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Another Canadian thing, I'll stop after this.

In order for me to get health care in Ontario I must prove that I live here at least 6 months of the year. And my Ontario health coverage would not do me any good if I was traveling in Alberta and fell ill.

It's not so much national here as provincial.





Dear Ned,

You are mostly correct. The 6 month wait is accurate, and mainly affects immigrants, since someone moving from another province will have coverage under their former province's plan during the six month waiting period.

Which brings me to the second part of your statement. You actually do have coverage in Alberta (to use your example) to the maximum level of benefits you have in Ontario through an inter-provincial reciprocal insurance program.

Clicky

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An insured person leaving Ontario to travel or work within Canada can continue to receive Ontario health coverage for up to 12 months or until establishing residency in another Canadian province or territory, whichever is sooner.

If you plan to work or travel within Canada for more than 212 days in any 12-month period, you need to provide the ministry with a written confirmation of your extended absence. You should provide the ministry with the timing and details of your extended absence as soon as you know that you will be away from Ontario.

You should also advise the ministry of your new residential and mailing addresses if you establish temporary residence in another province or territory.





As a result, do not let your clumsiness or poor health deter you from coming to Vancouver to see the Olympics next year.
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