Where to buy long term travel Insurance in Canada? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

MIKEHONCHO · 03-13-2008, 02:11 AM

I was wondering if anybody knew some insurance companiesthat aregood to use for a working visain Australiafor a year long trip. I know of bon voyage from travel cuts and that is it. Also anybody know if you can buyspecialized insurance for a laptop in case of theft or lost and damaged.
thanks

**mollymore** · 03-13-2008, 12:55 PM

I always get insurance from my credit union. Banks, credit unions, travel agents, and insurance companies would probably be your best bets? I'd make a couple of phone calls and compare policies & prices.

Good Luck

Molly

**maracle** · 03-13-2008, 01:17 PM

BUNAC has some company they provide insurance through for their Australian Work & Holiday visa program. Not sure if it's a good deal but you might see what their prices are. IIRC they have all the prices posted on bunac's site.

**Esterina** · 03-14-2008, 08:34 PM

In my case, Blue Cross always had the best price. Good luck with your search !

MIKEHONCHO · 03-16-2008, 05:43 AM

Most of these companies onlycover up to 180 days with the exception of bon voyage and world nomads

**Esterina** · 03-16-2008, 07:14 AM

I had a one-year cover with Blue Cross... maybe they changed their policy since 2003... The cost was around 650$ if I recall well.

By the way, did you know that you had to notify the government you are leaving for a year, in order to make sure you don't lose the universal health insurance ?

MIKEHONCHO · 03-17-2008, 12:30 AM

I knew I had to notify the governement butnot for that reason.How did you go about that?

**Esterina** · 03-17-2008, 07:23 AM

I'm too in a rush at uni to go through my old papers, but I believe we are only allowed to leave the country for less than six months, in order to keep the insurance. However, once every 7 years or so, we may stay abroad for up to 364 days and not lose it.

Well that goes for the province of Quebec, you should check with your provincial Ministry of health, though.

MIKEHONCHO · 03-18-2008, 01:28 AM

Thanksforthe info

MIKEHONCHO · 03-27-2008, 01:17 PM

thanks for everybody's helpto find out about insurnace and to call MSP about leaving the country.Just to share some information that I have found is
1) Each provinceis different
2) you can only suspend your coverage 1 every 5 years and up to 24 months at a time
3) here is the phone number for BC's MSP
Vancouver: 604 683-7151
Other : Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100