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CLHIA reported in July 2026 that wildfire evacuees may need help with health-plan information, prescription drugs or other medical items and should contact their group insurer [1].
On July 16, 2026, CLHIA said hundreds of wildfires were burning in Northern Ontario, with residents being evacuated and more fires possible elsewhere over the summer [1]. For affected residents, the immediate concern is maintaining access to health coverage and essential medical items after documents, prescriptions or eyewear are left behind [1].
Residents evacuated from their homes may lose or leave behind health insurance information, prescription drugs or eyeglasses [1]. Without those items, contacting a healthcare provider or replacing medication can become more difficult.
Before leaving, keep a paper medication list and copies of your group plan information where possible. Also save your insurer, employer-benefits administrator, pharmacy and prescriber contacts in a device you can carry.
CLHIA said in July 2026 that many health insurers had special measures for members forced to leave their homes or businesses because of wildfires [1]. The release does not identify the insurers or set out each measure’s eligibility, duration or expenses, so consumers should confirm the details directly [1].
Ask whether the measure applies to your group plan, what costs or items are included, when assistance begins and ends, and whether advance approval or documentation is required. Keep written confirmation of any answer.
CLHIA directs members to its participating-companies list for insurer email addresses and phone numbers [1]. Use those details or the contact information shown on your plan documents rather than an unverified message.
For current fire and health information, use government websites for the affected area [1]. In Northern Ontario, start with Ontario government information and confirm medical guidance through your insurer or a healthcare professional.
Do not assume wildfire assistance replaces every lost prescription, item or expense. The notice says measures exist but does not describe them or guarantee payment [1].
Ask your insurer whether the measure is separate from your plan’s normal prescription or eyewear benefits, and whether any deadline applies. If a prescription is urgently needed, tell the pharmacist and insurer that you were displaced by a wildfire.
CLHIA says many health insurers have measures for members forced from their homes or businesses by wildfires, but it does not list the insurers or their terms [1]. Check with your group insurer or benefits administrator.
Ask for your plan information, available replacement options, eligible costs, deadlines and required documents. Also ask how to submit a claim or request for assistance [1].
CLHIA says current fire and health information will be available on government websites for affected provinces and territories [1]. For Northern Ontario, begin with Ontario government resources.