Answer from Ray Battiston

If you listened from the "Trust me, I'm from the government" Health Departments, you would think "no". But wait just a minute! There are many uninsured losses in other Provinces that your GHIP (Government Health Insurance Plan) will not pay. For example  Ontario residents' OHIP will not pay land or air ambulance costs out of Province, Semi Private or Private Rooms, Return of Vehicle, Return of Body (re-patriation) or Cremation or Burial at place of death. OHIP will not pay Emergency Air Ambulance, Accidental Dental, Family Visitation, and Subsistance Allowance.  I'm sure if you check with your own Province, you will find many restrictions or omissions on your GHIP plan.

Some companies I represent will even issue a discounted premium for non-USA travel- which of course includes our other Provinces and Territories.

Not all Travel Medical Insurance policies will cover Out of Province. Some are just Out of Country! And some will just pay ward coverage, not Semi private. But as you can see, there are many uninsured losses the Provincial Health Ministries will not pay or re-inburse you while you travel to another Province or Territory in Canada. So, please consider a private Travel Medical Insurance Plan, even if you are just visiting another Province or Territory.

If you are travelling out of Province regularly, you may wish to purchase an Annual or Shuttle Insurance Policy. This will cover you for unlimited trips during the year and can have Per Trips maximums of days as low as only 4 days, going right up to 180 days per trip. These annual plans can also be topped off with additional trip days if required for longer single trips. (Example, you are always travelling into Quebec for one or two days at a time, but need at least 14 days extra per year for your United States vacation-your option could be to purchase a 4 day/trip unlimited Annual Plan with a 12 day top off when that longer trip comes up)

Looking for other forms or travel medical insurance including Snowbirds and Out of Canada Travel Medical Insurance? Please scroll down to the bottom of this page and "click" your choice.