Uniform Definition

The following Uniform Definitions were adopted by the The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada in 1999. Their object is to improve clarity and consistency in travel/medical insurance policies. The use of these definitions is not mandatory, but they are gradually being incorporated into policies issued by THIA members.

1. Definition of "Pre-Existing Condition":
   "'Pre-Existing Condition' means a medical condition for which Treatment (as defined in this policy) has been received or taken, or which exhibited symptoms, prior to the trip in question and within the period specified in this policy, and includes a medically recognized complication or Recurrence (as defined in this policy) of a medical condition."
2. Definition of "Stable and Controlled":
   "'Stable and Controlled' means the medical condition is not worsening and there has been no alteration in any medication for the condition or its usage or dosage, nor any Treatment (as defined in this policy), prescribed or recommended by a Physician (as defined in this policy), or received, within the period specified in this policy before the trip in question."
3. Definition of "Emergency":
   "'Emergency' means an unforeseen illness or injury which requires immediate Treatment (as defined in this policy) to prevent or alleviate existing danger to life or health. An Emergency no longer exists when the medical evidence indicates that the person is able to continue the trip or return to his or her province or territory of residence."
4. Definition of "Treatment":
   "'Treatment' means a medical, therapeutic or diagnostic procedure prescribed, performed or recommended by a Physician(as defined in this policy), including but not limited to prescribed medication, investigative testing and surgery. Treatment does not include the unaltered use of prescribed medication for a medical condition which is Stable and Controlled (as defined in this policy) or a medical examination in which a Physician observes no change in a previously identified condition."
5. Definition of "Recurrence":
   "'Recurrence' means the appearance of symptoms caused by or related to a medical condition which was previously diagnosed by a Physician (as defined in this policy) or for which Treatment (as defined in this policy) was previously received."
6. Definition of "Terminal":
   "'Terminal' means a medical condition for which, before the trip in question, a Physician (as defined in this policy) gave a prognosis of eventual death or palliative care was received."

The following definition of 'Travel Insurance' has been adopted by THIA for the purposes of insurance licensing and regulation, to identify the class of insurance handled by THIA's members. THIA is encouraging the adoption of this definition by insurance regulators and legislators across Canada:

• Definition of "Travel Insurance":
  "'Travel Insurance' means insurance against loss, damage, injury or expense caused by accident, injury, sickness, theft, cancellation or interruption of travel arrangements or other events or perils arising during or in connection with travel or intended travel by an insured person."