Purchasing travel insurance ahead of a vacation is commonplace, but hosting visitors from abroad should have the same protection, says Dawn Marchand, the vice-president of marketing for the Canadian Bar Insurance Association (CBIA).
“If you have visitors coming in from another country, you want to make sure they have health coverage while they’re here. Often people don’t think about this,” Marchand tells AdvocateDaily.com.
Since July 1, Lawyers Financial offers medical and dental coverage for family members travelling to Canada.
Visits to a doctor, emergency medical attention, ambulance transportation, emergency dental treatment and travel back home in the event of a medical crisis are all covered, she says.
“To keep premiums down, the maximum amount of coverage is $150,000,” Marchand says.
Another important note about the plan, she says, is that it will fulfil the health insurance requirements to get a super visa through immigration.
Marchand says applicants should be prepared to answer eligibility questions and disclose any pre-existing conditions.
“If you’re travelling against the advice of a physician, you won’t qualify. Also, if you have a kidney condition, use home oxygen, or other complications then you’re not going to qualify,” she says.
Applicants should be aware of stability clauses, Marchand says.
“So, for example, if you’re on Lipitor and you’ve been stable for the length of time required by the policy, then you’re fine. But if you’ve gone to the doctor in the last three months and there’s been a change in your medication, then it's possible you won't be considered stable and may not be covered for that trip,” she explains.
Marchand says it’s important that people are aware of the questions that will be asked by CBIA’s insurer Manulife.
“We don’t want to sell you something you’re not going to qualify for. It’s also important that you only travel when you’re stable enough,” she says.
Another plan now offered through Lawyers Financial is the student plan for youth travelling abroad.
