Super Visa · Reviewed July 25, 2026

Super Visa Insurance From a Foreign Insurer: What Qualifies?

IRCC now permits certain policies from companies outside Canada—but “foreign insurer” does not mean any insurer in any country.

On January 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada changed the Super Visa insurance rules. Eligible applicants can use a policy from a company outside Canada if the company and policy meet specific Canadian regulatory conditions.

The three conditions for a foreign insurer

IRCC states that a policy from a company outside Canada must:

1. Be issued by a foreign insurance company authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide accident and sickness insurance.
2. Come from a company that appears on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
3. Be issued under that company’s insurance business in Canada.

What the applicant still needs

The broader Super Visa requirements still apply. IRCC’s current eligibility page says the applicant must show private health insurance valid for at least one year from the date of entry, from a Canadian insurance company or a company outside Canada approved by the minister. Applicants must also satisfy the other Super Visa conditions, including the host and immigration requirements.

A practical verification checklist

1. Check the current IRCC Super Visa eligibility page—not a screenshot or old article.
2. Confirm the insurer appears on the current OSFI list.
3. Confirm authorization includes accident and sickness insurance.
4. Ask for written confirmation that the policy is issued under the company’s Canadian insurance business.
5. Confirm the certificate clearly shows the insured person, effective dates, coverage amount and policy details IRCC requires.
6. Review deductibles, exclusions, pre-existing-condition stability and refund rules—not only immigration acceptability.

Why a Canadian comparison can still help

An acceptable immigration document is only one part of the decision. Families also need emergency-assistance access, understandable claims procedures, suitable pre-existing-condition wording, extension options and service after arrival. A Canadian licensed advisor can compare Canadian-market policies and explain policy differences, but cannot guarantee a visa decision.

Coverage must remain valid

IRCC says private insurance must be valid for each entry. Super Visa holders should maintain valid coverage during their stay and may need to renew if the policy expires before they leave Canada. Keep the certificate and assistance contact details available when travelling.

Common mistakes

• Buying before verifying the exact issuing company and regulatory status.
• Assuming a travel plan meets Super Visa requirements because it includes emergency medical coverage.
• Looking only at the certificate and not the deductible or exclusions.
• Choosing unsuitable pre-existing-condition terms.
• Allowing coverage to expire during a long stay.

Frequently asked questions

Can any overseas insurer issue Super Visa coverage?

No. IRCC specifies regulatory and Canadian-business conditions.

Does an eligible policy guarantee visa approval?

No. Insurance is one requirement. IRCC decides the application using all applicable criteria.

Can the policy expire after the first year?

The application requires at least one year of valid coverage from entry, and coverage must be valid for each entry. A holder staying longer should ensure coverage remains valid and renew when necessary.

Official sources

• IRCC: January 2025 insurance change
• IRCC: current Super Visa eligibility
• OSFI: regulated financial institutions

General information only, not immigration advice or a guarantee that IRCC will accept a policy or approve an application. Rules may change; confirm the current IRCC and OSFI requirements before purchase.