Moving to Canada can be an overwhelming process, and often amidst the long list of chores, you might forget about securing health insurance. That exposes you to the risk of paying for expensive medical expenses that may occur before provincial coverage kicks in.
Depending on the province, it can take up to two to three months to receive your health card. In order to eliminate the risks, new immigrants should opt for short-term private insurance plans to cover them during the waiting period.
Here are some insurance groups that offer plans tailored for people who are making Canada, their new home:
- The Destination Travel Group Inc.: offers an insurance plan called Visitors to Canada, which provides emergency medical insurance for visitors, newly landed immigrants or returning Canadian citizens. The sum insured is between $10,000 and $300,000. Benefits cover costs of medical supplies, diagnostics, hospital accommodation, rental of medical appliances, and emergency treatments. There is no waiting period if purchased prior to arrival in Canada.
- Alliance Global Assistance: covers new immigrants, visitors, foreign workers, and returning Canadians. The coverage amount ranges from $10,000 to $150,000. Benefits include dental pain relief, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and emergency medical care, amidst other costs. There is a 48-hour waiting period, if purchased after arrival in Canada.
- GMS Insurance: Features Visitors to Canada insurance that covers new immigrants, visitors, foreign workers, and returning Canadians. They insure a sum ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, and coverage includes costs of dental repair, childcare, stable pre-existing conditions, and prescription amidst others.
The Canadian health care system is one of the best in the world, but if you are not covered, it can be expensive! So pack your bags and make sure you have your family insured before flying to the north.