Travel/health insurance for one year?

[electricstars]

I want to apply for a one-year visa to a foreign country and the visa application states that I need to have proof of health insurance that will cover me while I'm away. I called Blue Cross and they told me that I can get coverage through them for up to one year but if I stay even ONE DAY longer than one year, I'm pretty much screwed because I will

Comments

[fuzzyila]

you can call any insurance company and get a travel health policy. Just shop around for the best price. Unless someone has a better option, try calling all the big banks you know to get quotes. I've bought insurance from RBC in the past, but I know AMEX also offers it (you might have to already be a customer, not sure), or try Desjardins Insurance. The CAA, if you're a member, might also help.

[kaylla_334]

Go with the bank that issued your visa/mastercard. All 6 chartered banks + Desjardins offer extended travel insurance and you would probably get a much better rate going with the people that are used to you.

[cheap_hairbrush]

I've found that, for short trips at least, Bank of Montreal has the cheapest travel insurance. Bank of Montreal is not my bank, but it's easy to buy their insurance online - and they are one of the only companies that will let you buy day-of insurance. (So, if you want some just-in-case insurance for that last-minute afternoon trip down to Plattsburg or Burlington and back, you're all good.)

[winter2010]

I have never been in this situation myself and I know that most companies just cover you for a year max.I guess they call people that stay abroad for a long time expats.
But it seems that there are companies that cover you for periods that exceed one year:
http://www.global-health-insurance.com/
http://international-health-insurance.com
Good luck

[taxlady]

I think your best bet would be to get an insurance broker. Insurance brokers deal with lots of companies and understand the policies, so they can figure it out for you. They get a commission from the insurance company, so it shouldn't cost you extra, but be sure to ask.

[my_fair_kadie]

I strongly suggest Medex. I have them through my husbands work, and they cover me any time I leave the country. I have had to file a claim with them, and they were really awesome about it. They aren't very expensive either.