"But I Have It on My Credit Card!"
This is the most common reason travelers skip buying a policy. While premium credit cards do offer travel benefits, they often have gaps:
- Age Limits: Coverage often ends or reduces significantly after age 65.
- Trip Duration Caps: Coverage might only be valid for 14 or 21 days.
- Strict Conditions: You usually must charge 75% or 100% of the trip cost to the card to activate cancellation coverage.
- Lower Limits: Medical coverage might be capped at $1 million or less.
Verdict: Read your credit card certificate carefully. If it has limitations, buy a supplemental policy.
Traveling Within Canada
Do you need insurance for a trip from Ontario to BC?
- Yes. While your doctor visits are covered reciprocally between provinces, ambulance rides, air evacuation, and prescription drugs are NOT.
- A ground ambulance in another province can cost hundreds of dollars; an air ambulance can cost thousands. "Travel within Canada" plans are very affordable and cover these gaps.
The High Cost of US Healthcare
The United States has the most expensive healthcare in the world.
- A broken leg: up to $30,000 USD
- Heart attack treatment: $50,000 - $100,000+ USD
- 3-day hospital stay: averages $30,000 USD
Your provincial plan generally pays typically less than $50/day for out-of-country inpatient care. That leaves you responsible for 99% of the bill if you don't have private insurance.