Canada Eases Health Insurance Requirements for Super Visa Applicants

Introduction Canada has recently updated the health insurance requirements for Super Visa applicants, making it more accessible for parents and grandparents to visit their families. As of January 28, 2025, Super Visa applicants can now purchase health insurance from select non-Canadian insurers, reducing financial and logistical burdens.

This change enables families to explore more affordable and flexible insurance options while ensuring their loved ones meet the necessary healthcare coverage criteria during their stay in Canada.

Key Changes in Super Visa Health Insurance Requirements Previously, Super Visa holders were required to obtain health insurance from Canadian providers exclusively. Under the new policy, applicants can purchase health insurance from international insurers, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).

Eligibility Criteria for Non-Canadian Health Insurance Providers

For an international insurance provider to qualify for Super Visa coverage, it must:

• Be authorized under Canada’s Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance.

• Appear on the OSFI list of federally regulated financial institutions.

• Issue or make the policy as part of its insurance business in Canada.

Additionally, all health insurance policies (whether Canadian or international) must:

• Remain valid for a minimum of one year from the applicant’s entry date.

• Be fully paid or have an installment plan with a deposit.

• Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.

• Provide a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000.

How to Verify if an International Insurance Provider is Eligible?

To confirm whether a non-Canadian health insurer meets Super Visa requirements, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check OSFI’s List of Federally Regulated Financial Institutions

Visit the OSFI website and ensure that the insurance provider appears on their list. The list currently includes over 79 banks and 41 trust companies.

Step 2: Verify Insurance Authorization Under the Insurance Companies Act

To determine if an international insurance provider is authorized to offer coverage under Canadian law, applicants can email the OSFI at information@osfi-bsif.gc.ca, providing details about the insurance provider and their intent to meet Super Visa requirements.

Step 3: Confirm the Policy’s Issuance in Canada

The policy must explicitly state that it was issued or made as part of the provider’s business in Canada. Ensure this is clarified before purchasing the plan.

Super Visa: General Eligibility and Benefits The Super Visa is a special long-term visitor visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows holders to stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with an option to extend their stay by two additional years.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Super Visa, applicants must:

• Have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Ensure their host meets the minimum income requirements.

• Provide a written commitment from their host to support them financially.

• Obtain approved health insurance for the duration of their stay.

• Complete an immigration medical exam.

• Apply from outside Canada and have their visa issued by a foreign visa office.

Real-World Use Cases: How This Change Benefits Families

1. More Affordable Insurance Options

   • Raj, an IT professional in Toronto, wanted his parents to visit but struggled with high insurance costs from Canadian providers. With this policy update, he can explore international insurance options that offer the same coverage at a lower price.

2. Flexibility in Choosing Insurers

   • Maria, a permanent resident in Vancouver, found a reputable non-Canadian insurance provider that offers tailored plans, making it easier for her grandparents to meet the visa requirements.

3. Ease of Application Process

   • David, a Canadian citizen, previously had difficulties renewing his parents’ Super Visa insurance. With this update, he can choose an insurer with more flexible renewal policies.

Why the Super Visa is a Better Alternative to PGP The Super Visa provides a faster and more predictable way for parents and grandparents to reunite with their families compared to the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which has limited spots and operates through a lottery system.

With the Super Visa, families can avoid the uncertainty of the PGP and have a guaranteed option for long-term visits without waiting for permanent residency.

Conclusion This update to the Super Visa health insurance requirement is a significant step toward making family reunification in Canada more accessible and cost-effective. By allowing international insurers to provide coverage, Canada is offering greater flexibility while ensuring that visitors meet the necessary healthcare standards.

If you're planning to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada under the Super Visa, make sure to verify your chosen health insurance provider with the OSFI and confirm that all policy requirements are met.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Policies and requirements may change, so always refer to official Canadian immigration sources or consult with an immigration professional before making any decisions.