Travel Insurance for Canadians

blackbirdxx

My sister lives in Ontario Canada and has our disabled brother living with her. She wants to bring him to the UK for a 10 week holiday and tells me that he doesn't require travel insurance. She says he is fully covered by OHIP (Ontario’s health care plan) and doesn't require further travel insurance. This seems very strange to me but I didn't want to discuss with her further until I fully understand the situation. Is anyone out there who understands the Canadian health/Travel insurance set up who can help and advise??

Many thanks in advance.... 

MysteryMe

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ohip-coverage-while-outside-canada

Have a read of the above

blackbirdxx

Hi, thanks for sending me the link. It was something that I had tried to read but I'm still non the wiser. My brother is totally dependant on my sister for his welfare but apparently he is covered by this OHIP. If he is fully covered for travel then that is great but it seems to me a be bit much for an Ontario system to insure a mentally disabled adult full insurance to travel anywhere in the world as this would cost a fair bit if you had to take out travel insurance for him. Anyone have anymore thoughts?

Alan_Bowen

I have also read it and the financial limits are very low indeed. A maximum of $400 Canadian (£233) a day for coronary care or similar isn't going to go very far if he needs emergency treatment for which the NHS will charge. The document does make it clear you should have insurance for uninsured claims, and this may be expensive depending on the level of disability

onashoestring

According to the link above OHIP does NOT cover  pre-existing conditions. 

“The treatment or service must meet all of the following criteria. It must be:

• medically necessary
• provided at a licensed hospital or licensed health facility
• for an illness, disease, condition or injury that
  • is acute and unexpected
  • not pre-existing (you developed it outside of Canada)
  • requires immediate treatment

We recommend that you buy private health insurance before leaving Ontario to cover any uninsured services you may need.“

blackbirdxx

Some great info, thanks guys!