While travelling this holiday season, the Department of Health and Community Services is encouraging people to be prepared and ensure they have adequate insurance to protect against the cost of unexpected medical emergencies. This is particularly important when visiting other countries such as the United States, where health care costs can be significant.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP) provides some coverage for individuals who temporarily leave the province for vacations. People should know; however, that there are health care-related services that MCP does not cover, or only partially covers outside the province.

For more information, people can call the St. John’s MCP office at 1-866-449-4459 or the Grand Falls-Windsor office at 1-800-563-2163. Information is also available at www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/mcp/outofprovincecoverage.html.

In addition to MCP, if applicable, people should consult their employer health care plans to determine the coverage provided or consider purchasing travel insurance through private insurance companies.

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Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca