Enjoy Your Holidays to the Fullest

The schools are off and families are in the midst of summer holidays. It is travel time for most families. An estimated 29 million Canadians are likely to travel within and outside Canada this summer, making travel insurance an important subject that needs to be tackled right away. Here are some essential travel insurance tips to help you enjoy your holidays to the fullest.

Go for coverage not the price

When it comes to travel or any other form of insurance, it is always a good idea to go for a plan that provides greater coverage even if it means a higher premium. It is okay to compare policies and ask your insurance provider to match the rates a competitor may be providing. However, always remember that coverage is what you need most and make it your first priority

Learn as much as possible

It is not just enough to simply go through the insurance documents before signing them. You must first try to learn from your insurance provider about the exact details covered by your policy, ask about anything you don't understand and sign only after you are satisfied in every possible way.

Disclose your travel plans

It is very important to disclose your travel plans in full detail to your insurance provider. You can get a better service and the best insurance package only if you disclose all of your travel plans to your insurance provider. Insurance may not be covered for certain activities or in certain places under certain circumstances. An insurer can only guide you if he is fully aware of your plans.

Get referrals

Finally, you must know that no one can guide you better than someone you are familiar with. So, if you know anyone who travels frequently because of business or any other reason, ask them about their travel insurance arrangements. These travelers will often be familiar with insurance policies, who provides the best service and so on.

Every person may need a unique insurance coverage depending on their travel needs and we have something for everybody. From business travelers to backpackers, rest assured that you are insured when you go outside Canada.

5 Travel Tips

Vacations are more than a luxury today – they are a well-needed break for families caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here are 5 travel tips to help you jumpstart your best vacation yet:

1. Keep everyone entertained. The ride to your travel destination is what is usually the most boring part, have some activities ready for your kids and you to make this time as a family fun time. Pack whatever you need – magazines, ipods, and games to keep the family entertained.
2. Have important documents handy. This includes your passport, records of travel insurance, and list of medications you take. In fact, a good tip is to take a photo of your travel insurance so that you have the contact information if needed.  Also, reading what your travel insurance covers beforehand can help you make informed decisions when you partake in risky activities during your trip. Having travel insurance not only gives you peace of mind, but gives your loved ones peace of mind to let you travel.
3. Give a copy of your contact information to someone you trust in Canada if they need to contact you – including numbers and addresses of where you are staying and your ticket details. It’s also a good idea to find out where the closest Canadian embassy is in where you are traveling.
4. Pack your medication and any refills you need. If you have a drug plan, order enough supply of your medication before you need. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor before you travel and get any vaccinations you may require before you leave.
5. A wise rule of packing for vacations is to pack only half of what you want to pack. People usually over pack clothes – this is just extra luggage to carry around. Pack all your necessities and leave everything you don’t think you will use behind.

Enjoy, have a good time and have a great vacation!

Retired and Traveling?

Travel medical insurance is absolutely necessary when you are traveling regardless of how old you are, but as a senior, it is even more necessary. The truth is, with age comes health problems. When you’re travelling, you want to have a good time, but should also be cognizant that you may need health care treatment during your stay – especially if your stay is longer, or if you are going to a country that is very humid and has a low air quality. 

Travel medical insurance can cover a lot of your medical needs, emergency needs and visits to a doctor if you need, taking out a policy will not only allow you to really relax during your vacation, but will give your family the peace of mind that you will be safe and taken care of even while on vacation. In Canada, we sometimes don’t realize how lucky we are to have our healthcare paid for, it is not until we visit other places, especially without medical insurance do we realize how important have protection is. For your sake, and your family’s safe, enjoy your golden years traveling and having fun while also being safe! 

We can help find a plan that works for your travel needs and medical needs, call us at (416) 909-0400.

Drinking Alcohol on Vacation?

Vacations are a time to relax and have some fun – often times, this includes alcohol. But beware, accidents that happen while under the influence of alcohol or nonprescription drugs won’t be covered by travel insurance in many cases. Each policy may be different and may list a different allowance of blood alcohol level in their exclusions for insurance.

If you plan on drinking during your vacation, it’s best to not engage in high-risk activity right after. You’re more likely to engage in high-risk activity while under the influence of alcohol – which can cause harm, so it is best to not do so.

If you are planning on traveling, and need help figuring out the policy and understanding the fine print, we’re happy to help. Call us at (416) 909-0400.