Insurance for parents visiting Canada

[sundyain]

Hi,

My parents are visiting canada for a period of about 50 days. They do not have any pre medical conditions. Please let me know a good medical insurance which is accepted at most clinics/hospitals across Canada ( specially Vancouver, British Columbia).

My parents are planning to buy a Indian insurance, but I am thinking of a local insurance.

Also, the premium that we pay is one time right ? Or is it montly ?

PLease let me know asap.

Thanks,
Sunil

[narendra]

1. There is no PPO network in Canada. PPO is an US concept. Therefore, you can visit any doctor/hospital you like. There is no restriction.

2. It is certainly better to buy from here. Please read http://www.insubuy.com/guide/visitors-insurance-usa-india-comparison.jsp for more details.

3. In short term plans, buying and paying is one and the same thing. If you would like to buy for 4 months, you have to pay for 4 months. If you would like to pay monthly, you have to buy for one month, and renew it every month (and not all the plans allow that.)

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any other questions.

[sundyain]

Hi Narendra,

Thanks for prompt reply.

Can you please suggest any good medical insurance provider here in Canada for a short period like 50 days ?
I just want to make sure that I do not have to pay the doctor fees always, some deductable is OK (like $100 or $200).

Thanks,
Sunil

[narendra]

Look at Protection America at http://www.insubuy.com/protection-america-insurance/

[sundyain]

Hi Narendra,

The Patriot America or Protection America are both international insurance right ? How is their exceptance in Canada ?

How about the response in emergencies ? I guess location should not be much of a concern here (US or Canada).

My main concern is I do not have sufficient funds. Normal doctor visit is OK, but for more expenses i'll be entirely dependent on the insurance provider.

How is the medical fees paid ? Is it a direct payment to hospital/clinic ? Or I have to pay first and then claim ?

Thanks,
Sunil

[narendra]

Both Patriot America and Protection America are international insurance plans.

It does not really matter too much what kind of insurance you get for Canada, as it not about the insurance company, it is about the Canada. Most people who are Canadian citizens/residents get their provincial health insurance. Therefore, many places are not equipped to deal with insurance companies and may not even have the billing department. And this fact does not change no matter what insurance you purchase, as it is the fact about Canada and not about the insurance.

Having said that, for Dr visit, it is up to the Dr in Canada whether to bill the insurance company directly or not. However, for major hospitalization etc, they would be much more willing to work with the insurance company because they would ultimately like to get paid.

And these facts are going to remain the same (more or less) no matter what insurance you purchase. That is because, again, that is how Canada operates.

Also, most of the companies we work with will send the hospital a verification of benefits and guarantee of payment, which also helps easy any concerns they have.