U S citizens need medical insurance while travelling in Canada?

[Evo160K]

Wife and I and several other senior couples are planning a MC trip to Canada.  You all know what the risks and medical costs can be in a bike accident.  Since Medicare does not cover U. S. citizens when traveling outside of the country, we'll need to purchase other medical insurance.

What have those of you who have travelled to Canada done for medical insurance?  What companies are reliable?  What has your experience been when you needed to use the insurance?  Your tips and suggestions are much appreciated.  TIA

[Buffalo]

In Canada I have purchased full travel Insurance at my local bank for any trip I was taking into the US. I would assume the reverse would be true for US riders coming into Canada. Failing that, I think any travel agency would have coverage available. fwiw Buffalo

[IndyHarley]

doesn't your cycle insurance include medical coverage? mine does.

[bigfoot5x]

Most people  that have Medicare also have a Medicare Supplement to cover whatever Medicare does not cover. Check your supplement. There probably is a certain level of coverage for injury or illness outside of the USA. At least all the supplements that I have sold have some coverage so I assume all policies do.

[MrClean]

http://www.coverme.com/products/travel-insurance-visitors.jsp

[uscanuck]

Don't worry about it.

If you are in that bad of shape that you need medical attention you could likely drive or fly back to the US before any doctor in Canada could see you.

If not, I think all procedures in Canada only cost $19.95.

In all seriousness, it is the Canadians coming to the USA that really have to worry about using the healthcare system.  Best care in the World here but it comes with a price.

[Evo160K]

Thank you one and all for your replies.  There are at least three big costs I can think of that need to be considered:  (1) something like a heart attack and surgery, (2) a bike accident where the rider (our riders in this case) is at fault and (3) air ambulance back to the US.

My medicare supplement does cover about 20% of the costs up to 50K iirc.  The other 80% is the concern.

My Progressive bike insurance will cover up to 25K in medical (not enough) and up to 250K each for me and wife for un/under insured motorist.  My understanding is they don't cover my medical other than 25K if I'm at fault, but they will cover my wife/pass up to 250K if I'm at fault.  Can someone speak to this?

Not sure how to cover air ambulance from Canada to the US.

Your thoughts are appreciated and welcome.

[kd]

Check with VISA. I have a level of Visa that gives emergency medical, trip cancellation, breakdown and other coverage. You don`t even have to use  it for trip bookings or expenses to be eligible.

[Twolane]

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE should anyone travel to a foreign country without medical insurance. Canadian medical services are not "free" for non-residents. If you don't have adequate medical insurance coverage, you will end up with a bill to pay at the end of your stay in a hospital. If you need air ambulance transport back you your own country, you will need to pay for it.

Purchase adequate medical insurance for out-of-country travel or end up broke paying the bills, no matter what country you visit.

[HarleyHiwayMan]

Use that link supplied by MrClean! Top notch with what is needed and required for Insurance when heading into Canada

[Garry in AZ]

For medical transportation coverage, many of us who frequently ride in other countries or just very far from home use MEDJET.
Link:  http://medjetassist.com
From their website:  MedjetAssist is a domestic and global air medical transport membership program in the U.S.  If a Medjet member becomes hospitalized more than 150 miles from home and meets transport criteria, Medjet will arrange medical transport to the hospital of their choice within their home country at no additional cost. All the member pays is their membership fee.

They will not only get you to your local hospital, but they will also arrange to have your bike returned as well. No connection to me, just passing on what I use.
Garry

[cycleman11]

Do make sure you get medical insurance if you are going to be travelling in Canada.  Also if you have any pre-existing condition ( re: previous heart attack ) that will not be covered by your insurance.  So read the fine print.  Insurance agents are great at selling the stuff, but not always so good at explaining what exactly you have paid for.

Our medical costs may be less than in the US, but believe me you will get a bill if you don't have insurance.

[Rags722]

I'm not sure if it's just a Pennsylvania thing or not, but the medical coverage I have on my bike DOES NOT cover me in the event of an accident.  It is liability coverage for anyone I injure, and I'm pretty sure that may exclude MY passenger ( not sure on that one).  Just because YOUR policy lists medical coverage, don't assume it covers you.  When in doubt, call your insurance agent, get the answer, than have them mail or fax you the answer in writing so you have it in case you ever need to prove what they told you.

[CndUltra88]

Purchase adequate medical insurance for out-of-country travel or end up broke paying the bills, no matter what country you visit.

Very Good advice Twolane !
Rob

[bbs15]

I spent 2 nights in a Florida hospital and my insurance was charged just over $18,000 dollars. "Don't Cross any Border" without insurance. Just my 2 cents!!!!!!!!!!!