How to deal with a medical emergency if you’re outside of Canada
If you have a medical emergency while you’re outside of Canada, the best place to start is by contacting your provincial or territorial health authority. The health authority can help arrange medical care for you and also provide advice and sometimes emergency financial assistance. As well, they can help get you home if necessary. If more assistance is needed, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate office.
What happens if a Canadian snowbird gets ill while in the US?
Us Canadians love spending our winters in the southern US. If you get sick while there, your course of action isn’t too different than if you were somewhere else in the world. First seek medical attention, and call 911 if necessary. If the illness is severe, you may elect to go to a hospital or an urgent care clinic.
As mentioned above, contact Ontario Health (or your the health authority in your province) and the Canadian Embassy or Consulate to inform them of the medical emergency. They understand the best way to receive healthcare in the US and can help with advice as well as any paperwork or insurance issues.
The most significant difference between getting sick in the US versus Canada is the much higher cost of medical care. It pays to be prepared.
Does provincial health care cover any costs?
Many of the provincial health care plans in Canada will cover a small number of emergency medical expenses if you happen to get sick while traveling outside of Canada. You’ll be responsible for paying things like doctor’s fees, prescription medications or ambulance transport services. Regardless of what province you call home:
- You will have to have a valid provincial health card
- You’ll be reimbursed based on Canadian dollars and the current provincial rate for the services you need
- You’ll be required to submit claim forms after-the-fact
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will pay for some services as long as the care is medically necessary, and the service is provided by a licensed facility. These services include:
- Doctor’s services
- Emergency outpatient services (in the hospital but you aren’t admitted overnight)
- Emergency inpatient services (admitted to the hospital overnight)
Provincial coverage changes, so please verify with your provincial health authority before you travel to see what coverage is provided.
Do you have private travel insurance?
Did you plan ahead and pack some private travel insurance with you on your trip?
If you get sick while out of Canada and you have travel medical insurance, the first thing to do contact your insurance provider. (After any emergency medical care.) The insurance provider will help arrange further care. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the insurance policy, the insurer’s contact information, and a valid provincial health insurance card on you all the time when travelling.
After you get treatment, contact your health insurance provider again to determine the amount of coverage.
Buy travel insurance before you leave Canada
Whether you’re a snowbird heading south or you’re traveling elsewhere, “visitor’s insurance” or “tourist insurance” is a must. This insurance covers medical care costs and emergency services while you’re away. While coverage varies from provider to provider, you’ll typically get coverage for costs like:
- Hospital visits
- Doctor appointments
- Ambulance and other emergency medical transportation
- Prescription drugs
- Evacuations and repatriations
Travel insurance can also cover emergency dental care, stolen or lost baggage, trip cancellation, and other travel-related expenses. One exception to coverage is pre-existing conditions.
It isn’t mandatory to have travel health insurance before you got on a plane or cross the border. However, you’re taking a risk without it. The financial impact of an unexpected medical emergency can affect you for a lifetime. Insurance gives you financial security and peace of mind. Read more about why travel insurance is a good idea.
Are you planning travel outside of Canada soon? We would be happy to talk about Ontario travel insurance options with you. Contact a travel insurance specialist today.