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.
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.
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 ascertain with your health insurer if payment will be made to the healthcare provider in Canada, or if you will be paid back at a later date. In addition, ask about cover for psychiatric care, and what type of cover is applicable regarding your remains in the event of your death.
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.
The same medication rules apply to travelers who are HIV positive and are taking antiretroviral drugs. It would be a good idea to ask your doctor for an extra script in case your drugs are stolen or if you lose them. On the subject of HIV, USA citizens are not required to undergo AIDS tests before entering 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.
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