Key Takeaways
- Canada’s updated Super Visa rules now permit applicants to buy health insurance from approved international providers starting January 28, 2025.
- Policies must meet specific criteria, including OSFI approval, Canadian operations, one-year validity, and $100,000 minimum coverage.
- The changes aim to enhance family reunification by increasing affordability, flexibility, and accessibility for parents and grandparents of Canadians.
Canada has announced a key update to the requirements for health insurance under the Super Visa program. Starting January 28, 2025, Super Visa applicants will be able to purchase health insurance from international companies, a move that broadens the program’s scope and aims to ease financial barriers for many families. This is a significant shift from the previous rules, which restricted applicants to obtaining insurance solely from providers within Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government department overseeing these rules, has stated that these adjustments are designed to provide applicants and their families with greater flexibility when arranging health coverage.
The changes to health insurance options are expected to make it easier for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply for and use the Super Visa. Under the new policy, applicants may now choose health insurance from foreign companies, but these policies must meet specific criteria established by the Canadian government. The following conditions are crucial for foreign companies offering health insurance to Super Visa applicants:
- Authorization by OSFI: The insurance provider has to be approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), the government body regulating financial institutions, to sell accident and sickness insurance in Canada.
- Appearance on OSFI’s List: The insurer must be listed as a federally regulated financial institution on OSFI’s official list.
- Canadian Operations: The policy must come from the company’s Canadian-based operations.
To determine if an international insurer meets these criteria, applicants can refer to OSFI’s publicly available list of approved financial institutions on its official website. It is important to note that insurance brokers or claims administrators do not qualify as insurers and therefore will not be present on the OSFI list. Applicants must ensure they secure a valid policy only from authorized providers.
However, the core requirements for health insurance coverage under the Super Visa program remain the same regardless of whether the policy comes from a Canadian or non-Canadian provider. These mandatory requirements are as follows:
- The health insurance policy must be valid for at least one year from the applicant’s entry date into Canada.
- Coverage must include healthcare services, hospitalization, and repatriation (costs associated with returning someone to their home country in case of serious medical issues or death).
- Policies must also provide a minimum healthcare coverage of $100,000.
- The insurance can be paid for in full or with installment plans, as long as a deposit is made.
Super Visa holders must always maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. If their coverage expires before their planned departure, they are required to renew the plan to remain in compliance with the program’s rules. Additionally, the insurance policy must remain valid for every subsequent entry into Canada.
The Super Visa program was first introduced in 2011 as a way to enhance family reunification by allowing eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for extended periods. Super Visa holders can now stay for up to five years per visit, with an option to extend their stay further while in Canada. These recent updates are seen as part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to make family reunification smoother and less burdensome, especially for applicants who previously found insurance costs prohibitive.
Many families stand to benefit from the introduction of international insurance options. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the move is expected to increase accessibility for those who may find foreign coverage more affordable or tailored to their specific health needs. The updated rules could also have strong cultural significance for communities like the South Asians, where multigenerational households are common. According to Raghbir Singh Bharowal, an immigration consultant based in Surrey 🇨🇦, the Super Visa program provides a critical opportunity for family members to stay connected across borders for extended periods.
Financially, this change could alleviate some of the challenges applicants faced under the previous system. Prior to these reforms, the use of Canadian-only insurance was seen as a costly hurdle by many. Jaskaran Singh Benipal, an insurance advisor, has noted a rise in inquiries about the Super Visa program since the announcement, as families now see a wider range of insurance providers that might better fit their financial situations.
This is not the first time the Canadian government has made adjustments to streamline the Super Visa process. In December 2022, IRCC reversed a policy requiring applicants to pay annual insurance premiums upfront. Instead, families were allowed to pay their premiums in monthly installments. This shift came in response to feedback highlighting the financial strain caused by the lump-sum payment requirement. Many applicants welcomed the change, as it aligned better with their financial realities.
While the new changes have been widely praised, some in the industry have argued that further updates to the program could provide even better protection. For example, Omar Kaywan, co-founder of Goose Insurance, has suggested increasing the minimum healthcare coverage requirement from $100,000 to $250,000. His recommendation is based on concerns that the current minimum might leave visitors ill-prepared for costly major medical emergencies.
It is important for individuals considering the Super Visa to understand that these policies serve a specific need. Since Super Visa holders are not eligible for Canadian provincial or territorial health plans, private insurance is mandatory for ensuring medical expenses are covered during their stay. This essential requirement underscores why applicants must carefully review insurance providers to ensure their policies comply with IRCC’s criteria.
Applicants are advised to ensure their chosen health insurance policy meets all stated conditions, as border services officers may request proof of this coverage upon entry to Canada. Families planning to use the program should also factor in potential delays or rejections if their insurance does not fulfill IRCC’s standards.
By allowing more choices in obtaining compliant health insurance, the Canadian government is reducing barriers for families seeking extended reunions. The flexibility now offered can help applicants with diverse financial backgrounds or unique medical needs find coverage options that work best for them. Many believe this inclusivity aligns with Canada’s broader values of supporting immigrants and their families. However, it remains vital that applicants thoroughly research their chosen insurance providers to avoid non-compliance, which could jeopardize their application or status in Canada.
In summary, the update to health insurance rules for Super Visa applicants marks a significant milestone in Canada’s approach to family reunification. The change allows parents and grandparents of Canadians more choice in meeting their insurance requirements. Although the requirements for the policies have not been relaxed, the inclusion of international insurance options is likely to create more practical and affordable possibilities for applicants. The program continues to evolve, reflecting IRCC’s commitment to addressing feedback and simplifying pathways for family connections. Additional details about eligibility and requirements can be found on the official IRCC website: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Families planning to apply should stay informed about these options and take steps to ensure compliance with all outlined criteria.
Canada expands Super Visa health insurance options
Canada is loosening health insurance rules for Super Visa applicants, effective January 28, 2025. Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can now purchase insurance policies from international providers, provided these meet specific criteria.
Why it matters:
The Super Visa program, which allows extended family visits of up to five years per stay, has been a critical tool for reuniting families. Previously, applicants were required to purchase potentially expensive policies from Canadian insurers.
The big picture:
– The new policy makes health insurance more accessible and potentially affordable for families.
– It also reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification while maintaining strict health coverage standards for visitors.
By the numbers:
To qualify, international insurance must:
– Be authorized by Canada’s Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
– Appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
– Be issued under the insurer’s Canadian operations.
All qualifying plans—domestic or international—must still provide:
– At least $100,000 coverage for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
– Validity for a minimum of one year from entry into Canada.
What they’re saying:
“This change will ease the financial burden on families,” said Jaskaran Singh Benipal, an insurance advisor who has noted a spike in Super Visa inquiries since the announcement.
Immigration consultant Raghbir Singh Bharowal highlighted that South Asian families, who often live in multigenerational households, could particularly benefit from the increased flexibility.
Yes, but:
Industry experts, like Goose Insurance co-founder Omar Kaywan, argue that the $100,000 minimum coverage may not adequately protect visitors in case of severe emergencies. Calls for increasing this threshold to $250,000 persist.
State of play:
This is not the first accessibility improvement. In December 2022, IRCC reinstated the option to pay insurance premiums in installments, addressing affordability concerns.
The bottom line:
By allowing international health insurance providers, Canada is broadening the Super Visa program’s reach. This move balances affordability and stringent coverage standards, supporting more families in reuniting for extended stays.
Learn Today
Super Visa: A visa program enabling parents and grandparents of Canadians to visit for extended stays, up to five years.
IRCC: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the government department overseeing immigration policies, including the Super Visa program.
OSFI: Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, a Canadian government body regulating financial and insurance institutions.
Repatriation: The process of returning someone to their home country, often due to medical emergencies or death.
Minimum Healthcare Coverage: The required baseline amount ($100,000) for health services under Super Visa insurance policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
Canada’s Super Visa update, effective January 28, 2025, allows applicants to buy health insurance from approved international providers. This broadens options, reduces financial strain, and supports family reunification. Policies must meet Canadian standards, including $100,000 coverage. The change modernizes the program, making long-term visits more accessible for parents and grandparents worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
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