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Old 16th August 2009, 05:43 AM
mamachka mamachka is offline
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Originally from usa. Expat in canada.
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OK so now I am really confused as this contradicts so many different descriptions of what I have heard.

Like Auld Yin a collegue of my husband's recently told him he had a nasty break to a leg (in BC) and needed surgery ...there was an extensive stay and I believe physical therapy (anyone can feel free to jump in and confirm if PT is covered or not for the rehabillitation of an accident) and he said he paid nothing and....he also stated he never purchased insurance.

Is this a new development (or in recent years) that BC does not have health coverage through their taxes?

Thank you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oggy View Post
Hi mamachka

4- I am concerned because I have heard rumours regarding insurance or lack of in Canada for Internationals...we have insurance through my husband's job now, so I am confused how it will work if he will be with the same company and then we won't have insurance? Or is that different for people who are there with their jobs lined up ahead of time?

Although many provinces have their health care covered by taxes, BC is not one of them. You will have to pay monthly premiums based on your income level. The first 3 months after you arrive in BC aren't covered by the BC medical plan, but you can get coverage through companies such as Blue Cross, Pacific Blue Cross or Manulife for that short time period. If you arrive September 19th, for instance, that month would be considered your first month and you would become eligible December 1.

If your husband's company has a benefit plan, it will make these payments as part of his employment package. If he starts work soon after arriving, the company will submit the necessary paperwork on his behalf. Please see the quote below from the BCMSP website...

If you are applying for a self-administered MSP account, complete an Application for Enrollment form (see MSP Forms for ways to obtain a form) and send it to MSP. Copies of documents to support the name and Canadian citizenship or immigration status of the persons listed on your application may be required.

If MSP coverage is available through your employer, union or pension plan, contact that office for information and a group application form. Any existing self-administered account will be cancelled by MSP when your group application is processed.


Here's a link to BCMSP that will answer some of your questions:

MSP - Eligibility and Enrollment

Best of luck with your research!
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