Super Visa Insurance

Effective since December 1, 2011, the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/permanent residents (PR) have an easier and expedient option to visit their loved ones in Canada that allow them to remain in the country for up to 24 months at a time, without the need for renewal of their status. The new Super Visa makes it possible - the visa is valid for 10 years and permits a single entry or multi-entries into Canada while the lower application fees and processing time (8 weeks on an average) ensures the visit on short notice.

Super Visa Insurance

One of the important prerequisite for obtaining the Super Visa for Canada is medical insurance. Super Visa applicants are essentially required to submit proof claiming they have purchased private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. Individuals sponsoring their parent or grandparent are required to show they can support their visiting relatives. Each parent or grandparent should have a separate insurance coverage. The policy must be valid for each entry to Canada, and must be readily available for review by point of entry officers.

The Super Visa Insurance coverage must:

• Be valid for a minimum period of one year from the date of entry to Canada
• Provide a minimum of $100,000 coverage
• Cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation costs (the costs to return you to your home country, if necessary)

Why Super Visa Insurance?

The main logic behind purchasing health insurance from private Canadian insurance company is that Canadian medical providers (hospital, dentists, medical clinics, etc.) work closely with Canadian insurance companies. Thus there is direct billing between hospitals and the Canadian insurance companies making the claim reimbursement and settlement process faster.

How to apply for Super Visa Insurance if the parents and/or grandparents are not in Canada?

The procedure is the same as required for applying Super Visa on behalf of your parents and/or grandparents. However one must ensure that he/she is fully aware of his/her parents and/or grandparents’ health history in order to accurately complete the form as any incorrect statements on the application will make the policy null and void.

Is Medical test required for Super Visa Insurance application?

Though the applicant for Super Visa is compulsorily required to complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME), there is no medical exam required prior to purchase of Super Insurance Visa. However, the applicant must fill the form comprising of a few medical questions honestly, as not doing so may void (cancel) the coverage. In case a claim is submitted, the insurance company will investigate to determine if the applicant’s condition was a pre-existing one.

Unlike the eligibility for Super Visa application, for Super Visa Insurance, the majority of Insurance Companies do not offer coverage for visitors over the age of 80 - thus the applicant must be careful in selecting insurers and policies.

What does Super Visa Insurance cover?

The only coverage that this insurance covers is - Emergency Medical Travel Insurance which may include Accidental Death & Dismemberment. However, additional benefits can be purchased once your Super Visa is approved.

Does Super Visa Insurance provide coverage for pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing condition means a sickness, injury or medical condition, whether or not diagnosed by a physician

• for which the applicant exhibited signs or symptoms; or
• for which the applicant required or received medical consultation; and
• which existed prior to the effective date of your coverage.

Depending on the pre-existing condition, and the policy’s terms and conditions, pre-existing conditions are not covered sometimes while in some insurance companies offer plans that cover pre-existing conditions as long as they have been stable for a certain period of time (3 to 6 months) before departure from your home country. It is therefore important to read the entire policy to be fully aware of the definitions relating to coverage, as well as the possible exclusions that may apply.

Are monthly payment options available?

For Super Visa Insurance applicants, monthly premiums are not acceptable - the annual premium has to be paid up in a lump sum payment via credit card or cheque.

Is Insurance refundable if Super Visa application is denied?

Sometimes it so happens that Super Visa applications are denied mainly due to not meeting the income requirement criteria, purchasing mandatory health insurance from a Non-Canadian Insurance Company or the application submitted is not completed in good order. Under such cases, generally insurance companies tend to offer a full refund.

Is unused coverage refunded?

Partial refunds for any unused coverage are subject to the terms and condition of the policy of each insurance company fixed at the time of purchasing the insurance. Generally, the insurance companies offer partial refunds for any unused coverage once the applicant return to their country of origin. Also a full refund can be claimed if the person(s) submits the necessary proof that the entire trip was/is cancelled prior to the effective date of coverage.