BlueCross Travel Insurance + Ontario Health Card Extension

Research and word of mouth reveals that BlueCross Travel Insurance is the most comprehensive and valuable to Canadians traveling abroad.

Before you can apply for long-term travel insurance, you have to apply for an OHIP Extension. If ever you leave Canada for over 211 days you have to apply for one of these.

This can be done by visiting a ServiceOntario counter (not a kiosk!) and submitting a signed letter of direction stating:
- Reason for Leaving: Leisure or work. Work will require letter of employment documentation from the company sponsoring you.
- Countries you will be visiting.
- Estimated number of days outside of country.

* Bring your Health Card, proof of address (bill with your name and address on it), credit card passport and/or birth certificate.

While I was looking into Travel Insurance, I realized that my health card had expired. Replacing an expired Health Card can also be done at a ServiceOntario counter. Bring the same identification as noted above and notify the clerk you need to reinstate your OHIP.