The Super Visa is an excellent opportunity for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit and stay in Canada for extended periods. However, one critical requirement for this visa is Super Visa Travel Insurance, which provides emergency medical coverage. Unfortunately, not all applicants get approved, and many face frustrating denials that delay their travel plans.
If your parents have been denied Super Visa Travel Insurance, or you want to ensure a smooth approval process, this guide is for you. We will explore the common reasons for rejection, medical and financial eligibility criteria, and actionable steps to secure coverage.
Let’s dive in and uncover the key mistakes to avoid!
Understanding Super Visa Travel Insurance
Before discussing rejections, let’s clarify what Super Visa Travel Insurance is and why it’s mandatory.
What is Super Visa Travel Insurance?
Super Visa Insurance is a medical insurance policy required for parents and grandparents applying for the Super Visa to enter Canada. It ensures they are covered in case of medical emergencies, reducing the financial burden on the Canadian healthcare system.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
To be eligible, the insurance policy must:
Provide at least $100,000 in coverage.
Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Be issued by a Canadian insurance company.
Key Benefits of Super Visa Travel Insurance
Covers emergency medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and ambulance services.
Provides repatriation coverage, ensuring transportation back to the home country in case of a severe medical emergency.
Offers peace of mind, knowing that medical expenses are covered while in Canada.
Failure to meet these requirements often leads to visa rejection. But sometimes, even with the right policy, applications get denied. Let’s explore why.
Top Reasons Why Parents Get Denied Super Visa Travel Insurance
Understanding the common reasons for denial can help you take proactive steps to prevent it.
1. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Many insurance providers have strict pre-existing condition policies. If your parents have serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, or previous strokes, their application may be rejected. Some insurers may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but they often require a stability period, which means the condition must not have worsened or required medical attention for a specific period, typically between 90 to 180 days.
To avoid rejection, ensure you:
Look for policies that cover pre-existing conditions.
Provide detailed medical records when applying.
Choose an insurer with a flexible stability clause.
2. Unstable Medical History
If an applicant has had recent hospitalizations, surgeries, or changes in medication, they may be considered high risk and denied coverage. Insurance companies assess stability based on whether a person’s condition has required treatment or medication adjustments in the recent past.
Ways to improve approval chances:
Delay the application if a recent medical change occurred.
Obtain a doctor’s note confirming stability.
Compare different insurers, as their definitions of stability vary.
3. Incorrect or Incomplete Medical Disclosures
Not disclosing past medical conditions or providing inaccurate information can lead to automatic rejection or even policy cancellation later. Many applicants unknowingly omit details about past surgeries, ongoing medications, or chronic conditions, which insurers later discover during a claim assessment.
To avoid this mistake:
Always provide full and honest disclosure.
Consult a licensed insurance broker to help with the application.
Keep medical records handy for accurate reporting.
4. Low-Rated or Non-Recognized Insurance Providers
Only approved Canadian insurance companies can provide Super Visa Travel Insurance. Policies from non-recognized providers may not meet immigration requirements, leading to visa rejection. Some applicants unknowingly purchase policies from international insurers that do not meet Canadian standards.
How to ensure compliance:
Verify the insurer is registered in Canada.
Check if the insurance company is recognized by immigration authorities.
Avoid policies that seem suspiciously cheap or lack details.
5. Insufficient Coverage Amount
Policies covering less than the required $100,000 or shorter than one year are automatically rejected. Some applicants mistakenly buy short-term policies, thinking they can renew them later, but immigration authorities require proof of full-year coverage upfront.
Ensure compliance by:
Purchasing a one-year plan with the correct coverage amount.
Checking policy details to confirm hospitalization and repatriation are covered.
Consulting an insurance expert to find the best option.
6. Financial Ineligibility
If the Super Visa sponsor (child or grandchild) does not meet the minimum income requirement, the visa may be denied, even if insurance is valid. Immigration officials need to see proof that the sponsor can support their visiting parents financially.
What you can do:
Ensure the sponsor meets the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement.
Provide recent tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
If needed, add a co-signer to boost financial eligibility.
Medical Conditions That Lead to Super Visa Insurance Denial
Certain high-risk medical conditions often result in insurance denials or significantly higher premiums.
Common Medical Conditions That May Cause Rejection
Heart Conditions: History of heart attacks, bypass surgery, or ongoing treatments.
Diabetes with Complications: If diabetes is uncontrolled or has led to complications like neuropathy or kidney failure.
Cancer History: Especially if diagnosed or treated recently.
Chronic Lung Diseases: Conditions like COPD or severe asthma.
Neurological Disorders: Past strokes, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease.
How to Improve Approval Chances
Ensure all medical conditions are accurately disclosed.
Choose insurers that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.
If required, get a doctor’s statement confirming stability of the condition.
Conclusion
Securing Super Visa Travel Insurance is crucial for a successful visa application, but it requires careful planning. By understanding common reasons for denial, ensuring medical and financial eligibility, and choosing a reputable insurer, you can increase your chances of approval.
Don’t leave it to chance—start your application process today to ensure a smooth journey for your parents to Canada!
