For plan members planning to travel outside Canada, a little preparation is key to enjoying some time away. Your plan members should know what type of coverage they have in place, who to call in case of a medical emergency and how to make a claim.
Understanding group and other travel insurance coverage
Out-of-country coverage is designed to provide benefits during a medical emergency while plan members or their dependants are temporarily outside Canada for business, education or vacation.
What is considered a medical emergency for the purposes of out-of-country coverage will depend on the terms of each group plan. Most group plans with out-of-country coverage provide coverage for medical expenses that are incurred only during the initial treatment of a medical emergency, such as physician fees, lab fees and hospital fees. It's important that plan members are familiar with the specifics of their coverage before they leave the country.
Provincial healthcare plan coverage must be in place in order for your plan coverage to apply. For this reason, those leaving the country for an extended period should inquire about getting a coverage extension with their provincial healthcare plan representatives prior to leaving Canada. In addition, plan members should be aware of any trip limits associated with their group plan. When travelling outside Canada for periods beyond their trip limit, plan members may want to consider purchasing additional coverage.
· It's important that you familiarize yourself with your benefits
plan and its specific coverage details before you go, including
potential lifetime maximums that certain emergency
expenses may be subject to. Also, some policies require that
plan members pay for expenses up to $200 out of their own
pockets, and then seek reimbursement upon their return.
Please refer to your benefits booklet for complete details.
· Plan members should visit their family physician before
travelling and discuss any pre-diagnosed medical condition(s)
and any active treatments they are receiving to establish if
there's any anticipated risk of complications. This discussion
should be properly documented in your physician's files for
future reference, if required.
· Take a few minutes before you set out on your travels and
have a look at some informative travellers' websites,
including the Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade (www.voyage.gc.ca), Transport Canada (www.tc.gc.ca)
and the Canadian Automobile Association (www.caa.ca).
· And finally, it may sound obvious, but don't forget your
passport, your provincial health insurance card and your
travel benefits ID card.
Remember, preparation is the key ingredient for a safe, worryfree
trip. Taking a few precautionary measures before you go
will allow you to have peace of mind and a "bon voyage!"
