I live in Ontario and commute daily to work in the US on a TN visa. I am covered by OHIP and my wife's Canadian insurance, but do I need US health insurance for when I am across the border? If so, is it better to use my employer's plan or find private insurance?
You are not legally required to hold US health insurance to work across the border on a TN visa, but relying on {"term": "ohip", "text": "OHIP"} alone leaves you responsible for medical care and transportation costs.
You can purchase private travel medical insurance using your Canadian address, so you are protected from day one whether or not your employer offers a plan.
**The legal requirement:** There are no federal laws that mandate TN professionals in the US to carry health insurance. Your TN visa remains valid whether you have a US policy or not.
**The OHIP gap:** If you are hospitalized outside of the country, {"term": "ohip", "text": "OHIP"} does not cover the cost of a transfer to an Ontario hospital for ongoing care. The Ontario Ministry of Health warns that if you do not have medical travel insurance that includes transportation coverage, you will be responsible for covering all costs associated with your medical care and transportation back to Ontario.
**Employer plans vs. private insurance:** You asked if it is better to use your employer's plan or find private insurance. TN employers are not obligated to offer health insurance. If your employer does not provide a plan, or if you need coverage before their benefits start, immigration attorneys advise purchasing short-term or travel medical insurance.
