Cannot buy travel insurance for > 1 year??

[simonvee]

Hi,

I am from Australia going to Canada on a working holiday visa (2 years). The terms of the visa requires me to purchase travel insurance for 2 years given this is the duration of the visa. However, when to I spoke to a flight center agent she told me that 1 year of travel insurance is the maximum they are able to sell. If I want 2 years I would have to get someone (e.g. parent, sibbling) to purchase travel insurance for me while I am in Canada.

1. I'm not sure if she is 100% correct about this
2. It's such a hassle to get someone to buy travel insurance for me, I want to buy it in one shot

There must be an option or an alternative means to buy health insurance for 2 years.

What does everyone think? Or know?

[Baloo]

These companies may be able to help (I have not used them, some quote up to 365 days but may have other plans).

https://www.useblue.com/assurance-voyage/trouver-produit/liste-protections/visiteurs-canada1/visiteurs-canada-immigrants.en.html
http://www.travelinsurance.ca/plans/visitorsGeneral.php
http://www.etfsinc.com/individual/visitors-to-canada/insurance-protection-for-visitors.html

[simonvee]

Thanks for the websites. I appreciate it.

However, I've called 2 of the Canadian insurance companies up and they do not have plans for >1year.

On the other hand, the Consulate General of Canada has told me that I must buy travel insurance for 2 years, which is the duration of the visa. Interesting...

[Baloo]

Thanks for the websites. I appreciate it.

However, I've called 2 of the Canadian insurance companies up and they do not have plans for >1year.

On the other hand, the Consulate General of Canada has told me that I must buy travel insurance for 2 years, which is the duration of the visa. Interesting...

It might be worth calling them for suggestions.

[Canooknic]

Is it travel insurance or medical insurance that you need? I used to work in travel insurance, and we never offered policies for more than 12 months because rates are reviewed every year based on claims made. Would medical cover be what you need and then you could get building & property contents insurance to cover your belongings for the time that you are living in Canada?

Just a thought....

[Baloo]

Is it travel insurance or medical insurance that you need? I used to work in travel insurance, and we never offered policies for more than 12 months because rates are reviewed every year based on claims made. Would medical cover be what you need and then you could get building & property contents insurance to cover your belongings for the time that you are living in Canada?

Just a thought....

I think two years Medical cover is what is required.

[simonvee]

To Canooknic,

The terms of my visa requires insurance that covers: Medical, hospitalization & repratiation.
This needs to be supported by documents to the port of entry officer once arriving in Canada.

All of the insurance companies that I have called up so far just have insurance for 1 year max. I'd apprecriate any recommendations to insurance companies that sells insurance greater than 1 year.

On 2nd option, as I just found out from the WHP website, is if I am unable to purchase insurance >1 year, the port of entry officer has the authority to shorten the length of my visa coinciding with the duration of my insurance. This may mean that I must somehow extend my WHP visa once I have lived a year in Canada. Such a hassle!! I wish I could find a company that sells for two years.

[simonvee]

This leads me to another curiosity..........


If the government of Australia requires me to prove insurance coverage upon entry into Canada, what happens when I re-apply for another WHV (2 years WHILST living in Canada). Must I demonstrate insurance coverage? I did not provide insurance details whatsoever when applying for the 1st WHV. The only person that checks for insurance is the Port of Entry Officer. However, in the future I will be IN Canada, therefore will not come face to face with the officer, how will the Australian government know if I bought insurance or not.

[steaky]

How about if you buy the first year insurance in "A" company and second year in "B" company? Total 2 years then.

[Baloo]

This leads me to another curiosity..........


If the government of Australia requires me to prove insurance coverage upon entry into Canada, what happens when I re-apply for another WHV (2 years WHILST living in Canada). Must I demonstrate insurance coverage? I did not provide insurance details whatsoever when applying for the 1st WHV. The only person that checks for insurance is the Port of Entry Officer. However, in the future I will be IN Canada, therefore will not come face to face with the officer, how will the Australian government know if I bought insurance or not.

They only have to ask. they can easily add a B/F date on your file.

[rng]

 @ simonvee; what did you end up doing? I'm leaving in a few months and am having the same problem.