Agriculture, food and beverage, construction, and fisheries are industries that British Columbia relies on. And temporary foreign workers (TFWs) are critical to their success. Due to their seasonality and increased labour needs, TFWs help employers meet the demand.
Employers of temporary foreign workers are required to get private health insurance for them. This is according to Canada’s TFW program. Since employers are responsible for the health and safety of TFWs they hire, this rule aims to protect them. Medical expenses for injuries and illness could be much higher than the cost of health insurance premiums.
Temporary Foreign Worker Health Insurance
The necessary private health insurance is a form of Visitors to Canada insurance. It provides a breadth of coverage such as emergency medical care, prescription drugs, ambulance service and more. See a list of TFW health insurance benefits. Employers are not allowed to deduct money from workers’ paycheques to cover the premiums.
TFWs from the Caribbean and Mexico, who work the agriculture industry for a season don’t need to worry about this. Health insurance is included for them, via agreements that Canada has with these countries.
Accessing Health Care Services
It’s important to note that TFWs will also have coverage through BC’s Medical Services Plan. If a worker needs medical care, most of the time the province will take care of it. However, there is a waiting period before coverage takes effect of between 2 – 7 days. That’s why it’s vital that employers purchase insurance before TFWs arrive in British Columbia.
Getting Ill or Injured at Work
If a temporary foreign worker needs medical care, they don’t have to have permission from their employer. But, if it happens while at work, they should tell their employer and get medical help. Employers must:
- Have a phone available for them to call for help
- Inform them where to go for medical care
- Give them time off to seek medical attention
- Provide transportation to the health care facility if needed. Although, employers are not required to pay for the transport.
- Give TFWs privacy to speak with health care providers, and respect their confidentiality
Guidelines for Employers
Many employers in British Columbia would not thrive without the help of temporary foreign workers. And as an employer it’s your responsibility to treat TFWs fairly and protect their safety while on the job. These guidelines will help employers find and customize the right TFW health insurance plans.
- Do your research and compare. There are many insurance agents that provide health plans for temporary foreign workers. Compare the benefits provided as well as the costs: deductibles, and monthly premiums. Find the right plan for your TFWs and your budget. And remember you cannot deduct the cost from workers’ pay.
- Get familiar with the law. Check the legal requirements for Canada and British Columbia regarding insuring TFWs –before you buy.
- Educate your workers. Let TFWs know what their health insurance benefits cover, what to do in a medical emergency, and how to get health care services. As well make it easy for them to get questions answered about care or filing a claim.
TFWs are Good for Business
Protecting temporary foreign workers is an investment in your future. Don’t look at it as an obligation. Their well-being is good for business. Take a look at our Pacific Blue Cross temporary foreign worker insurance. For more information or a quote, contact us.