Job Discussion Forums

patchwork · Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 55 Location: in transit

hi all,

I'm from Canada and am leaving the country soon to teach english.

I have been looking for travel insurance but I have been getting ridiculous pricing such as $1200 a year.

Have any of you from Canada purchased travel insurance at a decent price before leaving, or is it best to get some in whatever country you end up in?

thanks,

migo · Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 201

Have you looked at CAA? My parents have always had good things to say about it.

patchwork · Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 55 Location: in transit

isn't that car insurance and road side assistance?

Celeste · Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2004 8:13 am Post subject:

They also offer all kinds of insurance as well as being a travel agent now.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

limits601 · Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2004 6:56 pm Post subject: CIBC

Hi there. Im getting my coverage through CIBC. Its a bit costly (1500 for a year) but i personally thinks its very worth it. There is a zero deductable on that and with the strong base of CIBC, im very confident in there service.

Celeste · Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 12:17 am Post subject:

I am going back to Canada (Vancouver) in about a yaer, and I am trying to plan ahead for things like insurance. In my province there is a 3 month waiting period before you can get public medical insurance. I went to an insurance agent once before nad just took whatever plan she put in front of me. I didn't really think about it much at the time. This time, I care a lot more. Does anyone know about getting temporary private insurance? Perhaps some Americans know some good private medical insurance companies?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Celeste,
BCAA sells temporary medical insurance for people waiting for their medical insurance to start. I think it only covers emergency medical though.

Celeste · Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2004 1:36 am Post subject:

Thanks Gordon. I wonder if there are any plans out there that cover more than emergencies? My situation has changed from the last time I was in Canada in that my husband and I would like to start a family soon. I am worried about finding myself pregnant and without insurance. I am starting to think that we had better just wait until we are covered by BC medical again. Sad

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Celeste, we've just spent the last 2 months in Canada and my wife is pregnant. We spent about $700 on doctor's visits, meds and an ultrasound. Not cheap. The insurance will not cover a dime and neither will the japanese insurance because you have to be at least 18 weeks or so.

What about having a child in Japan? Most of the costs are paid for once you factor in the 300,000 yen bonus they give you.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

You may already know this. One more thing about the 3 month waiting period is that if you fly home on the 31st, that couints for the first month. So you will only have 2 months and a day to wait. Don't go back on the first of the month. I don't know of other insurance companies, sorry.