Insurance coverage
Maple’s supplemental insurance policy offers coverage for both:
Healthcare providers temporarily situated outside of the country (up to 30 days) and conducting consultations.
Patients temporarily located outside of the country.
Maple’s policy
1. CMPA update regarding a patient and/or member temporarily outside Canada
While the CMPA (Canadian Medical Protective Association) is often recommended as the primary malpractice insurance provider for physicians and is endorsed by most provincial regulatory bodies, it is essential to note the limitations to their coverage when the provider is outside the country.
In March of 2023, the CMPA revised its policy regarding patients and/or providers being temporarily located outside of Canada. The updated policy states the following:
"A virtual care encounter occurs between a patient and a CMPA member, both of whom are ordinarily residents of Canada (and have an established doctor-patient relationship). At the time of the encounter, the patient or the member, or both, are temporarily located outside of Canada. The CMPA will consider providing assistance with a medico-legal problem or legal action initiated in Canada, arising from urgent follow-up care to the existing patient."
More information can be found on the CMPA website here. Maple’s supplemental policy covers these changes.
2. Expectations for physicians and providers
a. Clarification with patients
Providers should effectively communicate to patients that care directives, such as prescriptions, provided during consultations may not be recognized or valid outside of Canada. For example, a prescription may not be accepted by an international pharmacy but may still be filled when the patient has physically returned to Canada.
b. Professional conduct
Providers must adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while conducting consultations, regardless of their physical location. This includes maintaining patient confidentiality, providing accurate information, and delivering care in a compassionate and professional manner.
c. Non-urgent consultations
Providers should prioritize non-urgent consultations while outside of Canada, as urgent or emergency cases may require immediate in-person care. They should assess the nature of each consultation and determine if it can be appropriately addressed through virtual care. Providers are encouraged to assess the nature of each consultation and determine whether it can be appropriately addressed through virtual care, while taking into account the coverage provided by Maple’s insurance policy.
Note: This policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated or revised as needed.