Temp. health ins. between start job in US & get benefits

[robnorth]

I got the job in Camarillo CA, and for about $10k more than I thought they'd offer! Woo-hoo!

Now, my benefits there (including health insurance) won't start for a month or two after I start working. I'm waiting to hear from the employer whether I can "buy" the insurance early, to start when I go down there. But if that can't be done.

What's the best solution for "temporary" health insurance, knowing that my provincial plan (BC MSP) won't cover everything if something happens to me there? My wife's plan has some travel insurance, but I want to be covered.

I could get CAA's (BCAA's) travel health insurance for the time period . or does anyone out there have any other ideas?

Robert

[calibound]

the same happened to me when i started. It took 3 months for the health benefits/insurance to kick in. What I did to bridge the gap was to get travel insurance for 3 months, it cost me approx. 130 bucks. I actually ended up needing it. So it worked out.

Another option is the one as you suggested - ask if they can put you on the plan, and then you 'reimburse' them for the cost. Some company's might do this, but others (like mine) had a 3 month probation period before benefits kicked in.

HOpe that helps.

[kelapstick]

If you are still in Canada, you can go to a travel agent and get "Travel Insurance", it is relativly inexpensive (we got 1 years coverage for two adults and one child for about $1000, we were able to refund 10 months of it once our regular insurance (self paid) started, but we got a year just in case we had issues). It only takes a few minutes to get and there is no background questions like there is with regular US insurance.