How do you deal with a medical emergency when traveling in another country?
Getting sick while traveling is not something anyone ever wants to deal with. If you’re traveling outside of Canada – or even just outside of your home province, it can be a financial strain as well as a health one.
If you have a medical emergency while on a trip outside of Canada, the first step is for you or your traveling companion to contact the health authority for your province or territory. The health authority can give advice and help you arrange medical treatments, provide emergency financial assistance, and help get you home if necessary. If you need more assistance than the provincial authority can offer, contact the closest Canadian consulate or embassy.
Canadians getting sick while in the US
Canadians love traveling south to our closest neighbour. If you get sick while in the United States, the advice isn’t too different than other foreign locales. Seek medical attention and call 911 if it’s an emergency. If 911 isn’t warranted but your illness or injury is severe, find an urgent care clinic or a hospital.
Similar to traveling elsewhere in the world, contact the British Columbia Provincial Health Services Authority (or the one for your home province) and Canadian Embassy or Consulate to notify them of the illness. They have experience in advising on the best way to get healthcare services and help with paperwork and insurance issues.
The biggest downside to getting sick in the US, however, is the high cost of medical treatments and health care compared to Canada.
Coverage from provincial health care
Most Canadian provincial health plans cover a limited amount of medical expenses that you might incur when traveling in the US or abroad. If you have hospital or doctor’s fees, or need prescription drugs or an ambulance you’re probably out of luck.
In British Columbia, you can claim coverage for some emergency hospital care when you travel outside Canada. However, the maximum daily payment is $75 CAD. Learn more about coverage for medical expenses incurred outside of BC.
Regardless of what province you live in:
- You need a valid provincial health card
- Costs are based on the current provincial rate, in Canadian dollars
- You’ll submit claim forms after-the-fact, so you’ll need to pay upfront
Provincial coverage may have changed. Check with your provincial health care plan to see what you’re covered for before you start your trip.
Private travel insurance
Private health insurance is a good back up plan since provincial medical coverage is limited, and expenses may be large.
If you get sick while abroad, and you have private travel insurance, the first thing to do is to contact your insurance provider. (Unless it’s a medical emergency care; seek care first.) Your insurer can assist you and help arrange medical care. We recommend keeping a copy of the insurance policy with you at all times, as well as the insurer’s contact information, and your valid provincial health card.
After immediate treatment has been received, contact your health insurance provider to determine the coverage.
Get insured before you travel
Sometimes called “visitor’s insurance” or “tourist insurance”, travel insurance should be an essential part of your trip planning. It will cover the cost of medical services and emergency care while away from Canada. Travel insurance usually includes coverage for services such as:
- Doctor visits
- In-patient and out-patient hospital stays
- Emergency medical transportation via air or ground
- Medications
- Evacuations and repatriations
Travel insurance may also cover things like emergency dental care, lost or stolen luggage, and other travel-related expenses. One thing it won’t cover is pre-existing medical conditions.
Purchasing travel insurance isn’t required, but recognize that you’re taking a risk without it. It can protect you financially if a medical emergency does arise. Most importantly, it can give you peace of mind. Read more about why travel insurance is worth it.
If you’re planning a trip outside of Canada soon, you’ll have a better travel experience without these questions nagging you. Contact one of our travel insurance specialists. We would be happy to help.