Are you planning an extended, indefinite stay abroad? Be aware that your provincial health insurance is not as flexible as you are when it comes to the length of your trip. If you don’t have the right protection, a simple visit to the doctor for back pain or an eye exam could cost you a lot of money, so imagine the disastrous consequences of an accident or major illness.
In Quebec, you cannot be outside the province for more than 182 days per year to qualify for health insurance. In Ontario, this number is 212 days. Conventional travel insurance, however, requires a valid provincial health care plan to cover you abroad.
As it is designed to compensate for public health insurance, this coverage is generally more comprehensive than traditional travel insurance. It covers emergency medical care. It also covers routine medical care, such as annual physicals and eye exams.
More specifically, the expat insurance covers the following:
If you are planning to leave your province of residence for an extended period of time and are no longer eligible for provincial health insurance, you can apply for a waiver from the Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)*. You will find more information here: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citizens/absence-quebec/exceptions-presence-rule
* If you live outside of Quebec, please refer to the plan of your provincial government.
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