What your provincial health plan won’t cover abroad, what travel insurance includes, and how to avoid surprises when you claim.
Many Canadians assume their provincial health card will cover them abroad. It usually covers very little — often only a small part of the bill, and sometimes nothing at all. A few days in a US hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Here’s what travel health insurance does, what it doesn’t, where to get it, and how to avoid surprises when you claim.
Please note · Policies differ a lot. Always read the wording of your own policy before you travel. This guide is general information, not insurance or medical advice
Your provincial or territorial health plan is designed for care in Canada. Outside the country it may pay only part of the cost of emergency treatment, at Canadian rates, and leave you to pay the rest. The Government of Canada advises travellers to buy travel health insurance before leaving.
It matters most in the United States, where medical costs are especially high, but an emergency anywhere can be expensive — particularly if you need to be flown home.
Trip cancellation, lost baggage and flight delays are usually separate cover. Many people buy an all-in-one package, but check what’s actually included.
Many premium credit cards include travel medical insurance. Check the limits: cover often ends after a set number of days, may depend on paying for the trip with the card, and can change once you reach a certain age.
Group health plans often include out-of-country emergency cover. Ask your benefits provider for the details and the emergency phone number.
You can buy single-trip or yearly multi-trip plans from insurers, banks and travel agents. A multi-trip plan can work out cheaper if you travel several times a year.
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