Travelling, whether for business or pleasure, involves risk. A personal
emergency may necessitate an early return, or you may need hospital treatment or
air evacuation due to a medical problem. Travellers should be aware that the
Ontario government health plan (OHIP) is rarely enough when it comes to medical
treatment outside the country, so without supplementary insurance during an
emergency, you could be exposed to considerable financial obligations.

Travel health insurance policies vary considerably, says the Financial
Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), an agency of the Ministry of Finance that
regulates Ontario's insurance industry. FSCO reminds us to pay special attention
to the definitions, pre-existing condition clauses, deductibles, as well as the
limitations and exclusions sections of the policies. Ask for clear explanations
of each and once you are satisfied, make your insurance purchase. But even then,
says FSCO, there is a bit more work for you to do — as follows:

Read the policy: Before leaving on your trip, read and become familiar with
your policy and the coverage. It is your responsibility to know what you have
purchased.

Take it with you: Include the policy with your travel documents. Keep both
the emergency contact phone number available, as well as the number for your
insurance company. Compile and include a list of current medications.

Get authorization (if possible): If a medical problem arises, the toll-free
phone number provided will connect you to an emergency service centre. Be ready
to supply all the facts and information and ask for clarification if you do not
fully understand. Service centres manage and monitor your treatment and make the
medical referrals. Before you go ahead with treatment however, be sure the
service centre has obtained authorization from your home-based insurance
company. If not, you may be personally obligated for medical services not
approved.

Follow the payment process: Under some policies, you pay the hospital and are
reimbursed later by the insurance company. Other policies provide payment
directly to the medical facility or practitioner. The policy will tell you which
procedure to follow.

More information on travel health insurance is available online at http://www.insurancehq.com.au  .