Returning to Canada with Spouse and Children

[armoured]

The lack of comprehensive health insurance for him is worrisome, and possibly problematic.

Buy insurance for him. I suspect the cost of that insurance will be less than you expect, coming from the USA. (Of course depends on whether he has some health problems etc).

Americans are constantly surprised that health care costs in Canada - even straight out of pocket - are cheap compared to USA. I have a host of stories about this. And as a result, insurance for visitors can be very reasonably priced (friends have said cheaper than what they pay in USA as residents with insurance from work).

Of course may not apply in all cases, you have to do your own research on this, but you really should not let health insurance be the blocking factor.

*Covid is special case - insurers may not want to cover - but some provinces have specifically said covid-related treatments will be covered regardless of insurance, because the public health risks of not treating people already in Canada is more important than cost recovery from indvidual patients. Canada is not the USA.

[Side note: I am not claiming Canadian system is perfect. As a Canadian citizen living abroad without Canadian health insurance, I once found I could not get a flu shot - free at the local pharmacy - at all; there was simply no mechanism for me to pay, at any price. Absurd, but again - Canada is not the USA.]

 

[canuck78]

When I called OHIP they said that birth certificates and my passport were sufficient for the kids. They would issue a card valid for one year, then when proof of citizenship arrived we would receive a permanent card.

We aren't worried about my husband working. The plan is he will be home with my girls to help support the transition, and as I transition into my new (very demanding) job. The lack of comprehensive health insurance for him is worrisome, and possibly problematic.

Really depends on his health needs. He also won’t qualify for your extended benefit plan. People must have have provincial coverage to get covered by these plans. Really depends on whether he has preexisting conditions, any presribed medications, etc. If not planning to be employed it may be over a year before he gets PR. There is a huge backlog of cases. Although costs are lower than the US healthcare can get expensive depending on what care or medication you are receiving and those who have OHIP will always be prioritized. Given covid there are huge backlogs so seeing private patients usually is the last priority.

 

[canuck78]

Buy insurance for him. I suspect the cost of that insurance will be less than you expect, coming from the USA. (Of course depends on whether he has some health problems etc).

Americans are constantly surprised that health care costs in Canada - even straight out of pocket - are cheap compared to USA. I have a host of stories about this. And as a result, insurance for visitors can be very reasonably priced (friends have said cheaper than what they pay in USA as residents with insurance from work).

Of course may not apply in all cases, you have to do your own research on this, but you really should not let health insurance be the blocking factor.

*Covid is special case - insurers may not want to cover - but some provinces have specifically said covid-related treatments will be covered regardless of insurance, because the public health risks of not treating people already in Canada is more important than cost recovery from indvidual patients. Canada is not the USA.

[Side note: I am not claiming Canadian system is perfect. As a Canadian citizen living abroad without Canadian health insurance, I once found I could not get a flu shot - free at the local pharmacy - at all; there was simply no mechanism for me to pay, at any price. Absurd, but again - Canada is not the USA.]

Inexpensive insurance usually only covers emergencies. If you need routine care or have preexisting conditions insurance costs are much different but may be less than you were paying in the US for your medical care.

 

[armoured]

Inexpensive insurance usually only covers emergencies. If you need routine care or have preexisting conditions insurance costs are much different but may be less than you were paying in the US for your medical care.

I agree, not saying cheap, just that even comprehensive care in Canada can be less than americans pay (sometimes).

Another option of course is to check if existing US plans (eg from employer) can be extended after leaving employment. Ensuring they cover care in Canada as well.