Updated October 2026

Whether you are planning a weekend shopping trip, a family vacation in Florida, a road trip across the United States or an extended winter stay, there are important insurance considerations before leaving Ontario.

Many Canadians travel to the United States without giving much thought to what might happen if they become ill, are injured or are involved in an automobile accident.

Unfortunately, medical treatment in the United States can be extremely expensive, and insurance arrangements that work well at home may have limitations when you travel.

Even a short trip across the border can create financial risks.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage Ontario residents to review their travel medical and automobile insurance before leaving Canada.

Here are some important questions to consider.

1. Does OHIP Cover Medical Expenses in the United States?

Ontario's Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides limited coverage for certain eligible emergency medical services outside Canada.

However, the amounts OHIP may reimburse are generally much lower than the cost of receiving medical treatment in the United States.

For eligible out-of-country emergency services, Ontario's published reimbursement limits include:

• Certain physician services, subject to Ontario's applicable payment rates.

• Emergency outpatient hospital services, generally up to $50 Canadian per day.

• Emergency inpatient hospital services, generally up to $200 Canadian per day for lower levels of care.

• Certain higher-level inpatient services, generally up to $400 Canadian per day.

Eligibility requirements and other conditions apply.

These amounts can be only a small fraction of an American hospital bill.

For example, a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization, surgery or intensive care could result in substantial medical expenses.

Ontario residents should not rely on OHIP alone when travelling to the United States.

The Ontario government recommends purchasing private travel medical insurance before leaving the province.

2. Why Is Emergency Travel Medical Insurance Important?

Emergency travel medical insurance is intended to provide protection against certain unexpected medical expenses incurred while travelling.

Depending on the policy, coverage may include:

• Emergency hospital treatment.

• Physician services.

• Diagnostic testing.

• Emergency surgery.

• Prescription medications required during a covered emergency.

• Ambulance services.

• Emergency medical transportation.

• Medical repatriation to Canada.

• Certain expenses for accompanying family members.

However, not every expense is automatically covered.

Travel insurance policies contain definitions, limits, exclusions and conditions that determine when benefits are payable.

For example, routine medical appointments, elective procedures and treatment that can reasonably wait until you return home may not be covered.

Before purchasing a policy, make sure you understand what qualifies as a medical emergency.

3. What Happens if You Need to Be Transported Back to Canada?

A serious illness or injury may make it impossible to return home on your scheduled flight or by ordinary transportation.

In some circumstances, medical transportation may be necessary.

This could involve specialized ground transportation, a medically equipped aircraft or a medical escort.

These arrangements can be extremely expensive.

OHIP does not generally pay for transporting a hospitalized patient back to Ontario for ongoing care.

Appropriate travel medical insurance may provide coverage for eligible medical transportation, subject to the insurer's approval and policy conditions.

Many insurers require their emergency assistance provider to coordinate transportation.

Do not independently arrange expensive medical transportation without contacting the insurer, unless immediate circumstances make that impossible.

4. What About Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

This is one of the most important areas to review when purchasing travel insurance.

A pre-existing medical condition is generally a health condition that existed before the insurance became effective or before departure, as defined by the policy.

Examples may include:

• Heart conditions.

• Diabetes.

• Respiratory conditions.

• High blood pressure.

• Previous strokes.

• Other ongoing medical conditions.

Having a pre-existing condition does not necessarily mean you cannot obtain travel insurance.

However, the insurer may impose conditions or exclusions.

What Is a Stability Clause?

Many travel medical policies contain a stability requirement.

A stability clause generally requires certain medical conditions to remain stable for a specified period before departure or the policy's effective date.

Depending on the wording, a condition may be considered unstable if there have been changes involving:

• Symptoms.

• Medication or dosage.

• Treatment.

• Hospitalization.

• Medical investigations.

• A new diagnosis.

• Recommendations for further treatment.

The applicable stability period varies by insurer, policy, age and coverage option.

A medical condition can sometimes fail a policy's stability definition even when the traveller personally feels well.

If you have an existing medical condition, carefully review the policy wording and disclose all information required by the insurer.

If anything is unclear, request written clarification before travelling.

5. What if Your Medication Changes Before Departure?

A medication change can be significant when assessing travel insurance eligibility.

Some policies treat changes in medication, dosage or treatment as affecting the stability of a medical condition.

Other policies contain exceptions for particular circumstances.

The result depends on the exact wording.

For example, if your doctor adjusts a prescription shortly before your vacation, do not assume that the change is irrelevant because you feel healthy.

Contact the travel insurer and explain the circumstances.

Similarly, if you develop new symptoms, undergo testing or receive a new diagnosis after purchasing travel insurance but before departure, determine whether the change affects your coverage.

A policy purchased months earlier does not necessarily guarantee coverage for every medical condition that develops before the trip.

6. Is Travel Insurance Included With Your Credit Card?

Some credit cards provide travel medical insurance, trip cancellation coverage or rental vehicle damage protection.

These benefits can be valuable.

However, they should not be assumed to provide unlimited protection.

Credit card insurance may have restrictions involving:

• The cardholder's age.

• Maximum trip duration.

• Coverage limits.

• Pre-existing medical conditions.

• Whether the trip was paid for using the card.

• Eligibility of spouses and dependent children.

• Required activation or enrolment.

• Medical questionnaires.

• Deductibles and exclusions.

The conditions for medical insurance may be different from those for trip cancellation or rental vehicle coverage.

For example, a credit card might provide emergency medical coverage for a limited number of days, even though your vacation lasts several weeks.

Before travelling, obtain the actual insurance certificate or policy wording and confirm that everyone travelling is eligible for the full duration of the trip.

Do not rely solely on a credit card's advertising or general benefits summary.

7. What About Travel Insurance Through Your Employer?

Some employee benefit plans provide emergency medical coverage outside Canada.

However, coverage can vary significantly.

Important questions include:

• What is the maximum medical coverage limit?

• Is there a maximum trip duration?

• Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?

• Are spouses and dependants eligible?

• Does coverage continue during retirement or an unpaid leave?

• Is emergency medical transportation included?

• Is advance approval required for certain treatments?

• What telephone number should be called during an emergency?

Retirees should be particularly careful.

Travel benefits available while actively employed may change or end upon retirement.

If you are unsure about the coverage, contact your benefits administrator before leaving Canada.

8. What Is the Difference Between Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance?

Travel medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance serve different purposes.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance may reimburse certain prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you must cancel before departure for a reason covered by the policy.

Examples of potentially covered reasons may include an unexpected illness, injury or other specified event.

Not every reason for cancelling is insured.

Trip Interruption Insurance

Trip interruption insurance may provide coverage for certain additional expenses or unused prepaid travel arrangements if a covered event interrupts your trip after departure.

For example, an eligible medical emergency could require you to return home earlier than planned.

Coverage depends on the policy's terms and the circumstances.

What About Changing Your Mind?

Standard trip cancellation insurance generally does not provide unrestricted reimbursement simply because you decide not to travel.

Some insurers offer broader cancellation options, but these have their own conditions and limitations.

Read the wording carefully before purchasing coverage.

9. Do You Need Travel Insurance for a One-Day Shopping Trip?

Yes, travel medical insurance is worth considering even for a short trip.

Ontario residents frequently cross into the United States for shopping, sporting events, concerts and family visits.

Some trips last only a few hours.

However, a medical emergency can occur at any time.

The Government of Canada recommends obtaining travel health insurance even for a one-day trip to the United States.

If you travel across the border regularly, an annual multi-trip policy may be an option.

Be sure to confirm the maximum duration permitted for each individual trip.

10. What Should Snowbirds Know About Travel Insurance?

Many Ontario residents spend part of the winter in Florida, Arizona or other warmer destinations.

Extended trips create additional insurance considerations.

Trip Duration

Travel insurance policies often limit the number of consecutive days covered.

A policy suitable for a two-week vacation may not be appropriate for a three-month stay.

Age and Medical History

Eligibility, premiums and coverage options may change based on age and medical history.

Returning to Canada Temporarily

Do not assume that a brief return to Canada automatically resets the maximum trip duration.

The policy may contain specific rules about returning home and beginning another trip.

Extending Your Stay

If you decide to remain in the United States longer than originally planned, contact your travel insurer before the existing coverage expires.

An extension may require approval and may not be available in every circumstance.

OHIP Residency Requirements

Extended absences can also affect provincial health insurance eligibility.

Ontario has residency and physical presence requirements, along with specific provisions for certain longer absences.

Travellers planning to spend extended periods outside Canada should confirm their eligibility with ServiceOntario.

11. Is Your Ontario Automobile Insurance Valid in the United States?

Ontario automobile insurance generally provides coverage when an insured vehicle is operated in Canada or the United States, subject to the policy's terms and conditions.

However, drivers should review their insurance before travelling.

Important considerations include:

• Third-party liability limits.

• Collision coverage.

• Comprehensive coverage.

• Deductibles.

• Drivers permitted to operate the vehicle.

• How the vehicle will be used.

• Whether the vehicle will remain outside Ontario for an extended period.

If you plan to drive your own vehicle into the United States, confirm that your insurance remains appropriate for the trip.

This is especially important if the vehicle will be kept at a U.S. location for an extended period or used differently from what was originally disclosed to the insurer.

12. Should You Increase Your Automobile Liability Limit?

Ontario drivers should carefully consider their third-party liability insurance limits when travelling in the United States.

The potential cost of bodily injury claims can be substantial.

A serious accident could result in significant legal liability.

Although Ontario requires a minimum amount of automobile liability insurance, carrying only the minimum may not provide adequate protection for every situation.

Many drivers choose higher limits, such as $1 million or $2 million, depending on their needs and the options available.

Some may also consider additional liability protection.

The appropriate limit depends on individual circumstances.

Ask your insurance broker to review your existing liability limit before your trip.

13. Does Your Ontario Auto Policy Cover a Rental Car in the United States?

Possibly, but it depends on the coverage you have purchased.

Ontario automobile insurers commonly offer an endorsement known as OPCF 27 — Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles and Other Coverages When Insured Persons Drive, Rent or Lease Other Automobiles.

This endorsement can extend certain coverages to eligible rented or borrowed vehicles in Canada and the United States.

However, it has important conditions and limitations.

These may include:

• Who qualifies as an insured person.

• The type and weight of the rented vehicle.

• The duration of the rental.

• The purpose for which the vehicle is used.

• The applicable coverage limit.

• Excluded drivers and other restrictions.

Some insurers offer company-specific non-owned automobile endorsements with different wording or restrictions.

Do not assume that every Ontario automobile policy automatically includes rental vehicle damage coverage.

Also remember that rental vehicle damage coverage is not the same thing as unlimited third-party liability insurance.

Before renting, confirm the protection provided by your automobile policy and the rental agreement.

14. What if Someone Else Drives Your Rental Car?

This is an important consideration for families travelling together.

Suppose you rent a vehicle in Florida and your spouse, adult child, sibling or friend will also drive it.

Do not assume that everyone is automatically covered under your Ontario automobile insurance endorsement.

Coverage may be restricted to particular insured persons, such as the named insured, spouse or other drivers meeting the endorsement's definition.

The rental company may also require each driver to be identified and authorized under the rental agreement.

A person can be authorized by the rental company without necessarily qualifying for coverage under your personal automobile policy.

Likewise, being listed on an Ontario automobile policy does not automatically guarantee coverage for every rental arrangement.

Before allowing another person to drive, confirm that the driver is permitted under both the rental agreement and the applicable insurance coverage.

15. What About Rental Car Insurance Through Your Credit Card?

Some credit cards provide collision or loss damage insurance for eligible rental vehicles.

However, these benefits generally have restrictions.

For example, the coverage may require:

• Paying for the rental with the eligible credit card.

• Declining the rental company's collision damage waiver.

• Renting from an eligible rental agency.

• Keeping the rental within a specified maximum duration.

• Using an eligible type of vehicle.

• Following the rental agreement's requirements.

Certain vehicles, such as luxury vehicles, large vans, recreational vehicles or motorcycles, may be excluded.

Importantly, credit card rental vehicle insurance often focuses on physical damage to or theft of the rental vehicle.

It may not provide third-party liability coverage.

Review the card's insurance certificate and confirm how it works alongside any Ontario automobile insurance endorsement.

16. Should You Purchase Insurance From the Rental Company?

Rental companies may offer several different products.

These can include:

• Collision damage waivers.

• Loss damage waivers.

• Supplemental liability protection.

• Personal accident insurance.

• Personal effects coverage.

These products are not all the same.

A collision damage waiver may reduce or waive certain amounts the renter would otherwise owe for damage to the rented vehicle, subject to its terms.

Supplemental liability protection addresses a different exposure.

Before accepting or declining coverage at the rental counter, determine what protection you already have through your Ontario automobile policy, credit card and any other applicable insurance.

This can help you avoid paying unnecessarily for overlapping protection while also identifying possible gaps.

17. What if You Have an Automobile Accident in the United States?

If you are involved in an accident while travelling, take appropriate steps to protect everyone involved.

Check for injuries. Contact emergency services if anyone requires assistance.

Follow local reporting requirements. The applicable rules depend on the state and circumstances.

Exchange information. Obtain the names, contact details, insurance information and vehicle details of the parties involved.

Document the scene. Where safe, take photographs of the vehicles, damage and surrounding conditions.

Contact your insurer. Report the accident promptly and follow the claims instructions.

Notify the rental company if applicable. Rental agreements generally contain accident-reporting requirements.

Keep copies of police reports, towing invoices, rental documents and other relevant records.

Do not assume that the claims process will be identical to one involving an accident in Ontario.

18. Does Home Insurance Cover Belongings You Take on Vacation?

Some homeowners, condominium and tenant insurance policies provide coverage for personal belongings temporarily taken away from the insured premises.

This may include certain belongings while travelling.

However, coverage can be subject to:

• Policy limits.

• Deductibles.

• Special limits for valuables.

• Theft-related conditions.

• Exclusions.

• Geographic restrictions.

For example, jewellery, expensive cameras and other high-value items may have specific limits.

Travel baggage insurance may provide additional protection for certain losses, but it also has conditions.

If you are travelling with particularly valuable belongings, review your coverage before departure.

19. What Should You Do During a Medical Emergency in the United States?

If you experience a medical emergency, obtain necessary medical assistance.

Where possible, contact your travel insurer's emergency assistance provider promptly.

Many travel policies require notification within a specified period and may require approval for certain treatment or transportation arrangements.

The emergency assistance provider may help coordinate treatment, communicate with medical facilities and arrange eligible medical transportation.

Keep records of:

• Medical reports.

• Hospital invoices.

• Prescription receipts.

• Diagnostic test results.

• Transportation expenses.

• Communications with the insurer.

If you are unable to contact the insurer immediately because of the emergency, do so as soon as reasonably possible.

Keep your policy number and emergency assistance telephone number accessible throughout the trip.

20. A Travel Insurance Checklist Before Visiting the USA

Before leaving Ontario, consider the following:

• Confirm that everyone travelling has appropriate emergency travel medical insurance.

• Check the coverage limits and maximum trip duration.

• Review exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions.

• Confirm any medical stability requirements.

• Check whether medication changes or recent medical tests affect coverage.

• Review credit card and employee benefit plan insurance.

• Consider trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

• Confirm that your automobile insurance applies to your intended U.S. travel.

• Review your third-party automobile liability limit.

• Check rental vehicle coverage if you plan to rent a car.

• Confirm that all intended rental vehicle drivers are insured and authorized.

• Review coverage for valuable belongings.

• Keep copies of insurance information and emergency telephone numbers.

• Check Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination.

• Review passport, identification and other travel requirements.

A little preparation can make a significant difference if something goes wrong.

Review Your Insurance Before You Cross the Border

Travelling to the United States can be an enjoyable experience, whether you are away for a weekend or several months.

However, medical expenses, automobile accidents and unexpected travel disruptions can create substantial financial consequences.

OHIP provides only limited protection for eligible medical expenses outside Canada, and private travel insurance policies are not all the same.

Automobile insurance also deserves attention, particularly when driving your own vehicle for an extended period or renting a vehicle in the United States.

The best time to identify an insurance gap is before your trip begins.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage Ontario residents to review their existing coverage and ask questions about how it applies when travelling outside Canada.

Before your next trip to the United States, contact L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers if you have questions about your automobile insurance, rental vehicle coverage or other insurance arrangements. We would be pleased to help you review the coverage available through the companies we represent.

This article provides general information for Ontario travellers as of October 2026. Provincial health coverage, travel insurance, automobile insurance and rental vehicle arrangements are subject to eligibility requirements, policy conditions, exclusions and limitations. Coverage varies by insurer and policy. Confirm your specific arrangements before travelling.