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CAA warns of changes to OHIP out-of-country coverage

Are you planning to travel outside of Canada? The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has some information you should know.

Effective January 1, OHIP is no longer covering out-of-country health expenses accrued while travelling abroad, so CAA is reminding Canadians to make sure they have the appropriate travel insurance in place before leaving the country.

With emergency department and in-patient expenses at many American hospitals coming in at thousands of dollars a day, CAA Insurance Director of Government Relations Elliott Silverstein said it's important for people to understand what is the best coverage for them.

"We are working to educate travellers to make sure they know what they are buying. We are an organization founded to help keep our members safe, and coverage while travelling abroad is a big part of that," said Silverstein. "Travel insurance protects from unexpected and costly emergencies, and it's important to evaluate available coverage, based on personal needs, to determine how to best safeguard you and your family. This is even more important now that there is no coverage through OHIP."

Some factors for consumers to consider are the number of trips taken out of Canada per year, the difference between medical-only and comprehensive coverage, and whether or not the insurance provider will pay for services such as an interpreter, hospital recommendations and other needs. Also, CAA said it's vital to remember that travel insurance is meant to cover expenses until the patient is well enough to return to Canada for further treatment.

CAA suggests some additional tips:

  • Speak to a knowledgable travel advisor who will understand your requirements
  • Be honest when disclosing any pre-existing conditions, and make sure you have coverage that best suits your needs.
  • You can only purchase travel insurance in your home province. When you're planning your next trip, this should be put on your to-do list.
  • Price should not be the deal-breaker. Look at whatever coverage is available for your needs and consider all types of protection before you buy.
For complete information on buying travel insurance, visit the CAA official website.

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