Do you need Travel Insurance while travelling within Canada?

Most people think that our Socialized Health care means that there is no costs if you are injured while travelling within the country. However, this isn’t always the case.

One of my Travel Insurance providers provided case studies. These are actual claims they paid out!

If you are traveling, make sure you ask me about insurance. Within Canada medical is very reasonable because our Health Care does cover a lot.

Out of Province Hospitalization

Samantha, a 21-year-old from British Columbia, was visiting friends in Toronto when she tripped and fell down a steep flight of stairs, suffering severe head injuries, including multiple skull fractures. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors performed emergency brain surgery.

Samantha stayed at the hospital for 47 days, undergoing several procedures while doctors closely monitored her recovery. Her parents flew in from British Columbia to be by her side, offering support throughout the long and challenging journey. Once stable, the medical team recommended that Samantha return home for ongoing care and rehabilitation, so she was airlifted back to British Columbia.

While Samantha’s hospital stay was covered by her provincial healthcare, the air ambulance and her parents’ travel and accommodation costs were not. Fortunately, Samantha had Emergency Medical Insurance, which covered more than $82,000 in expenses, giving her family one less thing to worry about during an incredibly hard time.

$4000 broken leg

While exploring the remote wilderness near Caniapiscau in northern Quebec, 31-year-old Daniel from Ottawa suffered a serious fall, fracturing his femur. With no cell service, he used a satellite phone to call for help. An ambulance arrived and took him on a six-hour journey to the nearest hospital, where he underwent surgery.

After five days in hospital, Daniel was stable and ready to go home. However, because of his injury, he couldn’t sit upright for the long trip by bus that he’d originally planned. The Insurance Company arranged a ground ambulance to safely transport him back to his home in Ottawa, so he could lay flat during transport.

Fortunately, Daniel had purchased a Multi-Trip Annual Emergency Medical Insurance plan, which covered the ambulances not covered by his provincial health plan, saving him over $4,200 and easing the stress of his unexpected injury.