Travelling in Italy - Health Insurance
In Italy doctors, dentists, hospitals, etc. will generally ask to be paid immediately. Canadian travellers should take out additional medical insurance as their expenses in Italy will not necessarily all be covered by their Canadian Provincial Health Insurance Plans.
Why obtain additional health insurance when travelling outside Canada?
- Provincial health insurance usually covers only very limited amounts for both health facility and physician services.
- Not all of your medical expenses will be covered.
- You must pay in advance for your medical expenses. You will have to apply to your provincial health care for reimbursement upon your return to Canada.
- The amount you will be reimbursed by your provincial health insurance plan usually will not be sufficient to cover the full cost of the services rendered; usually your health insurance plan will not pay more than the service would cost in your province.
You are strongly advised to purchase, each time you leave the country, a comprehensive health insurance package which covers:
- all medical expenses incurred abroad, including hospitalization, doctors' services and medications
- medical repatriation
Non-medical insurance can be purchased to cover the following:
- loss/theft of money
- airline tickets and luggage
- non-medical repatriation
Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website for travel-related health information.
Tips:
- Carry details of your insurance policy with you.
- Tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer.
- Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada
- Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
If you are returning to Canada after a prolonged absence from the country, you will normally not be eligible to receive health care insurance until three months after your return.
Any queries regarding medical coverage should be addressed to the relevant provincial health office.
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