Changes Coming to Out-of-Country Medical Coverage in 2020
Ontarians encouraged to take a closer look at their travel insurance
Thornhill, ON (Dec. 16, 2019) – As the busy holiday travel season approaches, Orion Travel Insurance, a CAA-owned company, is urging Ontario travellers to take a closer look at their travel and medical insurance coverage. As of January 1st, OHIP will no longer cover any portion of out of country medical expenses.
“We know that 25 per cent of Ontarians travel without insurance and that’s the reason for concern. Medical emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere,” says Kellee Irwin, vice president, Orion Travel Insurance Company. “It’s critical that people are aware of the upcoming changes to OHIP. Knowing that they have coverage that meets their needs, whether it’s for a long international trip or a quick cross border trip, will give them peace of mind.”
Currently, OHIP offers a maximum of $400 a day for emergency in-patient services outside of Canada and an additional $50 a day for emergency outpatient services as well as doctor’s services, but this will end on December 31st.
Going forward, the provincial government will continue to cover $210 per treatment for kidney dialysis patients abroad, which can cost up to $750 a day in the United States. Any other medical coverage outside of the country will need to be paid by the traveller.
“Depending on the situation, medical bills and any associated emergency travel can be very costly for travellers, and can often cost more than the trip itself,” says Elliott Silverstein, director, government relations, CAA Insurance. “Even if you think you are covered under your credit card or your private insurance, now is the time to take a closer look at the fine print. Travelling protected means understanding what you are covered for.”
Questions to ask before you buy travel insurance
- What are the eligibility and exclusions?
- What is the pre-existing and stability clause?
- What are the benefit limits?
- How many days am I covered?
- Is there a deductible?
- Do they offer upfront payment if a claim occurs?
Orion Travel Insurance is urging travellers to be aware of their up-to-date medical history and to be honest about any pre-existing conditions.
“Many people are under the false impression that they won’t have insurance coverage due to pre-existing conditions,” says Silverstein. “Medical conditions won’t disqualify you, they will just help to ensure you have the right coverage, so be clear and honest when shopping around for insurance.”
Learn more: the basics of travel insurance coverage.
About Orion Travel Insurance Company
Orion Travel Insurance, a CAA company, protects over 500 000 Canadians a year. Orion was incorporated in 2013 and underwrites in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. Orion is known for its exceptional claims service and strives to protect travellers and their loved ones wherever their travels may take them. For more information, visit www.oriontravelinsurance.ca.
SOURCE: Orion Travel Insurance Company
Tags: CAA, Ontario, Orion Travel Insurance, travelRead the original article at Insurance-Canada.ca