Updated the Health Insurance Requirements for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

Ref: Change to health insurance requirement makes the super visa more accessible

Ottawa, January 28, 2025—Families are stronger when they are together, and Canada remains committed to reuniting families through our immigration programs.

The super visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit their family in Canada for longer periods of time: five years per visit, with the option to extend their stay while in Canada.

Super visa applicants must prove they have a minimum level of private health coverage to be granted a super visa, as they are not eligible for provincial or territorial health care plans. Previously, proof of health insurance could only be from Canadian health insurance providers.

As of today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is allowing super visa applicants to purchase a private health insurance policy from companies outside Canada.

To be eligible as valid health insurance coverage, the policy from a company outside Canada 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
appear on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions
be issued under the company’s insurance business in Canada
You can find out if a foreign insurance company is authorized to provide accident and sickness insurance by visiting the OSFI website. More information on these changes to the super visa can also be found on IRCC’s website.

Super visa holders should have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their stay in Canada. If coverage expires before they leave Canada, super visa holders may need to renew their health insurance during their stay. Private health insurance must be valid for each entry to Canada.

These changes make it easier for families to reunite on a super visa, while also ensuring parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents have adequate health insurance when entering Canada.

Date modified: 2025-01-28

As of January 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the health insurance requirements for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. Applicants are now permitted to obtain private health insurance from authorized international providers, expanding beyond the previous mandate of exclusively Canadian insurers. 

Key Details of the Updated Policy:

• Authorized International Providers: Health insurance policies can now be purchased from foreign insurance companies that are authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to offer accident and sickness insurance in Canada. These companies must be listed as federally regulated financial institutions and issue policies under their Canadian insurance operations. ​Government of Canada

• Coverage Requirements: Regardless of the insurer’s location, the health insurance policy must:​

  • Be valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry into Canada
  • Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses
  • Provide a minimum of $100,000 in coverage.​
  • Be fully paid or allow for payment in installments with a deposit.

• Proof of Insurance: Super Visa applicants must present proof of the purchased health insurance policy to border services officers upon entering Canada. If the coverage expires before departure, it is essential to renew or maintain valid health insurance throughout the stay. 

This policy change aims to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for families seeking to reunite in Canada, ensuring that parents and grandparents have adequate health insurance coverage during their visit.​