Medical emergency travel insurance

If you plan to travel outside Canada, getting travel insurance is always a good idea, and for some world’s destination is just mandatory (and if it’s your case, don’t read this article).

Actually, if you’re flying, then buying travel insurance for trip interruption, lost luggage and document replacement is totally up to you. At the end of the day, it’s not the life-and-death matter, but medical emergency travel insurance is. Even for a day in the United States, you should buy it before you leave.

Why you should buy medical emergency travel insurance

• OHIP may not pay your medical bills while you’re outside Canada
• OHIP may cover none, or only a small part, of the costs of your medical care abroad. It will never pay your bills up front
• Foreign hospitals can be very expensive and may require immediate cash payment
• In some countries hospitals and clinics will not treat you if you do not have enough insurance or money to pay your bills

Medical care wherever you are

Having an accident, getting sick or hurt when you’re away from home is stressful enough without having to worry about the cost of the medical care you need. Travel insurance helps you get medical care wherever you are. Your plan protects you if you need to see a doctor, get prescription drugs, call an ambulance or stay in hospital due to a medical emergency. Some of the plans offer up to $10 million in emergency medical coverage.

Generally, your medical emergency travel insurance policy should cover the following 3 things:

1. Medical evacuation

Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation to Canada or to the nearest place with appropriate medical care. The policy should also cover the costs of a medical escort to travel with you to your final destination.

2. Pre-existing medical conditions

Ask the company to explain the definition of, and the limitations and restrictions on, any pre-existing conditions and tests and treatments you may have had. Make sure you get a written agreement that your insurance covers your pre-existing medical condition, or you could find your claim “null and void” under a pre-existing condition clause.

3. Repatriation in case of death

Make sure that your plan includes everything necessary to help your loved ones if you die outside Canada as the result of an accident or a sudden and unexpected illness.

Know what you’re buying

Carefully research your needs. Verify the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and requirements of your insurance policy before you leave Canada. When assessing a travel insurance plan, you should ask a lot of questions:

• Is there a deductible, and how much is it? Plans with 100% coverage are more expensive but may save money in the long run.
• Does the plan offer continuous coverage for the length of your stay outside Canada and after your return?
• Does the plan exclude or greatly limit coverage for certain regions or countries you may visit?
• Does it offer coverage that is renewable from abroad and for the maximum period of stay?
• Does the company have an in-house, worldwide, 24-hour/7-day emergency contact number in English and/or translation services for health care providers in your destination country?
• Does it pay for hospitalization for illness or injury and related medical costs at your destination?
• Does it pay your bills or cash advances up front, so you don’t have to pay them?

Meet the terms of your policy

It’s your responsibility to know and understand the terms of your insurance policy. Read the fine print carefully and ask for help if you need it. The information you provide must be accurate and complete. If you have any questions, contact the insurance company. Ask them to send you a written explanation. Carry your insurance information with you while you’re travelling and leave a copy with a friend or relative at home.

Contact card

Carry a card with the following information in case of a medical emergency:

• Name, address, and phone number of a family member or friend in Canada
• Name and phone number of your health care provider in Canada
• Address and phone number of your accommodations at your destination(s)
• Address and phone number of hospitals or clinics at your destination(s)
• Address and phone number of the Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission in your destination country/countries (you might also consider carrying the Emergency Contact Card)
• Emergency contact phone number from your travel health insurance provider

Before you go, don’t forget to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and stay connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or at home.

Proof of your insurance coverage

Always carry proof of your medical emergency travel insurance when travelling.

Travel health notices

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s travel health notices outline potential health risks to Canadian travellers and recommend ways to help reduce them. Notices remain in effect until removed from the website.

No matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the Travel Advice and Advisories (TAA) page for your destination. These pages contain country-specific information on health risks, safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, and other important travel information. It is recommended that you check the TAA page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. Health, safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date.

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/travel-insurance