Why Would You Need Visitor’s Insurance?
Canada has a lot to offer, including free healthcare, but only for residents. When you or your loved ones visit Canada, unexpected medical expenses could leave you with hefty bills. With travel insurance for visitors to Canada, you can get help covering these expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental care, hospital stays, and healthcare practitioner services. This way, you won’t end up paying out of pocket.
Choosing the Right Insurance Policy
Canadian insurance providers offer visitors to Canada insurance coverage for temporary residents on short stays or permanent residents who are not currently covered by a government health insurance plan.
If you’re travelling to Canada as a tourist, work permit holder, IEC visa holder, landed immigrant, or are renewing your status, you can protect yourself financially from expensive emergency medical care with a proper insurance policy.
Coverage Under Your Visitor’s Insurance Should Include:
- Summary of Visitors to Canada Insurance Benefits:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Emergency return home/repatriation
- Ambulance services
- Emergency dental repair
- Dental pain relief
- Injuries from recreational sports
- Prescription medications
- Laboratory diagnostics & X-rays
- Services of a medical specialist (e.g., chiropractor, osteopath)
- Services of a registered nurse
- Rental or purchase of medical appliances
Side trips outside Canada are also covered by your visitor’s insurance as long as you remain in Canada for the majority of your policy period. For a detailed coverage description, please read the policy wording of the insurance plan you select.
Undeclared or Unstable Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Having medical conditions before travelling can lead to denied claims. However, if you disclose them properly, you can get coverage for your health needs while abroad. If you’re buying your policy through a broker or agent, they can explain how pre-existing medical condition coverage works in your case.
A pre-existing condition is any medical condition that exists before the start of your coverage. This includes known complications and recurrences of a condition you might have. However, if these conditions have been stable and controlled for a certain period, you may be eligible for additional coverage.
Travel medical insurance for visitors and immigrants to Canada safeguards you against unforeseen medical expenses, such as emergency treatment. Your claim may be denied if you fail to disclose a previous serious illness or a condition for which you regularly take medication.
If You Have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition
If you have a medical condition and it worsens before your trip, you are required to notify your insurance provider or the broker you bought your policy from. If your condition worsens during your visit, your insurer might argue that you didn’t take the necessary steps to control it before travelling. Therefore, it’s important to let your insurance agency know of any changes to your medical condition’s status.
Here are some tips:
- When in doubt, declare your condition. Transparency is key to avoiding claim denials.
- Seek a physician’s advice or permission before travelling if you have a medical condition. Their expertise will help you determine if you are fit to travel.
- Make sure your condition is well-managed before your trip. Taking proactive steps to control your condition will increase the likelihood of coverage.
- Understanding how pre-existing conditions and stability periods relate to your medical history and policy coverage is crucial. Don’t let an unforeseen medical condition ruin your travel experience.
Not Sure About Your Insurance Options?
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