Health Matters

There are a number of resources to assist your research:

Centre for Disease Control

International Association for Medical Assistance for Travellers

World Health Organization

Public Health Agency of Canada

Travel Reports Canada

Immunizations and Vaccinations

Before you leave to study abroad, it is very important to check if there are any required or suggested immunizations for the country you will be visiting. Travel Reports Canada is a good resource for checking any disease or virus issues in any country. A resource for finding travel clinics across Canada can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Health Insurance

Check to see if you are already covered by a parent's plan, as it may cut down on the cost of travel insurance. Otherwise, you should research insurance plans to find the one which is right for you. Understand your policy and know how the system works. Be sure to know how bills are paid, as sometimes students find themselves hurt but do not know how to make a claim. The Trent International Program requires your health insurance to include repatriation.

If you receive medical attention overseas, get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital.

Examples of companies:

Travel CUTS

Blue Cross

Student Guard

You must notify your Provincial Health Plan that you will be out of the province. Failing to do so may result in a lack of coverage while you are away and/or for up to 3 months after you return.

For OHIP (Ontario residents)

• To show OHIP you are out-of-province, you need to bring an official Acceptance Letter from your host institution, and the letter Trent provides explaining you will be studying abroad, in order to confirm dates.
• You will also need to bring to your local OHIP Office: proof of Canadian citizenship (eg. birth certificate, passport); proof of current Ontario address (eg. bank statement, drivers license). If you have a "Red & White" OHIP card, you will also need to bring a proof of signature (eg. SIN card, bank/credit card). If you have a photo OHIP card, you do not need additional proof of signature.

Important Health Insurance Considerations

• Does the plan include hospitalization coverage for accidents and illness while abroad?
• What is the maximum amount of coverage provided?
• Are there any deductibles?
• Does the plan cover 100% of the cost of health care?
• Will the plan include emergency room expenses?
• What is the coverage for medical evacuation?
• What is the coverage for repatriation?
• What do you do under the plan if you have to pay cash up front and have no money?
• Does the plan cover visits to the doctor or medication prescribed while abroad?
• Is dental coverage provided?
• Is ambulance or emergency transport to a hospital covered?
• What are the procedures for filing a claim, and how long does it take to get reimbursed after filing the claim?
• When does the plan begin and end?
• Does the plan assume it is the primary or secondary carrier? If it is the secondary carrier, when does coverage begin and end?
• Does the plan cover you in the countries you are planning to visit? (eg. high risk due to disease or war zone)
• Does the plan have a 24-hour emergency number?
• Does the plan cover sport injuries?
• Is the coverage for physiotherapy adequate?
• What are the exclusions of the policy?
• Is there an age limit on the insurance policy holders?
• Does the insurance plan cover students while driving an automobile or motorcycle?
• Are emotional and psychological related issues covered?
• Does the policy cover lost luggage, stolen property or travel cancellation?
• If you find it necessary to use your insurance, what do you show as proof of worldwide coverage?

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