According to US News & World Report, Canada is the second best country in the world, thanks to its wealth of opportunities, excellent education system, comprehensive healthcare system, and first-rate infrastructure. Plus, it’s pretty easy to get a work permit for Canada, and more than 180,000 foreigners come each year to work in Canada.
A Canadian work permit is definitely a dream come true. Unfortunately, getting sick while working there can be a nightmare. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are entitled to comprehensive public health insurance; however, foreign nationals who are abroad on a temporary work permit are not eligible for public health care benefits in Canada.
The first step in moving or traveling to Canada for work is to get Canadian expat health insurance to make sure you have enough protection in case of an unfortunate accident or illness.
What is expatriate health insurance in Canada?
Expatriate health insurance is a type of international health insurance that offers insurance plans to expatriates, business travelers, or others living or working abroad. In most cases, expat health insurance offers worldwide coverage and may also be referred to as Global Health Insurance. A Canadian expatriate health insurance plan offers all the benefits of expatriate health insurance in Canada.
Is expat insurance the same as normal travel insurance?
No, expat health insurance and regular travel insurance are not the same. Expat health insurance provides medical coverage to individuals who long-term relocate outside of their country of residence for employment, business, or other reasons. Travel insurance, on the other hand, is for tourists who might only be passing through.
Expat health insurance covers a wide range of medical treatments and also access to private health care facilities. Most standard travel insurance policies do not provide access to extensive health care facilities and can only provide coverage for personal belongings, trip cancellations, etc.
Canada offers national health care benefits. Why do I need expat health insurance?
Although Canada offers domestic health care benefits, these are limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residence holders. You need to purchase Canadian expatriate health insurance if you have plan to live in Canada for work or other reasons, otherwise you will not have immediate access to your national health care facilities.
Which countries are included in an expatriate health insurance?
Depending on the plan you choose, you may be able to get health insurance for expats in certain countries. Typical expat health insurance plans include:
- world
- Worldwide, excluding the United States
- Worldwide, excluding the United States and Canada
- Worldwide, excluding the United States, Canada, and the Far East
Why do I need expat health insurance?
A national insurance plan or a travel insurance plan does not cover the cost of health care facilities abroad in case of illness or accident. If your job or business involves extensive travel, a global health insurance plan (or expatriate health insurance) provides you with the benefit of full coverage of medical costs in every country in the world.
Does expat health insurance include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions?
Expat health insurance can provide cover for various pre-existing medical conditions, although you may need to purchase additional cover for those matters. The buyer must mention all pre-existing medical conditions at the time of purchasing the policy.
What does expatriate health insurance in Canada contain?
The coverage offered by expat health insurance depends on which plan you decide to buy. A typical expat health insurance plan may cover:
- routine reviews
- Expenses for consultation with the doctor or the doctor
- Hospitalization or day care fees
- Hospitalization expenses, including doctor visits
- Surgery and consulting physician fees
- Follow-up Consultation Fees
- Additional costs: medicines, physical therapy, X-rays, radiological scans and vaccinations.
The advantages of buying expatriate health insurance
In addition to providing comprehensive health insurance coverage while working abroad, there are many other benefits of buying expat health insurance:
- Flexible and modular plans to adapt to different needs
- Availability of the worldwide network of hospitals
- Spouse and Family Coverage
- Access to private health care centers
- Easy to buy and simple renewal
- Impeccable customer service
- Comprehensive and complete plans
- Loyalty benefits for long-term customers
Does expat health insurance cover my family?
Expat health insurance plans are flexible. You have the choice of picking a plan that can be customized to fit your unique needs. You can select a plan that only covers individuals if you’re single or your family won’t be moving abroad with you. If you’re moving with your family, you can buy a plan that offers comprehensive coverage for your entire family.
How much does expat health insurance cost?
The following factors influence how much expat health insurance costs:
- The chosen plan: number of people covered, scope of coverage (worldwide or only in Canada)
- pre-existing health conditions
- Insurance company
- Coverage Level Offered
Is care provided in private hospitals?
One of the greatest benefits of expatriate health insurance in Canada is that it offers all the benefits of Canadian private health insurance, including access to medical benefits in private hospitals. The majority of Canadian expat health insurance plans cover treatment at private hospitals.
Does an expat health insurance plan cover maternity plans?
The coverage of maternity plans depends on the plan you have chosen, as well as the insurance company. A standard health insurance plan may not cover maternity plans. If you’re planning to start a family, you may need a supplemental plan to provide coverage for maternity benefit
also read:Are you eligible for a Swiss work permit in 2023?