Why do foreign workers need extended health insurance in Canada?

Factors affecting the cost of health insurance for foreign workers in Canada

The cost of temporary foreign worker medical insurance depends on various factors. These include age, coverage duration, deductible amount, and pre-existing conditions. 

• Age: The cost of health insurance usually increases with age due to increased health risks. So if you are older, you will pay a higher premium than a young person
• Coverage scope: Higher coverage, including emergency medical expenses such as doctor’s visits, hospitalization, and ambulance services, will increase your premium costs
• Duration of stay: The longer you stay, the higher the total cost of the plan will be. Opting for monthly payments will make it easy on your budget
• Deductible amount: Opting for lower deductibles reduces your out-of-pocket expenses at the time of claim, but may lead to higher premiums
• Pre-existing conditions: Getting a plan that offers coverage for pre-existing conditions may also impact your policy premium

How much does health insurance cost for foreign workers in Canada?

For a typical $100,000 coverage in Canada for a month, the average cost of extended health coverage in Canada ranges from $50 to $400, depending on the above-mentioned factors.

For instance, younger applicants who are under 30 years may pay $50 and $100 monthly, while those aged 70 years and older may need to pay between $200 and $400 per month.

Average coverage and premiums for different age groups

When to apply for extended health insurance for foreign workers in Canada?

Foreign workers or holiday visa holders must apply for visitor medical insurance before they arrive in Canada. Since provincial health insurance in Canada has a waiting period, private health coverage will fill the gap and cover you from unexpected medical expenses.

If you buy visitor health insurance in Canada after arrival, expect a waiting period of 48 hours to 7 days before your coverage starts. During this time, you will remain uninsured. So, it’s better to apply before you start your journey. 

Documents required for health insurance for foreign workers

Make sure to keep these documents handy while applying for extended health insurance in Canada:

• Completed insurance application form
• Work permit or employment proof
• Passport identification page
• Canadian contact address
• Employer information
• Arrival date in Canada

Medical questionnaires and health declarations

• Most insurance providers will require you to complete a medical questionnaire or health declaration while applying
• Make sure to declare your pre-existing condition if you have any. Certain insurers have some exclusions when it comes to pre-existing conditions, so make sure you do a full disclosure
• Some insurers may also have additional requirements or age restrictions for older applicants

Renewal options for extended stays

• If your stay in Canada is extended, make sure to renew your health policy before the expiry of the original policy
• The documents required for renewal typically include proof of continued employment

Key tips for foreign workers & holiday visa holders

Here are some essential tips for foreign workers and holiday visa holders travelling to Canada:

• Apply for provincial health care as soon as possible if you are eligible.
• Don’t go uninsured during the waiting period, as medical expenses can be very high
• Ask about group insurance if you are working for a Canadian employer. Group health insurance can cover you before your provincial coverage starts
• Review policy exclusions carefully. If you have a pre-existing condition, check whether your policy covers that or not. Also, check any exclusions around that medical condition
• Keep all insurance documents and medical receipts handy for claims
• Choose coverage based on the duration of your stay, and also look for family coverage if you are bringing them along
• If you are still confused about plans and coverage, connect with a licensed advisor at PolicyAdvisor and get all your health insurance-related queries solved instantly!

How to choose the right Canadian health insurance for non-residents?

Choosing the best health insurance for foreign workers in Canada starts by considering your health needs, the length of your stay, pre-existing conditions, if any, family coverage options, and provider network restrictions.

• Assess your health needs: Look after your health history and any ongoing medical needs. If you suffer from a chronic condition and need prescription medications regularly, or require paramedical services, look for a plan that offers coverage for such needs

• Coverage duration considerations: Decide the duration of your coverage. If you are in Canada for a short period, a short-term plan would suffice. However, for longer stays, choose a plan that can be renewed monthly or annually

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Also, check if the plan covers your pre-existing condition (if any) and under what terms. Several insurers offer plans that cover stable pre-existing conditions, so make sure to go through the policy wordings

• Family coverage options: If you are travelling with your family, look for family or dependent coverage plans to get cost-effective coverage for your family
• Network restrictions: Some insurers have a preferred network of hospitals and clinics, which can make claims easier. So, make sure to review the insurer’s network beforehand

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Can I get extended health insurance with a work permit in Canada?

Yes, you can get visitor medical insurance in Canada with a work permit. Most provinces allow work permit holders to apply for provincial coverage if their permit is valid for at least six months and they meet resident eligibility requirements.

Do foreign workers need private health insurance in Canada?

Yes, foreign workers in Canada may need extended health coverage because provincial health plans often have a three-month waiting period, such as in Ontario and British Columbia. During this time, medical expenses must be paid out-of-pocket. To ensure coverage from day one, foreign workers and holiday visa holders can purchase private health insurance, which covers hospital stays, prescription drugs, and emergency care.

Can I get OHIP on a working holiday visa?

Yes, you can get an Ontario health insurance plan on a working holiday visa if you meet these criteria:

• Hold a valid work permit under the IEC program
• Work full-time for an Ontario employer for 6+ months

If you aren’t eligible for these, you can get private health insurance for emergency coverage.

Do work permit holders get free healthcare in Canada?

Yes, work permit holders can get free healthcare in Canada after applying for the Canadian provincial health insurance. However, you will have to go through a waiting period, mostly of 3 months in certain provinces, to get free healthcare in Canada.

What is the waiting period for health insurance in Canada for foreign workers? 

Provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia have a 3-month waiting period before the provincial health coverage starts. Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador have no waiting period, so you can get coverage from day 1 of your arrival.

However, if you purchase an extended or private health insurance soon after arrival, you will have to wait for 48 hours to 7 days before the benefits start. To avoid any waiting period, you can apply for private coverage before arrival.

Are pre-existing conditions covered under health insurance for temporary workers in Canada?

Pre-existing conditions are only covered under health insurance for foreign workers in Canada if they have been stable for 90-180 days before the coverage starts. Any unstable medical condition is not covered at all. Thus, always check your policy wordings for pre-existing conditions before purchasing.

Are prescriptions covered under extended health insurance?

Yes, prescription medications are generally covered under visitor health insurance in Canada, but the cost of coverage depends on your health insurance plan. So, always review your policy details such as coverage limits, exclusions, and co-pays. You can also do so by comparing extended health plans from 30+ insurers on PolicyAdvisor or by connecting with one of our experienced advisors.

Can IEC visa holders get private health insurance in Canada?

Yes, IEC visa holders can get private health insurance in Canada to get coverage for medical expenses that provincial plans might not cover or cover after the waiting period. These extended health insurance plans cover emergency medical care, prescription drugs, and more, filling gaps during provincial health plan waiting periods.