Job Discussion Forums

[ellethecat]

Has anyone ever returned to Canada to seek medical treatment?
Im currently on Japanese National health, but I have a problem i want to take care of in canada because its pretty serious and it involves medication that is not available in Japan. The provinces state that you have to have been a resident of their province for three months to be covered, but Ive been told that that requirement is only when moving from one province to another.
Someone told me that if I return to canada I would have to back-pay some premiums, but would otherwise be covered.
does anyone have experience?

[madeira]

I only know about BCMedicare. You can keep it for up to two years while you're abroad. I did, but I also kept paying the premiums. (You should be able to make back-payments, if Alberta has the same deal.)

One possible hitch, although it won't matter much if you really need treatment: If you keep your Medicare, you're technically a resident. The evil Tax guys might want to take advantage of that.

[craven]

It's true they might chase you, but I for one wouldn't care what tax I had to pay if it were a real medical emergency.
How long have you been out of the country? In Ontario (and I believe most provinces), they automatically shut off your health coverage if you leave the country for more than 3 months, unless you have specifically applied for the 2 year overseas extension. That being said, I had to have a check following eye surgery I had done here in Japan, and they'd forgotten to turn mine off. I'm sure I'll face the tax man for it, but hey, I like my eyes!
Which province are you from/going to? Again, this is for Ontario, but when you reenter, go to your local Ministry of Health Office and tell them what's happened. So long as you have a passport/mailing address in province, they will either reactivate your account, or give you a temporary card until your account is processed (which you can use immediately).
Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

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If you return to Canada and take advantage of the health care system, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will pay Canadian income tax on what you have earned in Japan. Alternatively, you can use the system there and pay the amount in full yourself and not compromise your non-resident status that way. Only you know the financial implications of these options.

Have you considered St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo? I know a man who had surgery done there and was quite happy. Unlike that disgrace of a health care system back home, you do have a choice here in Japan. Both private and public hospitals will take your national health insurance, and waiting times are minimal. You have to pay 3,000 yen to get in the door at St. Luke's but they speak English and give good service.