Medical Exam

[Sparkles2013 9]

Hi everyone,

I am just doing a bit of research about the medical. I know it is best to bring evidence of vaccination from your family doctor to avoid having to pay for the vaccines. However, it seems that certain expense need to be paid out of pocket (the actual exam with the physician, the chest x-ray..). Just wondering if anyone has had luck with having private insurance cover part of these expenses.

It's starting to feel like there are more and more fees every time this process moves forward ($465 for the I-130, $88 for the AOS, $230 for IV, $35 for a long form birth certificate, $80 for police checks, ~$200 for medical exam, $165 after the interview..passport photos.. travel expenses for the interview...) and it's starting to feel overwhelming. I know at the end of the day it will be worth it to be with my husband, but anything to help cut back on some expenses would be a welcome change!

[nightingalejules 678]

Hi everyone,

I am just doing a bit of research about the medical. I know it is best to bring evidence of vaccination from your family doctor to avoid having to pay for the vaccines. However, it seems that certain expense need to be paid out of pocket (the actual exam with the physician, the chest x-ray..). Just wondering if anyone has had luck with having private insurance cover part of these expenses.

It's starting to feel like there are more and more fees every time this process moves forward ($465 for the I-130, $88 for the AOS, $230 for IV, $35 for a long form birth certificate, $80 for police checks, ~$200 for medical exam, $165 after the interview..passport photos.. travel expenses for the interview...) and it's starting to feel overwhelming. I know at the end of the day it will be worth it to be with my husband, but anything to help cut back on some expenses would be a welcome change!

Yes, it's an expensive process. And, no, your health insurance won't cover it, unless you need supplementary vaccinations and you get them before your medical. Otherwise, it's all out of pocket. Sucks, I know, but there's no getting around it.

[NikLR 13,227]

Where were you planning on doing the medical?

[Sparkles2013 9]

Where were you planning on doing the medical?

One of the Toronto locations.

[NikLR 13,227]

they take the longest to get the results back to you. plan the medical at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

If you know you need any of the vaccinations, or if you need a blood titer test to see what diseases you do or don't already have immunity to, then these can be done through your family physician or sometimes through a health clinic and will be covered. If you wait until the medical, you will end up paying for them as well. You will need to bring proof of your immunization history or the titer tests to the Immigration medical. The medical itself comes out of your own pocket. I haven't heard of anyone successfully getting a third party insurer to pay for the exam.

Yes, the process is expensive and it does feel like they nickel and dime you since each part of the process involves more fees. This is not the place to try and cut expenses though because you want to get through this as quickly as possible and unfortunately, there aren't any shortcuts.

Good luck!

Edited July 5, 2014 by Kathryn41

[NikLR 13,227]

We spent more money on Immigration from March 2013 to June 2013 than we did on plane tickets for visits before then, the petition, and getting married.

You are just at the section of immigration where it costs you an arm and a leg. Fortunately it's at the end (until ROC.)

[Sparkles2013 9]

Thanks everyone for your help! I know i am up to date on my vaccines (have to be for work) now i wonder if i have a record of that somewhere haha! Ill call my family doctor tomorrow and try and schedule for titers to be done.

Thanks again!

they take the longest to get the results back to you. plan the medical at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

Yikes! ok thanks for the heads up!

[NikLR 13,227]

Check the local health clinic or where you got the vaccinations done.

Medisys in Montreal gets the results back in 3 days after medical. Medical cost me about $280 cash. Dunno if Montreal is closer to you or not. I think they can courier the results to you as well.