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Immigration Announcement

Canada Expands Health Insurance Options for Super Visa Applicants

Austin Campbell

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Canada Expands Health Insurance

In a recent move, Canada has made the Super Visa program more accessible and flexible for parents and grandparents wishing to visit their children or grandchildren in the country. As of January 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the health insurance requirements for Super Visa applicants, allowing them to purchase coverage from foreign insurance providers authorized by Canadian regulators. This change brings exciting news for families hoping to reunite in Canada and stay longer.

Here, we’ll explore what the new changes mean for Super Visa applicants and why it could make your journey to visit your family in Canada much easier.

What Is the Super Visa Program?

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their family members in Canada for extended periods. Unlike regular visitor visas, the Super Visa allows applicants to stay for up to five years per visit, with the option to extend their stay while in Canada.

However, one critical requirement for the Super Visa is proof of private health insurance coverage, as Super Visa holders do not qualify for provincial or territorial health care plans. Until recently, this coverage had to be provided by Canadian insurance companies, which could make the process cumbersome for many applicants.

New Flexibility: Health Insurance from Foreign Providers

One of the most significant changes in the Super Visa program is the new option for applicants to purchase private health insurance from foreign insurance providers. Previously, Super Visa applicants were required to provide proof of coverage from Canadian insurance companies only. Now, they can select policies from foreign insurers that meet Canada’s stringent standards for health coverage.

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This new flexibility makes it easier for families to reunite in Canada, especially for those who already have existing health insurance plans with international providers. The policies from foreign companies must meet certain criteria to be valid under the new regulations:

  • The insurance policy must be issued by a foreign insurer authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI).
  • It must be listed on OSFI’s federally regulated financial institutions list.
  • The insurance policy must be issued under the company’s insurance business in Canada.

These new criteria ensure that Super Visa holders continue to receive high-quality accident and sickness coverage, maintaining the same protection standards regardless of the insurer’s location.

Benefits of the New Health Insurance Changes

1. Increased Accessibility

The shift to allow foreign insurance providers significantly expands options for applicants. Families no longer have to limit themselves to Canadian insurers, which may have been costly or inaccessible in certain regions.

2. Cost-Effective Solutions

By offering coverage through international insurers, applicants may find more affordable plans that suit their needs, especially if they already have established relationships with foreign insurance companies.

3. Easier Reunification for Families

The new policy helps make it easier for parents and grandparents to join their families in Canada for longer periods. Reuniting families is a top priority for Canada, and this change furthers that goal by removing some of the barriers families previously faced.

4. Continuity in Coverage

For applicants who already have health insurance policies with foreign companies, there’s no need to start fresh with a new insurer. As long as the foreign insurance is valid under the new guidelines, applicants can maintain the same coverage during their stay in Canada.

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What You Need to Know as a Super Visa Applicant

If you’re applying for a Super Visa, make sure you meet all the updated requirements for health insurance coverage. Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to do:

  • Find an authorized foreign insurance provider: Ensure the insurer is listed on the OSFI website and can provide accident and sickness insurance for international travelers.
  • Ensure your policy meets the requirements: Your health insurance must cover you for the entire duration of your stay in Canada.
  • Renew coverage if necessary: If your insurance policy expires before your departure from Canada, you may need to renew it while you’re still in the country.

If you’re unsure whether your insurance provider is eligible, check with the OSFI website or your foreign insurer for more details.

A New Era for Super Visa Applicants

The recent change to the Super Visa program is a game-changer for families looking to reunite in Canada. By allowing Super Visa applicants to obtain health insurance from foreign insurers, Canada has made the process more flexible and accessible. Whether you’re planning to visit your children or grandchildren in Canada, this updated policy ensures you’ll have the health coverage you need, no matter where your insurer is based.

This new development makes it easier than ever for families to spend more time together in Canada, and ensures that Super Visa holders are well-protected during their stay. If you’re thinking of applying for a Super Visa, this change makes the process more straightforward—giving you more options for insurance and fewer barriers to reunification.

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