Ontario’s provincial health insurance plan (OHIP) provides only minimal emergency medical coverage when residents travel outside Canada. Most medical costs incurred abroad are not covered, leaving travelers exposed to bills that can reach tens or hundreds of thousands of Canadian dollars. Before you leave the country, you need to know what OHIP actually pays for, what it does not, and why private travel insurance is essential for every trip.

What OHIP Covers Outside Canada

OHIP reimburses a limited amount for emergency medical services received outside Canada, but the coverage is far below what most medical care actually costs. For emergency out-of-country services, OHIP pays only the amount it would have paid for the same service in Ontario, up to specific daily maximums. For physician services, OHIP reimburses at Ontario rates. For emergency hospital stays, OHIP pays a maximum of C$400 per day for emergency inpatient care and C$50 per day for outpatient emergency services.

These amounts have not changed in decades and do not reflect the real cost of medical care in most countries, particularly the United States. A single day in a US hospital intensive care unit can easily exceed C$10,000, leaving an Ontario traveler responsible for the difference if they rely on OHIP alone. Emergency surgery, air ambulance transport, or extended hospital stays can result in six-figure bills that OHIP will not cover.

What OHIP Does Not Cover

OHIP does not cover non-emergency medical care outside Canada, even if the service would be insured in Ontario. It does not pay for medical repatriation (the cost of transporting you back to Canada if you are too ill or injured to fly commercially), prescription medications filled abroad, or follow-up care after you return. OHIP also does not cover any medical services received in countries where the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory recommending against non-essential travel.

Additionally, OHIP does not cover trip cancellation, lost baggage, or other travel-related expenses. If you need to cancel your trip due to a medical emergency before departure, or if a family member becomes seriously ill while you are away, OHIP provides no reimbursement for prepaid travel costs.

What Ontario Residents Should Do

Purchase private travel medical insurance every time you leave Canada, even for short trips to the United States. Travel insurance covers the difference between what OHIP pays and what medical care actually costs abroad, protecting you from devastating out-of-pocket expenses. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, a medical emergency in the United States can cost C$50,000 or more, and air ambulance repatriation from a remote location can exceed C$100,000.

Read also: Travel Insurance in Canada: What It Covers and When Provincial Health Plans Fall Short

Compare travel insurance policies carefully before you buy. Look for coverage that includes emergency medical care, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical repatriation, and 24-hour emergency assistance. Declare all pre-existing medical conditions honestly when you apply, as failing to disclose a condition can void your coverage entirely. Read the policy exclusions, particularly restrictions related to age, trip duration, and high-risk activities such as skiing or scuba diving.

Buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Many policies include trip cancellation and interruption coverage only if you purchase the insurance within a short window after making your first trip deposit. If you travel frequently, consider an annual multi-trip policy rather than buying separate coverage for each trip.

Confirm that your travel insurance policy is underwritten by a licensed insurer and check reviews or complaints with your provincial insurance regulator. In Ontario, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) oversees insurance providers. Keep your policy documents and the insurer’s 24-hour emergency phone number with you at all times when you travel.

Financial Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Ontario’s out-of-country health insurance coverage and travel insurance options. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Coverage, exclusions, premiums, and policy terms vary by insurer, by individual health status, and by trip details. OHIP coverage rules and reimbursement rates are set by the Ontario Ministry of Health and may change. Always read the full policy wording, declare all pre-existing conditions accurately, and confirm current OHIP coverage limits and exclusions with the Ministry of Health before you travel. For personalized guidance, consult a licensed insurance broker in Ontario who can assess your specific situation, compare policies, and recommend appropriate coverage for your trip.