Should I buy travel/health insurance policy from Indian companies before arriving to Canada?

[kumar_ap]

Whom should I prefer for my temporary travel/health insurance policy for 3 months coverage?

Shall I go with Indian insurance companies prior to my arrival to Canada Or Canadian Insurance companies.

I am not sure if Canadian hospitals accept the foreign insurance policies. Please suggest

 

[zardoz]

Whom should I prefer for my temporary travel/health insurance policy for 3 months coverage?

Shall I go with Indian insurance companies prior to my arrival to Canada Or Canadian Insurance companies.

I am not sure if Canadian hospitals accept the foreign insurance policies. Please suggest

Canadian. It will make it much easier for you if you should need to claim.

 

[kumar_ap]

Canadian. It will make it much easier for you if you should need to claim.

Can I buy the insurance prior to my arrival and if so which is the suitable one?

 

[zardoz]

Can I buy the insurance prior to my arrival and if so which is the suitable one?

Yes you can. I used Manulife but there are lots to choose from.

Example : https://www.manulife.ca/for-you/insurance/explore/travel/visitor-to-canada.html

 

[Steevy]

Agreed with zardoz that it is way easier to deal with a Canadian insurance provider when it comes to visitors insurance. As for which insurance plan to choose, there are quite a few options available on the market for people coming over to Canada.

I would suggest to take a look and compare different insurance plans before getting the policy to make sure that you are getting the best coverage for your budget. Policies from providers like Manulife, while well-known and provide sufficient medical emergency coverage, are a bit pricey on average. You might get similar coverage at a lower rate by going with a different insurer.

Just note that all insurance policies for visitors to Canada and new immigrants (which is the exact same product) will only cover medical emergency treatment for unexpected things like sickness and injury, while not providing any coverage whatsoever for routine check-ups, over-the-counter medications, continuation of an ongoing treatment and elective medical care procedures among other non-emergency care.

And yes, it is best if you get your insurance policy before leaving your home country and arriving in Canada so that you coverage, depending on the plan of your choice, start either on the date of your arrival in Canada or the date of your departure from your home country.

You will be able to get a personal quote as well as compare different options here - Temporary Medical Insurance

 

[JohnAntony88]

I am coming with my wife and 1 year old kid. We did not have any health insurance here? Will it be an issue in getting health insurance coverage for the 1st three months or for OHIP?

 

[Wolverine17]

Yes you can. I used Manulife but there are lots to choose from.

Example : https://www.manulife.ca/for-you/insurance/explore/travel/visitor-to-canada.html

Did you do ot it before or after landing?

 

[Wolverine17]

Agreed with zardoz that it is way easier to deal with a Canadian insurance provider when it comes to visitors insurance. As for which insurance plan to choose, there are quite a few options available on the market for people coming over to Canada.

I would suggest to take a look and compare different insurance plans before getting the policy to make sure that you are getting the best coverage for your budget. Policies from providers like Manulife, while well-known and provide sufficient medical emergency coverage, are a bit pricey on average. You might get similar coverage at a lower rate by going with a different insurer.

Just note that all insurance policies for visitors to Canada and new immigrants (which is the exact same product) will only cover medical emergency treatment for unexpected things like sickness and injury, while not providing any coverage whatsoever for routine check-ups, over-the-counter medications, continuation of an ongoing treatment and elective medical care procedures among other non-emergency care.

And yes, it is best if you get your insurance policy before leaving your home country and arriving in Canada so that you coverage, depending on the plan of your choice, start either on the date of your arrival in Canada or the date of your departure from your home country.

You will be able to get a personal quote as well as compare different options here - Temporary Medical Insurance

Can someone get a medical coverage if am not yet sure of my arrival date,for ex a 3 month coverage that is valid for a one year regardless of my arrival date?

 

[zardoz]

Can someone get a medical coverage if am not yet sure of my arrival date,for ex a 3 month coverage that is valid for a one year regardless of my arrival date?

I doubt it would be possible. Insurance is quoted based on the circumstances/risk at the time of purchase.

 

[canuck78]

I am coming with my wife and 1 year old kid. We did not have any health insurance here? Will it be an issue in getting health insurance coverage for the 1st three months or for OHIP?

You can purchase emergency health coverage for the first 3 months. Any routine appointments would not be covered until OHIP kicks in at 3 months. Would recommend it especially given you have a 1 year old. Kids are unpredictable.

 

[JohnAntony88]

You can purchase emergency health coverage for the first 3 months. Any routine appointments would not be covered until OHIP kicks in at 3 months. Would recommend it especially given you have a 1 year old. Kids are unpredictable.

Understood. Thank you

Which Insurance company would you recommend? Manulife is preferred by everyone, but i find their premium rates too high. How about destination canada? Does it have good coverage in Toronto or GTA areas?

 

[SoSaPB]

But canadian ones turn out to be twice the cost. If you are a visitor ,isnt it a good idea to buy from Indian ones?

 

[kprs_ind]

But canadian ones turn out to be twice the cost. If you are a visitor ,isnt it a good idea to buy from Indian ones?

The reason for Buying Canadian one’s are there’s a seemless integration between the insurance companies and the hospitals because the insurer is from Canada. If it is from back home, there may be some hiccups in the claim process, etc.

When you say the cost, can you provide me details of the cost from the Indian insurance companies. I can provide you Canadian insurance companies costs and we can compare.

 

[b87]

But canadian ones turn out to be twice the cost. If you are a visitor ,isnt it a good idea to buy from Indian ones?

Hi there,
Please let me know which Insurance did you opt for ?

@derkdsou, Sir you insights on this please.

 

[derkdsou]

I haven't thought about this yet. I know that Indian policies don't cover care outside of India. Any cover provided for accident or emergencies outside of India by an Indian policy usually requires repatriation of the policy holder back to India for the delivery of care. Always read the fine print!

I don't know if this thread is meant for tourists, students or PRs - I'm guessing PRs - I only read the title of the thread.

Hi there,
Please let me know which Insurance did you opt for ?

@derkdsou, Sir you insights on this please.