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With regards to Canadian travel health insurance requirements, there are important facts that visitors should know about. This article will only focus on American citizens planning to travel to Canada. Before addressing the health insurance aspect, remember to advise the US State Department about your traveling plans.

In this way, you can be traced should any emergency arise at home in your absence. Also, the Department can alert you if an unexpected crisis arises in Canada during your travels. All information provided will be treated as confidential, as legislated in the Privacy Act.

Whilst making your travel plans to Canada, you must contact your health insurance company to establish if your policy will apply in Canada. Also find out if the policy will cover any emergency medical expenses. Very few health insurance plans include cover for health related expenses outside the USA unless extra coverage has been purchased.

Should your policy not include cover while you are visiting Canada, your travel agent can offer a temporary policy. These policies are not very expensive and are definitely worthwhile. They include cover for all health expenses, plus emergency services and medical evacuations. You will be ill advised to travel without some type of medical insurance cover. There are far too many reports about travelers who have run into terrible problems while seeking medical help in a foreign country.

Most hospitals and doctors in Canada are likely to expect payment for their services immediately. Whilst a medical evacuation is highly unlikely, the cost of this will be more than $50,000. Therefore, be sure to check this aspect with your medical and travel insurance Ontario company.

Also ascertain with your health insurer if payment will be made to the healthcare provider in Canada, or if you will be paid back at a later date. In addition, ask about cover for psychiatric care, and what type of cover is applicable regarding your remains in the event of your death.

If you are taking prescription medication to Canada, the medication should be stored in its original labeled container. Have a copy of the doctor’s prescription on hand, as well as the doctor’s contact details. Diabetics who are bringing syringes into Canada should be in possession of a doctor’s certificate stating that the syringes are for medical use. You must declare the syringes to the custom officials when you arrive in Canada.

Regarding antiretroviral drugs, the same rules are applicable. The drugs must be labeled and stored in original packs or bottles. HIV travelers should be in possession of an extra script from their physician in case the drugs are stolen or lost. On this topic, Canada does not require USA visitors to have AIDS testing.

If you wear eyeglasses, be sure to take an extra pair. Also, if you suffer with allergies to certain medications, foods or other substances, wear a medical alert. The same applies if you have an unusual health condition. Ask your doctor for a letter explaining the condition and what treatment should be applied in an emergency. Keep this letter in your wallet. If you have taken all necessary precautions and are satisfied that you have met with all Canadian travel health insurance provisions, you should enjoy a hassle free trip.

Dan Pucher Insurance is an independent Broker offering personal and corporate solutions. When looking for Visitors to Canada insurance and Travel Insurance Ontario.