Most Canadians are aware of the importance of purchasing travel protection such as cancellation and medical insurance when travelling outside the country. However many Canadians do not even consider purchasing medical insurance when travelling within Canada.
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) does not sell travel insurance, but we do recommend that travellers consider purchasing travel protection to ensure their trips are FANTAS-TICO.
Not all Medical Expenses are Covered by OHIP
I’m sure if you asked, most Canadians assume that their provincial health coverage, such as OHIP for Ontarians, will cover any unexpected medical costs that they may incur should they require medical assistance while travelling in another province. The fact is provincial health insurance plans will only cover some medical expenses. Therefore, you should always protect yourself by purchasing medical insurance when travelling within Canada.
Consider that the regulations and the costs for medical services vary from province to province. One of the largest potential expenses travellers could incuris ambulance services, either by ground or by air. Depending on the province, the cost for ground ambulance ranges in the hundreds of dollars, while flying home via air ambulance could cost you thousands of dollars.
“Air ambulance services originating out-of-province are not an insured benefit under OHIP” says Alex Bittner, Vice President of THIA (Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada). “For that reason alone it would make sense for an Ontario resident to consider buying travel insurance when travelling interprovincially as the air ambulance costs could be potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars.” Travel medical insurance typically includes coverage for medical transportation back to your home province, if recommended by a physician.
Travel Protection Covers Additional Medical Expenses
Some of the other medical expenses that may not be covered by your provincial health insurance plan include:
some prescription drugs
dental emergencies
costs that exceed the daily limits for outpatient emergency room services or in-patient services
Be a smart traveler. Consider your medical needs and understand any insurance coverage that you may already have through your employer or your premium credit card. Travel protection may be purchased from a travel agent or from an insurance provider directly, but understand that the coverage and the costs will vary depending on the insurance company and medical coverage selected. It’s always a good idea to ensure that the insurance company you select has a toll-free emergency assistance telephone number that you can reach from anywhere you travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That way, you will have peace of mind knowing you can get the answers you need should anything unexpected occur.
All travel agencies and websites located and operating in Ontario are regulated by TICO. Registered travel agencies and websites provide additional consumer protection for your travel investment that may not be available when booking with travel agencies and websites based in other countries or provinces. For more information about how TICO helps, click here.
Any questions can be directed to tico@tico.ca or 1-888-451-TICO (8426).
Purchase Travel Insurance (Even When Travelling Within Canada) Travel insurance is always recommended and TICO
TICO
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is an organization mandated by the Ontario government to administer the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 and Ontario Regulation 26/05 which governs all of the approximately 2,400 travel retailers and travel wholesalers registered in Ontario.
-registered travel agencies are required to advise you of the availability of trip cancellation insurance and out-of-province health insurance at the time of the booking.
The fact is provincial health insurance plans will only cover some medical expenses. Therefore, you should always protect yourself by purchasing medical insurance when travelling within Canada.
You don't have to have travel insurance for Canada but it's a good idea to make sure you're covered if you fall ill or have an accident when travelling there.
US citizens traveling to Canada and other countries will need travel insurance that is helpful during unforeseen situations. Although travel insurance is not a requirement for US citizens traveling out, it definitely is beneficial for many reasons while traveling abroad.
There isn't a requirement to carry travel insurance as a tourist. Unless unusual circ*mstances are involved, customs officials won't turn you back at the border for not having proof of coverage. However, the Government of Canada recommends buying medical insurance for a Canadian trip.
An American car insurance policy works the same way in Canada as it does in the U.S. Your comprehensive car insurance coverage and auto collision coverage, for example, still apply to damage to your vehicle if you're in an accident while driving in Canada.
A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents.
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.
When Is Travel Insurance Not Necessary? You generally don't need travel insurance if you're not putting down large non-refundable trip deposits, or if your U.S. health plan will cover you at your destination.
If during your visit to Canada you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won't pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don't have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.
Driving in Canada with an American car insurance policy (and vice versa) is legal. You'll need proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and a passport (or an approved alternate proof of citizenship) to drive across the border.
US government health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program will not pay for health care while in Canada. This includes treatment such as hospital visits and the supply of prescription drugs.
Canada is home to some of the world's best hospitals. These hospitals are almost always nonprofits, but this does not mean they provide their services for free! Expats who do not have international insurance will have to pay for hospital care themselves. There are private for-profit facilities in Canada.
Unlike India and other European countries, the countries such as the US and Canada do not have a nationally regulated medical body. They do not have a government hospital in each city. Thus, private hospitalisation, consultation, and care procedures in US and Canada are costly.
Canada offers free emergency medical treatment regardless of immigration status, and you don't need a health card. However, going to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency is recommended, as some walk-in clinics may charge fees if you're not a resident of that province or territory.
Travel insurance for a domestic vacation can not only provide peace of mind but also help mitigate financial loss if you experience a trip interruption. Purchasing a policy from leading companies such as Allianz, AXA Assistance USA or Travelex can ensure you receive comprehensive coverage from a reputable provider.
While it's not technically health insurance, most travel insurance offers some coverage for medical emergencies. This cannot be used for routine care or any medical treatment related to a pre-existing condition.
But even if your trip isn't 100% refundable, insurance may not be necessary. For example, a cheap flight and hotel stay may not be worth covering, though you may still want to purchase travel insurance for medical situations.
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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