Do You Need Travel Insurance Coverage for Trips Outside Your Province?

Are you the kind of traveler who loves exploring new cultures and countries, or do you prefer the variety of great experiences that Canada has to offer? Either way, if your vacation plans take you outside your home province or territory, it's important to understand what your government health insurance plan (GHIP) will cover, and where you might need extra protection.

What's Covered Within Canada

If you require emergency medical care in another Canadian province or territory, you can generally visit a doctor or hospital without having to pay upfront. The Canada Health Act ensures that all provinces and territories extend GHIP coverage to residents temporarily elsewhere in Canada. In most cases, the province you’re visiting will bill your home province directly for medically necessary services.

However, Quebec is an exception to this rule. Since it hasn’t signed an interprovincial billing agreement, visitors to Quebec may have to pay for medical services upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement to their home province. Quebec residents visiting other provinces may face similar requirements. Always remember to bring your health card with you, as you’ll need it to prove you’re insured.

While your provincial health insurance generally covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency services across Canada, the amount covered may be limited to the rates in your home province. This means if treatment costs are higher in the province you're visiting, you may be responsible for paying the difference.

What's Not Covered Within Canada

Even if you’re traveling within Canada, there are important medical services that might not be covered by your provincial health plan. Here are some of the expenses you may need to pay out of pocket:

• Accidental dental care
• Prescription drugs (unless you’re admitted to a hospital)
• Ambulance services (including air ambulance)
• Transportation back home
• Specialized medical equipment or private hospital rooms

Your provincial insurance coverage may also only cover costs up to the rates in your home province, so any additional costs must be paid by you if services are more expensive where you’re visiting.

If you have group health insurance through your employer, it’s worth checking whether your plan covers these additional costs. Alternatively, travel insurance can help fill these gaps so you can enjoy your travels across Canada without worrying about unexpected medical bills.

What's Covered Outside Canada

Traveling outside of Canada changes the medical coverage landscape significantly. Most provincial health plans provide very limited coverage for healthcare services received outside the country—typically less than 10% of the total cost. For example, if you need medical care in the United States, a hospital bill can quickly escalate from $10,000 to $100,000 USD or more, and your GHIP will likely only reimburse a fraction of these costs.

Emergency Travel Medical Insurance is designed to fill this gap. It provides a broad safety net for travelers, offering coverage for hospital stays, emergency surgeries, physician services, and medical evacuation back to Canada. This coverage is particularly important if you need to be transported home or if local facilities are unable to provide the required care.

Travel insurance can provide up to $10 million in emergency medical and hospital coverage, as well as round-the-clock emergency assistance. Additionally, you can add optional coverage for non-medical issues like cancelled flights and lost baggage to help protect against other unexpected costs while traveling abroad.

Even the Government of Canada advises Canadians to purchase travel coverage when venturing abroad. According to the Government of Canada website:

"If you plan to travel outside Canada—even for a day in the United States—you should buy trip interruption and travel health insurance before you leave."

If you have any questions, it’s a good idea to speak with an insurance advisor who can help you understand your coverage and ensure you’re adequately protected.

Understanding Credit Card Travel Insurance Coverage

Many Canadians assume that if they have travel insurance through their credit card, they’re fully covered during their travels. While credit cards often include some form of travel insurance, it’s important to understand the limitations and conditions that apply.

Is Your Credit Card Enough?

Credit card travel insurance can vary significantly, and the coverage may be limited. Often, the insurance provided by credit cards only applies to the primary cardholder and may not extend to family members or travel companions. Additionally, coverage is typically restricted to expenses paid for with the credit card, leaving gaps if other payment methods were used. This means that if you booked part of your trip with a different card or through another payment method, those expenses might not be covered.

Coverage Limitations and Conditions Credit card insurance policies usually come with stringent conditions and exclusions. Pre-existing medical conditions are commonly excluded from coverage, and some policies may not cover certain types of medical events, such as illnesses, only covering accidents. The duration of coverage is often limited, usually ranging from 15 to 30 days, depending on the card. If your trip is longer than the covered duration, you’ll need additional insurance. Moreover, if your card is not in good standing (e.g., if it is in arrears), you may not be covered at all.

It’s also important to know that high-risk activities, such as adventure sports, are often excluded unless additional coverage is purchased. Coverage for non-medical issues, such as lost baggage or trip cancellations, may also be limited and come with specific conditions.

To ensure you have comprehensive protection while traveling, it’s advisable to consider standalone emergency travel medical insurance or a health insurance plan that includes travel coverage. This can help you avoid unexpected costs and give you peace of mind knowing that you are fully protected, regardless of where your travels take you.

Get Professional Help for Your Travel Insurance Needs

In summary, whether you’re traveling within Canada or venturing beyond its borders, it’s important to understand what your government health insurance plan (GHIP) covers and where additional travel insurance may be needed. There are various limitations to both provincial health coverage and credit card insurance that could leave you vulnerable in the event of an emergency.

Professional insurance advisors at Garrett Agencies are here to assist you with all your travel insurance needs. Whether you're planning a trip within Canada or traveling internationally, we can help ensure you have the right coverage for peace of mind during your travels. Contact us today to learn more about your options and how we can help keep you protected on your journey.