The Government of Canada helps families to have extended visits in the country through its Super Visa program. This is a great way for families to reconnect and spend real time together, without feeling like there's a looming deadline over their heads. In order to get a Super Visa, you must meet certain requirements. One of these requirements is to have medical insurance in advance of your application.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in the country for up to two years at a time. The visa permits multiple entries over the course of 10 years, so there's no need to reapply or renew during that time. It is different than a regular multiple-entry visa, which allows visitors to stay for only six months at a time.
Who is Eligible for the Super Visa?
To get a Super Visa, you must meet certain requirements. You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. That relative must prove their own status in Canada by submitting a passport or permanent resident document. Your relative must pledge to support you financially during your stay. In the application, the relative must also identify the number of people in the household where you will be living.
The other requirement is medical insurance. You must purchase this before you complete your application. The Government of Canada will not accept an insurance quote, but rather proof that you already have coverage. Your medical insurance must be valid for at least one year from when you arrive in Canada and be worth at least $100,000.
What to Look for in Super Visa Insurance Coverage
It may sound straightforward and as long as you have some medical coverage and it's worth $100,000, you are good to go. However, if you need to make a claim, it's a good idea to know what to look for before you get a Super Visa insurance quote.
Insurance policies will typically cover the basics in case of an emergency, accident or sudden illness. Your Super Visa insurance policy should include these services to protect you in the event of serious ailments:
- Emergency visits to hospital, doctors and surgeons, as well as follow-up visits;
- Diagnostic testing, like bloodwork and x-rays;
- Prescription medicines after an emergency;
- Ambulance services;
- Emergency transport to home country for medical reasons;
- Accidental death and dismemberment.
These types of issues may come up unexpectedly during your stay. By having this basic coverage, you not only satisfy a visa requirement, but know your family won't have to pay for your needs out-of-pocket.
However, in many cases, this coverage is not enough to take care of all the costs that result from an emergency. It is often possible to increase the coverage by spending a bit more upfront for your insurance. This can give you and your family peace of mind so you can enjoy family time in Canada.
