Key Things Visitors to Canada Should Know About Travel Insurance

What are examples of health care benefits covered under provincial and private travel insurance programs?  Let's take a closer look at the differences between these two types of health insurance using Ontario's health insurance program (OHIP) as an example.  Covered under OHIP Visits to your family doctor Annual eye exams and assessments for people 19 and younger and 65 and older A portion of the cost of podiatrist visits Transportation to medical services for people living in remote areas of Northern Ontario  Covered by Manulife Travel Insurance: Additional meals and hotel fees for family after a medical incident Child care if a guardian becomes ill or injured  Return of remains in the event of a death Emergency air transportation home  Transportation of a loved one to visit you in the hospital if you're travelling alone Transportation home for children and travel companion  $50,000 or $25,000 compensation for major accidental injuries, including death, amputation or blindness Optional trip interruption coverage of $1,500 for individuals or $5,000 for families.  Automatic extension of the coverage period in the event of transportation delays, a medical condition or hospitalization Covered by both OHIP and Manulife Travel Insurance: Emergency room visits  Emergency dental care  Hospital and physician care  Paramedic care Ambulance transportation Not covered by OHIP or Visitor Travel Insurance: Supplemental private health insurance programs such as employee health insurance packages may help pay for these services.  Prescription drugs not administered at a hospital Eyeglasses and contact lenses  Laser eye surgery Foot surgery performed by a podiatrist Dental care administered in a dentist's office  Cosmetic surgery  Can I cancel my Manulife private health insurance policy once I'm eligible for government health insurance?  After you purchase your coverage, you can cancel your policy for a refund before you arrive in Canada. However, after your departure date, you can't receive a full refund for your policy.  Depending on which part of the country you plan to become a permanent resident of, you may have to wait up to 3 months before becoming eligible for government health insurance.  Manulife offers health insurance coverage terms of 365 days. However, as soon as you become eligible for government insurance, you can apply for refunds for unused days of your visitor health insurance policy: If you haven't collected any claim benefits. And can provide proof of government insurance for everyone covered under your policy.  You can also apply for a refund of your paid policy premiums if you have not received a claim benefit and leave Canada before your policy expires.  For more details about the Manulife Financial Travel Insurance Policy for Visitors to Canada, please review the following documents:  Visitors To Canada Summary.pdf Visitors To Canada Policy Wording.pdf The bottom line is that both government and private travel insurance policies offer benefits that help pay for vital medical services while youCouple buying travel health insurance in Canada on a mobile phone. 
Are you planning a trip to Canada? Or are you a Canadian resident, expecting visitors from outside the country? Either way, you or your guests will need visitors to Canada travel insurance to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of an accident or medical emergency. In fact, the Canadian government recommends that all visitors buy health coverage before coming to Canada.

Wondering what coverage for visiting Canada is right for you? Read on to get the answers you’re looking for.

Why do visitors to Canada need travel insurance?

You may already have health care coverage in your own country, but that protection might not travel with you. Canada is known for its inclusive healthcare system, but non-residents aren’t covered for accidents or medical emergencies. With medical coverage, you or your visiting guests will be able to relax without worrying about the cost of a clinic or hospital visit.

This real-life example shows how having travel medical coverage saved Sebastian money, and helped him get the appropriate care, when he unexpectedly ended up in a Canadian hospital due to gallstones.

3-year-old Sebastian’s Gallstones Led to Surgery with Complications

Sebastian was visiting Canada from Switzerland, when he started experiencing acute upper abdominal pain. His family took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with gallstones, requiring surgery. As a result of the surgery, Sebastian got an infection and sepsis, so he had to stay in the hospital for 14 days. After he was released, Sebastian had to return to the hospital daily for IV antibiotic therapy for another seven days.

Claim amount paid by Insurer: $66,195.74

Who should get Visitors to Canada Travel Insurance?

Visitors to Canada Travel insurance isn’t just for visitors! It’s also beneficial to the following individuals: · New immigrant who is waiting for your provincial healthcare plan to kick in

  • Canadian citizen who has recently returned to Canada after living abroad (you may need emergency travel medical insurance for a few months until your provincial healthcare plan coverage takes effect)
  • Visitor to Canada on a working visa

What kind of coverage should I look for in a travel insurance plan for visiting Canada?

Here’s a handy list to show you exactly what you should be looking for in a travel insurance plan for visiting Canada:

  • Hospital care and treatment for injuries and illnesses including COVID-19**:
    • Doctor’s services
    • Ambulance services
    • X-rays and other diagnostic laboratory procedures
    • Prescription drugs
    • Essential medical supplies such as crutches
  • Fracture treatment benefit
  • Other professional medical services like physio, etc. to relieve an acute emergency
  • Emergency dental services
  • Maternity – pre-natal care, delivery and/or complications
  • Hospital allowance for incidental charges like TV rental, etc.
  • Emergency air transportation (must be pre-approved and arranged by us)
  • Airfare to return home for treatment
  • Return of travelling companion
  • Return of dependent children
  • Family transportation
  • Out-of-pocket expenses for accommodation, meals etc.
  • Return of vehicle
  • 24-hour accident insurance, up to $25,000
  • Up to 5 follow-visits within 14 days of the initial emergency medical treatment
  • Travel worldwide, as long as the majority of your trip is in Canada.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan should check off all the above. If you’re looking for additional coverage, there are also non-medical options available like Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption, Sports and Activities Optional Coverage, which can be added to Ingle International Visitors to Canada Emergency Medical or Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance and Trip Interruption Insurance Only plans.

Whether you’re travelling to Canada, or you’re expecting international guests, be sure to get the coverage you need. Visit Visitor to Canada Insurance to get your quote today!

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