Canadian Health Care

[garmp]

We're planning a trip to the UP of Michigan and into Canada for a day or two. How does this work if one of us, say, breaks an arm or such? We're from the US, have insurance and all, but I believe Canada is on a government type sponsored system.
What's the protocol for receiving medical attention when out of country?

[bsinmich]

You have your answer butnI can giv youthe official Medicare answer. Medicare does not cover when uou are out of the US but most Medicar Supplement plans will cover you ot of the country. Only the 2 cheapest plans do not have foreugn coverage. Medicare Advantage plans have their own rules and you have to check with your insurer for their coverage. When you have an Advantage plan Medicare pays the ins. co. about $1050 per month to take care of you.

[garmp]

Did call our insurance company and they told us, "No problem" we're covered. Hope we don't have to find out.
Thanks to all for your input!!!

[Campfire_Time]

Terryallan wrote:


Kind of what I think. You are insured no matter where you go. That is what you pay for. Why would they care what country you are in?

Because of in-network/out-of-network requirements. Because of agreements with healthcare systems, and doctors groups. It's unfortunately very complicated. Every insurance company has dozens of policies. One does not not equate to another. And then throw employers in the mix. Their requirements often dictate what a given policy can and cannot pay for.

So the right answer is as above, check with your insurer.

[petrel]

My son broke his arm mountain biking in Calgary. The folks at the wonderful children's hospital there did want to be paid. The doctor accepted payment right there. The hospital did not have that capability, so they billed us. Our insurer, BC/BS has indicated that we have international coverage and they will reimburse us, but we will have to get the doctor's notes for them, and complete some forms.

The prices were very reasonable!

[owenssailor]

Canada has a first rate health care system that covers all residents. No insurance companies are involved. Everyone is covered.

However non-residents are not covered. You will be asked how you will be paying your bill. Out of country insurance is highly recommended.

We would never travel to the US for even a day without out of country insurance. The costs in the US are way higher than they are in Canada.

[Mamadubbs]

My employer's wife took ill on a trip to Denmark last year. Since the hospital didn't accept their insurance, they had to make payments to the hospital every couple of days which they charged to their American Express. They are on Medicare and have BCBS supplemental insurance. Although their insurance would cover, the hospital in Denmark couldn't provide a billing statement with enough detail and billing codes to make a proper claim. Luckily they had travel insurance which did reimburse their out of pocket costs. I would check with your policy holder and consider travel insurance just in case.

[noteven]

Yes - Check with your insurance company regarding health/emergency coverages.

Oh and ask your vehicle insurance company for a proof of valid public liability insurance certificate for each of your vehicle(s) - it must be shown to an enforcement officer if requested in all provinces and territories.

[romore]

Talk to your insurer!!! Your existing policy may cover you outside the country but likely not. If it does you may be required to pay up front and submit receipts for reimbursement.

[obgraham]

Depends on how much you are willing to "self insure".

If I break my arm there, fix it and bill me. If it looks like a long process, that's why I have a very good evacuation insurance to take me where I want to go.

[Terryallan]

n7bsn wrote:
Rather then listen to Internet "X" perts, call your insurance company and see what your policy actually is.

Mine covers any emergency visit in Canada, Japan, Korea or (most) of Europe.

Kind of what I think. You are insured no matter where you go. That is what you pay for. Why would they care what country you are in?

[n7bsn]

Rather then listen to Internet "X" perts, call your insurance company and see what your policy actually is.

Mine covers any emergency visit in Canada, Japan, Korea or (most) of Europe.

[You_can_t_take_]

You need to buy travel insurance for those days when you will be in Canada. Like in the US the hospitals here know how to bill you!! Anything serious and it will not be pretty. Been there (and fortunately had travel insurance!!) 🙂

[Harvard]

You need to purchase some Travel Insurance. An American visiting Canada or a Canadian visiting the USA, both require Travel Insurance while in the other country.

[DownTheAvenue]

Canada is a very modern country with first class health care available to all. Just like in the States, you can go directly to a hospital in an emergency. You will be expected to pay for any health care you receive while in Canada. Your US insurance most likely will not cover you in Canada. You can buy trip insurance that will provide coverage, but for just a "day or two" it probably is not worth the expense.