Foreign Insurers for Super Visa Canada: Your Complete 2025 Guide

If you're planning to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada on a Super Visa, you've probably heard the buzz about foreign insurers now being accepted. But what does this actually mean for you? Is it legit? Will it save you money? And—here's the million-dollar question—how do you know which foreign insurance company is actually approved?

Let's break down everything you need to know about using foreign insurers for your Super Visa insurance, so you can make the smartest choice for your family without getting lost in bureaucratic jargon.

What Changed with Foreign Insurers in 2025?

Here's the deal: until recently, if you wanted Super Visa insurance, you had to buy it from a Canadian insurance provider. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was pretty strict about this.

But on January 28, 2025, everything changed. IRCC announced that Super Visa applicants can now purchase private health insurance from select foreign insurance companies. Why the shift? Well, it's all about making the program more accessible and easing the financial burden on families.

Think about it—if you're applying from India, the Philippines, or anywhere else abroad, local insurers in your home country might offer more competitive rates than their Canadian counterparts. That's real money staying in your pocket.

Who Can Sell You Super Visa Insurance Now?

So, can you just walk into any insurance office back home and grab a policy? Not quite. The foreign insurance company needs to tick three critical boxes to be accepted by Canadian immigration authorities:

The Three Must-Have Requirements

Now, you might be thinking, "How do I verify all this?" Good question. You can visit the OSFI website and check their list of federally regulated financial institutions. If you're still unsure about a specific company, you can email OSFI directly at information@osfi-bsif.gc.ca with the insurer's details.

Foreign Insurers vs. Canadian Insurers: What's the Real Difference?

Okay, so foreign insurers are now allowed. But should you actually go with one? Or stick with a traditional Canadian provider? Let's be real here—it depends on your situation.

The honest truth? Foreign insurers can save you a significant chunk of change—we're talking potentially hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. But there's a trade-off: you need to do your homework to ensure they're OSFI-approved, and you might face some logistical hurdles if you need to file a claim.

Want to see exactly how much Super Visa insurance might cost you? Check out our Super Visa insurance calculator to get personalized estimates based on your parents' or grandparents' age and health status.

How Much Can You Actually Save with International Providers?

Let's talk numbers, because that's what really matters, right?

Super Visa insurance typically costs between $100 to $200 per month for each parent or grandparent. But here's where it gets interesting—factors like age, pre-existing conditions, coverage limits, and which provider you choose can swing that number dramatically.

With foreign insurers entering the market, families are reporting savings of anywhere from 15% to 30% compared to traditional Canadian providers. For a full year of coverage, that could mean saving $500 to $1,000 or even more per person.

However—and I can't stress this enough—don't just chase the lowest price. You need to make absolutely certain the policy meets all 2025 Super Visa requirements: minimum $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, valid for at least one year, and covers hospitalization, healthcare, and repatriation.

If you're curious about the broader landscape of Super Visa insurance pricing, our comprehensive cost breakdown covers everything from age-based pricing to how pre-existing conditions affect your premiums.

What About Monthly Payments with Foreign Insurers?

Here's something crucial that trips up a lot of folks: not all foreign insurance providers offer monthly payment plans.

Remember back in 2022 when IRCC briefly required everyone to pay the full annual premium upfront? That caused a real headache for families who couldn't afford to drop thousands of dollars all at once. Thankfully, that rule was rolled back, and now monthly payments are generally allowed again.

But here's the catch—while most Canadian insurers offer flexible monthly payment options, foreign providers vary. Some do, some don't. Before you commit to a foreign insurer just because they're cheaper, double-check their payment terms. Can you spread it out over the year? Or do they require a lump sum upfront?

This is one area where Canadian insurers still have a definite edge. They understand the Canadian market and have built-in flexibility because they know families need it. If monthly payment options are important to you (and let's face it, they usually are), make sure you clarify this before signing anything.

The Fine Print: What Your Policy Must Cover

Whether you go with a foreign insurer or stick with a Canadian one, every Super Visa insurance policy needs to cover the following, no exceptions:

• Emergency medical care: At least $100,000 in coverage. This isn't optional—it's a hard requirement from IRCC.
• Hospitalization: If your parent or grandparent needs to be admitted to a hospital in Canada, the policy must cover it.
• Healthcare services: Doctor visits, diagnostic tests, specialist consultations—all the stuff you'd expect.
• Repatriation: If the unthinkable happens and your loved one needs to be transported back to their home country, this covers those costs.
• Valid for at least one year: Your policy needs to be valid from the date of entry for a minimum of 12 months.

Many policies also include coverage for prescription medications and accidental death benefits (typically around $25,000). Some even offer dental emergency coverage, though that's usually an add-on.

The key thing? Make sure your policy explicitly states it meets IRCC's Super Visa requirements. Border services officers can—and will—ask to see proof of insurance when your parents or grandparents arrive in Canada. You don't want any surprises at the airport.

Common Questions (and Honest Answers)

Can my parents use their home country's insurance?

Only if that insurer is OSFI-approved and issues the policy as part of their Canadian insurance business. It's not enough for them to just be a reputable company back home—they need that specific Canadian authorization.

What if the foreign insurer isn't on the OSFI list?

Then it won't be accepted by IRCC, plain and simple. Don't risk it. If you're unsure, go with a Canadian provider or verify the foreign company's status with OSFI before purchasing.

Do I need to renew if my parents extend their stay?

Absolutely. Your insurance must be valid for every single day they're in Canada. If the policy expires and they're still here, they'll need to renew it or purchase a new one. Canadian immigration takes this seriously.

What happens if we file a claim with a foreign insurer?

This can get a bit tricky. The claims process might involve coordination between Canadian healthcare providers and the foreign insurance company. Processing times could be longer, and you might need to navigate different time zones or language barriers. Make sure you understand the claims process before you buy the policy.

Are foreign insurers more likely to deny claims?

Not necessarily, but the complexity of international coordination can sometimes create challenges. Read reviews from other Super Visa holders to see what their experiences have been with specific insurers—both Canadian and foreign.

How to Choose Between Canadian and Foreign Insurance Providers

Alright, let's get practical. How do you actually decide?

Start by asking yourself these questions:

1. How price-sensitive is your situation? If saving money is your top priority and you're willing to put in the legwork to verify OSFI approval, a foreign insurer might be perfect for you.
2. How comfortable are you with potential complications? If you value simplicity and want the smoothest possible experience—especially when it comes to filing claims—a Canadian provider might be worth the extra cost.
3. What's your parents' or grandparents' health status? If they have pre-existing conditions, you'll want to carefully compare how different insurers handle those. Some are more lenient than others.
4. Do you need flexible payment options? If monthly payments are non-negotiable for your budget, make sure the foreign insurer actually offers them before you go down that path.

Honestly? For most families, the smart move is to compare quotes from both Canadian and OSFI-approved foreign insurers. See what the actual price difference is, read the policy details carefully, and then make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts: Navigating the New Landscape

The inclusion of foreign insurers in the Super Visa program is genuinely exciting news. It means more competition, potentially lower costs, and greater accessibility for families around the world who want to bring their loved ones to Canada.

But—and you knew there was a "but" coming—it also means you need to be more vigilant. Not every insurance company advertising "Super Visa coverage" from abroad is actually OSFI-approved. Verify, verify, verify. Check the OSFI list. Read the policy terms. Make sure everything's kosher before you hand over your money.

The Super Visa is an incredible opportunity for families to stay connected across borders. With stays of up to five years at a time and the visa valid for 10 years, it's one of the best programs Canada offers for family reunification. Don't let insurance confusion stand in your way.

Whether you go with a Canadian insurer or an international provider, the most important thing is that your parents or grandparents are properly covered. Because at the end of the day, this isn't just about ticking boxes on an immigration form—it's about making sure your loved ones are protected while they're here, creating memories together, and enjoying their time in Canada without worrying about astronomical medical bills if something goes wrong.