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Travel Medical Insurance in Canada

We’re accustomed to buying medical insurance before travelling south of the border. Without coverage, we know that an unexpected visit to a U.S. hospital could end up costing an arm and a leg (figuratively speaking, of course). But what we don’t always appreciate is that situation can play out within Canada too.

Consider this: A young, recently married Alberta couple hitches a trailer to their car and drives to B.C., excited to hike Vancouver Island’s rugged West Coast Trail. Leaving their vehicle in Victoria, they set off along the rugged, 75-kilometre route. Midway, however, the man slips and breaks his leg. Instead of indelible memories and scenic photographs, the couple leaves the trail with a $25,000 air ambulance bill, plus another charge of $2,000 for the return of their vehicle.

Knowing what’s covered—and more importantly, what’s not—is essential before embarking on a getaway beyond Alberta’s borders. Brush up on provincial coverage and follow this checklist when planning a trip outside the province.

To fill the gaps in coverage, be sure to purchase travel medical insurance from AMA Travel*—you’ll avoid out-of-pocket expenses on your out-of-province vacation. Get an online quote or visit an AMA centre to find the coverage that’s right for you.

TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE ESSENTIALS

Always carry your provincial health card.  Hospitals, physicians and some emergency services will request it before administering any care. If you don’t have your valid Alberta Health Care card with you and you require or seek medical care outside of Alberta, you may be asked to pay upfront for services.

What’s covered?  The same basic services covered by your Alberta Health Care Insurance plan—such as doctor’s visits, necessary medical exams and hospitalization—are covered in other provinces. But it’s important to know that there’s also a lot that isn’t covered.

What’s not covered?  Care by non-physician practitioners—including chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists—as well as routine dental services, non-emergency eye care, prescription drugs, ambulances or transport back to Alberta are among the services that are not covered . Remember that services not covered in Alberta won’t be covered in other provinces either. It’s not that hard to imagine being involved in a collision and requiring an air ambulance and having family members flown to your hospital bedside. Without travel medical insurance from AMA Travel, all those costs will be yours.

Reciprocity reigns.  For emergency care and physician services, all provinces (except Quebec) have reciprocal agreements. This lets them bill one another for the care of Canadians travelling outside of their home provinces.

Be mindful of Quebec. Without AMA Travel medical insurance in la belle province , you will have to pay upfront for services and apply to the province for a reimbursement once you’re back in Alberta. It’s best to save yourself a bill for thousands of dollars and unnecessary paperwork by getting travel medical insurance before you leave the province.

Purchase before you leave. AMA Travel medical coverage must be bought before you leave Alberta—you can’t buy a plan when an emergency happens.

Make sure you qualify for coverage.  Certain eligibility requirements, restrictions and stable pre-existing conditions will apply when you seek coverage. Ask about different available plans , such as the Canada Medical Plan for travel outside Alberta but within Canada only. There’s also the Multi-Trip Annual Plan, for frequent travellers who criss-cross Canada and the U.S, which provides 365 days of coverage within Canada and 15, 30 or 60 days per trip outside of the country, as many times as you want throughout the year. If you’re travelling outside of Canada and are age 55 or older, you’ll be asked to complete a medical questionnaire to help determine eligibility and coverage. Speak with an AMA counsellor for more details.

Honesty is the best policy.  Always complete the questionnaire correctly. We know insurance forms can be confusing, so take the guesswork out by following our questionnaire tips .

*AMA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company.  Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to certain terms, conditions and limitations.

ORION Travel Insurance   Reviews

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As with all insurance companies

As with all insurance companies, they will take your money any number of ways but when it comes time to provide good customer serive the fine print is never in the claimants favor. Hidden in some obscure reference is a loop hole that absolves them of any responsibiliy. AND they will not provide you with that information. Wasted money on this company. Save your money .... enjoy the trip and spend the saved money on a more memorable expense.

Date of experience : June 10, 2023

This is worse insurance company I have…

This is worse insurance company I have dealt with in decades do not use. They do not care about you at all this is the under writter for CAA avoid period. It takes a lot to get me upset and they managed to do that.

Date of experience : August 17, 2023

Thanks for nothing

I was on a cruise and needed medical attention . I kept all my paperwork and contacted Orion upon my return . I sent numerous emails with no return . I then talked to 3 different Orion agents over 5 months , all assuring me the necessary forms would be sent by mail . Nothing . Assured I would receive all forms via email for prompt courteous service . Nothing . I doubt Orion personnel read these blogs or else these claims would be answered . If there is a lesson to be learned it is to check reviews of different companies before purchasing in order to prevent this activity from happening again .

Date of experience : April 25, 2022

I picked this insurance company because…

I picked this insurance company because I thought that CAA was good !! Wrong Caa ! big mistake to go with Orión you can't even speak to anyone there . I paid travel insurance for a year , I got sick in Florida called the insurance told me to go to hospital this was in Feb we're in June now I have received 4 letters from the hospital demanding payment .there going to send me to colection !! Unreliable company !! Don't not go with them because Caa was good because that company is garbage !!

Date of experience : June 01, 2022

Travelled to Mexico in Jan 2020 and…

Travelled to Mexico in Jan 2020 and needed some medical attention . The contact emergency number indicated on the wallet size card did not work! I then called the 1-800 number and reached customer service in Ontario...I told her my situation and She put me on hold so she could find where I should go to get treatment. She had trouble finding the location where I was, never mind where to go! I was then told to seek my own help and then submit a claim...So unprofessional I will not be using CAA insurance in the future for travel! Disappointed in Ontario

Date of experience : January 20, 2020

Stay away from CAA

Stay away from CAA. Orion does NOT reimburse nothing. I have bank statements indicating what I paid and received back from flight cancellation but the agency still kept their profit and Orion declined my reimbursement. Paid $300 for full coverage for a year for NOTHING. They are NOT here to help you. They are a business that keeps ALL of your hard earned money. Imagine if I had a REAL emergency, do you really think they would help? NO! Going to report them to better business bureau for Orion and CAA. Never again with those companies.

Date of experience : November 07, 2020

This company has played the game of…

This company has played the game of asking for information that has been provided multiple times. I have waited since April 2020 for a completely legitimate trip interruption due to Covid for $18,000. We had emergency flights home that very clearly fall u see the scope of the insurance. It is Dec 29 and not one dollar has been paid out on my claim. They are scammers and CAA should not be connected to Orion or selling their scam insurance. Orion has made a number of unnecessary hoops to jump through which I have completed and 8 months later they have not reimbursed a single cent of the insurance that I bought from CAA. Do not ever use this insurance company. Orion is a scam.

Date of experience : December 30, 2020

Orion insurance is useless

I as well purchased Orion premium travel insurance prior to covid and our departure date was in May. Its now September and there still "working" on it. I'm cancelling my AMA membership and I will never ever use any of there services again.

Date of experience : September 29, 2020

Never Again with this Company

I purchased cancellation insurance for an April 2020 cruise however while in Mexico I had emergency surgery in February. On returning home in mid March, my own Doctor advised me not too travel as I was still recovering. I provided Orion with the Doctors letter, the surgery transcript, the cruiselines cancellation as well as Orions own required documents and on March 26th and here we are , September 7th still waiting. I can't believe CAA would sell this company's insurance. It's useless.

Date of experience : September 07, 2020

Easy and painless to submit claim and received more reimbursement than expected.

I purchased my travel insurance through CAA and they sold me a policy through Orion. While I was traveling abroad, my father passed away, so I had to make an unexpected trip back home. I contacted Orion and was on hold for a half hour, but eventually I did get through. They confirmed that my travel insurance would cover up to $1000 CAD for a return flight home. This was also written in the policy. They started my claim and emailed me the paperwork. I bought my return ticket departing the next morning, costing $1469.60. I was flying from Australia to Canada and this was the least expensive option I could find. Ten days later, I submitted all the forms and documents to Orion through their online platform. Three and a half weeks later, I received an email saying my claim had been reviewed and they'd sent me a payment for the eligible expenses. Much to my surprise, it said they covered the full cost of my flight and sent me a payment for $1469.60, instead of $1000. I checked my bank account and they did indeed send the full amount. I'm very grateful. I'm also impressed how easy it was.

Date of experience : April 18, 2023

Although all documents were supplied, they asked for information from my travel agent. She emailed them right away. Over a month later, they asked my travel agent for the exact same information. They told me they don't have documents and when I pointed out that they were supplied with the original claim and gave them the attachment name, they were surprised. When I originally filed my claim at the end of March, it was a 60 day turn around. It is now 135 days since I filed my claim and they are still playing the insurance company games. DO NOT USE THEM!

Date of experience : August 13, 2020

Not ethical.

Not ethical. Purchased insurance from CAA in good faith for a flight in March. My husband was ill and that’s why I bought it. Covid wasn’t an issue here. I’ve jumped through every hoop. Provided all requested documentation. I’m a senior. Trip was to see a friend whose husband died. I didn’t want a flight credit. Not going to use it. Why would I stay with CAA? So disappointed.

Date of experience : September 11, 2020

Purchased an annual multi travel…

Purchased an annual multi travel insurance package for my husband and I. As a result of covid trips were cancelled and one trip I submitted a claim for $50 only as the tour company kept 10 percent of the deposit. I submitted in May 2020 with all the necessary documents/info. Matter of fact I had to submit again, even travel company submitted information for clarification, now before appeal. If I cannot get back $50 I don't have any faith this company will support or pay if something serious happens on a trip. Got a letter saying 20 percent discount if we purchase another year of travel insurance. Even one star is too high. Poor correspondence as well. CAA should disassociate themselves from this travel insurance company. As a result I have little confidence in CAA products they sell.

Date of experience : October 23, 2020

Purchased travel insurance through CAA…

Purchased travel insurance through CAA in Jan for a trip to Spain. Tour operator cancelled due to COVID 19 travel restrictions put a claim to Orion and was declined. Will be cancelling my CAA membership.

Date of experience : November 03, 2020

Don't Hope For Trip Cancellation

This company is not honouring trip cancellation for COVID-19. The company has quoted in the past that they will not be excluding cancellation coverage due to COVID-19 (google the phase "orion covid-19" to find news coverage). Orion travel insurance is denying my claim for trip cancellation from the COVID-19 travel advisories! This is a class action lawsuit in the making!

Date of experience : March 14, 2020

Terrible insurance through AMA

Terrible insurance through AMA. Still waiting for refund since March due to Covid. Pathetic excesses.

Date of experience : January 11, 2021

I travel in December in Europe i by…

I travel in December in Europe i by travel insurance premium 510 dollars this company take 8 months time and denied for no reason I spent in hospital more then 16000 dollars this company is SCAM never buy polici from this scam travel insurance

Date of experience : October 03, 2021

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