Travel Insurance

Why is medical insurance so important for tourists, students, and visitors to Canada?

There are insurance plans that cover emergency costs for Canadian residents traveling outside of the country. Still, plans are designed specifically for new immigrants, guests, family visitors, and international students. For the first three months, a new permanent resident does not qualify for Canadian medical insurance. International students are also not covered, which puts them in very vulnerable positions.

In all these cases, individuals must purchase a medical insurance policy. The cost of treatment in Canada is relatively high. For example, an operation to remove an appendix can cost approximately $15,000; a regular doctor visit can cost up to $90.00, and one day in the hospital can cost anywhere between $4,000 to $10,000. It is, therefore, essential that people take purchasing a policy seriously.

It is essential to consider how long you wish your medical insurance plan to last. Coverage for 365 days, for example, can cover medical costs up to $100,000 but may not be necessary if you stay in the country for less than 12 months. It is good to remember that many policies will provide a 5% discount per person if multiple people are on the same contract.