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David1275

My name is Warren and myself and my wife would like to spend our retirement summers in Canada. We now live in Florida full time.
How do we do this?

GuestPoster1050

U.S. citizens can stay in Canada up to 6 months with a valid U.S. passport.

You will need to purchase health insurance. U.S. citizens are not covered by their US domestic plan and are not covered by the public health care system in Canada. So you will pay out-of-pocket for any medical expenses incurred in Canada.

David1275

My Blue Cross Federal plan is not good in canada?

GuestPoster1050

Do you have Basic Option or Standard Option?

Most U.S. health insurance has little or no value in Canada. However, the Blue Cross Federal Employee Program is a notable exception.

Nonetheless, you should be aware of the coverage limitations. The Basic Option requires you to use a Preferred provider for treatment and medication. While Preferred providers are plentiful in the U.S. they are not as common in Canada. You will need Standard Option to use non-Preferred providers in Canada. Also you are personally responsible for any shortfalls between the prescribed rates of coverage and the actual charges you incur in Canada.

Note the new FEP Blue Focus specifically covers international travel. Again, there are significant items which are NOT covered, such as dental care and certain medications.

GuestPoster1050

On-line rental scams are very common in Canada.

Obvious red flags: the supposed "owner" does not live in Canada (often doing missionary work in Africa), the price is too good to be true, poor English writing skills, insists on non-refundable/non-traceable payment method (usually Western Union).

Bottom line... NEVER wire money directly (no bank transfers) and ALWAYS use a credit card (not debit card).

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