By Joy Blenman
Even if you are in good health or are only absent for a day or two, you are not immune to an accident. Here’s what you need to know about buying travel insurance.
Imagine you are on vacation in the Caribbean. The sun warms you up, the sea is a magnificent turquoise blue, and the vegetation is lush: it’s paradise on earth. But suddenly, you start to feel bad. And your discomfort does not go away. So you decide to see the local doctor. He heals you and assures you that you will soon feel better. However, upon leaving the doctor’s office, your condition seems to suddenly worsen at the sight of the heavy bill of medical bills.
No one wants to pay extra after splurging on travel. However, a hospital visit abroad can lead to a medical bill of thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. We hear every year about Canadians who end up with excessive medical bills incurred while vacationing abroad because they did not have travel insurance. Simply crossing the border to go shopping or attend a sports game can carry the risk of unforeseen expenses. And even if your public health insurance plan covers part of the cost, your protection is subject to a maximum reimbursement for the treatment you received, if it is covered, of course.
Yet, according to the 2014 Travel Insurance Association of Canada survey, only 47% of Canadians “always purchase travel insurance” before going on vacation.
So why are so few Canadians buying travel insurance? Insurance jargon may seem complicated, but a good insurance provider can explain the concepts to you and make the buying process easier for you.
How to choose a good travel insurance provider
According to Will McAleer, President of the Travel Insurance Association of Canada, there are 4 “golden rules” to follow to ensure you get the right coverage:
Be aware of your state of health.> Although some insurance contracts include, for various reasons, protection for the loss of luggage or in the event of trip cancellation, travel insurance is, at its core, insurance health. Take notes on your medical condition and any medications prescribed for you before you apply for travel insurance. This way, you can choose the right insurance that will meet all your coverage needs.
Understand your contract. Ask all your questions to the insurance company or broker before deciding. For example, find out which medical devices or services are covered and reimburse claimed costs.
Prepare your trip well. Think about all the activities you will do during your trip. If you plan to do high-risk activities, such as bungee jumping, zip-lining or extreme snowboarding, make sure your travel insurance covers these risks. “The activities covered under the insurance contracts vary,” says McAleer. “So don’t assume you’re covered; make sure you are.”
Know your rights. In June 2017, the Travel Insurance Association of Canada issued a Statement of Rights and Responsibilities in Travel Insurance for Consumers. This is a handy resource that explains to you that you are entitled to, for example, a free assistance service, a 10-day free cooling-off period and fair and prompt processing of your request. Of complaint.
Here are the features to look for in a travel insurance provider:
A simplified application process and smooth reimbursement procedure
The ability to quickly file a complaint or raise issues
Clear documents with complete information on limitations and exclusions
About 95% of travel insurance claims are reimbursed, according to KPMG’s 2017 survey commissioned by the Travel Insurance Association of Canada. However, no insurance company is immune to mistakes, even the best ones. That said, a good travel insurance provider will go to great lengths to help you sort out your issues. As part of your provider research, check their websites to see if they have a contact person to handle complaints or disputes.
“You have to be as careful with your insurance documents as you are with your passport,” says McAleer. Make copies of these documents and keep them in a safe place so you can access them if you lose the originals.
If I travel to another province, do I need travel insurance
What do you
