Health Card related queries

[Ish89]

Hi,

I am a Canadian Citizen living outside of Canada for the past 2 years. I was living before in Alberta. I sponsored my husband from outside Canada, he got approved and received his passport stamped with visa.

My question is regarding my health card. Would I be able to use my health card as soon as I return with my husband to Canada or do I need to re-new it? I heard it takes around 3 months to actually use the health card if not used for more than 6 months.

In case if I get pregnant during the time I return with my husband would I be covered under my old health card? Travel insurance doesn't cover for c-section.

Could anyone please suggest as I am confused?

Thanks in advance.

 

[profiler]

Hi,

I am a Canadian Citizen living outside of Canada for the past 2 years. I was living before in Alberta. I sponsored my husband from outside Canada, he got approved and received his passport stamped with visa.

My question is regarding my health card. Would I be able to use my health card as soon as I return with my husband to Canada or do I need to re-new it? I heard it takes around 3 months to actually use the health card if not used for more than 6 months.

In case if I get pregnant during the time I return with my husband would I be covered under my old health card? Travel insurance doesn't cover for c-section.

Could anyone please suggest as I am confused?

Thanks in advance.

You're best to call the Alberta authorities. I know they are reasonably similar to Ontario's. If you leave for more than 183 days, access to OHIP isn't available. If you use it, they can bill you for the services. To reinstate, you have to reapply and wait out the 90 days.

But as I said, that's best a question for the authorities in Alberta..

 

[Rob_TO]

You're best to call the Alberta authorities. I know they are reasonably similar to Ontario's. If you leave for more than 183 days, access to OHIP isn't available. If you use it, they can bill you for the services. To reinstate, you have to reapply and wait out the 90 days.

But as I said, that's best a question for the authorities in Alberta..

OHIP is for Ontario only.

In Alberta they have AHCIP. Returning citizens/PR and their dependents should be covered immediately with no waiting period. They will just need to make sure they continue to live in Alberta for the required time.

 

[profiler]

OHIP is for Ontario only.

In Alberta they have AHCIP. Returning citizens/PR and their dependents should be covered immediately with no waiting period. They will just need to make sure they continue to live in Alberta for the required time.

Thanks, and I knew that. And yes I already verified the 183 day requirement exists with AHCIP.

OHIP was provided as I stated because I know that plan better than AHCIP -- but they're very similar.

 

[Rob_TO]

Thanks, and I knew that. And yes I already verified the 183 day requirement exists with AHCIP.

OHIP was provided as I stated because I know that plan better than AHCIP -- but they're very similar.

OHIP and AHCIP are completely different. There is a 3 month waiting period with OHIP, there is no such waiting period with AHCIP. Returning Alberta residents are covered immediately upon arrival.

 

[Ish89]

Thanks a lot guys...@Rob and @Profiler.

Did a bit more study and found the below, but as Rob suggested will discuss the same with the authorities over a call tomorrow and see what they have to say.

http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/moving-to-Alberta.html

Moving to Alberta from outside Canada / immigrants

If you are moving or returning to Alberta from outside Canada, you might be eligible for coverage on the date of your arrival when you register within 3 months of arrival and provide all the required documents.

The might in the above seem conditional, but will check with them.


Also found another discussion post : http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/insurance-and-pregnancy-health-card-in-which-province-is-faster-to-get-it-t245161.0.html
If you move to AB instead, you have instant coverage from the day you move. However, you'd have to live in AB for at least 6 months.


Let me call back and update after discussing with the authorities if there has been changes in the rules.

Thanks again for your time. Appreciate your quick reply.

 

[Buletruck]

When I returned to Alberta, my AHIC was restored immediately (other than them asking me to wait 24 hours for the system to update). Same health care number as before I left 6 years earlier. When my spouse arrived, her coverage was immediate too.

 

[Rob_TO]

Thanks a lot guys...@Rob and @Profiler.

Did a bit more study and found the below, but as Rob suggested will discuss the same with the authorities over a call tomorrow and see what they have to say.

http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/moving-to-Alberta.html

Moving to Alberta from outside Canada / immigrants

If you are moving or returning to Alberta from outside Canada, you might be eligible for coverage on the date of your arrival when you register within 3 months of arrival and provide all the required documents.

The might in the above seem conditional, but will check with them.


Also found another discussion post : http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/insurance-and-pregnancy-health-card-in-which-province-is-faster-to-get-it-t245161.0.html
If you move to AB instead, you have instant coverage from the day you move. However, you'd have to live in AB for at least 6 months.


Let me call back and update after discussing with the authorities if there has been changes in the rules.

Thanks again for your time. Appreciate your quick reply.

It's not conditional, you just need to sign up within 3 months. You should not wait though, sign up immediately upon arrival. The only rule is you need to stay in Alberta for some time after you arrive.

Again there is no waiting period in Alberta, you will be covered for everything including pregnancy right from day 1.

 

[Ish89]

Thank you all for your reviews, it really helped me clear my plans.