Ontario announced Wednesday morning they are considering ending a government-run travel insurance program that partly covers the cost of emergency health services abroad. Health Minister Christine Elliot said the government is reviewing OHIP’s Out of Country Traveller’s Program as part of efforts to address the province's $11.7 billion deficit.

The proposal is already being met with opposition. In a press release issued late Wednesday afternoon by the Canadian Snowbird Association, president Karen Huestis asked for the province to maintain the program, saying “We estimate that this proposal will increase travel medical insurance premiums in the province by 7.5%."

The program currently covers out-of-country inpatient services to a maximum of $400 per day for a higher level of care, such as intensive care, as well up to $50 per day for emergency outpatient services, and doctor services.

According to the government, those reimbursed under the program received five per cent of their total medical costs on average, and OHIP itself believes 90 per cent of travellers who fall ill abroad already purchase travel medical insurance.

The government says it will accept public feedback until April 30 on its proposal to end the program, members of the public who wish to comment on the amendment have five days to do so. The proposed change would take effect on Oct. 1, 2019.