How to notify the insurance company about your departure?

Notifying your insurance company that you are leaving Canada is a critical step in ensuring continuous coverage, avoiding payment issues, and complying with the terms of your insurance policy. Each type of insurance has its own specific notification requirements, and failure to understand these requirements can result in policy cancellation, denial of insurance benefits, or other serious financial consequences. Whether you are planning a short trip, an extended stay abroad, or permanent emigration, understanding the correct notification procedures is key to protecting your insurance interests.

General principles for notifying insurance companies

The importance of timely notification

Contractual obligations: Most insurance policies contain provisions requiring the insured to notify the insurer of any significant changes in circumstances, including a change of residence. Failure to comply with these obligations may be considered a breach of contract.

Risk assessment: Insurance companies use residence information to assess risks and set premiums. A change in geographic location can significantly affect the level of risk for various types of insurance.

Regulatory requirements: Some types of insurance are regulated by provincial authorities, which may require notification of changes in residency to maintain coverage.

Consequences of non-disclosure

Policy cancellation: An insurance company may cancel your policy if it discovers that you have not disclosed significant changes in circumstances.

Denial of benefits: In the event of a claim, the company may deny benefits, citing failure to disclose a change in circumstances.

Loss of entitlement to compensation: Some types of coverage may be automatically suspended or limited if you travel outside the territory covered.

Travel medical insurance

Mandatory notifications

Changes in health: The most critical requirement is to report any changes in your health after purchasing the policy but before departure. This includes:

  • Changes in medication dosage (increase or decrease)
  • Starting or stopping medication
  • Diagnostic tests for potential new medical conditions
  • Any new symptoms or worsening of existing conditions

Changes to travel plans: You must notify the insurance company of any changes to your travel plans, including:

  • Change of departure or return dates
  • Change of destination
  • Extension of travel
  • Additional countries or regions to the itinerary

Notification procedures

Before departure: Contact your insurance company at least 24–48 hours before your scheduled departure. Many companies have 24-hour customer service lines for such notifications. Required information:

  • Policy number
  • Travel dates (departure and return)
  • Destinations
  • Reason for travel
  • Contact information during travel

Documentation: Keep records of all conversations with your insurance company, including dates, times, representative names, and confirmation numbers.

Special requirements for different policies

  • Standard policies: May require compliance with stability periods for existing medical conditions.
  • Personalized policies: Mostly cover existing medical conditions without stability periods.
  • Annual policies: For “snowbirds” and frequent travelers, may have additional requirements for notification of each trip.

Provincial medical insurance

Notification of extended absences

  • Alberta (AHCIP): If you plan to be absent for more than 6 months, you must notify AHCIP.
  • British Columbia (MSP): You must notify them of any absence of more than 6 months outside Canada or more than 12 months in other provinces.
  • Ontario (OHIP): For absences of more than 7 months, prior approval is required; for study or work abroad, coverage may be maintained for up to 2 years.

Notification methods

  • Phone: Alberta: 310-0000 → 780-427-1432

BC: 604-683-7151 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-7100 Ontario: ServiceOntario centers

  • Online forms: Most provinces have forms for reporting absences.
  • In-person visits: Visit a registration center with the necessary documents.

Documentation

  • For extended absences: Proof of residency in the province, employment or education, medical records, letters from missionaries, etc.
  • For permanent relocation: Change of address form, new address, new coverage information (if in Canada).

Car insurance

Notifying your insurer of trips to the US

  • Not required, but recommended to coordinate trips to the US with your insurer.
  • Check coverage limits (usually up to 6 months).
  • Consider increasing liability for travel to the US.

Special cases

  • Leaving your car in Canada: Consider suspending part of your coverage.
  • Travel to Mexico: Separate Mexican auto insurance is required.
  • International license plates: Carry your insurance company's support number with you.

Home insurance

30-day rule

  • Most policies limit vacancies to 30 days.
  • Some companies do not require notification, but recommend it.

Recommended measures

  • Notify your insurer of your extended absence.
  • Security measures: arrange for check-ins, timers for lights, minimal heating.
  • Coverage adjustments: discuss possible updates with individual terms.

Unoccupied vs. vacant

  • Unoccupied: The home is not vacant, but the owner is absent.
  • Vacant: Belongings have been removed — requires stricter coverage terms.

Life insurance

Impact of relocation

  • Policies usually remain in force as long as premiums are paid.
  • Notifications: change of address, update beneficiaries.

Tax considerations

  • Canadian taxes: May apply to payments to non-residents.
  • Reporting: Assets over $25,000 must be declared.
  • Taxes in the new country: Research local rules.

Death abroad

  • Photo confirmation of death and additional documentation.
  • Beneficiaries must be aware of the policy and the insurer's contact details.

Practical steps

Preparation

  • Gather: policy numbers, company contacts, travel plans, medical and financial documents.
  • Make a list of companies: medical (provincial/private), auto, housing, life, travel.

Timeline

  • Start 4–6 weeks before departure.
  • Travel medical insurance: 24–48 hours
  • Provincial medical insurance: before departure
  • Car insurance: before departure
  • Accommodation: up to 30 days of absence

Methods

  • In writing: confirmation of verbal communications.
  • Email: keep copies.
  • Phone: record dates, times, names, and confirmation numbers.
  • Registered mail: for important communications.

Specific situations

Temporary visitors

  • Cancellation of coverage in case of early departure.
  • Refund: 100% (10–15 days), partial refund for days, full refund if visa is denied.

Students/employees

  • May retain provincial coverage if they have letters or contracts.
  • Proof of intent to return.

Military families

  • Federal coverage, not provincial.
  • Some provincial exceptions.

Technology

  • Online portals and mobile apps for updating data.
  • Electronic forms speed up the process.
  • Reminders in your calendar.
  • Automatic notifications about updates.

International considerations

  • FATCA/CRS reporting for cash value policies.
  • Double taxation of agreements.
  • Licensing of the insurer in the new country.
  • Currency restrictions on premium transfers.

Returning to Canada

  • Check waiting periods for coverage reinstatement (provincial medical).
  • Keep records of absences.
  • Update medical information, address, and contact details.

Mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Late notification: happens everywhere.
  • Incomplete information: avoid inaccuracies.
  • Ignoring minor changes: everything is important.
  • Lack of records: documentation is essential.

Future trends

  • Blockchain: transparent record keeping.
  • AI: automation of notifications and risk assessment.
  • Data integration: simplification of inter-system work.
  • Global policies: growing demand.
  • Standardization: potential unification of requirements.

Conclusions and recommendations

Notifying your insurer of your departure is a complex but necessary process that requires attention to detail and proactivity. Adhering to best practices protects your financial interests and rights.

Key tips

  • Plan ahead: start 4–6 weeks in advance.
  • Be comprehensive: cover all policies.
  • Document: keep records of every contact.
  • Update: report changes immediately.

Long-term strategy

  • Global solutions: international insurance products.
  • Return plan: ensure coverage is restored.
  • Stay informed: keep track of legislative changes.

Proper notification of insurance companies will ensure seamless coverage during and after your departure from Canada and protect you from unforeseen financial risks.