Updates to Super Visa Program Make Family Reunification Easier

As of January 28, 2025, applicants can now purchase health insurance from approved foreign providers. While the coverage requirement remains the same, previously, applicants were required to buy health insurance exclusively from Canadian providers, which often came at a higher cost and with limited flexibility.

The new updates now allow applicants to purchase coverage from approved foreign providers, making it easier to find more affordable options tailored to individual needs. 

Key Takeaways 

• Super visa holders can now purchase health insurance from certain foreign providers. 
• This change reduces financial and logistical barriers for applicants, improving accessibility to the program. 
• Health insurance remains mandatory, ensuring adequate coverage for super visa holders during their stay.

Why Was This Change Needed? 

Previously, super visa applicants were required to obtain private health insurance exclusively from Canadian providers. This often posed challenges, as Canadian health insurance plans can be more expensive, offer limited flexibility, or exclude certain types of coverage, such as pre-existing conditions.

As of January 28, 2025, IRCC permits applicants to secure private health insurance from eligible foreign providers, offering applicants a wider range of insurance providers and access to more affordable and tailored insurance options. 

Which Foreign Providers Are Allowed? 

To qualify as valid coverage, a health insurance policy from a foreign provider must meet the following criteria: 

• It must be issued by a foreign insurance company authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance. 

• The insurance company must appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions. 

• The policy must be issued under the insurance company’s business operations in Canada. 

Here is a list of accepted foreign providers although we recommend that you consult the OSFI list before making your purchase as this may change.  

Reminder- What Insurance Needs to Cover for Super Visa Applicants  

Super visa applicants must have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their stay in Canada. The policy must meet the following requirements: 

• Be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry into Canada. In the coverage expires while in Canada, it must be renewed.  

• Be paid in full or in installments with a deposit (quotes are not accepted as proof of coverage). 

• Cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation to the home country if necessary. 

• Provide a minimum coverage amount of $100,000. 

Additionally, the insurance policy must remain active for every entry into Canada under the super visa.  

If you are looking for insurance for your super visa, we recommend working with BestQuote Travel Insurance Agency. Not only are they a skilled insurance agency that specialises in travel insurance for visitors to Canada, but they allow you to compare many different insurance providers so you can ensure you’re getting the best policy available! You can check out BestQuote here.