More Super Visa Health Insurance Options

On January 28, 2025, the Canadian government introduced a major update to the health insurance requirements for the Super Visa, a program that favors parents and grandparents of Canadian residents to travel and stay with them for a specified period. What is new is that the program will now be more accessible to applicants. 

Today we will address this topic in our Canadian immigration blog. Read to the end and learn about the economic and logistical benefit families will have this year with increased coverage of approved foreign providers, the eligibility requirements, the context behind this change and the list of approved providers. Let's get started! 

Super Visa: lower costs and more health coverage options

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Super Visa holders can now purchase health insurance from approved foreign providers. This update makes the Super Visa for parents and grandparents more accessible because with more flexibility in the choice of approved insurance providers, which are no longer exclusively Canadian, it also lowers the financial barrier for those with financial hardship. This maintains the same standards of coverage required of health plans, only now they can find and purchase them as best suits their needs and budgets.

Why was this change necessary?

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Previously, parents and grandparents applying for the Super Visa faced the great difficulty of having to find and then obtain adequate health insurance for themselves, and had to purchase it exclusively from Canadian providers, however, while Canadian health insurance plans are optimal and comprehensive, they can also be very costly and restrictive, often not even offering coverage for pre-existing conditions. Hence, this requirement ended up limiting the ability of applicants to explore more affordable and tailored options.

Therefore, the IRCC decided to relax this rule and allow Super Visa applicants to purchase private health insurance from eligible foreign providers. 

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What are the health insurance requirements for the Super Visa?

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It is important that, as well as now having more options when purchasing insurance, the fundamental requirements are met. These remain the same. Super Visa health insurance policies must meet the following:

• Be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry to Canada.
• Be paid in full or in installments with a deposit (quotes are not accepted as proof of coverage).
• Cover medical care, hospitalization and repatriation to the country of origin if necessary.
• Provide a minimum coverage of CAD 100,000.
• Remain active for each entry into Canada under the Super Visa.

OSFI and the criteria for a valid approved foreign supplier policy

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While the list of eligible foreign providers may change over time, a policy from a foreign provider must meet specific criteria to be valid, take note of them:

1. The provider must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and health insurance.
2. The insurance company must appear on the list of financial institutions regulated by OSFI. 
3. The policy must be issued under the insurance company's business operations in Canada.

List of currently approved foreign insurance providers

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This list is updated regularly so its status should be consulted before any hiring.

1. Aetna Life Insurance Company
2. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
3. American Bankers Life Assurance Company of Florida
4. American Health and Life Insurance Company
5. American Income Life Insurance Company
6. AWP Health & Life SA
7. British Insurance Company of Cayman
8. Combined Insurance Company of America
9. Connecticut General Life Insurance Company
10.  Employers Reassurance Corporation
11.  General Re Life Corporation
12.  Hannover Re (Ireland) Designated Activity Company
13.  Jackson National Life Insurance Company
14.  Life Insurance Company of North America
15.  Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
16.  Munich Reinsurance Company
17.  New York Life Insurance Company
18.  Pacific Life Re International Limited
19.  Pavonia Life Insurance Company of Michigan
20.  ReliaStar Life Insurance Company
21.  SCOR SE
22.  Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd

Recommendations for purchasing a policy and applying for Super Visa

If you are planning to bring your parents and grandparents through the Super Visa program, remember to verify your eligibility and purchase a health insurance policy that meets IRCC requirements. Before purchasing the policy, consult the list of OSFI approved providers, this can help you find the best coverage available, keep in mind that this is updated over time.

Want to apply for a Super Visa to travel to Canada this year? Our team of advisors at Immiland can help you take advantage of this benefit to get approved health coverage at a lower cost and with more options to choose from! Contact us to clarify your doubts or schedule your nearest appointment here.

For more information about Super Visa insurance and the latest updates, stay tuned to our blog and social platforms, from there we share immigration news from Canada. Visit the official IRCC website to check for updates.

I hope this topic has been helpful and soon you will be able to reunite parents and children in Canada with the best health coverage. Thanks for reading, see you in the next blog!

With love,

Immiland Canada