Do You Need Visitors to Canada Medical Insurance?
5 Questions to Ask
You’re planning a trip to Canada, and while organizing all the details, you might be wondering: Do I really need to buy medical insurance for visitors to Canada? It’s common to think, “I’m healthy” or “It’s just a short trip,” and view insurance as an unnecessary expense. However, medical emergencies are, by nature, unexpected. Here are five questions to consider before taking that risk.
Can My Savings Withstand a $40,000 Medical Bill?
Canada’s healthcare system is not free for visitors. Without medical insurance, the costs for common illnesses or injuries can reach tens of thousands of dollars. For instance, a visit to the emergency room, not including tests, diagnostics, or treatment, can cost around $1,200. Additionally, treating a broken leg may amount to $40,000.
Do I Have Any Health Conditions or Concerns?
If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are an older visitor, you may face a higher risk of a medical emergency. Seeking medical attention could result in out-of-pocket expenses and potential financial stress.
Am I Travelling With Children or Elderly Relatives?
Children and elderly individuals are at a higher risk of needing medical attention during their visits. Having insurance ensures that you are taking care of their well-being. This means that if they become ill, they can receive the necessary help quickly without worrying about the cost.
Will I Need Help Navigating a Foreign Healthcare System?
Every healthcare system is unique, and navigating it alone while sick or injured in a new country can be very challenging. Medical insurance can offer 24/7 emergency assistance, helping you locate medical facilities, arrange transportation, or coordinate care and billing. It acts as your support system, ensuring that your care is well-managed, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Will I be travelling to a remote destination, engaging in sports, or participating in risky activities?
Engaging in any activities beyond a leisurely walk in a major city can lead to increased medical care and emergency transportation costs. To protect yourself while enjoying your interests, consider getting visitors to Canada medical insurance that includes a sports and activity add-on. This coverage can help you manage any unexpected incidents that may arise during your trip while you’re doing the things you love. For more details, please refer to the Sports & Activities.
What is Covered?
Emergency Medical
Unexpected medical expenses related to sickness or accidents.
Coverage includes hospital stays, physician services, diagnostics, prescription drugs, and dental.
Medical Transportation and Evacuation
The expenses for medical transportation or the cost of returning home for treatment.
Coverage includes ground ambulance to the nearest hospital, air transport for home treatment, or repatriation of remains.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage may include medical expenses related to complications arising from a pre-existing condition, provided the stability requirements are met.
Stability periods typically range from 7 to 365 days, depending on the policy.
Advantages of Buying Insurance from Canada
Visitors insurance plans from Canada include additional advantages, including:
- Instant access to healthcare without upfront payments
- Most providers have direct billing systems with Canadian healthcare facilities, eliminating the need to pay expenses out of pocket first.
- 24/7 expert support on navigating the Canadian healthcare system
- They assist you in locating nearby medical facilities, arranging transportation, providing administrative help, or coordinating payments directly with healthcare providers.
- Ability to extend your policy for extended stays
- If your stay is longer than expected, some providers let you extend your policy while you’re still here.
- Side trips
- When visiting Canada, some plans will provide coverage while you explore another country.
- Free look period
- A full refund is available within 10 days from the policy application date (when no travel has taken place).
- Extra Perks
- Some providers offer extra benefits to promote their coverage, such as eSIMs, concierge services, free access to airport lounges, cash payments for delayed flights, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Remarks
An unexpected medical bill can turn your trip into a memorable experience for the wrong reasons. For the price of a daily coffee or tea, you can safeguard yourself against accumulating tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt. Don’t let a medical bill be the souvenir you take home from Canada. Take the next step today by getting a quote to compare plans for your journey, health, and budget.
