Insurance for CRP

[xipetotec]

My son just got accepted into the Cultural Representative Program and is starting in March.

They recommend having their own personal life/health insurance for the first 90-120 days until the Disney benefits kick in. To those who've done this ( or something like it ), does he get this from a CANADIAN firm? Or does he need to arrange it with a US firm once he gets there? Not sure how that works...

What about Medicare ( he lives in Quebec ). I guess he'll have to re-apply for that once he gets back since he'll be away for more than 6 months...

 

[starvenger]

I last lived and worked in the US in 2005. Pretty sure there's a bit that's changed since then. Also, I was young and probably didn't cover myself for the probationary period. Clearly, I was a genius back in the day.

- I know that US Medicare (https://www.medicare.gov/) has open enrollment until Dec 7. I would guess that is what he should look into.
- If he currently has life insurance it would probably be worth it to speak to his agent to see if he's covered for those 3-4 months.

Congratulations to your son, and hopefully, he will never need to see the doctor, because they charge an arm and a leg for anything. And that's a generous estimate.

 

[amie416]

Before I had full time work benefits, I used to purchase out-of-country medical insurance from Medipac.ca. It's pretty affordable for anyone under 65 and the coverage level is good.

 

[bankr63]

For Health Insurance I would be looking at a Canadian Insurer. This is basically the same situation as every Canadian snowbirder who spends up to 6 months in the US. American insurers are unlikely to cover a Canadian (he won't have an address, SSN, etc until he gets there), but I suppose you could check with some of the US insurers to see if they will cover foreign nationals. I expect a Canadian insurer would be cheaper though.

ETA: life insurance is not dependent on where you are, so if he has life insurance now, he is covered in the US. There may be exclusions for dangerous activities, so no bungee jumping or parachuting. If he doesn't have life insurance in Canada, he doesn't need it there either. Life insurance is for the survivors - does he have dependants who will suffer if he dies?

 

[isabellea]

Since your son lives in Quebec, this information might help you: http://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/en/citiz...bec/Pages/temporary-stays-outside-quebec.aspx

For temporary health insurance, I would look at Desjardins Insurance and RBC.

 

[bankr63]

Wow! I would recommend reading the link that @isabellea posted!

If I read that right, your son might not qualify for any RAMQ benefits after January 1st as the entitlement is based on the calendar year, and he is not likely to be in Quebec for 183 days (1/2 year) in 2018. The Regie can demand repayment of services if that happens, and I only see one exemption (the 1 in 7 rule) that might apply. To be safe, I would get any regular checkups taken care of before December 31st. That could be a real black hole as most travel insurers only kick in when you cross the border of your home province, so you need to think about covering Jan 1 to departure in March.