| What
does OHIP cover?
OHIP covers physician fees pertaining
to medically necessary services that an Ontario resident
would be entitled to notwithstanding plans to travel outside
of Canada. This includes assessment and treatment of
existing medical conditions, renewal of prescriptions or
administration of vaccines to prevent infectious disease
which may be contracted in Canada eg. tetanus boosters or
flu shots for high risk patients. Similarly, OHIP provides
limited out-of-country benefits for emergency health
services while outside Canada (refer to OHIP fact sheet
"Travelling Outside of Canada" for conditions and
details) and will provide full coverage for treatment of
conditions upon return to Canada.
What is not covered?
Beginning July 1, 1998, pre-departure
travel medicine services that travellers obtain solely for
the purpose of travel outside Canada will no longer be
covered by OHIP. This includes assessments, counselling or
administration of vaccines or drugs for prevention of
communicable diseases not
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endemic to
Canada. The actual cost of such drugs has never been insured
by OHIP. Travellers who elect to obtain the above services
will now assume the full costs.
Why?
Travel for business or pleasure is
considered voluntary in nature. Many vaccinations are only
required by destination countries to avoid importation of
disease. It is therefore considered reasonable that, in
comparison with the overall cost of international travel,
the traveller assume the cost of associated pre-departure
services. Ontario residents who intend to travel outside of
Canada should discuss their pre-departure needs with either
their family physician, staff at private travel medicine
clinics or at travel immunization clinics available at some
public health units across the province. As well, travellers
should review the Ministry’s companion fact sheet
regarding out-of-country emergency coverage and consider
obtaining appropriate private insurance coverage before
departure.
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