January 1, 2020 marks the wind down of the Out-of-Country Travellers Program through OHIP. As such, OHIP will no longer reimburse any portion of emergency medical expenses incurred while an insured is outside of Canada. As of the start of this new year, your group benefits carrier will become the first payor through the Out-of-Country emergency travel insurance under your Health Care plan. Insurance carriers have confirmed that the delisting of this OHIP service will not have an impact on health care rates at this time.
Ontario’s Auditor General previously reported that the OHIP program provided little in the way of meaningful travel coverage or value to taxpayers. Especially when group and personal private plans are readily available and off the level of coverage everyone should have when travelling. Employees (and their dependents) should continue to carry their travel cards or ensure the information is retrievable on their mobile phone. In the event of a medical emergency, a call should be placed immediately to the travel assistance provider listed on the benefit/travel card.
Please find below a link to a communication to be shared with employees on tips when travelling outside of Canada.
Employee communication – Travelling outside of Canada