Is travel insurance really necessary? Doesn't OHIP cover my medical costs?

Medical insurance is essential the moment you leave Ontario. The Canada Health Act requires the Ontario Health Insurance Plan to cover your medical costs in Ontario only. OHIP is not required to cover any medical costs outside of the province. In fact, OHIP only covers a small portion of medical or hospital costs incurred outside of Ontario. Some examples of costs covered are: $50 for a medical consultation and $100 a day for hospitalization. Because medical costs are significantly higher abroad – particularly in the United States – without travel insurance your financial security is at risk. For examples of foreign medical costs, Click here. If you become sick or injured while away, your travel insurance can cover: • Accommodation costs and meals for your spouse or travel companion • Transportation costs if your return is delayed due to accident or illness • Cost of medical evacuation, by land or air ambulance, or by commercial flight • Repatriation costs for your children if you ...  more