Couple questions on flagpoling (pets/insurance)

[FHRocker]

First, were intending to go to the consulate to get my papers in order then drive to the border right after. Is there anything special we need to do or do we just go as if we're crossing? We're coming form Buffalo.

Also, has anyone done this with a pet? A dog or cat for example. Have all her papers including rabies vaccination, just wondered if there were issues at the border.

Finally, I keep seeing people saying they had to buy insurance for medical coverage, is this required?

[doctorkb]

Flagpoling usually refers to being in Canada already, then driving down to the border, around the flagpole, then back into Canada... without ever technically entering the US.

Is that what you're doing?

[FHRocker]

No, am in the US and going over. Was planning on going to the consulate Tuesday then driving to Canada. Maybe I have the term wrong then 

[dakonej]

Definition of flagpoling:

http://www.victorialaw.com/details/articles/Flagpoling.pdf

[Baloo]

Finally, I keep seeing people saying they had to buy insurance for medical coverage, is this required?

If you are landing and want medical cover, many provinces have a waiting period of three months.
It would be very wise to have personal insurance to cover medical issues and emergencies.

[AllisonVSC]

No, am in the US and going over. Was planning on going to the consulate Tuesday then driving to Canada. Maybe I have the term wrong then 

The only thing you need to be aware of is that after you pick up your visa, you have to wait a few hours before you can cross the border to give them time to "update the computers". Also the Buffalo office has pretty limited hours. I suggest arriving around 7:30 am, if possible, to join the queue in the lobby. And leave your cell phone in the car. Otherwise you have to check it upon entering the office.

[doctorkb]

No, am in the US and going over. Was planning on going to the consulate Tuesday then driving to Canada. Maybe I have the term wrong then 

I was more just speaking to the use of the term here.

If you are just going into Canada to "activate" the PR so you can cross for real at a later date, then why not leave your pets with your significant other in Buffalo, drive up, land, then drive back and pick them up?

As for medical insurance -- you can't apply for that until you're actually residing in the province.  Once you are residing in Canada, you will have to apply for medical insurance in the province you are residing.

[can_usa_97]

Cats require a rabies certificate, that is all.
As to the insurance we are moving to Ontario and my husband employer is actually requiring - well not really but if we don't and they pick us to review and they find something, they will forever not cover anything they find - a gap insurance for medical which covers us while we wait. It will cost us with them, 450 for my husband alone and then when teh kids & I come, another 1100 for the 3 of us/family. He will by then, likely have already met his 3 month requirement.