Considering a domestic vacation this year?  Whether you’re road-tripping to Canmore, practicing your French in Quebec City, or enjoying cold-water lobster in Nova Scotia, there’s so much to explore right in our own backyard. Plus, traveling domestically means no need for international cell phone plans, no immigration hassle, no currency exchange, and the bonus of supporting Canada’s economy.

While Canada’s universal health care system provides public health insurance for all citizens, coverage for health services can vary by province and territory. This makes it important to consider travel insurance when leaving your home province. Although the Medical Services Plan (MSP) offers some coverage for medical treatment in other provinces, note that this coverage is limited. 

What’s not covered by MSP?

MSP does not cover several key services, including prescription medications and ambulance transportation. The cost for these services can vary - ambulance transportation, for example, can range from $40 to $385 depending on the province, making it difficult to budget for the exact cost until the bill arrives. Additionally, MSP doesn’t extend coverage for care from practitioners outside British Columbia (BC), such as nurse practitioners, chiropractors, physical therapists, or physician assistants. This means if you’re involved in an accident, you experience any unexpected medical issues, or you lose your prescriptions, you’ll most likely face significant financial costs.

Even when MSP does provide coverage, it’s important to note that the reimbursement amount is based on what that service would cost in BC. Since health care costs vary across provinces, if treatment is more expensive where you’re traveling, you could be responsible for covering the difference, resulting in unexpected, substantial medical bills.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Booking a vacation, whether domestic or international, can be expensive - and that’s before considering any emergencies. Even minor incidents can lead to unexpected expenses, but with Pacific Blue Cross travel insurance, costs like visits to a doctor or nurse practitioner are covered in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent in Canada, travel disruptions such as flight cancellations and delays are an increasing concern. If you’re looking for added protection for non-medical expenses like lost luggage, hotel rooms, or other non-refundable costs, our Trip Protection coverage can help recover prepaid, non-refundable expenses in case of unexpected events. This includes trip cancellation for expenses purchased before your trip begins, or hospitalization and trip interruptions during your travels. 

Make sure your travel insurance covers you from the day you leave your province of residence to the day you return. If you decide to extend your trip while you're away, you must contact Pacific Blue Cross before your original return date to arrange an extension and keep your coverage valid.

Where can I learn more?

For the latest information on medical coverage outside BC, visit the official government of British Columbia website for details on out-of-province emergency care, physician services, hospital benefits, and related forms.

Ultimately, whether you choose to purchase travel insurance is up to you. However, understanding the potential risks and costs of an emergency while traveling can help you make an informed decision. For a quote or more information, contact one of our travel experts at 604 419-2000 or 1 877 PAC-BLUE (722-2583) Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm PST excluding statutory holidays. Alternatively, reach out to your trusted travel broker to learn more.