Heath Coverage

[Jab316]

Hi everyone,

My spouse is scheduled to land in Canada (Vancouver) for the first time later this week. After they process her immigration documents at the airport, is she going to be medically insured? Can she walk into any clinic and have the BC government cover the costs or is there a waiting period?

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

No - there's a three month waiting period:

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol/coverage-wait-period

 

[Jab316]

Looks like the next best option is to get travel insurance for that period of time. Just got a quote from Sunlife and it'll be around $180 for three months, any other recommendations?

 

[Jab316]

Travel insurance for immigrants doesn't seem to cover walk in clinic costs, it's mainly meant for emergencies.

 

[scylla]

Travel insurance for immigrants doesn't seem to cover walk in clinic costs, it's mainly meant for emergencies.

Yes - that's right. Travel insurance in general typically covers emergencies only. You'll need to pay for walk in clinics and similar care out of your own pocket until the provincial coverage kicks in.

 

[Rob_TO]

Travel insurance for immigrants doesn't seem to cover walk in clinic costs, it's mainly meant for emergencies.

It will cover a walk-in clinic cost if the reason for going is an unexpected medical condition. And then it should also cover the resulting tests, treatment and follow-up visits.

What it won't cover, is a regular check up visit or if you go due to a pre-existing condition.