Travel Insurance

The BC Medical Insurance Services plan pays almost nothing of medical expenses incurred outside of Canada, usually less than 5% of the costs incurred. They also pay nothing towards any ‘extra costs’ incurred, e.g. return of a vehicle, ambulance charges, air ambulance, etc.

Currently, if you get sick outside of Canada, the Provincial plan pays only:

• Outpatient Doctor Visit: $28.00
• ER Fees: $0.00
• Inpatient admission: $75/day
• Lab charges: $4-7/item
• Radiology Charges: $14/x-ray or $300/MRI

The agreements only cover doctors, hospitals, etc. They don’t cover any of the costs involved with bringing you home to BC, rental of crutches or wheelchairs, prescription medication, out-of-pocket expenses, etc.

That’s great, but make sure you know exactly what the plan covers, and what the exclusions are:

• What is the maximum limit?
• Does it cover family members?
• Who will you call in case of an emergency?
• Will the plan coordinate with Provincial Medical?
• What is the maximum number of days per trip?
• Will you be penalized if you don’t call the claims company right away?
• Are you covered for pre-existing conditions?

All of our plans cover:

• Emergency hospital and medical expenses
• Ambulance fees, including air ambulance
• X-rays and other diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications
  Rental of medical appliances, e.g. crutches
• Private duty nursing in lieu of hospitalization
• Incidental hospital charges, e.g. telephone, television
• Return of travelling companion to home province
• Repatriation in the event of death, or funeral expenses at the place of death
• Family transportation, e.g. to bring a family member to the hospital where you are
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Return of vehicle
• Dental emergencies

Generally the policy will not pay for ‘pre-existing conditions’, unless they have been ‘stable’ for a certain period of time. Speak with one of our qualified brokers to find out what this means to you.