Sunscreen. Check. Bathing suit. Check. Travel insurance. Check? Have you ever travelled under the assumption that you are covered in case of an emergency? Don’t worry. You’re not the only one.
Myth: “My provincial health plan covers me on trips outside the province.”
Reality: Many Canadians believe that their government health insurance plans will cover them when they leave their home province, but government plans have limits.
Even within Canada, if you have an accident or become ill while visiting another province, not all the costs associated with your medical care are covered by your provincial health plan. And what about trips outside of the country, what then? For example, if you become sick and require hospitalization while on vacation, your spouse may need additional accommodations. Who covers those costs?
What can you do to make sure you are covered?
Some health plans offered through your workplace offer comprehensive travel insurance coverage that will protect you. Retired? Look into one of OTIP’s three health care plans, all of which include RTIP Deluxe Travel Insurance at no additional cost. This plan will cover you for trips up to 95 consecutive days, so in most cases you will not need to purchase travel insurance when travelling outside the country or province.
RTIP Deluxe Travel Insurance coverage includes:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- 24-hour emergency assistance
Planning a longer trip?
OTIP can help! Through 21st Century Travel Insurance Limited, we have negotiated exclusive rates and comprehensive coverage to top up your travel insurance needs for trips over 95 consecutive days. For more information, call 21st Century Travel Insurance Limited at 1-800-567-0021 or visit our website to learn more about OTIP’s Retiree Health, Dental and Travel Insurance.