What Americans Should Know About Canadian Travel Health Insurance

There are some important issues regarding Canadian travel health insurance. This article will focus only on USA citizens traveling to Canada. Before discussing health insurance, it is important to point out that you should inform the US State Department about your travel plans.

This is important because you can be reached if a family emergency occurs while you are out of the country. Furthermore, the Department can reach you should a sudden crisis occur in Canada while you are traveling. All information is confidential in accordance with the conditions of the Privacy Act.

Whilst making your travel plans to Canada, you must contact your health insurance company to establish if your policy will apply in Canada. Also find out if the policy will cover any emergency medical expenses. Very few health insurance plans include cover for health related expenses outside the USA unless extra coverage has been purchased.

Should your policy not include cover while you are visiting Canada, your travel agent can offer a temporary policy. These policies are not very expensive and are definitely worthwhile. They include cover for all health expenses, plus emergency services and medical evacuations. You will be ill advised to travel without some type of medical insurance cover. There are far too many reports about travelers who have run into terrible problems while seeking medical help in a foreign country.

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.

Ask your travel insurance Ontario carrier the following additional questions. Will payment go directly to the relevant health care provider in Canada? If not, when will you personally be reimbursed? What about cover in the event of psychiatric treatment being necessary? What cover is applicable regarding my remains should I die?

If you are taking prescription medication to Canada, the medication should be stored in its original labeled container. Have a copy of the doctor’s prescription on hand, as well as the doctor’s contact details. Diabetics who are bringing syringes into Canada should be in possession of a doctor’s certificate stating that the syringes are for medical use. You must declare the syringes to the custom officials when you arrive in Canada.

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.