First introduced in 2011, the Super visa was part of a Canadian initiative to reunite immigrants and their families back home. The special visa granted enormous flexibility to foreign parents and grandparents visiting Canada. It allowed multiple-entry with two-year stays at a time- which was recently increased to 5.
According to a new release, the IRCC has issued over 17,000 super visas each year since its introduction. It has become part of immigrant culture and remains one of the most popular programs among Indian, Chinese, Filipino and Pakistani immigrants in Canada.
While the concept of the program remains the same, it has undergone several changes over the years, including amendments to increase the length of stay and changes to its insurance requirements.
The article will delve into the essence of this Popular program and what new immigrants can look forward to with the most recent changes.
What is a Super visa?
A super visa is a special document that allows foreign parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit for up to five years at a time. It allows multiple entries over ten years.
In contrast, a regular visitor visa allows a person to stay for up to six months.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Super visa?
One has to be either a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for a Super visa.
Once this is established, you’ll need a signed letter from the child or grandchild inviting you to Canada. This letter includes the following:
- An obligation to financially support the parent/ grandparent’s for the duration of the visit.
- A list of the people in their household.
- A copy of their Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
As the last requirement, applicants must undergo a medical examination to assess their admissibility on health grounds. They must have private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company or a company designated by the IRCC. This insurance must:
- Be valid for at least a year from the date of entry.
- Have at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
- Be paid in full.
Is insurance mandatory when visiting Canada on a Super visa?
Having private medical insurance is necessary to apply for a Super visa. A holder must renew and maintain the medical insurance during their stay in Canada.
What is Canada’s Super visa insurance?
It is a type of medical insurance designed for Super visa applicants. Policies could include coverage for:
- Emergency medical fees
- Doctor’s fees
- X-rays
- Prescription drugs
- Dental care
- Ambulance services
- Medical equipment
What is the need for Super visa insurance?
Super visa insurance is necessary as most visitors, including parents and grandparents, are not covered by Canadian Medicare. Super visa insurance allows them to access Canadian healthcare facilities and medical services during their stay.
Who provides Super visa insurance?
Up until July 4th, 2022, only Canadian insurers could provide medical coverage to Super visa applicants.
What changes did Canada make to the Super visa insurance?
As of July 4.2022, the Canadian government introduced some changes that allow the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to designate international medical insurance companies that will provide Super visa insurance.
According to the release, the IRCC will communicate this list of approved international medical insurers through their website.
Is Super visa insurance paid monthly?
Previously, but not anymore.
As of August 2022, The IRCC only accepts Super visa insurance that has been paid in full. You can no longer use monthly payment plans for your Super visa insurance.
Where can you get Super visa insurance?
You can get Super visa insurance with Canadian insurers like Allianz, AwayCare, Manulife, Blue Cross, Sun Life, GMS and Tugo. You can also reach out to authorized Canadian insurance brokers.
What is the cost of Super visa insurance?
It’s impossible to figure out an exact quote without knowledge of an individual’s background. The cost of Super visa insurance is heavily influenced by factors including:
- An applicant’s age
- Applicant’s health history
- The deductible amount
- The Policy length and
- Coverage
Prices vary based on how your insurer measures risk and can be cheaper if you purchase it with a partner. Bear in mind pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, heart complications and diabetes will mean higher premiums.
Many insurance-related websites have tools to help you find cheap super visa insurance. As an example, A sixty-year-old, solo applicant with no pre-existing conditions will have to pay anywhere between $1000 and $2600 for a coverage amount of $100,000, according to data collected on November 2022 from RatesdotCa.
Here are some more quotes from popular Canadian Super visa insurers:
Manulife
Manulife is among the most recognizable faces of insurance in Canada. Their Coverme insurance caters to Super visa applicants worldwide.
Their single-trip emergency medical plan covers the following:
- Emergency medical costs
- Travel accidents
- Side-trips outside Canada
An individual of 60 years can expect to pay $2,190 for a coverage of $100,000 that lasts 365 days with a deductible amount of $75.
Blue Cross
Blue Cross provides insurance services to over 7 million members across Canada and worldwide through its international Blue Cross network.
An Indian national of 60 years visiting on a Super visa can expect to pay $2,397.37 for insurance coverage of $100,000 for 365 days with a deductible amount of $250.
This coverage includes:
- Hospitalizations, medical and paramedical expenses
- Emergency dental care
- Transportation and repatriation costs
- Subsistence allowance
The plan also includes
- 24/7 travel assistance
- Coverage for side trips outside Canada and
- Medical fees paid directly to the hospital- when possible.
Sun life
Sun Life is another popular option for Super visa insurance.
A 60-year-old Indian Super visa applicant can expect to pay $1,543.04 for insurance coverage of $100,000, effective for a year, with a deductible amount of $100.
Conclusion
The decision to make Canada’s Super visa insurance available from international insurers is the next step in improving the efficiency and accessibility of the program. The concession will make Super visas more viable for thousands of parents and grandparents who wish to reunite with their children in Canada.
