What OHIP Covers Out-of-Province…and What it Doesn’t

Ontarians are gearing up to see Canada. If you’re planning your own great Canadian adventure, here’s a reminder not to leave home before purchasing travel insurance.

Most travellers know just how important purchasing travel insurance is, and the savvier sightseers among us may even know the difference between Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption. But when it comes to travelling out-of-province, many Ontarians just don’t see the same necessity in purchasing insurance for their trip within Canada – especially travel medical insurance.

That’s because many Ontarians wrongly assume that our provincial health insurance plan, OHIP, will cover all unexpected medical costs while travelling in another province or territory. While OHIP does provide some coverage for emergency or immediate medical care, the fact is that it does not cover all medical expenses when you’re outside of Ontario.

Say you’re out hiking in the beautiful B.C. wilderness, and you happen to take a tumble that requires ambulance assistance – well, you’d be on the hook for that expense. That’s because OHIP doesn’t cover the cost of ambulance services for Ontarians travelling out-of-province within Canada.

Depending on which province or territory you are in, the cost for an ambulance could range from the hundreds of dollars to several thousand (if you need to fly home by air ambulance, for example). On the other hand, travel medical insurance typically includes coverage for medical transportation back to your home province, if recommended by a physician.

Other medical expenses not completely covered by OHIP include prescription drugs from pharmacies, cosmetic surgery, and long-term care services. It’s better to be safe than sorry; never leave home without purchasing travel medical insurance when travelling anywhere outside of Ontario.

No matter where you choose to go, CAA has travel insurance options designed to protect you against the financial impacts of illness, emergencies and unexpected mishaps on your trip. CAA Travel Insurance1 offers coverage benefits that go far beyond what you may be offered through credit card plans or group plans. Even better, CAA Members SAVE UP TO 20%* on insurance coverage.

So, click here to get a quote or visit your nearest CAA Store for more details. You can also call our Travel Services Call Centre at 1-800-267-8713 to get on your way to a holiday with the best peace of mind that money can buy!

_{*CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance. Quotes are valid for 30 days. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-267-8713. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.}