What health service is available for Super Visa parents?

[Rossei]

This is re: parents/grand-parents who come to stay in Canada with their family for a long period and need medical service for their pre-existing health issues. People who have similar concern are asked to join and share ideas/experience.

My mom got Super Visa back in 2012, she came in summer and only stayed for 3 months. I bought GMS insurance for her at that time and did not care much for her pre-existing medical conditions. Now, she is willing to come again for longer period (~1 year). She is 56 with diabetes, HBP and hyperthyroidism and for the last 2, she takes regular medications. She also does routine checkup monthly back home for all these diseases. She had surgery done for thyroid issue 7~8 years back and since then she was never hospitalized for anything else. Under this circumstance, I don't know if her conditions are called "stable" although her doze of drugs could vary a little over time.

Anyway, I'm aware that I have to buy similar insurance again when she comes which actually covers emergency medical service. From what I read online, no one covers routine checkup let alone drugs. Moreover, the city (Sarnia, ON) I live in doesn't have many walk-in clinics either. So, what are the options available for Super Visa parents who need routine checkup/followup? Can my family physician advise me on this? FYI, both my wife and I are PR and hence hold Health Cards (we also have group benefit plan from my employer which covers our drugs. eye, dental etc.).

 

[scylla]

Your family physician may be willing to see your mother for a fee. If not, then she will have to use one of the walk-in clinics (again for a fee).

Your health cards and any employee coverage are useless when it comes to your mother's care.

 

[Steevy]

Well, they do not have a lot of options with the Medical Emergency Insurance that is required for all Super Visa applicants. Like you have mentioned, routine check ups are not covered so as her medications that she is currently taking.

As for the pre-existing conditions, they are considered stable in case there were no complications during the last 6 months, but I bet, you already know that.

I assume if you visit a doctor in Canada for a check up you will be paying for it yourself as well as for other medications that she might need.

 

[Rossei]

Actually, I was looking for such insurance which would cover both super visa criteria and regular physician fees, tests etc. (if not drugs). I would be happy to pay extra on premiums; but not sure if it will save me money. :-\

 

[scylla]

Actually, I was looking for such insurance which would cover both super visa criteria and regular physician fees, tests etc. (if not drugs). I would be happy to pay extra on premiums; but not sure if it will save me money. :-\

It won't save money. There are plans that cover regular doctor visits and medication - but they are extremely expensive (otherwise it would make no sense for insurance companies to offer them since they would lose money in the deal). You are better off paying for all of these costs yourself.

 

[Rossei]

It won't save money. There are plans that cover regular doctor visits and medication - but they are extremely expensive (otherwise it would make no sense for insurance companies to offer them since they would lose money in the deal). You are better off paying for all of these costs yourself.

We have only 1 walk-in clinic in Sarnia . I guess I have to arrange something with my family physician.