Many Manitobans travel outside of Manitoba without buying travel insurance, thinking that Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living will cover them should they need medical attention while travelling.  While this statement is not incorrect, there are limits to what Manitoba Health pays, making the need for travel insurance advisable.

Manitoba Health has agreements with other Canadian provinces and territories, excluding Quebec, that allow physicians and health care facilities to bill Manitoba Health directly for services provided to Manitobans while visiting their province. These agreements provide coverage for services that would be covered while in Manitoba, at the standard rate paid in Manitoba.  Costs for items such as ambulance, air ambulance, return home and emergency dental, to name but a few, would not be covered by Manitoba Health, however could be covered by travel insurance, if purchased prior to departure from Manitoba.

While travelling outside of Canada, the cost of medical services provided by physicians and health care facilities is the traveller’s responsibility, as there is no agreement for direct billing to Manitoba Health. Travellers who do not have travel insurance are expected to pay the bill themselves, sometimes before services are rendered.  Upon return to Manitoba, the traveller may then apply to Manitoba Health for reimbursement of some expenses.  Manitoba Health pays Manitoba daily rates for emergency hospital services, a maximum of $100 per visit for outpatient care and physician services at the equivalent rate paid to Manitoban doctors.  The cost of health care in other countries, the US for example, is significantly higher than in Canada. Some medical emergencies cost tens of thousands of dollars, an expense that most travellers cannot afford.  The cost of a 7 day travel insurance policy, on average, costs $30.

Team Insurance Brokers recommends that travel health insurance be purchased every time you travel outside of Manitoba, whether you are travelling to another province or another country. 

When purchasing health insurance it is important to give Our Team as much information as you can about any health conditions you may have or have had in the past.  It is also important to discuss other details of your trip such as destination and duration and all countries you will travel through.  These details will ensure the plan you purchase will provide the best coverage available for where you intend to travel.

Talk to Our Team about packing travel insurance on your next trip.  We think you’ll agree it’s much more cost effective than bearing the financial burden of an emergency medical bill.