A medical emergency while visiting? Here’s the plan

1. Get to care

For anything life-threatening, call 911 or go straight to the nearest hospital emergency room. In Canada, emergency departments treat you regardless of insurance — care first, paperwork later.

2. Make the one call that saves money

As soon as it’s safe, call the 24/7 emergency assistance line on the insurance policy. This single step can:

• pre-approve treatment so it’s clearly covered;
• arrange direct billing so you don’t pay large bills up front;
• guide you to an appropriate clinic for non-life-threatening issues.

Save that number in the traveller’s phone before the trip.

3. Know the stakes without coverage

Without insurance, an emergency room visit can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, and a hospital stay can run several thousand a day — all out of pocket for a visitor. That’s the financial risk visitor insurance removes.

4. Protect the claim

Keep every receipt, invoice, and medical report. Then follow the claims process — accurate records and an early call to the assistance line are what keep a claim smooth.