A recent study just came out about the 10 places where travellers are most likely to get food poisoning. No one wants travellers’ tummy, but it’s good to know that you’re covered by travel medical insurance if you do catch a stomach bug!

Source: Tugo

Travel Insurance: Big Benefits, Small Price

According to a recent Travel Health Insurance Association (THiA) survey, 23 per cent of respondents have required medical care while travelling outside of Canada. Without travel insurance, such costs could total tens of thousands of dollars, since a typical Canadian health insurance policy does not cover costs for treatment received outside the country. Furthermore, provincial health plans vary across the country, so travel insurance can be beneficial when travelling within Canada as well.

Even if you are young and generally healthy, it is important to make sure you have insurance to cover your trip. Common types of travel insurance include health, life and disability coverage to help you avoid large expenses while travelling outside of Canada. If flying, you can also purchase flight insurance, which insures you in the event of a cancelled flight, trip interruption or lost luggage. If you are travelling by car, make sure your driver and vehicle policy covers you if you have an accident abroad.

The benefits of travel insurance far outweigh the costs—usually between 4 and 10 per cent of the entire trip. A good policy provides peace of mind in the event that something unexpected happens. With one phone call, a specialist can help you navigate health care services outside of Canada and help you find proper treatment.

There are various methods of purchasing travel insurance, whether you do it through your travel agent, your insurance broker, your airline or even certain credit card companies. Each provides a variety of choices to a wide range of travellers, so it is easy to customize the type of coverage that best meets your needs. The price is usually based upon the length of the trip, the total cost of the trip and the age of the travellers.

Regardless of how you obtain travel insurance, consider the following best practices:

• Make sure you first read through and understand the eligibility requirements, terms and conditions, limitations, restrictions, and exclusions of the policy.
• Understand that travel insurance is for emergencies only. Non-emergency care, continuing care and unstable pre-existing conditions are typically not covered by travel insurance policies.
• When reviewing policies, compare similar benefits, exclusions and deductibles, if any. Do not simply purchase the cheapest policy.
• If you are planning a high-risk activity like rock climbing or parasailing, be sure the activity is covered by the policy.

When planning for your next vacation, be sure to contact Schill Insurance Brokers Ltd to find a travel insurance policy that best fits your needs.