Travel Medical Insurance

Only in part. Within Canada, MSP covers most physician and hospital services through agreements with the other provinces, but not ambulance or prescriptions. Outside Canada it reimburses emergency care at BC rates, which typically cover only a small fraction of a foreign hospital bill, and it does not cover air ambulance or repatriation. Travel medical insurance is designed to pay the difference.

Emergency medical coverage must be in place before you leave BC. If you also want trip cancellation coverage, buy it when you pay your first deposit, since cancellation benefits generally apply only to events after the purchase date. Frequent travellers often find an annual multi-trip plan simpler and cheaper than insuring each trip.

Often, provided the condition has been stable for the period the plan specifies, meaning no new symptoms, treatment changes or medication changes within that window. Older travellers usually complete a medical questionnaire, and the answers determine both eligibility and price. If you are unsure how a condition is defined, ask a broker before you buy rather than after a claim.

Yes. Visitors are not covered by MSP, and new residents and students face a waiting period before provincial coverage begins. Some visa categories require proof of medical insurance as a condition of entry. Visitor and student plans are available through Park and can be purchased before or after arrival, subject to the plan’s terms.

Call the emergency assistance number printed on your policy before seeking treatment where possible, so the insurer can direct you to an appropriate facility and arrange direct billing. Keep every receipt and report. The toll-free and collect numbers for TuGo and Allianz policies are on our travel insurance claims page if you do not have your documents with you.