IEC MedEC Policy: How to Access Medical Services in Canada

Canadian hospital with a flag on the roof—guide for IEC MedEC policyholders on accessing medical care in Canada, including Maple telehealth and claims.

Have you purchased a BestQuote MedEC policy for your IEC visa?

This article will highlight everything you need to know if you need to visit a doctor in Canada and how to use your MedEC policy effectively.

This article will cover some great benefits within your MedEC policy, three ways to access medical services in Canada (including a virtual doctor service called Maple), and what to do if you need to submit a MedEC claim.

What is included in the BestQuote MedEC policy?

The BestQuote MedEC policy is a one-of-a-kind policy offering benefits not available anywhere else for IEC visa insurance.

Here are some of the unique MedEC benefits:

A 25% refund when you enrol in GHIP
Access to a virtual doctor service

1. MedEC 25% GHIP refund

You can apply for a 25% refund on the remaining premium on your policy when you enrol in a provincial government health insurance plan (GHIP) in Canada.

This refund is not available if you have initiated a claim.

2. Access to Maple

Maple is a virtual doctor service recently added to MedEC's policy benefits. It is available on all MedEC policies purchased on or after October 1st, 2024.

Maple telehealth is a company providing virtual health consultations with Canadian licensed doctors. With your MedEC policy, you have access to Maple as part of your policy benefits.

Maple is available 24/7, has a low wait time of just 5 minutes, and has an easy registration! We’ll cover what Maple services are included with your MedEC policy later.

3. MedEC policy

Your MedEC policy covers new urgent and emergency medical situations.

For many of you, this could be your first experience accessing medical services outside the national healthcare system in your home country. Private insurance works differently no matter where you are travelling. However, in general, you keep receipts relevant to your medical emergency and submit them for approval and reimbursement.

Three ways to access care in Canada

1. Urgent Care Centres or Walk-in clinics

If you are experiencing a minor or mild medical issue, you may need to visit a Walk-in clinic or Urgent Care Centre.

These clinics are used for consultations, minor treatments, or prescriptions. The most common reasons to visit an Urgent Care or Walk-in clinic are:

Sprains or strains
Urinary infections
Cough, cold, or the flu
Skin conditions
Minor cuts and bruises
Stitches

Wait time: 1 to 3 hours

Typical open hours: 8 am to 5 pm (Monday to Saturday)

Usual cost: $100 to $200

2. Virtual health consultations

Virtual doctor services are becoming increasingly popular for quick access to a doctor.

Virtual health services can be used to consult primary care physicians, get prescriptions, doctor’s notes, and general medical advice.

The most common reasons to visit a virtual doctor are:

Skin conditions
Birth control
Digestive issues
Urinary infections
Ear, eye, or throat queries
Cough, cold or the flu
Sleep issues
Headaches

Wait time: less than 30 minutes (usually)

Typical open hours: 24/7

Usual cost: $60 to $80 (free with Maple*)

*BestQuote MedEC Visitors Health & Repatriation insurance coverage purchased on or after October 1st, 2024, allows you to have three consultations per year at no cost.

3. Hospital emergency room

In Canada, hospital emergency rooms (ER) are usually reserved for emergencies that are life-threatening or need immediate medical attention.

The most common reasons to visit the ER are:

Obvious emergencies
Severe pain
Severe burns
Difficulty breathing
Head injury
Abdominal pain
Chest pain or pressure
Compound fractures

Wait time: 3 to 12+ hours (depending on your condition)

Typical open hours: 24/7

Usual cost: $1,000 - $1,800*

*The cost listed above is for a simple visit without diagnostic testing, surgery, or intervention. Hospitals purposely set their fees high to prohibit non-essential visits.

Maple FAQs

If you need a prescription, your primary care provider can decide to prescribe medication based on your health needs. If a prescription is issued, you can pick it up at a pharmacy or have it delivered to your home.

You do not need an appointment to use Maple.

Maple provides services in English and French, and you can change the language in your account settings.

You have three consultations per year for free. After the third consultation, a subscription fee of $80 per month will be charged.

How to submit a claim on your MedEC policy

The following information is relevant to people with MedEC policies purchased on or after October 1st, 2024. If you have an older MedEC policy, please refer to your MedEC wallet card for claim information as details may differ.

1. Submitting a claim without being hospitalized

Email bestquoteclaims@royalclaims.ca
Read the instructions carefully. You will be required to submit the necessary documents for reimbursement, including:
1. A fully completed claim form,
2. Original receipts and/or a medical report,
3. (By request) a copy of your passport confirming travel dates and entry into Canada, and
4. Proof of departure and return to Canada for side trips.
Once you submit all the necessary documents, Royal Claims will review them and may ask for further information. Depending on the claim, this process could take a few days or several weeks.

2. Submitting a claim If you are hospitalized

If you are hospitalized, you or someone you are with should:

Immediately notify Royal Claims:
1. +1-833-489-2273 From Canada and the United States
2. +1-778-653-4904 Worldwide
3. by email: BestQuoteClaims@royalclaims.ca
Provide the hospital registrar with your policy wallet card. You can find the wallet card on the policy declaration document you received at the time of purchase.