Canadian law requires foreigners entering the country to have an insurance policy. At the same time, depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of stay, different requirements are put forward for insurance. Find out when and what type of insurance is required to enter Canada

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay abroad

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According to Canadian law, traveling or moving to the country requires obtaining the appropriate type of visa and purchasing an insurance policy. Therefore, before packing your bags, you need to find out what type of entry permit you need and what insurance requirements are required.

We talk about the specifics of health insurance for visitors to Canada below.

What does the type of insurance policy for entering Canada depend on?

Not all travel or health insurance policies are the same and will be right for your stay. The following factors influence the type of coverage you need:

— Length of stay.

— Provinces and territories you plan to visit.

— Planned activities during the stay (for example, winter sports and adventure tourism may require special coverage).

— Do you need special insurance for work permit etc.

What are the insurance policy requirements for entering Canada?

Insurance requirements in Canada vary depending on the type of visa, intended activity and length of stay.

Tourist visas

Canada is a very popular destination among tourists. The state is known around the world for its vast unspoilt landscape, unique blend of cultures and multi-faceted history.

Travel insurance is included in the list of mandatory documents when obtaining a visa to Canada, and its presence is a condition for travel on an eTA (electronic travel authorization).

It is necessary to issue a policy for the entire period of stay in the country. It should cover a wide range of risks (visits to doctors, hospital treatment, medicines, etc.).

Student visas

International students in Canada are eligible for a public health insurance Health Card, but each province decides independently whether health services will be provided to international students. The following territories currently offer health insurance to international students: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan.

Students enrolling in provinces that do not offer health insurance for international students are usually required to purchase private health insurance.

Also, keep in mind that it takes some time to issue a national health insurance policy. Therefore, in order to protect against unforeseen costs, a student must have a quality health insurance policy for the first months of study.

Students who participate in exchange programs and plan to stay in Canada for up to 3 months can take out a regular travel insurance policy.

Work permit

Expats traveling to Canada for work are also covered by the National Health Card insurance system. However, as in the case of student insurance, the policy begins to operate after a certain period. Therefore, to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses in the first months of your stay in Canada, take out a health insurance policy before your trip.

IEC work permit

If you are participating in the IEC (International Experience Canada) program, insurance is mandatory. You must purchase a private health insurance policy for the duration of your employment in Canada. Also among the requirements is that your policy must compensate for repatriation costs.

Super Visa

Canada's immigration laws require health insurance for foreigners applying for a Super Visa, a permit that allows relatives of Canadian residents to stay in the country for longer than 6 months. The policy must be valid throughout the foreigner's stay in Canada and cover a wide range of medical risks.

Health insurance for expats moving to Canada permanently

If you move to Canada under the permanent residence program, according to the conditions, you will be able to use public health care, but this will happen a little later. You won't be covered by your insurance policy for the first few months after you arrive, as it takes time for your provincial or territorial insurance to kick in. That is why, in the first months of your stay in Canada, you need to have a health insurance policy.

Refugees under the CUAET program

In Canada, provincial and territorial governments are responsible for health care. This means that access to the health care system and specific health services depends on which province or territory you live in.

If a provincial or territorial government offers public health care services under the CUAET program, you will need to apply for a health card.

If you do not have the right to receive the services of the state health care system, you will be able to receive it on the basis of an open work permit or you will have to purchase a private health insurance policy.

Also, take into account that the first time after arrival, in particular during the processing of documents and medical insurance, it is better to be sure that in case of an emergency or illness, you will be able to receive guaranteed assistance in a language you understand. In addition, given the high cost of medical services in Canada, an insurance policy can save you a lot of money in case of illness. Therefore, before moving, we advise you to purchase a travel insurance policy.

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What should you pay attention to when taking out travel or health insurance for Canada?

In Canada, there are no government requirements for what a health insurance policy should include for visitors to the country. Therefore, a foreigner can choose the components of the policy himself, but we advise you to pay attention to:

— Amount of coverage - the maximum amount of payments you can receive in the event of an insured event.

— Deductible – part of the loss that will not be compensated by the company when an insured event occurs.

— Components of insurance - what is covered by medical insurance: doctor's consultation, hospitalization, medication, dental care, emergency medical care, etc.

What risks does travel insurance to Canada cover?

For a tourist trip to Canada, a foreigner must take out a travel insurance policy. It usually includes coverage for emergency medical care, outpatient treatment, emergency evacuation, personal injury assistance, loss, damage and theft of your belongings, trip cancellation or curtailment, and more.

What risks are covered by the health insurance policy?

International health insurance is long-term and covers most of the medical expenses you may incur while abroad, but does not cover trip interruptions: emergency outpatient care, hospital care, emergency medical expenses, reimbursement of prescription drugs, emergency operations, body repatriation, medical transportation.

Where to buy health insurance policy for travel to Canada?

For the safest trips, you should buy insurance policies only from verified agents. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase reliable insurance that has many advantages: packages for entering any country in the world, guarantee of payments, online payment. A reliable policy in your mail in just a few minutes.

Just choose the most suitable options for the specifics of your trip, travel safely and save money at the same time.

Photo: Freepik

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit Ukraine

To safely move, travel or find employment in a new country, you will need medical insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

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