Does your provincial health plan cover you outside Canada?

Maybe not much. The Government of Canada's travel site says your provincial or territorial plan may cover none, or only a small part, of medical costs abroad, and it recommends trip interruption and travel health insurance for any trip outside Canada, even a day in the US.

What does your province's plan pay abroad?

The Government of Canada's travel site says your provincial or territorial health plan may cover none, or only a small part, of the cost of medical care abroad, including a medical evacuation. It will never pay your bills up front. And the Government of Canada won't pay your medical bills either.

Medical care abroad can be very expensive. The site warns that some hospitals may want immediate cash payment, and some won't treat you if you don't have enough insurance or money to pay.

Do you need insurance for a day trip to the US?

The travel site's line is clear: if you travel outside Canada, even for a day in the United States, buy trip interruption and travel health insurance before you leave.

What to check in the policy before you go

The site lists what to check:

• The fine print: the policy's terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and requirements, before you leave Canada.
• Medical conditions: if you have one, get a written agreement that your insurance covers it.
• Travel advisories: many policies won't cover you in a region where the Government of Canada advises to "avoid all non-essential travel" or "avoid all travel". Check the advisory for your destination.

Is work or credit card coverage enough?

Some people have travel coverage through work or a credit card. Coverage like this has limits, so the same check applies: read what it covers, for how long, and what it excludes, before you rely on it.