Family is so important, and if yours lives in another country, you know what it’s like to want them to visit and stay for a while. The good news when it comes to your parents and grandparents is…they can!

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents may be eligible for a super visa that allows them multiple entries into Canada for up to two years at a time, and they can go back and forth for up to 10 years.

But here’s the catch: visitors to Canada are not covered under provincial health insurance plans.

If your parent or grandparent  becomes ill or injured while they’re here, would you want to face some significant out-of-pocket costs for healthcare? Or worse yet, have to hesitate to ensure they get the healthcare they need because of the cost?

That’s why it’s so important for a parent or grandparent to have private medical coverage that meets super visa guidelines.

Super visa insurance requirements

Anyone applying for a super visa must show proof of payment that they have private medical insurance coverage that meets requirements established by Canada Immigration and Citizenship. The private emergency medical insurance must be

  • Valid for one year from the time of arrival
  • Issued by a Canadian insurance company
  • Providing minimum coverage of $100,000
  • Coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization and repatriation
  • Valid for each entry to Canada.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada’s parent and grandparent super visa website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/parent-grandparent-super-visa/eligibility.html

Travel Medical insurance can meet super visa requirements… and more

SBIS offers a variety of travel medical plans that can satisfy these requirements, and more.

  • Emergency coverage in Canada and for travel to other countries during the visit
  • Trip interruption insurance
  • Higher maximum coverage, up to $300,000
  • Hospital accommodation and physician services
  • Emergency medical or hospital laboratory tests and x-rays
  • Ambulance services
  • Prescription drug coverage (typically up to $500)
  • Casts, braces, crutches or rental of a wheelchair
  • Paramedical services like chiropractic care or acupuncture
  • Accidental dental coverage
  • Direct billing by medical providers
  • Emergency call centre support, with referrals in the event of an emergency.

Be prepared to pay one single annual premium in advance for the super visa insurance.

But what if…

  • The super visa is refused?
    The insurance can be cancelled for a full refund when you provide proof of the visa refusal prior to the effective date.
  • They decide to go home early?
    A partial refund may be available, less an administration fee, if there have been no claims reported, paid or denied and you provide proof of departure from Canada.

Ready to roll out the welcome mat?

Give us a call today. We can help you get the insurance your parents or grandparents need in place so that they can qualify for a super visa – and you can enjoy introducing them to your family and home in Canada.