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What Medical Emergencies Are Covered When Travelling Abroad?

Explore what situations are typically insured and what to check before you go

Medical emergencies while traveling can happen anywhere—on a hiking trail, in a crowded city, or while relaxing at a resort. When they do, emergency medical travel insurance can help you access care without facing overwhelming bills. But not every health issue qualifies as an emergency, and coverage depends on the situation and your policy.

This becomes especially important when traveling outside Canada, where your provincial health plan won’t follow you. You might think about this the next time you plan a vacation, business trip, or cross-border visit.

What Counts as a Medical Emergency

A medical emergency is typically defined as a sudden, unexpected illness or injury that requires urgent treatment. Emergency travel insurance usually covers:

  • Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
    These are often the result of falls, car accidents, or recreational activities. Treatment such as casting, x-rays, or surgery would be eligible.

  • Heart attacks or strokes
    Life-threatening cardiovascular events are covered if immediate care is needed. Coverage includes hospitalization, specialist care, and medications.

  • Severe infections
    Conditions like pneumonia, travel-related viruses, or serious food poisoning that require antibiotics or IV fluids are included.

  • High fevers or dehydration
    Especially concerning in children or seniors, these often require urgent care and are typically covered under most policies.

  • Serious allergic reactions
    Coverage includes emergency care for anaphylaxis, including epinephrine and hospitalization if needed.

  • Emergency dental treatment
    Insurance may cover treatment for pain or injury to teeth caused by an accident—though cosmetic work is excluded.

  • Prescription medications
    Costs for drugs prescribed during treatment are usually reimbursable, provided they are linked to an insured emergency.

Medical Event Typically Covered?
Slipping and breaking a leg Yes
Appendicitis or gallbladder attack Yes
Getting a cold or mild sore throat No, unless severe and treated
Visiting a walk-in for routine care No
 

Tip: Emergencies must be unplanned and often require treatment to begin while still abroad. Waiting until you return to Canada may void eligibility.

What’s Not Usually Covered

Despite the broad protection it offers, emergency medical travel insurance does have limits. Most plans do not cover:

  • Elective procedures or check-ups that are not medically necessary

  • Pre-existing conditions that are unstable or recently changed

  • Ongoing care that could have been delayed until your return

  • Mental health or substance abuse emergencies, unless explicitly included

Note: Some insurers offer optional add-ons for stable pre-existing conditions or expanded mental health coverage. Always ask what’s included.

How to Ensure You’re Fully Protected

  • Confirm your medical stability before departure if you have chronic conditions

  • Check for exclusions related to your destination or planned activities

  • Bring documentation of your policy and emergency contact numbers

  • Understand coverage limits, especially in countries with expensive care

Caution: If you seek treatment for a known condition that recently worsened, your claim may be denied. Most policies require stability for 90 to 180 days before travel.

When an emergency strikes away from home, knowing what’s covered lets you act quickly and confidently. From sudden injuries to serious illness, travel medical insurance helps make sure a healt