Travel Insurance - Alberta

[uvsrsk]

Hi,

We are travelling to Calgary this weekend (me+spouse+kid(1 yr old)) to land as permanent residents. I don't have a job there yet, however I believe Alberta provides health card after I get the SIN as there is no waiting period.

I was wondering if I have to take travel insurance for the journey + prescription medicines or not ? Any advise would be appreciated.

Regards.

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

Hi,

We are travelling to Calgary this weekend (me+spouse+kid(1 yr old)) to land as permanent residents. I don't have a job there yet, however I believe Alberta provides health card after I get the SIN as there is no waiting period.

I was wondering if I have to take travel insurance for the journey + prescription medicines or not ? Any advise would be appreciated.

Regards.

After land in Alberta you're covered, but you need to apply soon for Health Card. You'll need passport, COPR and proof of address (bill, house leasing) or a letter of reference from an employer or perhaps a friend.

http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/moving-to-Alberta.html

http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/how-to-register.html


The tricky part is justifying an Alberta address, I applied for the card as soon I rented an apartment, some friends used a employer letter (temporary workers).

Even if you cannot apply immediately you'll be reimbursed of any expense covered by AHS in the meantime.



SIN it's the most important document, but you don't need it to apply for AHS Card.


Travel insurances is always a good idea, you never know what can be wrong, but don't need to buy it for too long time.

Note medicines are nor covered by AHS (nor ambulance and something else)

If you need medicines better take it.

For prescription drugs, in a significant quantity (or "delicates"), better get a copy of your doctor's original prescription or/and a report (in english or translated), just in case.



My recommendation about firsts things to do, in proper order:
- SIN (Services Canada), for the three of you.
- Open bank account, get debit cards and, if possible, get a credit card with CAD $500 minimum, you'll need for:
- Cell phone
- rent an apartment
- AHS card
- look for job

- look for inmigration center for help and indications.