Canadian Travel Health Insurance Advice For USA Citizens
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 policy does not provide cover during your visit to Canada, speak to your travel agent. You can purchase temporary health cover from an accredited travel agent. The cost can be added into your package deal. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you will be covered for all medical expenses. Also included is cover for emergency services and a medical evacuation.
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 establish with your insurer whether payment will be made direct to the Canadian health care provider, or if you will later be refunded. Ask about coverage for psychiatric treatment, and what cover applies with regards to your remains if you die in Canada.
If you use prescription medications, these should be brought into Canada in their original packaging with labels. You should also carry a copy of the prescription and your physician’s contact details. If you are a diabetic and use syringes, these must be declared on your arrival in Canada. In addition, you must have a letter from a physician stating that the syringes are used for health 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.
When you have sorted out all Canadian travel health insurance issues, make a list of all other health related items that you should take with you. For instance, if you wear glasses, pack a spare pair. Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have a unique problem, or if you are allergic to any medications or food. Ask your doctor for a letter that explains your condition and the suggested treatment if you become ill.
Dan Pucher Insurance is an independent Broker offering personal and corporate solutions. When looking for Visitors to Canada insurance and Travel Insurance Ontario.
