How to deal with a medical emergency if you’re outside of Canada
If you have a medical emergency while you’re outside of Canada, the best place to start is by contacting your provincial or territorial health authority. The health authority can help arrange medical care for you and also provide advice and sometimes emergency financial assistance. As well, they can help get you home if necessary. If more assistance is needed, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate office.
What happens if a Canadian snowbird gets ill while in the US?
Us Canadians love spending our winters in the southern US. If you get sick while there, your course of action isn’t too different than if you were somewhere else in the world. First seek medical attention, and call 911 if necessary. If the illness is severe, you may elect to go to a hospital or an urgent care clinic.
As mentioned above, contact Ontario Health (or your the health authority in your province) and the Canadian Embassy or Consulate to inform them of the medical emergency. They understand the best way to receive healthcare in the US and can help with advice as well as any paperwork or insurance issues.
The most significant difference between getting sick in the US versus Canada is the much higher cost of medical care. It pays to be prepared.
Does provincial health care cover any costs?
Many of the provincial health care plans in Canada will cover a small number of emergency medical expenses if you happen to get sick while traveling outside of Canada. You’ll be responsible for paying things like doctor’s fees, prescription medications or ambulance transport services. Regardless of what province you call home:
- You will have to have a valid provincial health card
- You’ll be reimbursed based on Canadian dollars and the current provincial rate for the services you need
- You’ll be required to submit claim forms after-the-fact
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will pay for some services as long as the care is medically necessary, and the service is provided by a licensed facility. These services include:
- Doctor’s services
- Emergency outpatient services (in the hospital but you aren’t admitted overnight)
- Emergency inpatient services (admitted to the hospital overnight)
Provincial coverage changes, so please verify with your provincial health authority before you travel to see what coverage is provided.
Do you have private travel insurance?
Did you plan ahead and pack some private travel insurance with you on your trip?
If you get sick while out of Canada and you have travel medical insurance, the first thing to do contact your insurance provider. (After any emergency medical care.) The insurance provider will help arrange further care. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of the insurance policy, the insurer’s contact information, and a valid provincial health insurance card on you all the time when travelling.
After you get treatment, contact your health insurance provider again to determine the amount of coverage.
Buy travel insurance before you leave Canada
Whether you’re a snowbird heading south or you’re traveling elsewhere, “visitor’s insurance” or “tourist insurance” is a must. This insurance covers medical care costs and emergency services while you’re away. While coverage varies from provider to provider, you’ll typically get coverage for costs like:
- Hospital visits
- Doctor appointments
- Ambulance and other emergency medical transportation
- Prescription drugs
- Evacuations and repatriations
Travel insurance can also cover emergency dental care, stolen or lost baggage, trip cancellation, and other travel-related expenses. One exception to coverage is pre-existing conditions.
It isn’t mandatory to have travel health insurance before you got on a plane or cross the border. However, you’re taking a risk without it. The financial impact of an unexpected medical emergency can affect you for a lifetime. Insurance gives you financial security and peace of mind. Read more about why travel insurance is a good idea.
Are you planning travel outside of Canada soon? We would be happy to talk about Ontario travel insurance options with you.Contact a travel insurance specialist today.
What Happens if You Get Sick Traveling in Another Country?
FAQs
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
What happens if I get sick in another country? ›
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
What happens if you need to go to the hospital in another country? ›
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
What to do if you get sick while travelling? ›
If you get sick while traveling, it will most likely be a stomach virus like norovirus, a cold or the flu. Usually, treatment involves drinking lots of water, rest and taking care of your symptoms. But it's also a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of infection such as high fever, chills, headache and fatigue.
What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Europe? ›
Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.
What happens if a tourist gets sick in the USA without insurance? ›
Seek Emergency Care When Necessary
In life-threatening medical situations, don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency room. Medical providers are required by law to stabilize patients in emergency situations regardless of their insurance status.
Does health insurance cover overseas travel? ›
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.
What happens if an American gets sick in Mexico? ›
EMERGENCY: If it's an emergency, you can call 911—same as in the United States. Ambulances in Mexico are typically private companies, and you may even have several ambulances arrive to try and compete for your business. Be warned that you may have to pay for them on arrival, privately owned ambulances aren't free.
What happens if you don't pay medical bills in another country? ›
What happens if you leave a country without paying your medical bills? This could result in a number of different consequences, including debt pursuit through legal action or debt collection, negative impacts on credit scores, or issues re-entering a country where your debt is owed.
What happens if an American gets sick in Italy? ›
In Italy, foreign visitors, both from EU and non-EU countries, have the same rights as Italian citizens, which means that in the event of a medical emergency they are assisted and medicated for free in the emergency ward of public hospitals.
How Do I See a Doctor in a Foreign Country? If you have an international health insurance plan, or travel insurance, they should provide you with an emergency medical assistance number you can call to help you arrange for a doctor visit. To schedule an appointment, first contact your insurance company.
How much does it cost to medical evacuate from overseas? ›
How much does medical evacuation cost?
| LOCATION WHERE INJURED | COST OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION TO THE U.S. |
|---|
| Caribbean | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| Europe | $65,000 to $90,000 |
| Mexico | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| Middle East | $165,000 to $225,000 |
3 more rowsSpecial care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
What is considered too sick to travel? ›
Travelling while sick is not recommended as you are at risk of feeling worse and infecting other passengers on the flight. You should not be flying if you have shortness of breath, a racing heart or could be contagious.
What happens if you get sick on vacation? ›
In most cases, she says, illness after travel is due to a viral infection that usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. “For mild symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion or a sore throat, supportive care is sufficient,” she says. “That includes acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief, warm fluids and rest.
What happens if I get ill abroad? ›
Your insurance policy should have given you an international number that you can use to get in touch with your insurers. Your call will usually be dealt with by an assistance company which is appointed by the insurer to arrange the necessary medical treatment.
Can you go to the hospital in a foreign country? ›
Some countries have government run hospitals and private hospitals. Care at facilities may vary, so it may be wise to determine a hospital you would prefer to be taken to in the event of a medical emergency. Some countries may also have hospitals that are more able to care for tourists (the staff may speak English).
What happens if you need to see a doctor in Europe? ›
The European Union's universal emergency number is 112. If you are not experiencing an emergency but would like to see a doctor you can go to a clinic and talk to a receptionist about your issues and why you'd like to see a doctor. You will likely have to wait but will be seen by a doctor or physician.
Do tourists have to pay for hospitals in the USA? ›
There is no universal healthcare.
The U.S. government does not provide health benefits to citizens or visitors. Any time you get medical care, someone has to pay for it.
How much does a hospital visit cost in America? ›
They can vary wildly. The average per-day hospital cost in the U.S. is $2,883, with California ($4,181) the most expensive, and Mississippi ($1,305) the least. The average hospital stay is 4.6 days, at an average cost of $13,262.
If you don't have health insurance, you're at much greater risk of accumulating medical bills that you may not be able to pay. In a worst-case scenario, you could be sued and have your wages garnished. You might even be forced into bankruptcy.
Does medical cover emergencies abroad? ›
For the most part, your U.S.-based medical insurance provider will not cover your medical treatment when you're abroad. If you want peace of mind while you're on a trip away from your home country, a travel medical insurance plan is your best bet.
How much does international travel medical insurance cost? ›
The average cost of travel insurance is about 3% to 5% of a trip's total value, according to quotes gathered by our research team across different travel insurance providers for various traveler profiles. Solo travelers can expect to pay around $60-$100 for coverage.
Does Medicare cover hospital stays in foreign countries? ›
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Is it normal to feel sick after traveling to another country? ›
Although most post-travel symptoms are generally mild and may be similar to the common cold or mild digestive system upset, there are some signs that may indicate a more serious problem. People who experience unusual or more severe symptoms following a trip abroad should seek medical attention immediately.
What happens if an American gets sick in Canada? ›
If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment? Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.
What happens if you are ill in the USA without insurance? ›
What happens if you don't have health insurance and you go to the hospital? If you have a health situation that qualifies as an emergency, hospitals and emergency rooms must provide care to you regardless of whether or not you have health insurance. That doesn't mean you will receive the services for free.
