Medical Insurance for Super visa
The Super visa has grown in popularity in recent years with Canada’s growing intake of essential and skilled economic migrants. To put into perspective, the IRCC issues over 17,000 Super visas each year.
The visa exclusively caters to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to visit for up to five years at a time, for a period of 10 years.
The specific nature of the Super visa means it has its own unique set of requirements. This includes an invitation letter, a written promise of financial support for the parent/ grandparent, and proof that the Canadian host meets the Low-income cut-off (LICO). The parent or grandparent must also be covered by medical Insurance for the duration of their stay, which we will go into detail below.
Is it mandatory to have medical Insurance to apply for a Super visa?
Yes, being medically insured is a prerequisite to applying for a Super visa.
Are monthly payments allowed for Super visa insurance?
In December last year, the IRCC walked back its decision to allow only annual up-front insurance payments for its popular Super visa. The increased financial burden went against the IRCC’s ethos of making family reunification accessible and was a key reason for its unpopularity.
After reverting the decision, the IRCC is now back to accepting payment for medical Insurance in monthly instalments.
How long must medical Insurance be valid for?
The IRCC states that the Super visa applicant’s medical Insurance must be valid for at least a year after they enter Canada.
What is the minimum insurance coverage required for a Super visa?
According to the guidelines, Medical Insurance for a Super visa must provide a minimum of $100,000 in emergency coverage.
Where to get medical Insurance for a Super visa?
The IRCC currently specifies that Super visa applicants must be covered by a private Canadian insurer.
On June 7th, 2022, the IRCC announced their plan to designate other international medical insurance companies to provide coverage to Super visa applicants in the future. However, the IRCC is yet to communicate any updates in this regard.
What do most Super visa insurance policies cover?
Super visa policies must cover healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation, along with other emergencies. Depending on your selection, they may include some of the following in any combination.
- Emergency treatment for illness and injury
- Prescription medications
- Dental services
- Medical equipment
- Ambulance services
- Follow-up medical appointments
What are the IRCC’s latest guidelines for medical Insurance?
The IRCC’s latest guidelines state that medical Insurance for a Super visa must:
- Be paid in full or in instalments
- Be valid for at least a year from the date of entering Canada
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation
- Provide at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
Following these guidelines and searching through trusted policy sites will help you narrow down on the ideal insurance policy, taking into account your financial, family and living situation.
