Phil Gull

I have been a non resident of Canada for the past 10 years but will probably be returning next year. I shall be returning to Ontario and so will have a 3 month waiting period before OHIP kicks in. My wife and I are both in our late 60s.

Does anyone have any advice regarding the purchase of health insurance just to cover the waiting period ? I have searched online but haven't found a company that provides a product tailor made for this. The closest I have found is visitor's travel insurance.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Will_PA

Yes visitors travel insurance is what I used I think. But I was a new spousal PR applicant. I used a few different companies (I was here for a year before PR granted). Blue Cross rings a bell. I've no idea if they are good or bad. I went for the cheapest each time I guess.

Where are you now? You might be able to use travel insurance where you currently live (cheaper if in the UK - make sure it's an annual policy with long trips permitted, eg ASDA).

christmasoompa

Ontario has currently waived the 3 month waiting period due to Covid, so that may still be the case next year.

But if not, then here you go - https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Medic...edicare_starts

HTH.

Siouxie

The company I used to suggest (Downunder) aren't able to provide insurance presently (they used to have a 1 way insurance policy with up to 3 months cover on arrival.

I just found these - do take a close look at any small print to ensure you would be covered.
https://www.safevisit.ca/getquote/#ON
https://www.safevisit.ca/index.php
https://www.gms.ca/immigrants-visitors-insurance

btar

I found Best Quote https://bestquotetravelinsurance.ca through this forum and found them very helpful. I provided a description of my situation and what I needed and they sent quotes from a range of companies. They are quick to respond and will clarify any aspect that isn't clear. We ended up using Destination Canada with two separate policies, one that covered my pre-med conditions and one for my other half who doesn't have any! So far we haven't had to test the cover and hope we don't have to.

Phil Gull

Thanks very much for the advice and links folks. This has helped me understand the process I will need to follow when I'm headed back. I knew about the waiver for Covid......even though that would be useful for my situation I really hope that it isn't still in place next year, meaning that the virus is behind us......

i_Seeker

Bear in mind when applying for OHIP immediately in Ontario (which you can do), you have to have proof of address when you attend the Service centre. This can be a utility bill, a tenancy agreement with wet ink (electronic signatures are not allowed, but some staff make exceptions for you. We attended the first time and were turned away. The second time we were allowed to use it), or a bank statement. It has to be sent via mail, and not printed. You are not covered until you get your OHIP number.

We found this out at the Ontario Service Centre. I know this is stated already, but it is an important part of getting OHIP and they will not make any exceptions. So, before you leave the UK if you have found a place to live - get something in your name sent to your new address ASAP.

Will_PA

(Off topic) How do you lose OHIP coverage? The card expires and you aren't here to renew it?

Siouxie

https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal
Online renewal >Here

Hurlabrick

OP

FYI, in non-COVID times my wife and myself settled in Ontario Canada in November 2017 and took out private '3 month gap' coverage medical insurance until we qualified for OHIP.

We bought ours through www.gms.ca - it was all on-line and painless. Mine cost me $452 (I was age 62) and my wifes cost $380 (aged 48). I am not saying GMS offered the best deal, just saying what we did and how much it cost so that perhaps you can get a rough idea for yourself if as you say you may make the trip yourself perhaps when COVID restrictions are lifted (and therefore perhaps the temporary waiving of the 3 month rule will no longer apply and we are back to a 3 month gap).

Phil Gull

Thanks for the info Hurlabrick. I have gms on my list to get a quote from closer to the time. But the premiums you paid are about the same as a couple of online quotes I have received.

larrygump

If you’ve been out of Ontario for more than 212 days in any 12‑month period, you may have to reapply for OHIP at a specialized ServiceOntario Centre that provides the full-suite of health card services. You can call ServiceOntario to be sure.