Future Residents of Canada: How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Situation

‍You're considering settling in Canada to reunite with a loved one, seize new opportunities, or simply embark on an exciting new life. This decision marks the beginning of an exhilarating adventure, but also the start of a series of important administrative steps.

Among these, travel insurance takes centre stage and deserves all your attention, especially if you are a future Canadian resident awaiting official paperwork or waiting for your own private insurance to take effect.

Why Get Travel Insurance for Visitors to Canada?

Picture this: you're about to kick-start your life in Canada, but you still need to obtain your permanent resident status. You're in a transitional phase where administrative formalities take time. That's where travel insurance comes into play.

Indeed, coverage under the provincial health insurance plan is usually only granted a few months after permanent resident status is finalized and obtained.

During this waiting period, you could find yourself in a precarious situation if you fall ill or have an accident. Medical expenses in Canada can be exorbitant, and without adequate insurance, you risk having to cover them yourself. Let's be honest, nobody likes unpleasant surprises, especially when it comes to unexpected medical bills.

Take Bastian, for example, a 37-year-old German married to a Canadian and father of a 2-year-old girl. While awaiting the finalization of his permanent resident status, Bastian chose to protect himself with a travel insurance plan.

For just $3 a day, he enjoys comprehensive coverage through a trusted Canadian insurance company like soNomad. This decision allows him to focus entirely on his immigration process.

Travel insurance: an essential protection for your loved ones

Did you know that if you are sponsored for your permanent residence application, the person sponsoring you could be responsible for your medical expenses in case of an emergency?

By taking out comprehensive travel insurance, you spare your loved ones a financial burden and ensure total peace of mind during your transition to permanent resident status.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Future Canadian Residents?

When it comes to choosing travel insurance for future Canadian residents, it's essential to select coverage that meets your specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Emergency medical and dental care coverage: your insurance should cover the costs of medical consultation, hospitalization, tests, and emergency dental care as needed.
• Emergency medical transportation: If you have a serious accident or illness that requires hospitalization, your insurance must cover emergency medical transportation, including air ambulances.
• Prescription drugs: if you regularly take prescription medications, make sure your insurance covers their cost during your stay in Canada.
• COVID-19 coverage: opt for a policy that includes comprehensive coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses at no extra cost.
• 24/7 emergency assistance: in case of trouble, it's essential to be able to rely on 24/7 emergency assistance in English or French.

Why Choose a Canadian Travel Insurance Company?

You might wonder: why choose a Canadian travel insurance company over one from your country of residence? The answer is simple: a local company understands the intricacies of the Canadian healthcare system and can offer you services tailored to your needs.

When it comes to your health, it's always best to trust local experts. By choosing a Canadian insurance company like soNomad, you'll enjoy several benefits:

In-depth knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system

Canadian insurance companies understand the ins and outs of the country's healthcare system and can guide you to the best possible care.

Streamlined claims process

Canadian hospitals are accustomed to dealing with Canadian insurance companies, simplifying the claims process and sparing you from having to front significant sums in case of emergency.

Better understanding of the different provincial regimes

Each Canadian province has its own health insurance regime with its peculiarities. A Canadian insurance company will navigate these nuances to provide you with the best possible coverage.

Can I Renew My Insurance if I Decide to Extend My Stay in Canada?

If you decide to extend your stay in Canada, renewing your travel insurance is simple and hassle-free. 

Even better, if your plans change and you leave earlier than expected, you can get a full refund for the unused portion of your insurance, provided you haven't made a claim.

If I Forgot to Purchase Travel Insurance Before Arriving in Canada, Can I Do It After Arriving in the Country?

For a smooth transition to your new life in Canada, purchasing travel insurance before your departure is strongly recommended.

That being said, if you forget to purchase travel insurance before your arrival in Canada, don't panic!

You can still obtain coverage once you're here. However, be aware that an initial waiting period of 48 hours to 5 days may apply in case of illness before coverage becomes fully effective.

I’d Like to Take a Short Trip to Another Country During My Stay in Canada, Will I Still Be Covered?

Good news! Your travel insurance can cover you even if you take a short trip outside of Canada, provided that Canada remains your primary destination and your journey begins and ends on Canadian soil.

The maximum duration allowed for these trips outside of Canada varies depending on insurance policies. Feel free to check the details of your coverage with your soNomad agent.

Prepare for Your Arrival in Canada

Now that you understand the importance of travel insurance for future Canadian residents, you're ready to move on to the next step.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best coverage for you:

• Carefully read the terms and conditions of each insurance policy to understand the inclusions and exclusions.
• Feel free to contact an agent to ask questions about your current situation and specific needs.
• Choose a plan that offers comprehensive coverage and fits your budget.

Bon Voyage and Cheers to New Beginnings in Canada!

So, don't delay—protect yourself today with travel insurance tailored to your needs by getting a quick quote from soNomad.