18
The Canadian Travellers’ Report Card
PRESERVATION OF HEALTH COVERAGE FOR FREQUENT TRAVELLERS
C-
(2006: C-)
Permanent residents of Manitoba retain health coverage if they remain in the province for 183 days (six months) of
the calendar year. These days do not have to be consecutive. In addition, policy documents indicate that additional
travel of up to 30 days during the remaining six months of the year will not result in the loss of health benefts.
Manitobans who wish to be away for more than three months need to inform the government of their expected
dates of departure and return. Upon this notifcation they will receive a term certifcate confrming coverage from
Manitoba Health.
Change since last report:
None.
Recommendations:
Permit travellers to be out of the country for up to eight consecutive months, and in addition
take an unlimited number of short-term trips to anywhere in the world, and still maintain access to their health
benefts. Even longer absences should be permitted subject to government approval. The requirement to notify
Manitoba Health of the expected departure and return dates should be eliminated.
ACCESS TO EMERGENCY HEALTH COVERAGE WHEN TRAVELLING
B-
(2006: B-)
Manitoba comes close to fulflling the portability requirements under sub-paragraph 11(1)(b)(ii) of the Canada
Health Act. Depending on the size of the hospital, Manitoba reimburses between $280 and $570 a day for emer-
gency in-patient services. While Manitoba would not disclose what it pays on a daily basis for similar emergency
services in Manitoba, $280 and $570 are somewhat below the average rates paid for in-province emergency ser-
vices elsewhere in Canada. Emergency out-patient visits are covered at a rate of $100 a visit, which is close to the
average rate paid in other jurisdictions. Out-of-country physician’s bills will be covered at the same rates paid to
Manitoba physicians.
Change since last report:
None.
Recommendations:
Comply with the Canada Health Act by reimbursing emergency in-patient and out-patient
services required by travelling Manitobans at the same rate as that paid for services within the province. The prov-
ince should continue to update these rates over time to match changes in real costs.
ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR USE DURING TRAVEL
B
(2006: B)
Manitoba’s provincial drug program provides coverage for the frst 100-day supply of drugs but will only cover a
second 100-day supply upon the approval of the government and confrmation that the patient will be out of the
country for more than 100 days. This policy means that Manitobans can obtain more than a six-month supply of
drugs (enough to cover the six-month permitted travel time), but the process is cumbersome, requiring govern-
ment approval.
Manitoba will not reimburse, nor apply toward the deductible, the cost of medication purchased outside of Cana-
da without prior approval. Prior approval is difcult to obtain if the need for medication arises while the traveller is
abroad. The provincial government will reimburse the cost of drugs purchased within Canada.
Change since last report:
None.
Recommendations:
Remove the requirement for government approval of drug plan coverage for a second 100-
day supply, relying instead on the discretion of the prescribing physician. Reimburse the cost of medication pre-
scribed by appropriately accredited physicians and dispensed outside Canada.
Manitoba