I am an independent travel insurance broker
too! (Full disclosure).
To obtain a visitors to Canada insurance policy that includes coverage for illnesses related to pre-existing medical conditions, you'll need to use a broker that is familiar with as many policies as possible - in order to obtain a fair price, and coverage that matches up with your (parent's) medical situation. Most research can be done online first - and then specific questions can be asked to ensure understanding of the coverage being offered.
I set up the comparable quote engine at BestQuotetravelinsurance.ca
http://www.bestquotetravelinsurance.ca/parent-and-grandparent-super-visa-health-insurance so people could easily look at their supervisa insurance options by getting a quote, comparing prices and coverage options. The policies come with a immediate note about whether not they offer coverage for stable pre-existing medical conditions, but all contracts use different wording - so each must be checked closely because you will not be comparing apple vs apples. Generally though, most policies require the pre-existing condition to be stable (each policy has its own definition of 'stable', 'change of medication' etc) for 90-180 days prior to arrival in Canada.
However, one thing to note is that all visitor to Canada insurance is for medical emergencies - not routine checkups. So a person could be diabetic and the condition may be defined as stable so the insurance contract would cover any illnesses that may be related to the diabetes (pancreatic problems?, ect), but going to the doctor to have the insulin levels monitored frequently while the parent is here would have to be paid for by cash - the insurance doesn't cover 'treatment' of chronic conditions.
Now, FYI: the insurance companies realize that the present policies on the market were not meant for long term coverage - and they will address this soon by issuing new 'blended' policies that merge visitors to Canada insurance with more US style private health insurance coverage - the kind offered by an expatriate policy for example. I expect this will first happen this quarter - definately the first half of this year. That blended coverage will probably not cost any more than the policies cost today - but the coverage will be mildly more appropriate.
In terms of prices, you won't find any better prices than what BestQuote Travel Insurance.ca can offer:
http://www.bestquotetravelinsurance.ca/super-visa-insurance-bestquote-rates - but it always makes sense to check back with the site from time to time to see if one of our insurance companies have offered a new policy, or changed their rates. We'll have a few more policies on the site in the weeks to come as well - although these are already offered to our customers when they call us.
I beleive Gary is trying to make a grand distinction between using TIC (we also use them for direct underwriting when necessary or preferred) to obtain an individually underwritten policy versus using an policy that 'underwrites itself' by restricting the coverage to the precise contract language. Both methods are appropriate for obtaining coverage if you are certain of your medical condition and its not too complex - otherwise using TIC (or the other company that we use to obtain an answer in minutes rather than 4 days) to directly underwrite is a better option. Gary will have to admit though, that he sells many more policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions that are not from TIC.
Call toll free to inquire 1-855-237-8808 BestQuote Travel Insurance Agency.
