What Is The Maximum Trip Duration For Rtam Out-Of-Country / Province Travel Insurance?

COMMITTEE REPORTS

What is the Maximum Trip Duration for RTaM out-of-Country / Province Travel Insurance?

One of RTAM’s roles is to be concerned with the welfare and interests of Members. As out-of-province/country travel coverage is important to many of RTAM’s Members, this article sheds some light on extensions to out-of-province insurance. Amendments have been made to the maximum period of time a resident can stay out of the province and continue to maintain government health insurance coverage. RTAM Supplementary Insurance has also been extended.

It was recently announced that British Columbia (effective January 1, 2013) and Manitoba would be increasing the maximum out-of-province coverage from six (6) months, to seven (7) months. This means that Manitoba residents are allowed to travel outside the province for up to 7 months (212 days) within a 12-month period and continue to be eligible for Manitoba health care coverage. These days do not have to be consecutive. Below is a table outlining the out-of-province guidelines for all Canadian provinces:

The RTAM sponsored travel plans are responding to the out-of-province residency extensions to the benefit of RTAM members. For example, the PREMIER OUT-OF-PROVINCE/COUNTRY TRAVEL PLAN has updated its Supplemental Coverage so that members

PROVINCIAL INSURANCE MAXIMUM OUT OF PROVINCE COVERAGE

BC, MB, ON

212 Days NL 243 Days AB, SK, QC, PE, NB, NS, NT, NU, YT 182 Days

may purchase additional 15 day units up to 212 days total (instead of the previous 182 days). An updated rate table is available for those looking to extend their coverage up to the 212 day maximum.

Your provincial coverage may not pay for all the health care costs you incur outside the province. The difference can be substantial. For example, the average cost in the U.S. can be as high as $10,000 (US) a day in intensive care. For this reason, you should purchase additional health insurance from a private insurer before you leave the province, whether you are going to another part of Canada or outside the country for just one day or for up to 6 or 7 months.

Please contact the Plan administrator, Johnson Inc. to enrol in any of the RTAM sponsored travel plans, or if you would like to increase your PREMIER TRAVEL PLAN or MEDOC coverage to the 212 day limit. Johnson Inc. can be reached toll free at 1-877-989-2600, by email at pbservicewest@johnson.ca, or visit our website at www.johnson.ca/rtam. 