Can I be added to my husband's health insurance before PR.

[Gemini020]

For anyone trying to get MSP (or something similar perhaps in other provinces, I don't know) any time soon (for me it will be a couple of months before I can even try), maybe the following might be usefull:

https://www.change.org/p/citizenship-and-immigration-canada-improve-processing-time-for-inland-spousal-sponsorship-and-grant-open-work-permit-upon-aor/u/8056190

with the FOI request http://www.openinfo.gov.bc.ca/ibc/search/detail.page?config=ibc&P110=recorduid:5698883&title=FOI%20Request%20-%20HTH-2014-00164.

Having an example on how to deal with it might help.

 

[keesio]

From my work they said specifically that my husband would need to have OHIP coverage before they would be able to add him to my benefits (Manulife). Maybe if you don't say that he doesn't, they add it anyway? Not sure if thats a loophole..

I specifically asked my company HR if my wife can get covered despite not qualifying for OHIP. They were not sure and told me to contact Great West Life about it. I called great West Life and they put me on hold for awhile and then came back to me and said it is fine and they added her. Maybe Great West Life is more easy going about it. I don't really know for sure since my wife never used any of the benefits until she got OHIP anyway.

The other person on this thread who mentioned they didn't have issues either also mentioned the benefits provider was Great West Life too.

 

[IrisSphere]

Hmm, I guess Great West Life has a different policy. Though not sure how it would work, as even a simple doctor's visit requires you present OHIP (and as far as I know they don't charge companies for this).

 

[keesio]

Hmm, I guess Great West Life has a different policy. Though not sure how it would work, as even a simple doctor's visit requires you present OHIP (and as far as I know they don't charge companies for this).

doctors are covered by OHIP. But if you go use benefits to get a massage, buy eye glasses or fill out a drug prescription, you don't need to present your health card.

 

[fruitball4u]

I originally came to Canada on a temporary foreign worker permit, and was given provincial healthcare that way. Once it was about to expire, I re-applied and showed proof that I'm applying for permanent residency and that my sponsor had been approved. They pretty much immediately approved it (it took about a month, which is fast in terms of mailing things in and waiting for a response) and I didn't have any other issues.

For anyone in British Columbia, this document may be of interest to you:

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/are-you-eligible/applicants-for-permanent-resident-status