects your parent's medical history
Whether the waiting period (0, 2, or 7 days depending on timing) fits your travel plans

GMS Super Visa Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions

GMS's policy wording excludes pre-existing conditions that were not stable for 180 days before the policy's effective date. "Stable" is defined by an 8-part test covering things like no new diagnosis, no change in medication or dosage, no new or worsening symptoms, and no pending test results or recommended-but-not-yet-completed treatment, among other criteria, in the 180 days before coverage starts.

Reviewing your parent's medications, diagnoses, and any recent test results or specialist recommendations against this 180-day window before the policy's effective date can help indicate whether a condition may be considered stable.

Our Pre-Existing Conditions Guide explains what "stable" generally means for Super Visa insurance. Whether a specific condition counts as stable under GMS's 8-part test depends on the individual medical history — confirm with our advisor and review the full policy wording before purchasing.

GMS Super Visa Insurance Deductible Options

GMS's Visitors to Canada plan structure is based on the coverage amount selected ($100,000 or more) rather than a published deductible ladder in the policy wording we've reviewed. If deductible options are available for your selected coverage amount, our advisor can confirm what's offered and how it may affect your premium.

GMS Super Visa Insurance Monthly Payment Options

Many families search for monthly Super Visa insurance to manage cash flow rather than paying the full premium upfront. If you're looking for monthly payment options for a GMS policy, our advisor can confirm what's currently available for your parent's quote and compare GMS with other providers offering monthly Super Visa insurance plans.

GMS Super Visa Insurance Waiting Period

GMS's waiting period can depend on when the policy is purchased relative to arrival in Canada: a 0-day waiting period may apply if coverage is continuous or purchased before arrival, a 2-day waiting period if purchased within 30 days of arrival, and a 7-day waiting period if purchased 31 or more days after arrival.

If your parent is already in Canada and timing is tight, ask our advisor how GMS's waiting period compares with other providers, some of which use 48-hour or 72-hour rules.

Compare GMS Super Visa insurance before you buy

Send the parent or grandparent age, travel dates, deductible preference, and medical-history notes. We can help compare GMS with other Super Visa insurance providers.

Get a Free Quote Call +1 416 887 0700 Message on WhatsApp

GMS Super Visa Insurance Notification Requirements

If a medical emergency or hospitalization occurs, GMS's policy requires notification within 24 hours. Failure to notify within 24 hours can result in a reduction of eligible expenses by the lesser of 70% of the reasonable and customary cost or $50,000 — a significant penalty, so prompt notification matters.

The safest approach is always the same: call the assistance line — 1-800-459-6604 — as soon as possible in any emergency.

GMS Super Visa Insurance Refund Policy

Refund rules matter because many families buy Super Visa insurance before the visa decision comes back.

GMS offers a 10-day examination period: if the policy hasn't started and the request is within 10 days of purchase, a full refund may generally be available.
If the policy is cancelled before the effective date, or the Super Visa application is declined and a copy of the decline letter is provided, a refund may be available, and an administration fee can apply.
Cancelling after the policy has started, with no claim made, may result in a partial refund.

Confirm your specific refund scenario with our advisor before cancelling.

GMS Super Visa Insurance for Parents Visiting Canada

GMS may be considered by families searching for visitor visa insurance for parents, visitor visa medical insurance, or medical insurance for a Super Visa — particularly families in provinces where GMS is available (not Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut), with applicants under age 80, and without a recent change in their medical history. As with any provider, the selected coverage amount and policy length should meet the current Super Visa insurance requirement.

AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment)

Based on the Visitors to Canada policy wording we've reviewed, GMS does not include an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit. If AD&D coverage matters for your family, ask our advisor about other providers — Secure Travel (RIMI), Destination Canada, TuGo, and AwayCare's higher tiers can include AD&D benefits.

GMS vs. Other Providers

GMS may be a good fit for some families — particularly those in eligible provinces, under age 80, and without a recent change in medical history — but it should still be compared against other Super Visa insurance providers, especially since GMS does not offer AD&D and is not available in every province.

Families commonly compare GMS with

Manulife Super Visa Insurance
TuGo Super Visa Insurance
Secure Travel (RIMI) Super Visa Insurance
TruStone Super Visa Insurance
Destination Canada Super Visa Insurance
Travelance Super Visa Insurance
21st Century Super Visa Insurance
AwayCare Super Visa Insurance

Why Compare GMS Through Super Visa Quote?

When you review only one provider, you see only one set of rates, plan details, and policy conditions. Comparing GMS alongside other providers lets you review: provincial availability (GMS isn't offered in Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut), age eligibility (under 80 for GMS), coverage amount ($100,000 or more for GMS), pre-existing condition rules (180-day stability test for GMS), waiting period (0/2/7 days depending on timing), AD&D availability (not offered by GMS), and refund rules.

Who Should Consider GMS Super Visa Insurance?

Parents or grandparents under age 80 applying for or holding a Super Visa
Families living outside Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nunavut
Applicants without a recent change in medication, diagnosis, or treatment
Families who value a not-for-profit insurer with straightforward $100,000+ coverage
Families comparing Canadian Super Visa insurance companies before choosing

The best provider depends on the applicant's age, province of residence, health history, and travel dates — our advisor can help compare GMS against other options for your specific situation.

Get a GMS Super Visa Insurance Quote

Looking for a GMS Super Visa insurance quote for your parent or grandparent? We can help you compare GMS with other Super Visa insurance providers and explain the important details — provincial availability, coverage amount, the 180-day pre-existing stability rule, waiting period, and refund rules — before you buy.

Compare

GMS Super Visa insurance cost
Coverage amount ($100,000 or more) and policy length (up to 365 days)
Provincial availability (not Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut)
Pre-existing condition stability rule (180 days)
Waiting period and notification requirements
Other Canadian Super Visa insurance providers

Provider FAQs

Does GMS offer Super Visa insurance?

Yes. GMS — Group Medical Services — offers a Visitors to Canada plan designed to meet the Government of Canada's Super Visa insurance requirement of at least $100,000 in coverage for one year, for applicants generally under age 80.

Is GMS available in my province?

GMS Visitors to Canada insurance is not currently available to residents of Quebec, New Brunswick, or Nunavut. Ask our advisor to confirm current availability for your province.

Does GMS cover pre-existing conditions?

GMS excludes pre-existing conditions that were not stable for 180 days before the policy's effective date. "Stable" is defined by an 8-part test in the policy wording — our advisor can help review your parent's medical history against this test. Our Pre-Existing Conditions Guide explains what "stable" generally means for Super Visa insurance.

Is there a waiting period with GMS?

It can depend on timing: a 0-day waiting period may apply if coverage is continuous or purchased before arrival, 2 days if purchased within 30 days of arrival, and 7 days if purchased 31 or more days after arrival.

Does GMS include AD&D coverage?

No — based on the policy wording we've reviewed, GMS's Visitors to Canada plan does not include an Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit. Ask our advisor if AD&D coverage matters for your family.

Can I get a refund if my Super Visa is refused?

A refund may be available if the policy is cancelled before the effective date or if the Super Visa is declined, subject to any administration fee and generally a copy of the decline letter. A 10-day examination period can also apply if the policy hasn't started.

Should I buy GMS directly or compare first?

Comparing first lets you confirm GMS is available in your province and see how its coverage, pre-existing rules, waiting period, and refund rules stack up against other providers for your specific situation — at no extra cost to you.

Continue Comparing Super Visa Insurance Providers

Information Accurate as of October 25, 2024

Insurance providers update their plan wordings, coverage limits, and pricing periodically. The details on this page reflect the GMS plan documents available to us as of October 25, 2024 and are provided for general guidance only. Our advisor can confirm the current policy wording, exact pricing, and whether a specific condition or scenario applies to your situation before you buy.

Related Insights and Guides

Compare GMS Super Visa insurance before you buy

Send the parent or grandparent age, travel dates, deductible preference, and medical-history notes. We can help compare GMS with other Super Visa insurance providers.

Get a Free Quote Call +1 416 887 0700 Message on WhatsApp