For those Canadians on their way home.

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by Flyboy757

Further to "Driveby`s" post. The wife and I winter in Southern AZ. My pension covers the first 40 days out of country, after that I have to purchase "extended coverage" from a commercial insurance company. My cost, this past winter..$1095 USD, at current exchange rates. 142 days of coverage, $5 mil / $99 deductible, each person , each event.

That sounds cheap compared to the same coverage purchased by Americans. Before we went on Medicare at age 65, wife and I were paying about 1000/mo EACH for similar coverage. Now that we are on Medicare, that coverage costs us about $700 each per month, but it is based on income and most people pay less than that.

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

That sounds cheap compared to the same coverage purchased by Americans. Before we went on Medicare at age 65, wife and I were paying about 1000/mo EACH for similar coverage. Now that we are on Medicare, that coverage costs us about $700 each per month, but it is based on income and most people pay less than that.

I had the same thought when I read that. I’ll find out in a couple years if I save anything once the Medicare mandate hits. I’m not optimistic.

Reading all this has been an education, even if a bit off topic. I don’t know where else you could get such a common sense, reliable, un-biased, applicable explanation of the a Canadian system. I’ve enjoyed this and appreciate the time and effort that went into these posts.

We can now return to your regularly scheduled program....

[winniman]

Each province has it own independent health system. In Ontario it is OHIP. Even when travelling within Canada, it is advised to have additional travel insurance. My tax dollars go to Ontario, so I guess if I get sick in BC, most would be covered, but perhaps not all. In the US, I don't think much of anything would be covered without additional insurance. I buy travel insurance every year. Depending on how long I will be out of province, the price changes. I have paid as little as $150 for a two week trip to Cuba, to $400 for several months in the US. Fortunately, I have never needed to find out how good it works, as I have never had any medical issues while travelling. The point being made is an insurance companies right to cancel your insurance if you are deemed to have changed to a higher risk category. I suppose they could demand a higher payment to continue. If you get charged with dangerous driving, they can cancel your insurance or put the price up. In a declared world pandemic, I would think they have the right to cancel you if your actions are putting you in a different risk category than they had insured you for. They could give you the option of paying a higher premium. I had friends that refused to come home. I thought they were foolish with possible travel restrictions and closings going on. Their insurance company told them the law wasn't clear, but since the declaration of the pandemic, they MAY not be covered after the 10 day period. Who wants to be sick, and wait for the bean counters to figure out if you are covered. You most likely would be dead by the time they sorted it out.

[Flyboy757]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

That sounds cheap compared to the same coverage purchased by Americans. Before we went on Medicare at age 65, wife and I were paying about 1000/mo EACH for similar coverage. Now that we are on Medicare, that coverage costs us about $700 each per month, but it is based on income and most people pay less than that.

The US vs Cdn health care and insurance systems are as different as night and day. They can`t be compared on an equal basis. In the USA medicine is big business and profit must be made to keep shareholders happy. In my statement, I`m thinking of the Banner Medical group in Arizona which I`ve had dealings. $18 USD for 3 asa 81`s....hhmmm.

My out of country insurance company refunded me $155 USD because, at their suggestion, we returned to Canada 2 1/2 weeks early.

When we get to travel again, will I use this same company...definitely.

Be safe out there. Social distancing and self isolation are the ONLY way we are going to defeat this virus.....

[stewartsmith]

Please advise name of insuaranse company. I am in Manitoba

[Driveby]

Originally Posted by stewartsmith

Please advise name of insurance company. I am in Manitoba

there are a bunch of them. mine came through my house insurance company (but a separate policy). but the all really roll up to TuGo or Allianz I believe. My travel medical insurance rolls to TuGo but my travel cancellation/loss baggage etc is Allianz.

on a totally unrelated note the travel insurance industry is in for an absolute sh!!t kicking with all this. I suspect coverages will look at lot different at renewal times.

[Flyboy757]

Originally Posted by stewartsmith

Please advise name of insuaranse company. I am in Manitoba

Travel Insurance Office Inc. out of Markham, On. Been using them for a number of years now.

Will add to my above post..FYI.….The medical and dental premiums I pay for pension/retirement coverage is tax deductible. The 20% medical/ dental costs it does not cover is also tax deductible. The out of country insurance is also tax deductible. I purchased a flu shot in the USA....$70 US/ $92 CA....claimed on taxes. Also, if my family DR refers me to a specialist and it is beyond a certain distance, I can claim mileage and meals!! Even hotels if required!!

Have been audited a couple of times for medical expenses but I have all the receipts, Dr. referrals, etc to justify all expenses. As I said in one of my covering letters to the tax folks......it gets expensive to get old!!

Have a great day everyone. Be safe.