Private health insurance for temporary resident

[wenwenwen13]

Hi there,

I am an Australian and I will be moving to Canada soon on a working holiday visa for 2 years.
Am I eligible to take out private health insurance?

Thank you

 

[steaky]

Sure, everyone can buy travel insurance.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hi there,

I am an Australian and I will be moving to Canada soon on a working holiday visa for 2 years.
Am I eligible to take out private health insurance?

Thank you

Note the insurance must contain repatriation.

 

[wenwenwen13]

Thanks guys.

I read that you cant get Medicare unless you are a permanent resident.

Is that true?

 

[Suin]

Thanks guys.

I read that you cant get Medicare unless you are a permanent resident.

Is that true?

Canadian - not, but still can get private/travel insurance.

 

[Regina]

Medicare unless you are a permanent resident

Or an international student or worker.

 

[goldenbrown]

Hi there,

I am an Australian and I will be moving to Canada soon on a working holiday visa for 2 years.
Am I eligible to take out private health insurance?

Thank you

I would suggest to go with a one of the Canadian companies. They make the process of processing claims easier and are more able to arrange direct billing so that you don't have to pay out of your own pocket. I've heard that some international insurers try to avoid reimbursing their clients and its harder to reach them.

You can get a policy for up to 18 months and then extend for another 6 months. If after some time you become qualified for the provincial coverage, the private plan can be cancelled and you can receive a refund.

You can take a look at what's being offered in terms of private health plans and compare among all the companies. Most companies just cover emergencies. There is one company though, that offers some routine check ups, eye examination, as well as supplemental maternity benefits of up to $10,000. You can take a look if you are interested:

http://goarticles.com/article/TIC-Travel-Insurance-Coordinators-Super-Visa-Visitors-to-Canada-and-Newcomers/8652991/

 

[Rob_TO]

Here is a site that will compare multiple Canadian companies for you to compare coverage and prices: https://www.kanetix.ca/travel-visitors-to-canada

You could also check local Australian travel insurance providers, if there is one you are confident using while living in Canada.

 

[wenwenwen13]

Thanks for all your help.
I was thinking of getting travel insurance for visitors through a Canadian company for about 3 months and since i will be moving to BC, I've heard a little about MSP. So I thought I would sign up for that since it will be about $20 cheaper.
I really only want insurance to cover medical.
Do you think this is a good idea?

 

[goldenbrown]

Thanks for all your help.
I was thinking of getting travel insurance for visitors through a Canadian company for about 3 months and since i will be moving to BC, I've heard a little about MSP. So I thought I would sign up for that since it will be about $20 cheaper.
I really only want insurance to cover medical.
Do you think this is a good idea?

I doubt you would qualify for MSP as an IEC visa holder. People on a working holiday visa are generally not eligible for provincial coverage. I've heard of rare occasions when people were able to go on it, but it was in Alberta, and I believe it only works with certain types of jobs. And even those people will require coverage for repatriation since it is not covered under provincial health care.

Most likely you will be required to get a full 2 year coverage to be able to receive a full 2 year IEC visa.

Check out the requirements for the IEC visa/ IEC travel insurance coverage to be able to apply for the right kind of coverage;

<a href=http://arbetovinsurance.com/iec-travel-insurance/>IEC Travel Insurance/ Requirements</a>


Specific info about 2 year plans can be found <a href=http://arbetovinsurance.com/two-year-insurance-coverage-iec-working-holiday/>here</a>

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I doubt you would qualify for MSP as an IEC visa holder. People on a working holiday visa are generally not eligible for provincial coverage.

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/faqas.html#whp

I’m on a working holiday program – what do I need to send to apply for coverage?

Persons on a working holiday program need to have:

- a working permit valid for at least six consecutive months or more,
- must be staying in British Columbia for at least six consecutive months, and
- be working a minimum of 18 hours per week.

To apply for coverage, those with a valid working permit on a working holiday program must submit the Application for Enrolment form with both of the following items to determine eligibility:

Confirmation of employment in British Columbia with:
- a copy of your employment contract indicating full-time status or the number of hours worked per week, OR
- a letter from your employer stating the date employment started and expected to end, and indicate full-time status or the number of hours worked per week.
- Departure date from British Columbia.