Don't Rush Home: Why Canadians Injured in the US Should Consider Completing Treatment There

For Canadian snowbirds and travelers, an unexpected injury in the United States can be a stressful and life-altering experience. While travel health insurance can provide financial protection, it often comes with strings attached. A common scenario we encounter involves insurance companies pressuring injured Canadians to return to Canada as soon as possible, even when staying in the U.S. for medical treatment would lead to better health outcomes.

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges Canadians face when making healthcare decisions after an injury in the U.S., highlight the excellent medical care available stateside, and provide real-world examples of how premature returns to Canada have jeopardized health and recovery.

Pressure to Return: The Role of Travel Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is invaluable for covering medical expenses when accidents happen abroad. However, many policies are structured to minimize the insurer’s costs. This often leads to injured individuals being pressured to return to Canada as soon as they are deemed “medically stable” for transport. Unfortunately, being stable for travel doesn’t always mean being fully ready to continue recovery back home.

Why the rush? The insurance company’s priority is to transfer the financial burden to Canada’s healthcare system. This can leave injured individuals in a precarious position—forced to interrupt their treatment plans and navigate delays in Canada’s already strained healthcare system.

The US boasts world-class healthcare:
The United States is home to some of the most advanced medical facilities and specialists in the world.  From cutting-edge technology to renowned surgeons, the quality of care available is often unparalleled.  Injured Canadians treated in the U.S. often have access to:

• Timely Surgeries and Procedures: Unlike Canada, where non-emergency surgeries can be delayed due to long waitlists, the U.S. system enables faster scheduling of necessary procedures.
• Specialized Care: U.S. hospitals frequently have advanced equipment and specialized teams ready to address complex injuries without unnecessary delays.
• Continuity of Treatment: Completing your care in the same facility where your treatment began ensures better coordination and reduces the risk of complications.

The Risks of Returning to Canada Prematurely
While returning to Canada may seem logical, doing so too quickly can jeopardize your recovery. Here are examples from real cases:

• Delayed Surgeries: One Canadian client sustained severe fractures in an accident. The U.S. hospital had already scheduled surgery with a top orthopedic specialist. However, their travel insurance arranged for them to return to Canada prematurely. Upon arrival, the individual faced a two-week delay for surgery, during which time complications developed, prolonging recovery and increasing pain.
• Interrupted Rehabilitation: Another client had begun intensive physiotherapy following surgery in the U.S. Returning to Canada meant starting over with new providers, leading to delays and lost progress. The gap in care caused stiffness and reduced mobility that could have been avoided by completing treatment in the U.S.
• Compromised Outcomes: In one case, a patient with a spinal injury returned to Canada only to find that the recommended follow-up procedure wasn’t available locally. The delay in treatment worsened their condition, resulting in permanent limitations that might have been prevented with uninterrupted care in the U.S.

Making the Best Decision for Your Health
If you are injured in the United States, it is crucial to advocate for your health and make informed decisions. Here are some tips to navigate this situation:

• Understand Your Policy: Review your travel health insurance coverage thoroughly. Ask questions about your rights and options for continued care in the U.S.
• Consult with Medical Professionals: Listen to the recommendations of your treating physicians in the U.S. They are often best positioned to advise on the timing of your care and whether travel is safe.
• Speak with a Lawyer: If you feel pressured by your insurance company to return prematurely, consulting a personal injury lawyer experienced in cross-border cases can help protect your interests.

What to Consider:
Imagine this: you're lying in a US hospital bed, your leg in a cast after a car accident. Your doctor outlines a clear treatment plan, including surgery and physiotherapy, all available within the next few weeks. But your travel insurance provider is pushing for your return to Canada.  What should you do?

First, think about how serious your injury is. Does it demand immediate, specialized attention?  Is it something that could worsen significantly with even a minor delay in treatment?

Next, consider the urgency of the situation. What are the potential consequences of postponing your surgery or rehabilitation? Could it mean a longer recovery time, increased pain, or even long-term complications?

Now, picture yourself back in Canada. Can you easily access the same level of specialized care?  Will you be able to see the necessary specialists as quickly as you need to?  Think about the potential wait times for surgery, specialist appointments, and rehabilitation services.

Finally, consider your rehabilitation needs. What kind of therapy will you require, and how accessible is it in Canada? Will you face long waitlists or limited sessions?  Remember that consistent, timely rehabilitation is often crucial for a full recovery.

To help you make an informed decision, ask yourself these key questions:

• Severity of your injury: Is it a condition that requires immediate, specialized care?
  
• Urgency of treatment: What are the potential consequences of delaying treatment?
  
• Access to specialists: Can you access the necessary specialists in a timely manner in Canada?
  
• Rehabilitation needs: What rehabilitation services will you require, and how readily available are they in Canada?

Our Advice:
Don't let pressure from insurance companies or your own desire to be home compromise your health.  If you're injured in the US, carefully weigh the pros and cons of returning to Canada before your treatment is complete.  Consult with your doctors, consider the potential consequences of delays, and advocate for your well-being.

If you or a loved one has been injured while traveling in the United States and are receiving medical treatment in a US Hospital, you may have questions or concerns about your rights.  Call us day or night to request a Free Consultation with a lawyer experienced in assisting Canadians injured in the United States.  Complete our contact form on our website or call us toll free 24/7 at 866-234-6093. 

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