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
To verify if a travel agency or website is TICO registered, check our online directory.
Take the TICO Traveller Quiz to see what type of traveller you are.
Sign up to receive quarterly travel consumer protection email updates.
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
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.
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.
Can I travel to Canada without travel insurance? ›
It's not compulsory to have travel insurance when travelling in Canada, but it's definitely worth having.
Do you need insurance in Canada? ›
In addition to a valid passport or other government-approved travel document, you'll need to carry a valid U.S. driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of car insurance in order to drive legally in Canada.
Do I need health insurance to travel to Canada from USA? ›
Any visitor traveling to Canada should purchase visitors health insurance. Most domestic policies will only cover you in your home country and have little to no coverage once you are traveling abroad.
Is it OK to not have travel insurance? ›
When Is Travel Insurance Not Necessary? You generally don't need travel insurance if you're not putting down large non-refundable trip deposits, or if your U.S. health plan will cover you at your destination.
What is needed 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.
Does my car insurance cover travel to 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.
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
America's high cost of living is one of the top reasons behind expensive insurance plans. Not just the US, Canada is a well-developed nation with a high standard of living. From meals to daily utilities, sustaining your stay here is an expensive task.
If you are planning to travel to Canada on vacation this summer or fall or anytime in the future, you will need to take with you something called a Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card.
What happens if an American goes to the hospital 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.
Can you use American insurance in Canada? ›
Even though Canada is just over the border, your U.S. health insurance plan will not be accepted there unless it specifically provides global coverage. American Medicare also is not accepted in Canada. It's important to purchase travel medical insurance in case you suffer an injury or fall ill while in Canada.
What happens if you don't have insurance in Canada? ›
You could also get sued if you don't pay. Police will likely charge you with driving without car insurance. You could face a hefty fine, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time, depending on your province. Once you buy car insurance, you will probably pay much higher rates for coverage.
Is travel insurance necessary for domestic flights? ›
Travel insurance for a domestic vacation can not only provide peace of mind but also help mitigate financial loss if you experience a trip interruption.
Does my car insurance cover travel 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.
What is the average cost of travel insurance in Canada? ›
The cost of trip insurance in Canada can vary widely, but on average, you might spend between CAD 50 and CAD 300. The price depends on factors like your destination, trip length, age, and the coverage you choose. It's similar to how plane ticket costs vary based on when and where you're flying.
Is travel insurance the same as health insurance Canada? ›
While it's not technically health insurance, most travel insurance offers some coverage for medical emergencies. This cannot be used for routine care or any medical treatment related to a pre-existing condition.
