Canada Introduces New Super Visa Health Insurance Rules
Canada has introduced a significant policy update for Super Visa applicants, making it easier for parents and grandparents to secure long-term visits with their families. As of January 28, 2025, applicants can now purchase health insurance from non-Canadian insurers, expanding their options for meeting the Super Visa requirements.
Previously, Super Visa holders were required to purchase their health insurance exclusively from a Canadian provider. This update offers greater flexibility while maintaining the requirement that all Super Visa holders must have valid private health insurance coverage each time they enter Canada.
New Super Visa Health Insurance Rules – What You Need to Know
Which Non-Canadian Health Insurers Are Eligible?
To qualify under the new policy, a non-Canadian insurance provider must meet the following criteria:
✔ Be authorized under the Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance.
✔ Appear on the OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) list of federally regulated financial institutions.
✔ Issue or make the policy within Canada as part of their insurance business.
Additionally, all policies from both Canadian and non-Canadian providers must meet these Super Visa health insurance requirements:
Minimum one-year validity from the date of entry.
Coverage for healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Minimum insurance coverage of CAD $100,000.
Proof of full payment (or installment plan with a deposit).
Upon arrival in Canada, Super Visa holders must show proof of insurance payment to border services officers.
How to Verify If a Non-Canadian Insurer Qualifies
If you’re considering a non-Canadian health insurance provider, follow these three steps to confirm eligibility:
Step 1: Check If the Insurer Is on the OSFI List
Visit the OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions to see if your chosen provider is listed. The current list includes 79 banks and 41 trust companies.
Step 2: Confirm Authorization Under the Insurance Companies Act
To ensure your insurer is authorized to provide coverage, email [email protected] with:
The insurer’s details.
Your intended use (Super Visa application).
The OSFI aims to respond within 15 days.
Step 3: Verify That the Policy Is Issued in Canada
Ensure the policy includes a clear statement confirming that it was issued or made in Canada. Communicate this requirement to your insurance provider before purchasing the policy.
Super Visa: General Eligibility & Benefits
＊ 超级签证 is a long-term temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for extended periods.
Key Benefits of the Super Visa:
✅ Stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit.
✅ Extend your stay for an additional 2 years without leaving Canada.
✅ More certainty than the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which operates on a lottery system.
Unlike the PGP, which grants permanent residency, the Super Visa offers a faster, more predictable way to reunite with family in Canada.
Who Can Apply for a Super Visa?
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be sponsored by their child or grandchild, who must be:
✔ A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
✔ At least 18 years old.
✔ Meeting minimum income requirements to financially support the visitor.
Apply from outside Canada and obtain their visa before traveling.
Pass a medical exam.
Purchase health insurance covering their stay.
Note: If visiting Canada for six months or less, a Super Visa is not required. Applicants can apply for a standard visitor visa instead.
What This Means for Super Visa Applicants
＊ expansion of health insurance options under the new policy provides greater flexibility for Super Visa applicants. This update allows more families to reunite without being limited to Canadian insurance providers, while still maintaining strong safeguards for healthcare coverage.
Need Help Applying for a Super Visa?
Navigating Canada’s immigration policies can be complex. At Altec Global, we understand the complexities of the Canadian immigration system and are dedicated to helping applicants overcome these obstacles. Whether you’re needing Super Visa applications assistance , navigating temporary residence delays, seeking citizenship, 或 visa solutions, our team is here to guide you through the process and help make your Canadian dream a reality.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation and expert guidance on your Super Visa application. Let’s bring your family closer—without the hassle!