Canadians are known for being extremely friendly and welcoming to everybody. The country is loved for its beauty, friendly culture, and amazing food, including poutine, bannock, and butter tarts.
But Canada isn’t for everybody and you might be thinking about moving out of the country. If you’ve lived there your whole life, it might be time to experience what life is like in another country.
As amazing as Canada is, there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. Whether you prefer city life or you enjoy being surrounded by the sounds of nature, there are so many countries to consider when you’re relocating.
There are many reasons why you might want to move abroad but it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Even once you have confirmed your decision to move out of the country, there are many things that you will need to organize.
Moving from one country to another is never simple but you can have an enjoyable and stress free experience if you do your research. By this, we don’t just need to get your legal documentation sorted or get health insurance for Canadians living abroad.
We also mean getting your accommodation sorted, considering the risks involved, and learning about the culture in the country you plan on moving to.
To make things as simple and stress free as possible for you, we’ve got a list of three important things that you need to know if you plan on moving out of Canada to live in a foreign country.
You’ll Need Health Insurance
As a Canadian citizen, you will be used to accessing the national healthcare system in your home country. However, when you move to another country, you may not get the same luxuries.
Many countries have privatized healthcare systems that cannot be accessed without valid insurance. Even the countries that offer free public healthcare services may require you to have health insurance if you’re not a native resident.
You will need to purchase health insurance for Canadians living abroad before relocating. Even if you don’t take regular medications or don’t suspect that you will need immediate treatment once you’ve moved, you can never predict when you might get injured or ill.
If you do end up needing to access the healthcare facilities in your new country, having health insurance will significantly reduce the costs of any medical bills that you accumulate. It will also enable you to access a wider range of treatments and better quality care.
You can get a variety of different health insurance plans, including single policies, joint policies, or plans for the whole family. Depending on who you’re moving with, you may want to choose a multi-person option to cover yourself and your loved ones.
When you sign up for a specific plan, make sure you are aware of exactly what is covered by your policy. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise when your insurance provider doesn’t cover a specific type of treatment that you need.
Once you have moved abroad, make sure you keep a physical and digital copy of all of your health insurance documentation. You may need to show this as evidence when you need to access a hospital or community healthcare facility in the new country.
You Might Get Culture Shock
As wacky as it sounds, culture shock is a real thing. The Canadian culture is notoriously friendly and welcoming but the same can’t be said for every other country in the world.
You might find that the culture in the country you’re moving to is completely different from the Canadian culture. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it can cause an initial shock. You’ll get used to it but it might take you a few months to settle into your new home and learn the ‘norms’ in the area.
Before you relocate, do lots of research to learn about the culture. This should ease the shock a little, helping you to feel more comfortable in your new environment.
Consider Your Job Before You Move
In the digital world of 2022, you might be able to keep your current job when you move out of Canada. You can now do many jobs remotely, so you can continue to work in any country.
For example, if you work in recruitment to attract top job seekers or you’re a digital marketer, all you need is a phone and a laptop. As long as you figure out the time zone differences with your colleagues and clients, you’re good to go.
If you currently work in a job that requires in-person meetings, you will need to consider changing jobs. Try and organize work before you relocate so you aren’t left without a stream of income in your new country.