32
The Canadian Travellers’ Report Card
PRESERVATION OF HEALTH COVERAGE FOR FREQUENT TRAVELLERS
A+
(2006: A+)
Yukon residents are eligible for territorially-funded health coverage if they make their permanent home in the
Yukon and are physically present in the Yukon and not absent for more than six months, without a waiver from In-
sured Health Services. Travellers are advised to contact Insured Health Services if they will be away from the Yukon
for more than two months.
Change since last report:
In 2006, Yukon residents could not be absent for longer than 12 consecutive months
and had to demonstrate that they were considered to “make their home and be normally present” in the Yukon. It
now appears these provisions apply only to “students in full-time attendance at a university or other recognized
post secondary institution”.
Recommendations:
Clarify application of extended absence rule.
ACCESS TO EMERGENCY HEALTH COVERAGE WHEN TRAVELLING
A+
(2006: A+)
The Yukon is one of the few jurisdictions that fulflls the portability requirements under sub-paragraph 11(1)(b)(ii) of
the Canada Health Act. The territory reimburses $1,605 per day for emergency in-patient services required by trav-
ellers while out of the country. In addition, the Yukon reimbursed emergency out-patient hospital services at a rate
of $238 per day (the average daily rate for in-province service in other jurisdictions). While no updated fgures are
provided the government does state that travelling Yukon residents will be covered for insured hospital services at
territorial rates. Emergency physician services are reimbursed at Yukon rates.
Change since last report:
Increased daily territorial rate coverage from $1,297 to a maximum of $1,605 per day.
Recommendations:
Continue to update rates over time to match changes in real costs.
ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR USE DURING TRAVEL
B
(2006: B-)
Persons receiving pharmacare program benefts will no longer be eligible if they are away from the territory for
more than 183 consecutive days, unless the absence is for less than 210 days and the eligible benefciary has satis-
fed the Director of Insured Health Services that the Yukon is their only permanent residence. The Yukon will cover
a 90-day supply of prescription drugs, which is below the six months that residents may be absent from the ter-
ritory without losing their health benefts and below the 183 day absence permitted by the drug program itself.
Change since last report:
Potential exemption of the 183 day requirement for travellers absent for less than 210
days.
Recommendations:
Provide drug program coverage for a supply of medication sufcient for the length of time
that an individual may be absent from the territory without losing health coverage.
Yukon