In recent years, more and more Canadians have embraced the idea of traveling within the country. The pandemic played a role, of course, but now it's rising international travel costs – airfare, accommodations, and fluctuating exchange rates – that make exploring Canada the smarter option. Staying local lets you save money without missing out on great vacation experiences. For many, the appeal of discovering Canada’s beauty and the financial benefits of staying closer to home make it an easy choice.
But as domestic travel rises, one question keeps popping up: do you really need travel insurance if you're staying within Canada?
Most people know travel health insurance is essential for international trips, but there’s a common assumption that provincial health care plans have us covered across the country.
The reality, though, is that these plans aren’t built to cover all the potential costs when you travel out of your home province.
Let’s take a closer look at why travel insurance should be a key part of your next Canadian adventure.
Provincial Health Care: What’s Covered (and What Isn’t)
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that your provincial health care plan covers you everywhere in Canada. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Gaps in coverage – especially for things like ambulance rides, emergency dental work, or prescriptions – can leave travelers with unexpected bills. Having travel insurance can give you peace of mind, even on a trip within Canada,” explains Jen Savage, Travel Product Manager, GMS.
Those gaps can be particularly concerning when you’re traveling in more remote areas, where access to specialized medical care might be limited. In some cases, a remote evacuation helicopter will be required to get you to the nearest treatment facility, which can cost thousands.
BC is a popular destination for Canadians. A health emergency or accident might mean an emergency airlift from a remote island in BC to a hospital in Vancouver. For BC residents travelling in their own province, air ambulance services are heavily subsidized, but if you’re from another province, you’re responsible for the full, unsubsidized cost.
These charges can add up quickly, depending on the situation and distance. They are also dependent on what healthcare costs are covered by provincial or territorial governments when residents travel throughout Canada. Saskatchewan, for example, advises its residents to purchase travel medical insurance when traveling outside the province, since its Ministry doesn’t cover medical transport back to the province.
Health care coverage also varies significantly from one province to another. While there are agreements in place to cover certain basic services, they don’t always extend to more specialized or long-term treatments. And what’s covered by provincial or territorial health insurance in one province may not be covered in another.
Common Coverage Gaps
Here are a few examples of what may not be covered:
- Specialized medical treatments: If the procedure you need isn’t available in the province you’re visiting, you might be on the hook for the costs.
- Medical equipment: Things like crutches, wheelchairs, or oxygen tanks may not be covered.
- Ongoing care: Services like follow-up physiotherapy, home care, or rehabilitation aren’t always covered outside your home province.
These gaps can catch travellers off guard, especially in more remote areas where specialized care may be required, and can lead to confusion and unexpected bills.
How Travel Insurance Fills the Gaps
This is where travel insurance steps in. While your provincial or territorial plan might cover the basics, travel insurance can fill in the gaps, ensuring you’re protected from surprise costs.
Most travel insurance plans include coverage for:
- Air or ground ambulance services, which are critical in emergencies and can cost thousands of dollars.
- Specialist consultations or diagnostic testing, which might not be available through provincial reciprocal agreements.
- Prescription drugs that may not be included in provincial formularies when you're away from home.
- Emergency dental care, necessary for unexpected accidents or injuries.
Accommodation and transportation if you or a family member requires extended medical care far from your original destination. The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance means you can enjoy your trip, knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.
