Out of Province insurance

[iluvflorida]

We have to buy out of province insurance for the first time this year. (No more work plans). Any suggestions on what is the best and cheapest company (If those can go together.

I mean health insurance. Thanks

 

[diz karen]

I really like CAA. I am not a member, but you can still buy insurance there. They have really good coverage and they have had the best rates I can find.

 

[pampam]

I'm not sure if you are referring to out of country health coverage. Once, when we were in Fla., my mother had an eye infection and needed to see a Dr. We went to the clinic and there was a family there ahead of us from Hamilton, On. They had purchased Nomad health ins. from their t.a., but the clinic wouldn't accept it. The secretary was on the phone calling other clinics to see who would take this patient. We had Blue Cross(now liberty), so they took us right away. We saw the Dr., recieved treatment, and when we left, the receptionist was still on the phone trying to find someone who would take Nomad ins. Whatever type you buy, make sure it is accepted at most places down there. We've used Liberty( 1-800-cover me) several times and have never had a problem.

 

[Jennie in TO]

We have always used Blue Cross (Liberty now, eh?) and it is easy to get and cheap for a family of six. Internationally recognized too.

 

[MultiMut]

Liberty Health is now owned by Maritime Life. Products sold are the same, and I'm sure it's still a good product. (1-800-cover-me still works).

The longer history:
- The original Ontario Blue Cross was acquired by Liberty Mutual (a major U.S. insurance company) this happened in the mid/early 1990's). Liberty did not retain the right to use the name Ontario Blue Cross, but acquired the business (and named it Liberty Health)

- Just this year, Liberty Mutual sold Liberty Health to Maritime Life (and owned by John Hancock, another big US insurance company).

- and ManuLife (big Canadian insurance company) is "merging with"/acquiring John Hancock. ManuLife is the larger partner. This is still in process, and not finalized.

To add to the confusion, just recently there is a new entity using the name "Ontario Blue Cross", that has rights to the name and can claim the history, but is actually completely different from the original Ontario Blue Cross which became Liberty Health, which is now part of Maritime Life.

The policies that were recommended in a couple of posts are now sold by Maritime Life [but the 1-800-coverme number still works]. I have no personal experience with out-of-country coverage, as my work coverage is good, but happen to know a little about the changes.

 

[iluvflorida]

Thanks for the replies. For others that may be wondering also I found Cooperators insurance quick, and cheapest. Bought it today. Almost half or more than other I checked. No deductible, covers pre-conditions and all items like return of car (even return of pet). We are in the 55-60 age group. Only cost $2 per day each for 43 days =$170 CDN. and no tax.

 

[mom_rules]

Also pays to check what is offered under your Visa card - also RBC has a good plan too-They also have about 11 US branches throughout Florida so you can do banking there as well.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I use CAA... they offered me a plan for $45-$50 (I can't remember the exact figure) which covers me for an entire year.

 

[mom_rules]

For family plan, annual coverage, multiple trip per yr of less than 15 days each we were quoted $130 with CAA-you can get free quotes online.

 

[jaysue]

DW has to use Blue Cross this year - they were the only company that would cover her pre-existing sting/allergy condition (she carries epipens) that she developed over the summer

When we get she starts the 3 months shot protocol for the summer...



We tried Trent, Manulife, CAA - no one would cover her except for Blue Cross

I am going to read the fine print very carefully ahead of our trip

thanks
jaysue