Auto / Medical Insurance in Canada

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Thanks to all for the great input about their experience in regards to this issue.
Will be making inquires with both my auto/trailer insurer and with my supplemental health insurer to see if they have coverage when traveling thru Canada.
Looks like an additional trip insurance policy would be a good safe guard as was recommended. Thanks again

Medicare will pay if within its explanation:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/travel-need-health-care-outside-us.html

We were in Jasper and I had a gallstone attack. I went to the town doc and was treated immediately (before Medicare) for only $64. We were then traveling across Canada to Ontario and she emailed me twice to see how I was doing. Awesome!

We can present ideas, but you will need to check your policy or call your ins. company to find out for sure. If covered, just request your auto ins. co. to send you a card for proof of coverage in Canada. Medicare may cover if you are going on a Direct Route to Alaska and have an emergency. I wouldn't take that chance on Medicare covering. We bought supplemental medical coverage, good for the number of days we were in Canada.

Check Medicare.gov, from what I read if you are driving a direct route between a US state and Alaska and have an emergency you are covered, not necessary your suplemental. Again the qualifying DIRECT ROUTE, not sure what that means.
We we're held up one night by snow, could we have continued sure but locals recommended we wait a night for roads to clear. Did we violate the direct route?

medicare does not cover expenses in Canada and our AARP United Health Care does not either. We bought $100,000 of coverage with a $250 deductible for $222 for 18 days. VTC Insurance Co.
Our Auto/Motorhome insurer - Safeco - said we do not need anything different for our auto coverage while in Canada.
Hope this helps.

Re Medicare: doesn't pay for care in Canada. But many of the Medicare Supplements (but not all) do -- mine pays after the first $250.

Drop in to a walk in clinic in Canada ($50 fee, in Cdn dollars), and bring along your medications. The Canadian Doc will write a script for you. However, if you get it in one province--it won't be honored in another.

Drugs are generally about 1/5 the cost in Canada for the same prescription from the same maker, and often less than the cost of co-pay costs in USA.

bob_nestor wrote:
I do know that US prescriptions can't be filled in Canada since they're not written by a Doctor licensed to practice in Canada.

Hi,

Unfortunately the customs agent decides what is an extended stay. Those guys have a LOT of power on both sides of our common border.

Check to see if your USA plan covers you in Canada and get a letter to that effect from them.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

The rules have changed. If you plan an extended stay in Canada you now must show that you do have medical insurance coverage in Canada.

They may ask for financial information as well, such as your bank balance and how much you owe on credit cards.

Thanks for the reply. Not an extended stay, but will be in either BC or YT for various parts of the trip.