Imagine you have spent the last three months planning your trip abroad and which sights you want to add to your agenda. The flights are scheduled, the accommodation is sorted, and the SUV rental is booked. All you need to do now is pack your clothes.
Before you zip up your suitcase though, there are still a few more things to consider when planning a trip.
Never has travel medical coverage been more important, thanks to a recent global pandemic. Medical care is expensive outside Canada, and provincial health care plans and credit card or group plans may not be as extensive as you think due to limited coverage and restrictions.
To ensure adequate coverage, I suggest asking yourself these five important questions:
1. Are my pre-existing health conditions covered?
If you are a baby boomer who loves to travel, you will want to ensure you are covered for any pre-existing conditions. Luckily, I can provide ‘unstable pre-existing medical coverage’ which reduces your stability period from 180 days to 7.
2. Am I covered if I injure myself during my sports activities?
That depends. If you sustain injuries while participating in certain high-risk sports such as back-country skiing, rock climbing, or horseback riding for example, consider buying a ‘sports and activities coverage’ rider to cover any medical bills incurred.
3. What happens if the 14-day weather forecast calls for rain?
If you are concerned about things like rainy weather, a potential war, or a flood, for example, you can purchase ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage which protects you if you change your mind about going.
4. Am I covered for COVID-19?
Most insurance carriers now provide coverage if, before your departure date, you have met all the federal travel vaccine requirements issued by the Government of Canada for entry and/or return to Canada. However, it is still good to ask.
5. What happens if my plane or trip is delayed or my travel companion gets sick?
Trip cancellation & interruption policies cover travel delays, including planes, trains, buses, ferries, and in some cases private vehicles. Some carriers even provide free lounge passes and/or financial assistance if your flight is delayed for more than two hours. It also covers any non-refundable deposits made if you, your traveling companion, and family members have a medical emergency before or during your stay.
Always check with the Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory site regarding the latest travel advisories for your destination. Lastly, your Canadian passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Call me to purchase travel insurance so you can be protected!
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