With regards to Canadian travel health insurance requirements, there are important facts that visitors should know about. This article will only focus on American citizens planning to travel to Canada. Before addressing the health insurance aspect, remember to advise the US State Department about your traveling plans.

This will enable the State Department to get hold of you should there be a family crisis, or other emergency, while you are away. The Department can also contact you if a sudden crisis occurs in the country that you are planning to visit. Any information you provide will be kept confidential in terms of the Privacy Act.

Whilst making your travel plans to Canada, you must contact your health insurance company to establish if your policy will apply in Canada. Also find out if the policy will cover any emergency medical expenses. Very few health insurance plans include cover for health related expenses outside the USA unless extra coverage has been purchased.

If your health insurance excludes cover while you are in Canada, speak to a travel agent about a temporary health plan. These plans are not expensive and are certainly worthwhile. You will receive cover for any health related expenses, including medical evacuations and emergency services. It is very unwise to travel without some form of health insurance.

The majority of Canadian hospitals and doctors will require you to pay for services in advance. Even though a medical evacuation is unlikely, bear in mind that the cost of this is well over $50,000. So check this out with your health and travel insurance Ontario company.

Also establish with your insurer whether payment will be made direct to the Canadian health care provider, or if you will later be refunded. Ask about coverage for psychiatric treatment, and what cover applies with regards to your remains if you die in Canada.

If you bring prescription drugs into Canada, they should be kept in their original labeled containers. Keep a copy of your doctor’s script on hand and his or her phone number. Diabetics who take syringes to Canada will have to declare these to custom officials on arrival. You will also need a doctor’s letter confirming that they are used for medical reasons.

HIV positive travelers must abide by the same rules regarding medications. Antiretroviral drugs should also be kept in their original containers. It is recommended that you get an extra script from your doctor in case you lose your drugs or they are stolen. On this subject, it is not obligatory for USA citizens to have an AIDS test to enter Canada.

If you wear eyeglasses, be sure to take an extra pair. Also, if you suffer with allergies to certain medications, foods or other substances, wear a medical alert. The same applies if you have an unusual health condition. Ask your doctor for a letter explaining the condition and what treatment should be applied in an emergency. Keep this letter in your wallet. If you have taken all necessary precautions and are satisfied that you have met with all Canadian travel health insurance provisions, you should enjoy a hassle free trip.

Dan Pucher Insurance is an independent Broker offering personal and corporate solutions. When looking for Visitors to Canada insurance and Travel Insurance Ontario.