Getting sick or injured in Canada | Allianz Global Assistance (2024)

FAQs

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Canada? ›

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.

The Canada Health Act works to ensure that Canadians receive most of their medical care for free, but this does not apply to those visiting from outside the country. If you are injured, you will need to use your own health insurance or pay out of pocket for the medical care you receive in Canada.

You will usually receive reimbursem*nt if your trip is cancelled for: unexpected illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel; hospitalization or death of non-traveling family member; weather or common carrier issues; unforeseen natural disaster at home or the destination; a legal ...

Foreigners will receive emergency care, but non-urgent medical treatment won't be covered. To make sure you won't have to pay for all of your medical expenses, you should sign up for an international health insurance plan.

If you are not a Canadian resident with a valid health card, you will be responsible for the cost of your care. Health PEI charges fees for a variety of services which can differ between facilities. Fees are subject to change without notice. You may also be charged a fee for accessing your health records (fees vary).

Depending on your immigration status, the government of Canada provides free emergency medical services, even if you don't have a government health card. If you have an emergency, it is recommended to visit the nearest hospital. A walk-in clinic may charge fees if you're not a resident of that province or territory.

As a foreign visitor to Canada, you can visit any doctor or hospital, as long as you pay the bill. Relatively small amounts, you pay upon your visit. After you returned home, send the medical bill to your insurance company.

We do not have employers, insurance companies, or the government deciding what treatment we can have. Anyone who needs it can go to an Emergency room and get treatment. If they are not a Canadian resident or are a new resident who hasn't completed the waiting period (typically, 90 days), they will get a bill.

Conditions which may not be covered

Conditions like terminal illness, the need for oxygen, pending surgery, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, specific types of cancer, congestive heart failure, and recurring pain are generally excluded from coverage.

What reasons are not covered by travelers insurance? ›

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.

Allianz Global Assistance is a world leader in the travel insurance and assistance industry because we really do help people—anytime, anywhere. As a principal provider of travel insurance, corporate assistance, and concierge services, we can help our customers find solutions to any travel-related problem.

Allianz Global Assistance makes it simple. You can file a claim on the phone, by mail, online or using the TravelSmart app. Describe what happened, explain your losses, and upload supporting documentation, such as your travel itinerary and receipts. Then, choose how you want to receive payment for an approved claim.

Our global reach means that we help someone, somewhere in the world, every two seconds. Allianz Global Assistance offers expertise in product development, underwriting, claims management, medical assistance, medical case management, 24/7 call centre support, global capacity and innovation.

As a foreign visitor to Canada, you can visit any doctor or hospital, as long as you pay the bill. Relatively small amounts, you pay upon your visit. After you returned home, send the medical bill to your insurance company.

Urgent care in Canada: How to get help when you need it

Canada offers free emergency medical treatment regardless of immigration status, and you don't need a health card.

It doesn't matter where in America you're from, whether Mexico or Bolivia, if you're not a Canadian resident you would have the responsibility to pay the bill for your treatment at a Canadian hospital. It's not free for visitors. It's not even free for residents.

Canada's free and public healthcare system is very generous when it comes to its own citizens and permanent residents. But when it comes to expats, it is not fully free. Non-residents will be expected to cover some costs on their own.