theducks: (Alex Mountie)
theducks ([personal profile] theducks) wrote2008-10-30 09:42 am

Random question regarding insurance in North America..

So, random question.

In the US, a simple visit to the emergency room can cost thousands. This is fine for Americans who have health insurance.

How do Canadians deal with this when they cross the border for short shopping trips? Do you assume you'll be ok and be able to make it to a Canadian hospital if something happens? or what?

[identity profile] benmurrihy.livejournal.com 2008-10-30 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
According to Sicko (Michael Moore's documentary) which I watched idly once, Moore's Canadian grandparents (I think they were his grandparents) always get travel insurance from their local department store before visiting the U.S., because of this very issue.
Apparently they did it every single time.

I'm not sure of how widespread this is (i.e., could be only old people, only Moore's family, mildly staged for the documentary, etc).