July 9, 2026
What your provincial health plan actually pays when you're abroad
OHIP, MSP, RAMQ and the rest cover almost nothing outside Canada. Here's the gap — and the clause that voids claims.
What the provinces actually pay abroad
Provincial plans reimburse only small, fixed amounts for out-of-country emergencies — a rounding error against a real foreign hospital bill.
| Province (examples) | Out-of-country emergency coverage |
|---|---|
| Ontario (OHIP) | Nothing — out-of-country coverage eliminated in 2020 |
| British Columbia (MSP) | Very limited fixed amounts |
| Quebec (RAMQ) | Limited fixed amounts |
| Alberta and the rest | Small fixed daily maximums at most |
Whatever your province, the practical rule is the same: for travel, the government is not your health plan.
The clause that voids more travel claims than any other
Travel medical insurance fills that gap — but it comes with the clause that voids more claims than anything else: the stability period. Your policy only covers a pre-existing condition if it's been "stable" for a set window before you leave — often 90 or 180 days — meaning no new symptoms, tests, or medication changes. And "medication change" usually includes a dose adjustment, even of a drug you've taken for years. Change your blood-pressure dose in March, travel in April on a 90-day clause, and a related claim can be denied.
Snowbirds: count your days
There's a second trap for anyone spending winters abroad: provincial residency rules require you to be physically present a minimum number of days a year to keep your coverage at all. Ontario is the benchmark; most provinces are similar but confirm yours.
| Rule (Ontario, 2026) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum absence and keep OHIP | Up to 212 days (~7 months) in any 12-month period |
| Minimum presence required | At least 153 days per 12-month period |
| Out-of-country medical coverage | Eliminated since 2020 — travel insurance required |
Two habits that protect you
First, before any trip, check your stable-by date against your last medication or treatment change — the Travel & Snowbird tool does the arithmetic. Second, if you're unsure whether something counts as instability, call the insurer before you travel and get the answer in writing. Sponsoring a parent's visit? The rules are stricter still — see super visa insurance.
Frequently asked questions
- Does OHIP cover me if I get sick in the US?
No. Ontario eliminated out-of-country medical coverage in 2020, so OHIP pays nothing abroad. Travel medical insurance is essential for any trip outside Canada.
- How many days can I spend abroad and keep provincial health coverage?
It varies by province. Ontario allows up to 212 days (about 7 months) in a 12-month period and requires 153 days of presence. Most provinces are in the 6–7 month range — confirm yours.
- What is a stability clause in travel insurance?
It requires a pre-existing condition to have been stable — no new symptoms, tests, or medication/dose changes — for a set period (often 90 or 180 days) before departure. A recent change can void a related claim.
- Do I need travel insurance if I have a travel credit card?
Usually still yes for medical. Card coverage is often limited, age-restricted, and capped, and may require activation. Don't rely on it for a serious emergency abroad.
Sources
- Ontario — OHIP coverage while outside Canada (2026)
- Government of Canada — travel insurance for Canadians
- Provincial health ministries (MSP, RAMQ, and others)
Ontario figures verified July 2026; other provinces vary — confirm yours. Educational only — not insurance advice.
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travel medical →Educational only — not insurance advice, and no products are sold here. Government figures verified July 2026 against their cited sources. Robert is a mascot, not a licensed advisor. See our disclaimer.