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.
Ambulance Costs are not Covered
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.
Book with a TICO Registered Travel Agency
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For more travel tips and information, visit the Smart Traveller Guide.
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 [email protected] or 1-888-451-TICO (8426).
FAQs
Although travel insurance isn't required to enter Canada, many adventure tour companies—especially those operating in remote destinations—may require their travelers to hold travel insurance, says Cheng.
What happens if you don't have health insurance in Canada? ›
Canadian residents without valid provincial or federal health insurance plan, considered uninsured residents of Canada, and non-residents of Canada are responsible for all Hospital fees. Hospital fees are in addition to attending physician fees as billed by the physician.
What happens if an American 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.
How much does travel insurance cost in Canada? ›
The Breakdown: The Average Travel Insurance Cost Based on Coverage Type
| Coverage Type | Average Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| Basic (Trip Cancellation & Interruption) | 50-100 |
| Comprehensive (Including Medical Expenses) | 120-250 |
| Medical Only | 70-150 |
| CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) Add-on | Additional 40-60% on Base Premium |
Mar 7, 2024
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.
Can I go to the ER in Canada without insurance? ›
If you are injured in Canada without insurance, can you still go to the emergency room? - Quora. Yes, you can, and it is free! Every single legal resident in Canada is covered for all necessary medical costs at any doctor's office, hospital, or medical clinic.
Can I travel to Canada without health insurance? ›
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.
What insurance is mandatory in Canada? ›
Uninsured automobile coverage is mandatory across Canada. Accident Benefits (AB) – This coverage is mandatory everywhere except for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Is it worth getting health insurance in Canada? ›
Personal insurance plans like Freedom to Choose™ health and dental insurance can bridge the gaps left by public healthcare systems and can be worth it for people who are self-employed, retired or who don't have access to a workplace insurance plan. Health and dental coverage can include: Routine dental services.
Do visitors to Canada get free healthcare? ›
Options for Healthcare in Canada for Non-Residents
Do tourists get free healthcare in Canada? No. However, non-residents can get insurance for emergency healthcare coverage while in Canada (but it won't cover non-emergency expenses).
Canada provides excellent healthcare services to both residents and non-residents residing in the country. But public healthcare sites only offer essential services to those covered by the local health insurance plan.
Can US citizens go to the ER in Canada? ›
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.
Do I need travel insurance while Travelling to Canada? ›
You don't have to have travel insurance when visiting Canada, unless you are applying for a super visa.
Do Americans need travel insurance for Canada? ›
Travel insurance is not a requirement to travel to Canada. However, travel insurance will provide travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage, as well as benefits for lost or delayed baggage, trip delay, cancellation or interruption and sometimes missed connections.
Does Canada accept US Medicare? ›
In general, Medicare only covers recipients while in the United States. This means that if you have Medicare and you travel to Canada, your healthcare costs will not be covered, even if the services or medications provided would normally be covered in the United States.
Do visitors to Canada need insurance? ›
Visitors to Canada travel insurance is highly recommended to prevent you from paying out-of-pocket for expensive health care services in case of a health emergency. Purchasing visitors to Canada travel insurance is mandatory if you are applying for super visa for parents and grandparents.
What insurance do you need to travel to Canada? ›
As Canada is a part of North America, you'll need worldwide travel insurance to protect you against: Loss, damage, or theft of your belongings - If your luggage goes missing or is damaged in transit, your insurance will help cover the costs of replacing your things.
What do US residents need to travel to Canada? ›
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.
Does US Medicare work in Canada? ›
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
