While the federal government is reducing the numbers of temporary and permanent residents who will be allowed in the country, family reunification makes up 22 per cent of all permanent resident admissions.
If you are sponsoring your parents or grandparents, but haven’t received an invitation for intake yet, you may still apply for a Super Visa – a multi-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
Super Visa Insurance is a must have
To be eligible for the Super Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having valid Visitors to Canada travel insurance that meets the minimum coverage criteria set by the Canadian government.
This ‘Super Visa’ insurance provides visitors with essential health coverage during their stay in Canada.
Having this travel insurance coverage is critical because it shows that your visiting parents or grandparents have adequate health coverage while in Canada and that they have financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies and won’t be burdened with high healthcare costs. This insurance helps cover emergency medical costs while they are in Canada like:
- hospital visits
- ambulance rides
- sudden treatments for accident or sickness.
The insurance needs to
- be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry
- be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted)
- cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation
- provide a minimum coverage of $100,000
- be valid for each entry to Canada and be available for review by a border services officer upon request.
Healthcare in Canada is great, but it’s not free for visitors. Without this kind of coverage, even a short hospital stay can cost thousands.
SBIS can help you choose the best plan
Before obtaining the visa, your family member must show proof of Super Visa insurance. Read this for more information.
At SBIS we help you find travel insurance options for your parents and grandparents that consider their unique medical conditions and your budget.
Even if your parents or grandparents are only going to stay a few months at first, they must have 12 months of insurance coverage. And, with most ‘Super Visa’ coverage you must be prepared to pay one single annual premium in advance for the insurance.
To make it easier for you to manage your budget we offer affordable monthly payment plan options from Destination Travel Visitors to Canada Plans covering $100,000 or more of emergency medical expenses for 365 days, renewable over a longer period of time.
With the option of paying monthly for your Visitors To Canada Plan emergency medical insurance you can
- Know exactly how much you will be spending each month and can budget accordingly
- Be better able to manage your cash flow and keep the bulk of your insurance premium in your own account longer, earning more interest
- Reduce your paperwork and accounting.
Here’s how Super Visa travel insurance coverage works
When you purchase coverage but are not completely satisfied with the policy, you have 10 days from the purchase date indicated on your confirmation to apply for a full refund if the person insured has not already departed on their trip and there is no claim in progress.
Making a claim is easy once the coverage is in place. You will contact your insurer through their 24/7 helpline or online portal, and provide supporting documents like medical reports, receipts, and invoices.
They will work to promptly process your claim and will keep you informed throughout. Reimbursement is arranged through electronic transfer or cheque.
If there is a change in duration of your visitor’s stay in Canada – shorter or longer – it may be possible to extend coverage or get a partial (or pro-rated) refund for unused days before your scheduled return date provided that:
- they’ve paid annually
- they have not reported or initiated a claim
- they have not received any assistance services.
Here’s what can be covered
Most Super Visa plans provide comprehensive emergency medical insurance for visitors including
- Emergency medical treatment like hospitalization, surgery and medical consultations
- Diagnostic tests like lab work, x-rays ad imaging ordered by a doctor
- Prescription drugs for the covered emergency
- Emergency dental to relieve acute pain caused by an accident
- Follow up visits related to the original emergency
Always read the policy wording carefully to understand exclusions, pre-existing condition coverage, and claim procedures.
Call SBIS today or go online – we’re ready to help
SBIS offers a variety of affordable ‘Super Visa’ Visitors To Canada plan options. Whether it is Destination Travel or one of our other carriers, when you are looking forward to a wonderful visit with those you dearly miss our friendly SBIS experts are happy to help put the coverage your visitors need in place. Give us a call today at 416.601.0429 or 1.800.667.0429 toll-free.
