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.
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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 tico@tico.ca or 1-888-451-TICO (8426).
FAQs
OHIP does provide some coverage for emergencies or immediate medical care, but it does not cover all medical expenses when you're outside of Ontario. The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) recommends that Canadians protect themselves by purchasing medical insurance even when travelling within Canada.
Do I need travel insurance if I'm travelling within Canada? ›
About to embark on some domestic travel within Canada, outside of your home province? There's a lot of fun to be had inside our borders and, when you pack for a Canadian vacation, you should consider adding travel insurance to your travel checklist.
Do you need travel insurance when travelling to Canada? ›
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Can I travel to Canada without travel insurance? ›
If you're taking a trip to Canada, it's a good idea to go prepared with travel insurance. It isn't compulsory, but it protects you if the worst were to happen such as: Having to cancel or cut short your trip. Theft of personal belongings.
Do I need travel insurance for Canada from USA? ›
Crossing the US- Canadian border is easy with many locations to do so. Travel by air is also easy with flights from several US cities to many Canadian cities. Travel insurance is highly recommended for US citizens traveling to Canada whether by road, air or on a cruise.
Is it okay to not have travel insurance? ›
Travel insurance can be useful, but it's not always necessary. The key to knowing if you need travel insurance is figuring out your specific risks for any given vacation, then deciding if you can buy coverage that adequately protects you from any financial losses and pitfalls that might occur.
Do I need health insurance in Canada? ›
If you spend a lot on healthcare that's not covered by a provincial/territorial plan, or you have health concerns which may lead to expenses down the road, personal health insurance may be worth it.
What documents do I need to enter 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.
Is travel insurance the same as health insurance in Canada? ›
Both of these types of insurance are important, but they serve different purposes. While there may be some health coverage included as part of travel insurance, it's designed to be used in emergencies only. Typically, travel insurance is recommended only for a maximum of 6 months.
Who has the best travel insurance in Canada? ›
- Best for thrill seekers: World Nomads. ...
- Best for families: CAA Travel Insurance. ...
- Best for seniors and retirees: Blue Cross. ...
- Best for budget travellers: Travel CUTS Bon Voyage Insurance. ...
- Best for Canadians with pre-existing medical conditions: Manulife CoverMe. ...
- Best for emergency medical assistance: Medipac Travel Insurance.
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.
What do US citizens need to travel to Canada? ›
American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.
Can I use my US insurance in Canada? ›
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.
Is travel insurance necessary for domestic flights? ›
Do you need travel insurance for domestic trips? You don't necessarily need to purchase a travel insurance plan for a trip within the U.S., especially if your health insurance plan already offers out-of-state or out-of-network coverage.
Do you need travel insurance for local flights? ›
Purchasing travel insurance for your domestic vacation can ensure you have coverage in case of unforeseen events, like travel delays, canceled flights or lost baggage. While there are many benefits to investing in trip protection, it is ultimately up to you to decide if a policy is worth it for your travels.
Is travel insurance the same as health insurance Canada? ›
Both of these types of insurance are important, but they serve different purposes. While there may be some health coverage included as part of travel insurance, it's designed to be used in emergencies only. Typically, travel insurance is recommended only for a maximum of 6 months.
