If you plan to travel outside Canadaβeven for a day in the United Statesβyou should buy trip interruption and travel health insurance before you leave. You can buy trip interruption and travel health insurance directly with an insurance company or through:. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation to Canada or to the nearest place with medical care. The policy should also cover the costs of a medical escort to travel with you to your destination.
Ask the insurance provider to explain the definition of and the limitations and restrictions on any pre-existing conditions and tests and treatments you may have had:. Make sure that your plan includes everything to help your loved ones if you die outside Canada as the result of an accident or a sudden and unexpected illness. Learn more about what to do if a Canadian dies outside Canada. Trip interruption insurance is different from medical travel insurance. It will reimburse the unused portion of your trip if you must return early, due to an unforeseen incident.
Research your needs. Verify the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and requirements of your insurance policy before you leave Canada. You may also want to consider trip cancellation insurance.
Read the fine print and ask for help if you need it. The information you provide must be accurate and complete. If you have any questions, contact the insurance company. Ask them to send you a written explanation. Get a detailed report and invoice from your doctor or hospital before leaving the country where you received medical treatment.
Trying to get the proper paperwork from thousands of kilometres away can be frustrating. Always submit the original receipts for medical services or prescriptions you received abroad. Keep a copy of the documents for your files. The Government of Canada is not responsible for travel insurance policies nor how Travel Advice and Advisories may affect travel insurance policies. The Government of Canada does not issue its Travel Advice and Advisories for the purpose of travel insurance coverage or refunds.
