Information Notice - Emergency travel assistance benefits
The best way to manage an emergency is to be prepared.
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Planning an out-of-province or territory trip?
Effective July 1, 2023, enhancements were made to Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) benefits for out-of-province emergency assistance.
The PSHCP applies to members and their covered dependant(s) for up to $1,000,000 (Canadian) in eligible medical expenses incurred as a result of an emergency. You are covered for up to 40 days after departing your home province or territory, excluding any time travelling on official business. For more details, consult the PSHCP member booklet.
Canada Life has contracted to MSH International to provide out-of-province emergency assistance on their behalf.
If you or your covered dependants are travelling outside of your home province or territory, read on to ensure you’re aware of available supports in case of an unexpected medical emergency.
What to do before you travel
Nobody wants to deal with a medical emergency while on a much-anticipated trip. For peace of mind, here are some things you can do before you leave:
- Learn how the PSHCP covers you for emergency medical expenses incurred while travelling
- Make sure you can access your PSHCP benefits card. There are a few ways you can do this:
- Go digital by saving a copy to your mobile device
- Print a copy from your Canada Life Member Services account
- Contact Canada Life to ask for a paper card to be sent by mail (allow sufficient time before your travel dates)
- You can contact Canada Life and request a confirmation of coverage letter be emailed to you. This letter will include your name, plan and certificate numbers, and can be given to a health care provider in the event of an emergency as proof of coverage
If you experience a medical emergency while travelling
MSH International provides the emergency travel services on behalf of Canada Life for the PSHCP.
In an emergency situation, you or your covered dependants, as well as your health care provider can reach MSH by phone at 1-833-774-2700 and select Option 1. Providers can also email providers@pshcp-msh.ca. You will need to provide your plan and certificate numbers and a brief description of the issue.
You can also find MSH’s contact information on your PSHCP benefits card (another reason to ensure you have access to it!). Their services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to file a claim
To file a claim, ensure you have completed positive enrolment with Canada Life and provided your consent to release personal information to MSH International.
For full details on claim submission: MSH (canadalife.com).
Additional resources
- PSHCP member booklet (canadalife.com) – MSH information begins on page 32
- MSH PSHCP Member Portal (pshcp-msh.ca/)
- MSH (canadalife.com)
- Public Service Health Care Plan travel and emergency assistance benefits (Canada.ca)
- Update: Improvements and changes to the Public Service Health Care Plan (Canada.ca)
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