ohip travel insurance

Ontario is getting rid of OHIP's out-of-country medical coverage

If you're planning to travel outside of Canada in the new year, you'll have to purchase private travel insurance because OHIP will no longer provide you with out-of-country medical coverage.  

Current travel coverage under OHIP includes $400 per day for emergency in-patient services and up to $50 per day for emergency outpatient and doctor services.

That coverage will continue until December 31, according to The Toronto Star, but come 2020, it'll be no more.

The only remaining coverage will provide kidney dialysis patients with $210 toward each treatment, though in reality U.S. dialysis prices range from $300 to $750. 

The Ford government announced plans to scrap out-of-country emergency health care coverage back in April, saying the current plan only covers five per cent of typical medical emergency costs for Ontarians travelling outside Canada, so residents have to purchase travel insurance no matter what, according to the CBC. 

The government also said scrapping the coverage would help their efforts to address the province's $11.7 billion deficit.

According to The Star, administering $9 million in emergency medical coverage abroad costs the provincial government about $2.8 million each year.

 Ministry of Health spokesperson David Jensen told The Star he "strongly encourages" people to purchase sufficient travel insurance, as travellers can face "catastrophically large bills" for medical care without it. 

Lead photo by

RobynsWorld


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Cliffside park in Toronto is a hidden gem with some of the most stunning views

Toronto neighbourhood gets new garbage bins after years of complaining

Factory that was once a fixture on Toronto's skyline is now completely demolished

Toronto park connected to huge trail system is a hotspot for glimpsing wildlife

Toronto may finally start cracking down on out of control rat problem

Shocking hit-and-run video in Toronto shows driver slamming person into side of truck

Street literally set on fire outside of Toronto's sketchiest McDonald's

TTC route is changing for the second time in a month due to excessive gridlock