Canadian Travel Health Insurance Advice For USA Citizens
Regarding Canadian travel health insurance coverage, there are a few important factors to consider. This article will be pertinent to USA citizens traveling to Canada. The first thing you should do is send a letter to the US State Department advising them that you are traveling to Canada and provide the dates.
In this way, you can be traced should any emergency arise at home in your absence. Also, the Department can alert you if an unexpected crisis arises in Canada during your travels. All information provided will be treated as confidential, as legislated in the Privacy Act.
A vital component of your travel preparations is to consult your medical insurance company regarding your policy’s status in Canada. Ascertain if you will have cover for possible emergency medical expenses. There are not many medical insurance policies that provide cover for medical expenses outside the United States unless additional cover has been bought.
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.
Should you require medical treatment in Canada, it is likely that the hospital and doctor will require payment immediately. Regarding a medical evacuation, although unlikely, this could cost as much as $50,000. Make sure you discuss this with your health carrier.
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.
HIV positive travelers must abide by the same rules regarding medications. Antiretroviral drugs should also be kept in their original containers. It is recommended that you get an extra script from your doctor in case you lose your drugs or they are stolen. On this subject, it is not obligatory for USA citizens to have an AIDS test to enter Canada.
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.
