Can I Buy Super Visa Insurance from My Home Country’s Insurance Company?

Introduction

Togetherness is the best thing for families, and Canada helps continue to reunite families through its immigration programs.

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay with their children/grandchildren in Canada for up to a total of five years at a time, with extensions possible.

Super visas require proof of private health coverage or insurance as (if granted) the applicant would not be eligible for provincial or territorial healthcare. Previously, patients could only buy health insurance from Canadian providers. However, effective today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept health insurance purchased from companies outside Canada when applying for a Super Visa.

Can You Buy Super Visa Insurance from Your Home Country?

The short answer is yes, with conditions.

Several Home Country Insurance Companies offer Super Visa Insurance, but you must ensure that the policy they offer meets the exact requirements of the rules defined by the Government of Canada. Super Visa applicants must be aware that not all international policies will suffice, as the Government of Canada is quite specific about the kind of coverage they need.

In order for a foreign insurance policy to qualify for Super Visa Coverage, it must meet the following conditions:

The policy should also be issued by a foreign insurance company, licensed and authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), to offer accident and sickness insurance.
The foreign insurance company must be listed on OSFI’s list of federally regulated financial institutions.
The insurance policy shall be issued under the company’s Canadian insurance business.
Check if a foreign insurance company is authorized to offer accident and sickness insurance by visiting the OSFI website. More details about these changes to the Super Visa requirements can be found on the IRCC website.

Super Visa holders are required to have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their stay in Canada. If their policy runs out before they leave the country, they might be required to renew their health insurance while in Canada. Purported foreign health insurance must be valid insurance from the foreign side for every entrance into Canada.

These interim measures facilitate family reunification while ensuring that any parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident has the appropriate health coverage upon entering Canada.

Key Factors to Consider:

Mandatory Minimum: You need to buy insurance with the required minimum treatment coverage of 100,000 (USD) and also coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. Make sure to read the policy carefully to be sure it meets these requirements. Certain international insurers do sell policies that do not meet these criteria, which could result in your visa application being denied.
Canadian Government Approval: Other insurance companies located outside of Canada may sell you a good-looking policy, but the Canadian government may not approve it. The important thing to verify is that Canadian authorities recognize the policy as acceptable for Super Visa applicants. This is one of the reasons Canadian insurance companies offer Super VISA holding insurance, as they know these requirements.
Claims Process and Support: Receiving care and coverage in a foreign country can be very challenging and complicated, especially if you bought Super Visa insurance from an international provider. It will be harder for you to deal with an overseas insurance company if an emergency medical condition occurs. Insurers based in Canada are usually able to process claims domestically more easily when they have the infrastructure and support already in place.
Language and Communication: Due to time zone differences, language barriers, and varying customer service standards, communication with an overseas insurer may prove challenging. When you buy a policy from a Canadian insurer, it is easy to get in touch with them for assistance, to make claims, and to understand the nuances of your policy in a language you understand.
Reputation and Trust: Research the reputation of the insurance company, especially if it is from a foreign country. If it is international coverage, check that the insurer has good experience with international coverage, particularly with emergency medical claims in Canada. Evaluate Reliability: Seek online reviews, ratings, and recommendations from other Super Visa Applicants to assess insurers.

What Are the Benefits of Purchasing Super Visa Insurance from a Canadian Provider?

You can buy your Super Visa insurance from your home country, but there are many advantages to buying your insurance through a Canadian provider:

Understanding Canadian Health Care: Selling insurance must be done in context with your local health care system so Canadian insurance providers can better handle designing your coverage to meet Canada’s expectations. They understand precisely what is needed for Super Visa applicants and are more likely to offer plans that will satisfy all relevant requirements.
Easier Claims Process: Making a claim will likely be easier as you will likely have fewer hurdles to jump with a Canadian-based insurer. Insurance companies in Canada have built relationships with healthcare facilities across the country and have a well-established claims process.
Local Customer Support: With a Canadian insurance company, you have access to customer support within the country, which can help you in case any issues arise during your stay. You can contact a local agent who knows the distinct requirements of Super Visa holders.

Coming To The End

You can purchase Super Visa Insurance from an insurance company in your home country, but you need to be sure that the policy fulfills the Canadian government’s strict requirements. YOU MUST READ the terms and conditions of the policy carefully, confirm coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation, and ensure Canadian authorities approve the insurer.

Considering the intricacies involved in Super Visa insurance, it is often easier and more reliable for applicants to buy their insurance from a Canadian insurance company. This means any claims that you may make will be processed efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your time in Canada without any worries.

Before purchasing any insurance policy, whether domestic or international, make sure to do thorough research and speak with an insurance expert to ensure your Super Visa insurance is up to par with Canadian regulations.

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