New Changes to Super Visa Health Insurance Requirements Make Family Reunions Easier

In a move aimed at strengthening family bonds across borders, Canada has revised the health insurance requirements for the super visa program, making it more accessible for families to come together.

What is the Super Visa?

The super visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, offering them the opportunity to visit Canada for extended periods. Holders of this visa can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit, with the possibility of extending their stay while in the country.

The Previous Requirement

One of the key requirements for obtaining a super visa has been the need for private health insurance. Historically, this insurance had to be purchased from a Canadian provider since super visa holders do not qualify for provincial or territorial health care plans during their stay.

The New Change

As of today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded the options for obtaining health insurance. Now, super visa applicants can purchase health insurance from companies outside Canada, provided these companies meet specific criteria:

• Authorization by OSFI: The insurance company must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance.
• Listed by OSFI: The company must appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
• Insurance Issued in Canada: The policy must be issued under the company’s insurance business in Canada.

You can verify whether a foreign insurance company meets these criteria by checking the OSFI website. More detailed information regarding these new changes can be found on the IRCC’s official website.

Implications for Super Visa Holders

This policy shift means that super visa applicants now have a broader range of options for securing health insurance, potentially at more competitive rates or with benefits that better suit their needs. However, it’s crucial for visa holders to ensure their health insurance remains valid for the entire duration of each visit to Canada. If insurance lapses, renewal might be necessary while they are in Canada to comply with visa conditions.