Canadians are accustomed to having their health costs covered. After all, Canadian universal healthcare is funded by taxpayers and administered by the provinces.
Many Canadians have been further insulated from the sticker shock of healthcare thanks to employer-provided supplemental insurance. Supplemental insurance covers a wide range of expenses, including the costs of prescription drugs and wellness care, such as physiotherapy and massage therapy.
Unfortunately, this high standard of healthcare does not apply to Canadians abroad when they move overseas for a new job or other reasons. Canadian expat insurance and related healthcare issues can be more complex than they initially appear.
So, what kind of expatriate medical insurance coverage do Canadians need when living out of the country? It depends on how long you plan to live abroad.
Canadian healthcare coverage expires in 6 to 8 months after moving overseas (though there are exceptions for students and other special groups) because your coverage is contingent on your residency in your province.
Depending on your expected timeline, you may need supplemental healthcare insurance to cover areas not included in your provincial healthcare plan or to provide replacement insurance coverage. Both work to protect you if you become ineligible for Canadian healthcare insurance due to the duration of the trip.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
The Best Medical Insurance Plans for Canadians Abroad
There are several international health insurance plans for Canadians living abroad. We have reviewed most of them and have come up with the following options that will best meet the needs of most Canadian expats.
The Cigna Global Health plan is an excellent option for Canadians traveling abroad due to its flexible design and competitive pricing.
Cigna offers an exceptional level of service, providing access to leading doctors and hospitals worldwide.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Another great option for Canadians abroad is the IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance plan. IMG is a well-known and trusted provider of global medical insurance. This plan would be an excellent option for Canadians living in Europe.
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
- Choose your coverage area based on where you live or travel
- Freedom to select your healthcare provider anywhere in the world
The Best Insurance Plan for Canadian Expats Living in the United States
If you plan to be an expat in America, note that the U.S. government will not require you to obtain a health insurance plan.
However, the cost of getting medical services in the U.S. is prohibitive even among its peers. You may even spend your savings if you plan to cover the entire bill yourself.
Due to the high medical costs in the United States, we strongly advise obtaining insurance to cover your needs. We recommend two US health insurance plans for Canadians provided by private insurers known for their excellent service.
An excellent option for Canadian residents in the U.S. is the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier health insurance plan.
The Worldwide Premier plan offers access to the highly regarded Blue Cross Blue Shield network of hospitals and doctors in the United States, a premium international network of providers, and excellent customer service and benefits.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Protect Your Visit! For shorter trips (less than one year) to Canada, consider purchasing Canadian travel insurance, which protects you against unexpected medical expenses and emergencies while visiting the country.
The Limits of Provincial Health Insurance for Expats
Many Canadian expatriates are surprised to learn that their provincial health insurance does not provide comprehensive coverage when they are out of the country.
While many provinces provide a minor amount of reimbursement, it is often just a tiny fraction of the medical bill. We are talking about a $50 refund for an emergency room visit that may cost thousands!
If you live overseas for an extended period, you will no longer be eligible for Canadian health coverage. We strongly recommend a comprehensive global medical plan for all expatriates, as this will provide both international and local coverage and benefits.
Prepare to Pay for Previously Free Services
Another healthcare cost surprise? Many services are provided free of charge in Canada through provincial healthcare plans or municipal public health departments, such as flu shot clinics and breastfeeding support centers. These services are costly in other countries.
As a Canadian expat living, working, or traveling overseas, you will not have access to many government-funded healthcare services. Therefore, you need extra health care insurance to bridge the gap.
A comprehensive global health plan can help you get access to these medical services. You have to pay for these benefits, though, rather than receiving them for free, which you may be accustomed to in your home country.
Canadian Government Recommendations for Expats Abroad
The recommendation for extra health care insurance for expats is one that the Canadian government wholeheartedly supports:
“No matter how long you will be living abroad, be sure to purchase the best health insurance you can afford. It is one of the most important investments you can make as an expatriate. Make sure you understand the terms of your policy. It should cover your personal health needs and those of any dependents. Do not expect your provincial or territorial health plan to cover the costs if you get sick or are injured while living abroad. Out-of-country medical bills can be steep and result in a heavy financial burden. There is nothing worse than being ill in a foreign country while worrying about spiraling medical costs.”
We offer numerous health insurance plans for Canadians living abroad that will help alleviate the worry of being hospitalized or receiving proper medical attention.
Returning Home
It generally takes three months to have your health care reinstated upon your return to Canada. You must prove that you are once again a full-time resident to receive the benefits you previously enjoyed while overseas. You should verify whether your replacement healthcare insurance will provide coverage during this period.
When you return home, do not expect your local coverage to resume immediately. With the help of Global Medical plans, you get around six months of coverage in your home country for each policy year.
A global medical plan will help keep you covered while you wait to be tagged as a permanent resident in Canada again.
Another thing that Canadians abroad often ask is whether it is possible to access healthcare services in a language other than English.
The good news is that many healthcare insurance plans proudly advertise that they include access to support staff who speak English and other languages.
But if you are one of the millions of Francophone Canadians or Canadians who speak English as a second language, having a translator may not be enough.
It is one thing to navigate life in English when you are traveling. However, relying on your second or third language in the midst of a healthcare crisis is a different story.
When obtaining international medical insurance, inquire about bilingual or multilingual services to ensure the best possible care.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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