Returning to Canada after an extended time abroad is an exciting experience, but it can also be daunting. One of the first things a returning Canadian needs to do when returning home is secure health insurance coverage that meets their needs and fits within their budget. With so many options available, returning Canadians may be overwhelmed by all the choices. This article will provide guidance on how returning Canadians can navigate the different types of health insurance policies, understand their coverage and compare costs in order to make sure they are getting the best deal possible.

Overview of returning to Canada after an extended period abroad

A returning Canadiana, unfortunately, doesn’t get access to their provincial health care plans right away. There is a waiting period that is usually 3 months. During this time, the expat has no coverage, so it’s recommended that they have private health insurance in order to protect themselves from unexpected medical costs.

Types of health insurance policies and coverage

Only one type of health insurance is applicable for a returning Canadian—visitors to Canada insurance.

An individual can qualify for a visitor insurance plan if:

• If you are not insured nor eligible for benefits under a Canadian provincial government health care plan.
• You are currently in good health*.
• And you have not been in Canada for more than two years.

This coverage is ideal for:

• Foreign students studying in Canada.
• Landed immigrants working in Canada.
• Foreign workers in Canada.
• Returning Canadian expats.
• And anyone else who is just visiting.

Returning Canadian Health Insurance Plans

Here are the most popular visitors to Canada health insurance plans.

Allianz Visitor to Canada

A great option for returning Canadaisn is Allianz Visitor to Canada plan.

Coverage includes:

• emergency medical (25,000, 50,000 or 100,000)
• medical treatment for COVID-19
• emergency medical transportation
• meals and accommodation ($150/day – max $1,500)
• Prescription drugs (30 day supply – max $1,000)
• accidental death & dismemberment
• 24-hour assistance

Manulife Visitor to Canada

Manulife has two plan visitor to Canada plan options. Plan A is for protection that doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, and Plan B is for protection that does cover a pre-existing medical condition.

Both Plan A and B cover the following:

• Get emergency medical coverage up to $15,000, $25,000, $50,000 or $100,000 to age 85, or up to $150,000 to age 69
• Get travel accident insurance up to $50,000
• Stay covered during side trips outside Canada (up to 49% of covered days, maximum 30 days)
• Take trip breaks home without terminating coverage (with prior approval)
• Get coverage during your uninterrupted flight to Canada at no extra charge when you purchase your plan before you leave home.
• Get coverage until you arrive home on an uninterrupted flight from Canada as long as you don’t intend to return to Canada while you’re still covered by the plan

The main difference is whether or not you have a stable pre-existing condition. In which case you’ll want to go with Plan B.

GMS Visitor to Canada

Finally, there is GMS’ visitor to Canada insurance plan.

Coverage Includes:

• hospitalization
• medical services
• diagnostic services
• out-patient medical treatment
• in-hospital prescription drugs
• road ambulance
• paramedical services
• accidental dental
• return of remains and more!

Fake Scenario

To fully understand how much each costs, let’s do a fake scenario. Let’s say you are your partner are returning Canadians. You’re 35, and your partner is 37. You’re looking for coverage between $25,000 and $50,000. You don’t have any pre-existing medical conditions. You will be staying in Ontario. You want your coverage to start on Feb 17, 2023, and end on May 31, 2023.

Based on this information, here are your quotes

• Allianz VTC – $554.14
• Manulife VTC Plan A – $555.89
• GMS VTC – $624.18

All these plans have $25,000 coverage and $0 deductible and do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Returning to Canada after an extended period abroad can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the right health insurance plan. With so many options available, returning Canadians need to make sure they understand their coverage and compare costs in order to get the best deal possible. Additionally, this article has outlined three popular visitors-to-Canada plans that returning Canadians may consider: Allianz Visitor To Canada plan; Manulife Visitor To Canada Plans A & B; GMS Visitor To Canada Plan – all of which provide emergency medical coverage up to $25,000-$100,000 depending on your needs. When returning home from overseas or if you are planning for future trips back home from abroad, taking out proper health insurance is essential for peace of mind knowing that you have financial protection should anything happen during your travels.