Health insurance coverage in Canada

[Leismom]

Traveling through Canada to Alaska and back this year, looking for Health Insurance coverage. My insurance does not cover me for foreign travel. Ideas ???

[Go UK]

Are there no options for short term additional insurance while you travel?

[formerFR]

are you sure 'foreign' includes Canada? or does it refer to other countries 'overseas'?

I think it's doubtful that health insurance completely rules out coverage in Canada, though I could see that it might have additional rules and coverage limits since their system of health care is different than ours, and your company may not have an 'leverage' when it comes to pricing... plus, it may also be that the Canadian providers don't want to accept a US company where they have to 'wait' for payment.

[Leismom]

I have Medicare and a supplemental ins, does not cover any health visits in Canada

[DDC]

You will need to purchase out of country health insurance most travel agents handle it as does triple A.

[BigWil]

Look into travel insurance, many of those policies are not overly expensive, as they only cover catastrophic type things (sudden serious illness, injuries due to collisions, etc).

Canadian medical expenses are considerably less than American ones. DW is American, and when she first moved to Canada after we got married, we didn't have coverage...an emergency room visit with lab tests and antibiotics for a bladder infection cost us around $250.

[Rokslinger]

When we traveled to Alaska last year, had the same issue with Medicare and supplemental. We used Geoblue. Easy, reasonable, you can buy a policy to fit your needs for the time you anticipate being in Canada.

www.geobluetravelinsurance.com

[Sugarph]

I live 15 miles from the Canadian border, and travel there weekly. My Medicare supplement provides me with limited emergency coverage in Canada. My plan is thru AARP.

[Sugarph]

Medigap plans as noted in the attachment will cover 80% after $250 deductible.

[Quilter3446]

Originally Posted by Leismom

Traveling through Canada to Alaska and back this year, looking for Health Insurance coverage. My insurance does not cover me for foreign travel. Ideas ???

Our insurance agent suggested www.imglobal.com when I asked about coverage for our trip through Canada to Alaska. Pricing seems good.

[formerFR]

right, most insurance clauses state that coverage applies out-of-country when 'emergency' needs arise, but not for 'normal' doctor's visits, etc. Of course, I would think that your real concern is for an emergency, so you should already be covered.

[spock123]

I think if it’s a direct route from Alaska to the states you are covered under Medicare for emergency care. My TriCare for Life covers me anyway

[Quilter3446]

Originally Posted by spock123

I think if it’s a direct route from Alaska to the states you are covered under Medicare for emergency care. My TriCare for Life covers me anyway

As far as I know, Medicare would only cover us IF we had a medical emergence while close to the border and needed hospitalization and the closest hospital is in Canada. Different Medicare Advantage policies or other private insurance may cover medical problems. I specifically asked my provider and was told my policy would not cover me in the event of a health emergency while I’m in Canada.