Provided by: Allianz Global Assistance
Fall is one of the most breathtaking seasons to explore Canada. From coastal drives to mountain escapes, Canadians are making the most of the crisp air, colourful landscapes, and shoulder-season savings. While you may not be crossing international borders, one thing often gets overlooked: travel insurance is still important.
“I’m Just Travelling Within Canada… Do I Really Need Insurance?”
While your government health insurance plan (GHIP) covers basic medical care in your home province, there may be coverage gaps when you travel elsewhere within Canada, including but not limited to:
Ambulance Services:
Not all provinces cover ground or air ambulance transfers for out-of-province residents, and these can cost thousands of dollars.
Prescription Refills:
If you lose your medication on a trip, GHIP may not cover the cost to replace it.
Private Clinics & Facilities:
Treatment at private medical centres may not be reimbursable.
Accidental Death:
Injure a tooth hiking or biking? GHIP may not help with emergency dental care.
Out-of-pocket Medical Costs:
Some provinces may only reimburse you the rate they would pay locally, leaving you to cover the difference.
Plus, travel insurance doesn’t just cover medical emergencies. Certain travel insurance plans can include coverage for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, baggage delays, and/or lost or stolen items; things that can happen on even the shortest getaway. With more Canadians opting for domestic travel, especially to remote areas or provinces with different healthcare systems, these protections are more relevant than ever.
Beyond Borders: The Essential Role of Travel Insurance for Inter-Provincial Travel in Canada
Many Canadians believe that their provincial health plan will cover them for everything while they travel from one province to another. It’s a common misconception that proved not to be the case for Marie and her husband John* during their travels from the East Coast to Ontario.
It was a beautiful spring day; and Marie and John were enjoying the last day of their holiday in Ontario. John started to feel unwell, and one very worried Marie called an ambulance. John was quickly admitted to the ICU due to the critical nature of his condition.
Over the course of several weeks in the hospital, John was treated for an acute internal injury which required specialized care. The Allianz medical team kept in touch with Marie and comforted her with updates on John’s condition and treatment plan. They also consulted with the treating physicians at the hospital in Ontario to monitor his care.
When John was declared stable to travel back East, he still required some medical assistance. Allianz arranged for a nurse escort to travel home with John and Marie. When Allianz made their signature ‘Safe Arrival’ call, Marie expressed her thanks: “Your support has been incredibly kind. Having the nurse accompany us home was such a relief—I don't think I could have managed without that assistance.”
Because Marie and John had travel insurance, costs for the ambulance ride, specialized hospital care, and the nurse escort home were fully covered by Allianz.
CLAIMS PAID: $7,758.00 CAD
*Names and details changed to protect privacy.
Travel insurance does not cover everything. For complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Policy. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies and administered by Allianz Global Assistance. Allianz Global Assistance is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.
Individual circumstances may vary. You may wish to contact the licensed insurer’s representative or a licensed insurance agent if you need advice about your insurance needs.
CUMIS General Insurance Company, P.O. Box 5065, 151 North Service Rd. Burlington, ON L7R 4C2, Canada, 1-800-263-9120, www.cumis.com
This content was created by Allianz Global Assistance with the support of AI.