A hospital stay abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and provincial health plans cover only a small fraction of emergency costs outside Canada. Travel medical insurance fills that gap, but only if you understand the fine print. Here is what Canadians should check before every trip.

Why you need it

OHIP and other provincial plans pay very little for medical care outside the country, and nothing for many services. In the United States especially, a short emergency hospital stay can easily cost more than a new car. Travel insurance can also cover medical evacuation, which can be extremely expensive.

1. Pre-existing conditions and stability clauses

Most policies exclude claims related to a pre-existing medical condition unless it was stable for a set period before departure, often 90 or 180 days. A change in medication, a new symptom or a pending test can make a condition unstable. Read the definitions carefully.

2. Answer medical questionnaires honestly

Some policies, especially for travellers over 60, require a medical questionnaire. An incorrect answer, even an honest mistake, can void coverage when you need it most. Review your medical records or ask your doctor before completing it.

3. Trip-length limits

Annual multi-trip plans and credit card insurance often cover trips of a limited length, such as 15 or 30 days. If your trip is longer, you need a top-up policy for the extra days. Age can reduce the number of covered days.

4. Credit card coverage gaps

Premium credit cards may include travel medical insurance, but conditions vary: you may need to charge the trip to the card, coverage may stop at a certain age and limits may be lower than standalone policies. Call your card issuer to confirm.

5. Excluded activities

Scuba diving, skiing off marked trails, motorcycling and other high-risk activities may be excluded. Alcohol-related incidents are commonly excluded too.

6. Travel advisories

If the Government of Canada advises against travel to a destination, your coverage may be limited or void for that region. Check travel.gc.ca before booking and before departure.

7. Call the assistance line first

Most policies require you to contact the insurer’s emergency assistance line before receiving non-urgent treatment. Failing to call can reduce what they pay.

Checklist before you go

1. Compare medical coverage limits (many travellers choose at least $1 million to $5 million).
2. Check pre-existing condition rules and stability periods.
3. Confirm trip length and age limits.
4. Save the emergency phone number and policy number on your phone and on paper.
5. Buy trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is expensive and non-refundable.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association publish free guides on choosing travel insurance. Plan your trip with our 2026 travel trends and winter getaways from Toronto.

This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Always read your policy wording.