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banjois
Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 3:24 am Post subject: Expat travel insurance for Canadians |
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So, after three years here, I'm heading out for 8 months on the road before going home. I'm trying to figure out the best plan for travel insurance. World Nomads won't cover Saskatchewan residents, which leaves that out. I've seen multiple (more expensive) expat plans, but was wondering if anybody else had dealt with this and might have some good suggestions.
Also, where AM I a resident of, for those intermediate months? The world? |
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newinseoul
Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 6:14 am Post subject: |
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I usually use World Nomads as I'm from Ontario. I had no idea that there was no coverage for certain Canadians.
I have heard good things about Bridges International. The coverage is aimed for expats working outside of Canada. Hope it helps.
http://www.biis.ca/global-expatriate-insurance/tic.php
And you wouldn't be a resident of anywhere if you have no visa. Are you still deemed a resident of Canada? As for me, I am a non-resident for tax purposes, but still am a Canadian with some ties there. |
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banjois
Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 2:43 pm Post subject: |
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See, here's the thing. My dad got a renewal sticker for my health card about a year ago. I had assumed it had lapsed. Now, as far as the CRA is concerned, I want to be a non-resident. But, I'd sure like med coverage as soon as I get home, rather than wait. The health insurance website says that returning citizens are covered immediately. But, when my dad called, they told him I'd have to sign something saying I wouldn't leave for 6 months (which I don't intend to do), and that THEY WOULDN'T LET ME LEAVE THE PROVINCE. Which is laughable. I'm thinking I may just apply for a lost card as soon as I get there....
Anyways, I'll check out that link, thanks! |
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newinseoul
Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 6:54 pm Post subject: |
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Banjois,
You are supposed to let the health card people know if you are leaving the country so they can put a hold on your health card. Once you get back, you just tell them and they reinstate it.
I renewed my health card last year when I was in Canada, but I didn't tell them when I left this time.
For non-residency for tax purposes you have to fill out a form and thent hey let you know if you are deemed a non-resident or not depending on how many ties you have in Canada. Let me know if you need to know where to locate that form. |
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banjois
Joined: 14 Nov 2009
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 8:02 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the tips, newinseoul. Apparently in Saskatchewan, you can only do that for up to two years. After that, you're a returning citizen, which according to their website, means instant coverage. And I'll be leaving westwards via Alberta and BC, anyways, so I think I'll manage to slip by the health insurance brigade.
I've heard different things about the non-resident thing. My only tie to Canada is a bank account, so I'm thinking I'll just file returns once I'm there and see how it all pans out. I've seen the form, but gotten advice that you're better to just file once you're back... |
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newinseoul
Joined: 22 Sep 2005 Location: Busan
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Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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I filled mine out when I returned from Korea and I was exempted from paying tax for three years. I then filled it out before I went to Korea again the fourth year and I was also exempted from paying tax. I had three or four ties (bank account, health card, driver's licence). You should also be a non-resident if you only have a bank account in Canada.
Hope it works out! |
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