What To Do After an Accident During Your Canadian Holiday (2024)

FAQs

What To Do After an Accident During Your Canadian Holiday? ›

Your first priority should always be the health and safety of those involved in the accident. If you or your travelling companions are injured, you should immediately call for emergency medical help. You may feel worried about getting healthcare in another country, but you always need to put your health first.

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.

Always report the incident and any injuries suffered to the accommodation provider or hotel where you're staying. Ensure the incident is properly recorded in the accident book and ask for a copy of the entry. If you're involved in a road traffic accident abroad, always report the incident to the local police.

To report the accident, call your local police or 911 from the scene of the accident. If you do not have to report, you still must exchange information with the other drivers involved. That includes drivers' license and insurance information. In Ontario, you must also visit a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours.

Applying for Statutory Accident Benefits.

Accidents need to be reported to your car insurance company. They in turn will send to you a Accident Claim Form. This form must be completed and returned to them as soon as practicable.

No. However, it is possible for non-residents to get emergency healthcare coverage while in Canada (but it won't cover non-emergency expenses). This is highly recommended no matter whether you're visiting the country for one week or multiple months.

The short answer is yes, foreigners can get healthcare in Canada. However, it highly depends on your status in the country, and it may take some time before you are covered by provincial coverage and then be able to apply for extended health cover through the private system.

If you booked your own travel and accommodation without going via a third party, you may still have a valid claim for compensation if you were injured abroad. Get in touch with our expert solicitors who can give you expert advice on travel accident claims and the likelihood of your case being successful.

Most policies include cover for: lost or stolen bags (with baggage cover an extra in some policies) emergency medical expenses, such as the cost of treatment and getting you home. the costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting your trip short (with cancellation cover sometimes an additional extra)

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

What is accident forgiveness in Canada? ›

Accident forgiveness means your insurer will not increase your rates after your first at-fault accident. Auto insurance with this add-on is increasingly common today.

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.

If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment? Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.

Most auto insurance companies will insure your Canadian car in the U.S. for up to 6 months, but some providers may provide coverage for longer or shorter periods, so be sure to check your insurer's time limits and restrictions for how long you can have your car outside Canada.

Due to reciprocal laws between the U.S. and Canada, your car insurance will most likely still apply while driving in Canada. This may depend on your provider, but many of the major car insurance providers will qualify for Canadian coverage, unless they specifically offer international car insurance policies for Canada.

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.

However, U.S. government health insurance plans do not pay for hospital costs, medical expenses or prescription drugs for visitors to Canada. But if you have private insurance, you can check with your provider to see if you have coverage while abroad.

Non-citizens such as temporary legal visitors and undocumented immigrants are not entitled to Medicare but provinces and territories may provide limited emergency services to these populations since medical care can't be refused in an emergency.

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).