Every Super Visa applicant must show proof of qualifying private health insurance. This is where more files fail than almost anywhere else — here is exactly what the policy must do.
Overview
A policy may be issued by a Canadian insurance company. A company outside Canada may also qualify, but only when it meets IRCC's conditions.
A foreign insurer must be authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) under the Insurance Companies Act to provide accident and sickness insurance, appear on OSFI's public list of federally regulated financial institutions, and issue the policy while carrying on insurance business in Canada. The policy must state that it was issued while the company was doing insurance business in Canada.
Brokers and claims administrators are not insurers. Arranging or administering coverage does not make a company eligible to issue it.
Many policies cover certain pre-existing conditions only when they have remained stable for a specified period before coverage begins. Stability may require no new symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, medication change, dosage adjustment, test or referral during that period.
The definition varies by insurer, plan, age and condition. Answer the medical questions truthfully and read the definition in the actual policy — not the marketing page.
A higher deductible lowers the premium but increases out-of-pocket cost. Confirm whether it applies once per policy, once per condition, or to every claim, and in which currency.
Coverage should begin on the planned date of entry — a visitor should never arrive before coverage starts. If insurance will expire before the visitor leaves Canada, renew it before the existing policy ends. A renewal may carry different premiums, stability rules or benefits.
Key information
Eligibility, supporting evidence and practical considerations for this application.
Answers
Yes. Proof of qualifying private medical insurance is required for every applicant.
No. IRCC does not accept quotes. You need an issued policy or insurance certificate.
IRCC accepts a policy paid in full or through instalments with a deposit. The issued documents should clearly show the payment arrangement and confirm the policy is in force.
Only if it meets IRCC's conditions, including OSFI authorization and issuing the policy while carrying on insurance business in Canada.
Refund eligibility is controlled by the policy. Some insurers refund after a visa refusal or cancellation before coverage begins, but documentation and administrative fees may apply.
Next step
We verify that the policy actually satisfies IRCC — insurer eligibility, coverage, dates, names — before the application is filed.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current IRCC requirements before applying.
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