Does a super visa require private Canadian medical insurance for the whole length of the visit?

Generally, yes — a super visa applicant needs private medical insurance meeting IRCC's current minimum coverage and validity requirements, and that coverage needs to match the actual length of the visit, not just the initial application period. If the visit is later extended, whether the original policy automatically covers the extra time, or needs to be renewed or topped up, depends on the specific policy and IRCC's current rules, so this should not be assumed to carry over on its own.

In practice, families should treat insurance as something to actively monitor throughout the visit rather than a box checked once at the application stage. A lapse in coverage partway through a stay is a real and avoidable risk — it can affect compliance with the visa's conditions and, practically, whether the person has coverage if they need medical care in Canada. Before the current policy's term ends, or before applying for an extension of stay, it is worth confirming with the insurer and checking IRCC's current published requirements to make sure coverage remains valid for as long as the person plans to stay. If there is any uncertainty about how coverage requirements apply to a specific plan or extension, an immigration lawyer or the insurance provider can help confirm what is needed before a gap opens up.