With regards to Canadian travel health insurance requirements, there are important facts that visitors should know about. This article will only focus on American citizens planning to travel to Canada. Before addressing the health insurance aspect, remember to advise the US State Department about your traveling plans.
This will enable the State Department to get hold of you should there be a family crisis, or other emergency, while you are away. The Department can also contact you if a sudden crisis occurs in the country that you are planning to visit. Any information you provide will be kept confidential in terms of the Privacy Act.
Regarding health insurance, speak to your health insurance carrier to establish your policy’s efficacy while you are in Canada. Will it provide cover for any potential emergency expenses? Most health plans do not carry cover for medical expenses in a foreign country unless the policy holder has bought extra cover.
If your health insurance excludes cover while you are in Canada, speak to a travel agent about a temporary health plan. These plans are not expensive and are certainly worthwhile. You will receive cover for any health related expenses, including medical evacuations and emergency services. It is very unwise to travel without some form of health insurance.
Most hospitals and doctors in Canada are likely to expect payment for their services immediately. Whilst a medical evacuation is highly unlikely, the cost of this will be more than $50,000. Therefore, be sure to check this aspect with your medical and travel insurance Ontario company.
Also ascertain with your health insurer if payment will be made to the healthcare provider in Canada, or if you will be paid back at a later date. In addition, ask about cover for psychiatric care, and what type of cover is applicable regarding your remains in the event of your death.
If you bring prescription drugs into Canada, they should be kept in their original labeled containers. Keep a copy of your doctor’s script on hand and his or her phone number. Diabetics who take syringes to Canada will have to declare these to custom officials on arrival. You will also need a doctor’s letter confirming that they are used for medical reasons.
Regarding antiretroviral drugs, the same rules are applicable. The drugs must be labeled and stored in original packs or bottles. HIV travelers should be in possession of an extra script from their physician in case the drugs are stolen or lost. On this topic, Canada does not require USA visitors to have AIDS testing.
If you wear eyeglasses, be sure to take an extra pair. Also, if you suffer with allergies to certain medications, foods or other substances, wear a medical alert. The same applies if you have an unusual health condition. Ask your doctor for a letter explaining the condition and what treatment should be applied in an emergency. Keep this letter in your wallet. If you have taken all necessary precautions and are satisfied that you have met with all Canadian travel health insurance provisions, you should enjoy a hassle free trip.
Dan Pucher Insurance is an independent Broker offering personal and corporate solutions. When looking for Visitors to Canada insurance and Travel Insurance Ontario.
Tags: business, family, finance, health, health insurance, insurance, life, params, policy, quota, rate, travel, variables