Myths and Facts: What Ontario’s Health Coverage Really Covers Outside the Province

When it comes to travelling outside Ontario, whether across Canada or abroad, many residents assume their provincial health coverage will take care of them in an emergency. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common and costly travel myths.

Myth #1: OHIP Covers Medical Emergencies Anywhere in Canada

While OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) does offer limited coverage for emergency health services in other provinces and territories, the reimbursement amount is often much lower than the actual cost of care. For example, OHIP might cover a small portion of a hospital stay or doctor visit, but not ambulance services, prescription drugs, private hospital rooms, or air transport back home.

Even within Canada, healthcare costs are billed differently by province, so you may still be left with significant and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Myth #2: My Credit Card or Employer Benefits Will Cover Me

Many travellers assume their workplace group benefits or credit card insurance provides full emergency medical coverage. However, these plans often include strict limits, age restrictions, or trip-length caps.

Some plans may only cover part of the expenses or exclude pre-existing medical conditions entirely. It’s crucial to read the fine print and confirm what is, and isn’t, included.

Myth #3: Travel Insurance Is Only Needed for International Trips

Even if you’re travelling to another Canadian province, your OHIP coverage won’t necessarily extend to all medical costs. A broken bone, sudden illness, or emergency surgery can quickly become a financial burden. The Government of Canada strongly recommends that anyone leaving their home province should carry supplemental travel health insurance, even for short trips.

Fact: Out-of-Province Travel Insurance Fills the Gaps

Emergency medical travel insurance helps bridge these coverage gaps. It can include:

• Hospital and physician fees not covered by OHIP
• Ambulance and emergency transport
• Prescription medications
• Emergency dental or vision care
• Repatriation of remains in the worst-case scenario

Whether you’re crossing the border for a weekend or vacationing in another province, a travel insurance policy can save you thousands of dollars and give you peace of mind.

Ontario’s health plan provides excellent protection at home, but its reach is limited once you cross the provincial border. Before your next trip, take a few minutes to review your coverage and consider purchasing travel insurance to ensure you’re fully protected wherever you go.

At HUB SmartCoverage, we make it simple to get the right coverage for every type of trip—so you can travel confidently, knowing you’re covered for the unexpected. Get started by clicking this link.