How To Obtain Health Insurance For Canadian Expats

Canada has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. As a Canadian citizen, you may have grown accustomed to receiving healthcare quickly and affordably. However, each country has its own healthcare system, and as a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must ensure that you have access to the greatest health insurance policy.

Do Canadian Citizens Living Abroad Need Health Insurance?

All expats— including Canadian expats— need health insurance when living abroad. Depending on the country they move to, Canadian expats have the option to:

• Enroll in a state-funded healthcare system and receive public health insurance.
• Purchase private health insurance.

Many expats prefer the latter option, to avoid possible obstacles with public health systems, such as the language barrier and long waiting times to see a specialist. Canadian expats who are simply going abroad for a vacation or temporarily, can just get travel health insurance for expats.

Canadian Expat Health Insurance in the USA

Here are a few options of how you can get health insurance in the US as a Canadian expat:

• Employer-based health insurance – Most employees in the US have health insurance provided by their employer. So, if you have found a job in the US, you’ll most likely be covered by your company’s policy, which usually allows you to include your partner and children.
• Private health insurance – If your employer does not insure you, you have to buy your health insurance plan yourself. You can choose any plan that meets your medical needs, even with pre-existing conditions.
• U.S. medicare – You can qualify for Medicare if you are a Canadian expat in the US, even if you don’t have a Green Card if you or your spouse has worked in the US for ten years or more. But, keep in mind that to qualify for Medicare, you have to be 65 years of age.
• International health insurance – If you do not wish to purchase a private insurance plan in the United States, you can choose for global coverage. International health insurance products protect you all year in one place and can be tailored to your specific needs. The annual cost of international health insurance ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per person.

To help you choose the best insurance plan, you can use comparative marketplaces like Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance and review different plans that cater to Canadian expats.

Health Insurance For Canadian Students In The USA

If you’re a Canadian student in the US, your health insurance options are as follows:

• Coordinate with your educational provider – Most schools have mandatory or optional US health insurance plans for international students. So, check with your university and see what plans they offer and whether you can get a waiver if the plan doesn’t suit your needs.
• Purchase an international policy – Because healthcare in the United States is expensive, and medical treatments can be too expensive for students, purchasing an international health insurance program to cover you while studying in the United States is one of the best solutions. You can acquire medical coverage for a certain amount of money and pay an inexpensive premium with an insurance plan, and you can customize the plan to your personal needs.
• Keep using your Canadian health insurance – If you are studying in the United States for a short period of time, you may still be covered by your province’s health insurance plan. In most circumstances, you must spend at least 183 days of the year in Canada to be eligible for health insurance coverage outside of Canada. Keep in mind that coverage options in this instance differ by province, and you’ll normally only be covered for emergencies.

Health Insurance for Canadian Tourists in the US

If you intend to visit the United States as a tourist, you should consider getting US travel insurance for visitors. A travel insurance policy can provide you with medical coverage for emergencies, repatriation, and luggage coverage. However, before purchasing your plan, be sure that your province’s insurance policy covers you for the brief trip.

Cost of Health Insurance for Canadian Expats

Canadian expat health insurance costs hundreds to thousands of dollars. What kind of insurance you desire, how much medical coverage you want, and how long you buy your policy all affect insurance costs.

It can be tough to get the greatest health insurance price, and you may buy unnecessary benefits. Use comparison tools like Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance to compare insurance plans, pricing, and perks.

Can’t I Use My Canadian Insurance?

If you can use your Canadian insurance abroad, it’s usually limited to emergencies. Only if you meet Canadian living requirements does your Canadian insurance protect you abroad. If you stay in the country for more than 183 days in a year, you can use your health insurance overseas (with limited coverage). However, the 183-day requirement varies by province in Canada, and some demand more or less time. Buying an international health insurance coverage or enrolling in your new country’s policy is necessary.

Benefits of Health Insurance for Canadian Expats

Having health insurance as an expat outside of Canada has various advantages. For starters, you’re protected for most medical scenarios, which saves you money on medical bills. Second, you can gain access to private hospitals with lower wait times and care from English-speaking providers.

Best Health Insurance for Canadian Expats

There are several international insurance plans for Canadian expats, some of which include the following:

• Cigna
• IMG
• AXA
• GEO Blue

You can also check out The Complete List Of Best Travel Insurance Companies