Services Provided Outside Saskatchewan
Out-of-Canada Services
- Non-emergency (elective) services are only considered in exceptional circumstances and must have prior approval from the Ministry of Health.
- Emergency services -- Saskatchewan rates of payment apply and prior approval is not required.
Out-of-Saskatchewan Services
- Prior approval is not required for the vast majority of physician services received in other provinces and territories as long as these services are provided within the publicly funded health care system.
- If an insured service is unavailable in Saskatchewan, it should be sought in another province.
- Patients will not be billed for most services they receive in other provinces and territories.
- Quebec is an exception; patients may have to pay for physician services in Quebec and submit a bill to the Ministry of Health for payment at Saskatchewan rates.
Coverage for Services Unavailable in Canada
When an insured service is unavailable in Canada, special rates of payment may apply when the following conditions are met:
- A Saskatchewan listed specialist, within whose field of practice the required service lies, submits a written application for Ministry consideration of request for coverage of medical services unavailable in Canada to:
Request for coverage of medical services unavailable in Canada
Director, Insured Services
Medical Services Branch, Ministry of Health
3475 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 6X6
e-mail: caseworkunitmsb@health.gov.sk.ca
Fax: 306-798-1124
- The written application is made prior to referral of the patient for treatment outside Canada;
- The application must state:
- the patient's name, address and valid Health Services Number;
- pertinent clinical details and diagnosis;
- the nature of the service required and confirmation by the specialist that, to the best of his knowledge, the service(s) being requested is not obtainable within Canada;
- where possible the name and location of the physician who is to provide the service.
- Prior approval must be obtained from the Ministry of Health's Medical Services Branch. The Ministry's decision regarding the coverage request and the rate of payment to apply is provided in writing to both the referring specialist and the beneficiary.