A car accident outside Ontario may involve an Ontario auto policy, travel insurance, another jurisdiction’s rules or more than one insurer. Keep medical, police and policy records and notify the relevant insurers promptly. Coverage depends on the policy and the circumstances.
Key takeaways: Preserve the accident report, policy documents, medical bills and travel-insurance information; ask which insurer should receive the claim.
Car accidents outside Ontario
An Ontario auto insurance policy can, in many circumstances, provide accident benefits for an accident that happens outside Ontario, including in the United States and other Canadian provinces. Like accident benefits for an accident at home, these are first-party benefits: they are claimed from your own insurer regardless of who was at fault. Benefits are generally limited to expenses that are reasonable and necessary as a result of the accident. The territorial scope of coverage is set by the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule and the Ontario Automobile Policy, and should be confirmed for the specific location of the accident.
Since July 1, 2026, only medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits are mandatory in standard Ontario auto policies. Other benefits, including income replacement, are optional. Your coverage for an out-of-province accident therefore depends on what your policy includes.
A claim against the other driver
If another driver caused the accident, you may also have a claim against that driver. Where the accident happened outside Ontario, questions arise about which jurisdiction’s law applies and where the claim should be brought. These questions can be complex and may involve time limits in the other jurisdiction, so early advice is important.
Injuries that are not car accidents
Accident benefits are only available for injuries arising from the use or operation of an automobile. If you slip and fall at a hotel, are bitten by a dog, or are injured on an excursion, your Ontario auto policy generally will not respond. For these injuries, the main sources of coverage are usually:
• travel medical insurance;
• OHIP, which may cover a limited portion of emergency costs abroad;
• workplace or private health plans with out-of-country coverage; and
• a claim against the person or business responsible, in the jurisdiction where the injury occurred.
Travel insurance through credit cards
Many credit cards include some form of travel insurance. Coverage varies widely. Points to check include:
• the trigger: some cards require the trip to be purchased or booked with the card;
• who is covered: some coverage applies only to the cardholder, not to a spouse or children;
• trip length limits and age limits;
• exclusions for pre-existing conditions; and
• the types of expenses covered and maximum amounts.
Standalone travel insurance
Travel insurance can also be purchased separately, either for a single trip or as an annual multi-trip plan. These plans may provide broader coverage than credit card insurance, but they too have conditions, exclusions and medical questionnaires. Answering application questions accurately is important, as misstatements can affect coverage.
Claims are not guaranteed
A travel insurance claim is not automatically paid. Insurers may approve a claim in full, approve it in part, or deny it. If a claim is denied, there is usually an internal appeal process. Ask for reasons in writing and for a copy of the policy wording the insurer is relying on.
Direct payment or reimbursement
Some travel insurers pay hospitals and providers directly. Others require you to pay first and seek reimbursement. Many policies require you to contact the insurer’s assistance line before treatment, except in emergencies. Read the policy carefully before you travel so you know what to do if something happens.
A checklist before and after you travel
• Before you go, confirm what your auto policy covers outside Ontario, and whether you have optional benefits.
• Review your credit card and any standalone travel insurance, including who is covered and what triggers coverage.
• Carry policy numbers and assistance phone numbers with you.
• After an accident, notify your auto insurer and travel insurer promptly.
• Keep all receipts, medical records and police reports from the other jurisdiction.
• Get advice about any claim against a driver or business outside Ontario.
Rental cars and other drivers’ vehicles
Many travellers rent a car while away. Rental agreements often offer optional insurance, and some credit cards provide coverage for rental vehicle damage. These products usually focus on damage to the rental car rather than personal injury. Whether your Ontario auto policy provides accident benefits and liability coverage while you drive a rental vehicle outside Ontario depends on your policy and any endorsements. If you are a passenger in someone else’s car outside Ontario, you may still be able to claim accident benefits through your own Ontario policy. Checking with your insurer or broker before you travel is the simplest way to understand your coverage.
Getting home and continuing treatment
After an accident abroad, people often return to Ontario to continue treatment. Keep copies of all records from the foreign hospital or clinic, as your Ontario providers and insurer may need them. Translations may be needed for records in another language.
Conclusion
A car accident outside Ontario should be reviewed against every potentially relevant policy. Contact Booni Law at admin@boonilaw.com or +1 (226) 271-1751 to discuss the documents. No outcome is promised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Ontario car insurance cover me in the United States?
In many cases, Ontario auto policies can provide accident benefits for accidents in the United States, regardless of fault. Confirm the scope of your policy.
Will accident benefits cover a slip and fall on vacation?
No. Accident benefits apply to injuries arising from the use or operation of an automobile. Other insurance may respond.
Does my credit card travel insurance cover my family?
It depends on the card. Some coverage applies only to the cardholder. Check the certificate of insurance.
What if my travel insurance claim is denied?
Ask for written reasons and the policy wording relied on, and consider the insurer’s appeal process. Legal advice may help.
Injured while travelling?
If you were hurt in an accident outside Ontario, Booni Law can help you understand which policies may respond and what steps to take next. Email Booni Law at admin@boonilaw.com or call +1 (226) 271-1751. Coverage depends on the policies involved, and no result can be promised.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and Booni Law. The information in this article may not reflect the most current legal developments and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. If you require legal advice, please contact Booni Law.
