Monday, 3 March 2014

HOW WELL ARE YOU COVERED WHEN IT COMES TO TRAVEL INSURANCE?


With so many sources selling travel insurance these days, Canadians are under the impression that they are fully covered for any medical or other risks and  emergencies when they travel to the USA and abroad.

 

Whether you are going overseas, to another province or just crossing the border for milk and gas to Bellingham or Buffalo, here are some real reasons to purchase travel insurance for your trip:

 

Your employee benefits plan coverage may be limited. Some do not cover a spouse or dependents and some limit the number of travel days covered and the amounts payable. Some also limit the number of claims in one calendar year.

 

Your credit card coverage may be limited.  Your coverage may only apply to trips purchased on that particular card or may be limited to less days than what you are traveling.

 

Your government health insurance will more than likely not cover all emergency expenses.  Out of country insurance can be costly and the government plan will only cover the basics. 

 

 

Purchasing full coverage from your travel agent, will more than likely offer you unlimited coverage for eligible medical expenses. As well, Up-front payment of these expenses whenever possible and a 24 hour, multilingual medical assistance with a toll free or collect phone call to help you through the process.

 

There is always a chance that your mode of transportation is delayed or cancelled.  Your luggage may be damaged or lost, or you may have to cancel your trip or return earlier or later than expected due to a family emergency.

 

Your travel advisor can help you understand the necessity of purchasing insurance as well as which insurance to purchase.

 

As travel counsellors, we see on a weekly basis, where insurance has helped people in their most sensitive times and when there was nothing that could be done, without a huge charge, when insurance was not covered.

 

Did you know that there is insurance that will cover you if you have purchased a business class points ticket and have to return earlier or later than expected due to a covered emergency? Can you imagine how hard it is to get your ticket changed to a new points seat when an emergency occurs, especially a business class points seat? With an upgraded insurance, for only $5.00 above the regular cancellation/interruption insurance price, you would be covered to fly back on a paid business class seat on whatever airline gets you home.  Really consider purchasing this insurance the next time that you fly, even if you have not purchased your points ticket through an agent.  They are happy to help you out with the insurance at any time.

No comments:

Post a Comment