Returning to Canada After Years Abroad? What Expats Need to Know About Interim Health Insurance

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident returning home after years abroad, you may wonder – Will Canada’s health insurance cover me as soon as I arrive? Unfortunately, the answer is often no. Most provinces and territories have a waiting period, usually up to three months, before your public health insurance kicks back in.

So what happens if you need medical care during that time? This is where interim health insurance becomes essential.

Why Is There a Waiting Period?

While Canada offers universal health care, each province and territory manages its health insurance program. When you return after living abroad, you’re treated as a new or returning resident. To prevent misuse of the healthcare system, most provinces require a waiting period of up to three months before coverage resumes.

Without interim or private insurance, you will be responsible for all medical costs out-of-pocket. Emergency care in Canada can be expensive, especially if hospitalization is required.

What Is Interim Health Insurance?

Interim health insurance is a short-term private plan designed to cover you while you wait for your provincial health card to become active. The coverage of interim health insurance plans can vary. It’s important to review the specifics of any plan and seek advice from licensed insurance brokers to confirm the plan you choose meets your needs during the waiting period. It typically includes:

• Emergency medical services
• Physician, surgeon, in-hospital nurse
• Emergency hospital stays and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and lab work
• Prescription medications prescribed at the time of emergency
• And more!

Who Needs Interim Health Insurance?

If you’re a returning expat who hasn’t maintained provincial/territorial health coverage, you’ll likely need interim insurance, as you will not be initially covered under Canada’s health care system.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Brokers Before Choosing an Interim Health Insurance Plan

Many private insurers in Canada offer interim health insurance plans specifically for returning residents. When choosing a plan, ask:

• Does it cover the full waiting period?
• What emergency services are included?
• Are pre-existing conditions covered or excluded?

Always read all the details of your interim health insurance plan for expats and compare multiple options before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions You Need to Know

1. Do I need interim health insurance if I’m returning to Canada permanently with a job offer?
Yes, even if you have a job offer, most provincial health plans still require a waiting period before coverage begins. Employer health benefits may also take time to activate, so interim insurance offers protection from unexpected medical costs right from your arrival.

2. Can I customize my interim health insurance plan?
Many providers offer flexible interim health plans where you can choose the level of coverage, ranging from basic emergency care to more comprehensive options including prescription drugs, paramedical services, diagnostics, and more.

3. Is interim health insurance only for individuals, or can families apply too?
Interim health insurance plans are available for individuals, couples, and families. If you’re moving back with dependents or a spouse, you can get a joint plan that safeguards everyone in your household during the coverage gap.

4. What steps should I take to reinstate my health coverage after returning to Canada?
To reinstate your health coverage, you must apply to the health insurance plan of the province or territory where you intend to reside. Each province or territory has its own application process and residency requirements. So, it is necessary to contact the local Ministry of Health for specific instructions and connect with reliable insurance brokers to determine the necessary documentation.

In Conclusion
Returning home should feel exciting, not stressful. So, don’t let a gap in health coverage catch you off guard. Interim health insurance is a smart, temporary solution that protects you and your family while you transition back into the Canadian healthcare system. Connect with a trusted Canadian insurance provider like Travelance to explore different plans tailored to your needs.