Canada has expanded health insurance options for Super Visa applicants, making it easier for parents and grandparents to visit their families. As of January 28, 2025, applicants for the Canadian Super Visa can now purchase health insurance from select non-Canadian providers to meet the mandatory insurance requirement.
Previously, only Canadian insurance providers were accepted. Super Visa holders must maintain valid private health insurance for each entry into Canada.
What This Update Covers:
- Approved non-Canadian health insurers for the Super Visa.
- How to verify whether a foreign insurance provider meets the Super Visa requirements.
- A general overview of Super Visa eligibility and benefits.
Eligible Non-Canadian Health Insurance Providers
To qualify under the new rules, a non-Canadian insurance provider must:
- Be authorized under Canada’s Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance.
- Be listed on the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) list of federally regulated financial institutions.
- Issue policies as part of its insurance business conducted within Canada.
All insurance policies must also:
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
- Be fully paid or allow installment payments with a deposit.
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Provide at least $100,000 in healthcare coverage.
Super Visa holders must present proof of payment for an insurance plan when entering Canada.
How to Confirm Your Insurance Provider’s Eligibility
- Check OSFI’s List: Ensure the insurance provider is listed as a federally regulated financial institution on OSFI’s official website.
- Verify Insurance Companies Act Compliance: Contact OSFI to confirm if the provider is authorized to offer health insurance under Canadian law.
- Confirm Policy Issuance in Canada: The insurance document must explicitly state that it was issued as part of the provider’s business within Canada.
Super Visa Overview and Benefits
The Super Visa is a long-term multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows extended stays of up to five years per visit, with an option to extend for another two years.
Unlike the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which leads to permanent residency but involves a lottery system and long wait times, the Super Visa offers a faster and more predictable way for families to reunite in Canada.
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must have a host in Canada who:
- Is their child or grandchild.
- Is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Is at least 18 years old.
- Meets the minimum necessary income requirement.
- Provides a written commitment of financial support.
Additional requirements for the applicant include:
- Applying from outside Canada.
- Obtaining a visa stamp from a Canadian visa office abroad.
- Being medically admissible to Canada.
- Completing an immigration medical exam.
- Securing valid health insurance coverage for their stay.
For stays of six months or less, visitors may enter Canada as a regular tourist without applying for a Super Visa.
This update makes it more convenient for families to bring their loved ones to Canada while ensuring compliance with health insurance regulations.
