Super Visa Travel Insurance

The Full Guide

It is always an exciting experience traveling to Canada to see family and loved ones, but it’s also a responsibility, especially in terms of health and safety. For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, the Super Visa Travel Insurance offers a great opportunity for extended stays. One of the major requirements for a Super Visa Insurance, though, is appropriate travel insurance.

Super Visa travel insurance is not a formality but an important protection that may help visitors to Canada avoid any unexpected medical expenses during their stay in the country. In the article below, we will further discuss what exactly Super Visa Travel Insurance is and why you need it, what it will cover, and how to choose the right plan. What is Super Visa?

In 2011, the Government of Canada created a category of multi-entry visa called the Super Visa. It grants visiting privileges to parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident by allowing them to stay in Canada for five consecutive years without renewing their status. Not like every other visitor visa that allows visitors to stay for six months, the Super Visa is intended for longer visits-a very good option for families who want to spend extended time together.

To apply for a Super Visa, an applicant has to fulfill certain requirements that include proof of financial support from the Canadian host, written commitment of support, and most importantly, proof of valid private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company. Hereby comes Super Visa travel insurance in the role.

What is Super Visa Travel Insurance?

Super Visa travel insurance is a specific form of health insurance that pays, in cases of emergency medical conditions, hospitalization, and other health care expenses arising during the visitor’s stay in Canada, for the fulfillment of requirements of the Super Visa. The policy should fit into the following specific criteria laid down by IRCC:

1. Minimum Coverage Amount: The minimum amount of coverage for emergency medical has to be $100,000.
2. Period of Insurance: The insurance policy should cover for at least a continuous period of one year-365 days, starting from the date of entry into Canada.
3. Canadian Insurer: The policy should be bought through an insurance company based in Canada.

The insurance requirements of the Super Visa ensure that it doesn’t be a burden on Canada’s publicly-funded health care system while providing the visitor with the requisite care.

Super Visa Travel Insurance: Why is it important?

1. High Cost of Healthcare in Canada: Medical treatment in Canada is very expensive for non-residents. Even a minor visit to casualty may cost some hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while hospitalization and surgery may reach tens of thousands. Super Visa travel insurance protects visitors from such potentially crippling costs.

2. Requirement for Application: If there is no valid travel insurance, an application for a Super Visa will not be approved. It is definitely required by the Canadian government and cannot be compromised.

3. Assurance: There is always extra stress while traveling to a different country, more so when a person is aging and already suffers from a critical illness. This Super Visa health insurance allows travelers to know exactly what expenses it will cover.

4. Comprehensive Coverage: Super Visa insurance covers not just emergency medical expenses but extends further in covering other benefits like hospitalization, ambulance services, prescription medications, and many more.

What Does Super Visa Travel Insurance Cover?

Super Visa travel insurance generally includes the following coverage:

1. Emergency Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to unexpected illnesses or injuries, such as doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and emergency treatments.

2. Hospitalization: Covers hospitalization-related expenses, such as room charges, nursing care, and surgery.

3. Ambulance Service: Emergency transport by ambulance to the nearest available medical facility.

4. Prescription Medications: Covers the costs of prescribed drugs while treating the covered illness or injury.

5. Dental Emergencies: A few policy plans also offer coverage for immediate dental treatments if caused by an accident.

6. Repatriation: It covers the cost of returning the Insured to the home country in the event of a medical emergency or death.

7. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: A few plans cover pre-existing conditions if specific requirements are met.

8. Additional Benefits: Accidental death and dismemberment, interruption of trip subject to policy conditions.

What does Super Visa Travel Insurance Not Cover?

While Super Visa travel insurance covers a wide range of things, here are some of the exclusions to consider:

1. Routine Check-Ups: This covers neither preventative care nor routine medical exams.
2. Non-Emergency Treatments: It shall also exclude elective procedures or treatments that are not medically necessary.
3. Unstable Pre-Existing Conditions: Pre-existing conditions that are unstable may also be excluded unless specified in the policy.

4. High-Risk Activities: Injuries while engaging in high-risk activities such as skydiving or extreme sports are excluded.
5. Travel Advisories: If there is a travel advisory issued by the Canadian government, claims resulting from that could be excluded.

How to Choose the Right Super Visa Travel Insurance Plan

An appropriate Super Visa travel insurance plan needs to be chosen based on consideration of several factors:

1. Coverage Amount: It needs to be at least $100,000 for emergency medical coverage, though it is highly advisable to get higher if possible, since the cost of hospital treatment adds up pretty fast.

2. Duration of Coverage: The minimum required duration for the policy is one year, but you are free to choose a longer duration if you so wish.

3. Pre-Existing Conditions: The plan should cover pre-existing conditions that are stable in nature. Full disclosure of all medical history should be given to avoid denial of claims.

4. Deductibles and Co-Payments: A few plans come with deductibles, which is the amount paid before insurance actually kicks in, or co-payments, a percentage of cost to be shared with the insurer. Choose a plan whose terms are within your budget.

5. Reputation of Insurance Provider: Check the background of the insurance company, its customer service, and claims procedure. Look for reviews and ratings to ensure reliability.

6. Additional Benefits: Compare the plans to understand which of them provides the most comprehensive benefits, for instance, dental emergencies, repatriation, or even accidental death cover.

7. Cost: This too is an important factor but should not be the sole determining factor; a cheap plan will most likely cover very little and thus become costlier in the long run.

Tips for Buying Super Visa Travel Insurance

1. Early Start: Begin your research and comparison of insurance plans well in advance of your travel date to make sure you have enough time to make an informed decision.

2. Read the Fine Print: The wording of the policy should be gone through to know precisely what it covers and what is not covered under the same.

3. Take Help from Insurance Broker: Take advice from an insurance broker specializing in Super Visa travel insurance who will suggest the right choice for you.

4. Keep Documentation Handy: Once purchased, carry a copy of the insurance policy documents with you on your trip. You may be asked to show these at the time of a medical emergency.

Conclusion

Super Visa travel insurance is required for parents and grandparents who want to visit Canada under the Super Visa program. It covers them against sudden medical expenses and also meets the regulations put forth by Canadian immigration. Knowing the options available for coverage, exclusions, and some guiding factors that need to be considered while choosing, you will opt for a good insurance policy-one that offers a peaceful mind and security for the stay in Canada. For whatever reason-traveling around and meeting up with family members, or even enjoying the view-the right insurance cover will promise one a secure, enjoyable, hassle-free visit to Canada.