5 Things to Know Before Buying Super Visa Insurance

The Canadian Super Visa program provides the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with an opportunity to come to Canada and stay for up to five years at a time. This is an amazing opportunity for families and for family bonding, but with that comes a responsibility to have healthcare protection during their time in Canada. Unlike permanent residents, visitors are not eligible for public healthcare in Canada, therefore visitors who travel as per the Super Visa program must ensure that medical expenses are covered by an insurance policy. 

Super Visa insurance provides peace of mind and covers unexpected medical emergencies that could become overwhelming expenses without insurance. As your consultant, we make sure you and your family are prepared for any situation. 

1. Coverage minimum requirement 

The Canadian government stipulates that Super Visa insurance must have a minimum coverage amount of $100,000. This coverage amount includes: 

• Emergency medical treatment
• Emergency transportation/ambulance services
• 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

If coverage of $100,000 is not included in a Super Visa insurance policy, it will not be approved for a Super Visa application. 

Wiseconomy will assist you in finding affordable Super Visa insurance that does qualify and include that coverage as well as quality and reliability.

2. Policy Duration and Validity

You need the insurance to be valid for at least a period of one year from the date of entry into Canada. Even if your parents or grandparents are only getting a visa for a few months, the recommendation is to purchase a policy that covers a full year. If the visit is further extended, renewing the insurance is also an option. At Wiseconomy, we will help you select the duration that is right for you so that you do not run into any complexity with the visa application process. 

3. Selecting an Insurance Provider

It is important to note that not all insurance policies are eligible for a Super Visa requirement. The insurance must be purchased though: 

• A Canadian insurance company, or
• A foreign insurance company where the insurance has been granted a license by Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) – this requirement starts in January 2025.

We help aid you in selecting Insurance providers that meet Super Visa requirements and are approved insurance companies in Canada where we are confident that in times of need, they will provide a reasonable level of care. 

4. Understanding Your Coverage

Super Visa Insurance is more than meeting a minimum requirement; it is about providing protection for your family and their experience in real life situations. Usual coverage may include: 

• Doctor visits and hospitalizations
• Emergency medical treatment
• Ambulance charges
• Diagnostic testing and lab work
• Prescription drugs while receiving hospital care 
• Limited coverage for pre-existing conditions if it is clearly stated as coverage. 

We walk you through each clause so you understand exactly what’s included. This prevents surprises and ensures your parents or grandparents receive the right care when they need it.

5. Claims, Deductibles, and Renewals

When families experience a healthcare need, knowing how claims work is paramount. Different insurance providers reimburse you differently; some reimburse you after the fact, while some insurance providers pay for the need on the spot. Deductibles also contribute to your total costs and how much out-of-pocket you may have to pay. Generally, the higher the deductible is, the lower the premium, but the higher the deductible is, you pay more per claim. Continuing with a Super Visa, there are usually renewal options for most policies if your family chooses to remain in Canada longer than initially intended.

At Wiseconomy, we find the plan that is affordable, but also provides the coverage you require.

In addition to the five principles above, many families overlook other considerations:

• Proof of Insurance: You will need to show proof of insurance that you paid for at the border.
• Waiting Periods: Some policies will have waiting periods for certain benefits.
• Refund Options: Some providers will provide you with full refunds if your Super Visa is denied or partial refunds if your family returns home sooner than expected.
• Language Support: It is good if the provider can provide customer service in your preferred language.

By addressing these in advance, we ensure you avoid costly mistakes.

• Assuming that existing conditions will be covered
• Focusing only on the cheapest plan instead of reliable providers
• Not reviewing exclusions and limitations 
• Not bringing proof of insurance into Canada.

Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada is a joyful experience, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. Choosing the right Super Visa Insurance plan ensures that your loved ones are safe and financially protected. At Wiseconomy, we take pride in being your consultant, guiding you to compare affordable Super Visa Insurance options and selecting a plan that perfectly fits your family’s needs.