It is important that you be informed about your medical coverage before you leave Canada, even for a brief trip, so that unexpected expenses do not catch you unaware. Eighty per cent of eligible emergency medical expenses you incur while out of Canada which are not covered by your provincial plan will be reimbursed by the Extended Health Care Plan, provided that these expenses are considered reasonable by Green Shield. All academic staff are enrolled in and pay the premium for a medical emergency plan while travelling outside of Canada. The coverage is provided by the Prudential Insurance Company of America under a group travel assistance plan. The Plan supplements the provincial Health and Hospitalization Plan and the Extended Health Care Plan underwritten by Green Shields.
Supplementary coverage is recommended.
Medical costs in certain countries, such as the United States, are exorbitant. If you suffer a serious illness or accident outside Canada, and require extensive medical care, the total charges remaining for you to pay after your provincial plan and the Extended Health Care plan have paid their share could be considerable. Many hospitals around the world require a substantial deposit when non-residents are admitted for emergency treatment. Also, before the patient is discharged from care, most hospitals and physicians expect payment in full for services provided. When you purchase supplementary coverage, be sure to check for possible restrictions, for sports such as scuba-diving, parachuting, etc.