Dealing with a medical emergency while traveling outside of Canada
If you’re a Canadian and you have a medical emergency while traveling outside of Canada, you or your traveling companion should start by contacting your provincial or territorial health authority. The health authority can provide advice and help arrange medical care, provide emergency financial assistance, and help coordinate your return home if necessary. If you need further assistance, you can contact the closest Canadian consulate or embassy.
What happens if a Canadian gets sick in the USA?
A lot of Canadians are snowbirds, spending our winter months in the US. If you get sick while there, it isn’t too much different than the rest of the world. Seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of the illness, you may choose to visit an urgent care clinic or a hospital. If the illness is severe enough, call 911.
Similar to traveling in the rest of the world, it’s important to contact the provincial health authority and Canadian Embassy or Consulate to notify them of the illness. They can provide advice on the best way to receive healthcare and help with any paperwork or insurance issues.
The biggest thing to be mindful of in the US is the staggering cost of medical care in comparison to Canada.
What about provincial health care coverage?
Most provincial health care plans in Canada have limited coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling outside the country. So if you have hospital or doctor’s fees, or need prescription medications or ambulance services you’re probably out of luck. Some provincial health care plans provide limited coverage for emergency medical services while traveling outside of Canada.
Regardless of your home province:
- You’ll need a valid provincial health card
- Costs will be based on the current provincial rate, in Canadian dollars
- You’ll need to submit claim forms after-the-fact
In Nova Scotia, MSI will cover emergency medical services on an in-patient basis only, and up to $525 CAD. Things like prescriptions, ambulance services, and out-patient care where you aren’t required to stay overnight are not covered. Learn more about Nova Scotia’s coverage.
In Newfoundland, the Medical Care Plan (MCP) and the Hospital Insurance Plan provide some coverage of emergency services. The reimbursement rates are based on current Newfoundland rates, which may be significantly lower than those you are charged, especially in the United States. As well, if you’re gone for more than 30 days, get an Out of Province Coverage Certificate to ensure your provincial coverage stays in place. Learn more about the NL Medical Care Plan.
New Brunswick’s Medicare Service provides limited coverage as well:
- Emergency out-patient and in-patient hospital services
- Emergency physician services
- Services you’ve received prior approval for
Read more about NB Medicare Coverage.
Unfortunately clear information for Prince Edward Islanders can’t be found on the government website. It’s likely the coverage is similar to the other Atlantic provinces, with minimal coverage for emergency services.
Provincial coverage may have changed since the time of writing. Check with your provincial health care plan to see what coverage is available.
If you have private travel insurance
Provincial health care coverage is limited, and medical expenses may be large. Hopefully you also packed some private travel insurance.
If you get sick while out of the country and you have purchased additional travel insurance, the first step is to contact your insurance provider. (Unless of course you need emergency care. Get help first.) The insurer can provide assistance and help make arrangements for medical care. It is recommended to carry a copy of the insurance policy, the insurer’s contact information, and a valid provincial health insurance card with you at all times.
Once you receive treatment, you should contact your health insurance provider to determine the coverage.
Purchase travel insurance before you go
If you’re a snowbird heading to the USA, “visitor’s insurance” or “tourist insurance” is essential. This will cover the cost of medical care and emergency services while away from home. It typically includes coverage for things like:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Emergency medical transportation
- Medications
- Evacuations and repatriations
It may also cover dental care, lost or stolen luggage, and other travel-related expenses. It’s important to note that travel health insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions.
While buying travel health insurance isn’t mandatory, you’re taking a big risk without it. It will protect you financially in the event of an unexpected medical emergency, and give you peace of mind. Read more about why travel insurance is worth it.
Traveling outside of Canada soon? You’ll have a better experience without these questions hanging over your trip. We would be happy to discuss travel insurance with you. Contact one of our travel insurance specialists today.