Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance vs Provincial Health Insurance

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July 19, 2024

Travel plans: whether enjoying domestic waters or venturing abroad, health issues can quickly derail an experience and leave unexpected medical bills behind. Travel medical insurance offers extra layers of protection over provincial health plans when outside your home province - giving travelers more peace of mind during travel adventures! But, Travel Medical Insurance vs Provincial Health Insurance - which one is for you?

Provincial Health Insurance Covers the Basics But Cannot Sustain Medical Needs

Provincial health insurance, funded through taxes, offers essential medical coverage within your province of residence - this typically includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and surgeries that may be medically necessary. When traveling outside your province there may be restrictions. Reciprocal agreements exist among provinces that allow access to some essential services while visiting another, but often exclude specific treatments or prescription medication due to costs not being covered under such agreements - you would still be responsible for these additional charges if you require them while traveling outside your province of residence.

Travel Medical Insurance Is Fulfilling All Your Needs 

Summit Insurance Solutions' Travel medical insurance is designed specifically for temporary travel. Specifically created to offer financial protection during times of medical emergencies or hospitalization while on vacation; travel medical coverage typically offers various coverage options that might protect travelers during their trip abroad - for instance:

  • Medical expenses: Outpatient, inpatient, prescription drugs, and transportation services such as an ambulance among others.
  • Emergency medical evacuation coverage: To take you by air ambulance to an institution that can manage your circumstances appropriately.
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage: Coverage for amounts paid for charges that are non-refundable when you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to a medical emergency.
  • Baggage Loss/Delay Coverage: Offer reimbursement in the event your luggage ends up missing while in transit.
  • 24/7 emergency assistance: Access a medical hotline and support services to help navigate healthcare options in unchartered waters.

Travel medical insurance provides more flexibility than provincial health plans in terms of customizing your plan to your trip duration, destination, and level of coverage needed - for instance, SummitCover offers various travel medical plans designed to fit into various budgets and travel styles. 

When Travel Medical Insurance Becomes Essential

Provincial health coverage might provide some basic protection when traveling outside your province; 

  • Extended Travels: For extended travel trips it might not provide enough coverage; travel medical insurance could come in handy then.
  • Adventurous Activities: In this path, the dangers of risky sports like skiing, hiking, or rock climbing mean that travel medical insurance aims at availing for medical expenses when participating.
  • Limited or Expensive Healthcare: Of course, travel medical insurance becomes more critical when one is going to countries where there are scarce health facilities or countries with expensive medical bills making travel medical insurance a necessity.
  • Preexisting medical conditions: Travel medical insurance provides peace of mind by covering potential healthcare needs that arise during your travels.

Cost Considerations 

Travel Medical Insurance vs Provincial Health Insurance? - Provincial health care coverage is usually included as part of taxes paid; travel medical insurance costs will depend upon which plan and coverage options you select as well as factors like duration, length of trip duration, and destination location.

Selecting an Appropriate Coverage for Your Trip 

Travel Medical Insurance vs Provincial Health Insurance each serve a distinct function in terms of medical coverage - Provincial plans provide basic coverage within your province while travel medical plans offer extra financial security during unexpected medical situations while traveling. Understanding both sets of restrictions allows for making an informed choice when selecting appropriate coverage suited for your trip needs.

Summit Commercial Solutions can customize a travel medical insurance policy that suits both your budget and itinerary - visit us now to browse your options! From Emerging trends in travel medical insurance for Canadian business travelers to answering FAQs like "Do I need health insurance to travel to another province?", Summit has you covered for a safe, secure journey!

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