Questions on Insurance, etc

[rockmyway]

Hi,

I will be making a soft landing in Toronto and will stay there for a couple of weeks. I need help with the following questions, and will appreciate any help based on your experience:

1. Insurance - Should I book health and travel insurance from an Indian company like ICICI/HDFC, or a Canada based company? What is your recommendation because I believe the healthcare coverage only kicks-in after 3 months or so.

2. Cell Network - What is your recommendation on a good and cost-effective cell-phone network? I want a network that can be on roaming when I return to India (Delhi) and can receive/make calls from this Canadian number at a low cost.

3. Canadian Bank - Which bank would you recommend I open my bank account in? I am looking for low fees for current account and good facility for transferring money from India.

Thank you very much in advance for your responses!

 

[canuck78]

Hi,

I will be making a soft landing in Toronto and will stay there for a couple of weeks. I need help with the following questions, and will appreciate any help based on your experience:

1. Insurance - Should I book health and travel insurance from an Indian company like ICICI/HDFC, or a Canada based company? What is your recommendation because I believe the healthcare coverage only kicks-in after 3 months or so.

2. Cell Network - What is your recommendation on a good and cost-effective cell-phone network? I want a network that can be on roaming when I return to India (Delhi) and can receive/make calls from this Canadian number at a low cost.

3. Canadian Bank - Which bank would you recommend I open my bank account in? I am looking for low fees for current account and good facility for transferring money from India.

Thank you very much in advance for your responses!

1. Would go with a Canada based company. You will only qualify to apply for healthcare when you settle in Canada permanently. Don’t apply unless you plan on returning in a month.

2. Won’t be possible to return home and use the number unless cost isn’t an issue.

4. Any of the major banks. You don’t want to create too many ties to Canada unless you plan on returning soon.

 

[subodhp]

1. Sonnet
2. Fido
3. Td

 

[kabayan]

Hi,

I will be making a soft landing in Toronto and will stay there for a couple of weeks. I need help with the following questions, and will appreciate any help based on your experience:

1. Insurance - Should I book health and travel insurance from an Indian company like ICICI/HDFC, or a Canada based company? What is your recommendation because I believe the healthcare coverage only kicks-in after 3 months or so.

2. Cell Network - What is your recommendation on a good and cost-effective cell-phone network? I want a network that can be on roaming when I return to India (Delhi) and can receive/make calls from this Canadian number at a low cost.

3. Canadian Bank - Which bank would you recommend I open my bank account in? I am looking for low fees for current account and good facility for transferring money from India.

Thank you very much in advance for your responses!

1. I recommend a Canadian based insurer for faster processing in case required.
2. Would recommend FIDO, however just choose the lowest plan and just bring your own phone.
3. TD, Scotiabank and RBC normally have programs for newly landed immigrants. Just be careful because some of the programs will charge you a monthly fee after 1 year and have not maintained a minimum balance in the account.