My son's 20 and in good health. He's heading off to Japan next week from Canada assuming his visa is ready to do a 1-2 year work holiday visa.
I realize that he'll have to join the national health insurance program that will cover 70% of any possible medical needs which is great. Fairly minor issues that aren't covered seem to be fairly affordable, from what I've read on here.
My only concern is the unlikely possibility of needed a medical evacuation home in case of a major catastrophe such as an earthquake.
I was quoted CAD$1.2k for extra medical coverage for the first year, and $1.6k for the second since none of that year would be covered by Canadian medicare.
I find those prices outrageous for my budget so I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on not getting it and hoping for the best. My son "doesn't believe in insurance" so wouldn't get it himself even if he had that amount to spare, not that I have it "to spare" either, really. For normal trips I always get cancellation/medical insurance for myself and him.
EDIT: I appreciate people trying to be helpful and telling me the prices are reasonable or even cheap, but they’re not cheap at all for me.
I wanted to know what people think about not bothering with it.
by Chambord2022