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MAKING A CLAIM
What's involved?
1. Make sure you file your claim promptly and take the necessary steps to obtain
the information that you need to submit. Obtain all bills or medical evidence
in English or French, if possible. Call the emergency assistance line if your
policy provides one. In some cases, you may be required to call this number
within 24 or 48 hours after the emergency occurs and to follow the advice of
the assistance agency (e.g., about repatriation or transfer to another hospital)
to retain coverage.
2. You may have to pay up front, and then seek reimbursement from your
provincial health plan and insurance company when you return home. In other
situations, out-of-country hospitals may bill your provincial health insurance plan
and/or your insurance company directly. This is especially valuable if you have
incurred a substantial bill.
3. Normally you are required to submit your claim and all original receipts to your
provincial health insurance plan first. Be sure to retain copies of everything.
Then submit the outstanding bill, along with proof of payment from the provincial
plan and copies of all receipts to your insurance company.
4. In some provinces, your insurance company may be able to submit your claim
to the provincial health insurance plan on your behalf; check with your company.
5. If you have coverage through more than one policy, the first insurance company
you call will ask you about additional coverage and may be able to coordinate
the claim with the other insurance company(ies).
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