Tips for buying travel insurance
When you go on a trip, insurance is certainly the least of your worries, and we understand that! It is much better to enjoy lemon oysters quietly by a Caribbean beach thousands of miles from home, you will bitterly regret not having taken out good medical travel insurance. Because you should know that medical care outside of Canada can be worth a fortune. After that, you also need to know which insurance is right for you.
Know your travel insurance needs
When talking to an insurance broker, you should never lose sight of your personal needs. Indeed, there is a big difference in needs between travelers who surf in Hawaii and snowbirds who spend 3 months a year in Corsica.
What are the basic types of travel insurance?
Medical travel : This is the most common and mandatory travel insurance. It is an insurance that provides you with emergency coverage for injuries or illnesses that require medical treatment during your trip.
Trip cancellation/interruption: In case you have no choice but to cancel your trip, this insurance will reimburse you for your travel expenses, the same if your trip has been delayed or if you are forced to leave before the end of your stay.
Baggage insurance: Maybe your luggage will be delayed, lost and even stolen during your trip. This is when baggage insurance comes into play, which covers the costs of your damaged or stolen luggage, and will also reimburse you for what you have spent out of your own pockets to replace missing items.
Accidental death and dismemberment: You never know where and when the most tragic events will happen, with this insurance you will be covered for the worst situations.
Multi-trip insurance: This is the annual travel insurance that includes the insurance policies we mentioned above and the one you need if you travel often.
Don’t hesitate to ask your travel insurer any questions
Given the number of different policies that exist, it is normal that there are grey areas that you will want to clarify before any contract. Don’t be ashamed to ask your insurance broker questions, as a specialist, he will easily answer all your questions. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas of the most relevant questions
What does this insurance policy cover?
Be sure that this is the policy you need and will cover you best in an emergency. So, after you buy the policy, check all the details carefully and talk to your insurer to understand your coverage.
How much is travel policy coverage worth?
For most medical policies, you will be covered at a rate of $5 million to $10 million depending on the competition. Which is more than enough.
How long is a policy valid for?
The time factor for a maximum duration depends on the insurance provider, it also depends on the different periods of time that the travel insurance will have to offer you. Of course, the longer the trip, the more expensive your reward will be.
What is the meaning of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion clause?
There is a possibility that pre-existing medical conditions may affect your coverage, but that does not prevent you from still being insured. So, no matter what medical condition you have, ask your insurer if you can be covered and when are the best times to travel…
What will happen in case I make a mistake while filling out the medical questionnaire?
To avoid being refused insurance by your broker, do not lie in your medical questionnaire. But it’s true that unintentional errors do exist, in this case, ask your insurance provider for information to solve this kind of confusion.
Can we save money by other means?
For those who travel regularly, the choice of annual multi-trip insurance would be perfect for value for money. You also have the option of purchasing an all-inclusive package for a single trip. Always find out about other ways to save on your travel insurance premium in Quebec.
Your destination is important: Among the countries with the highest medical costs in the world is the United States. So if you don’t go there, make sure you buy a plan that excludes the United States, Assur360 offers you the possibility of such a policy.
Need for travel insurance in Canada: When you leave your province, provincial health insurance plans may not cover all of your expenses. Opt for additional insurance.
In the event of a natural disaster: Travel cancellation insurance covers you in case a natural disaster is the cause of your cancelled trip.
Avoid drinking excessively: Travel insurance only protects you for unexpected emergencies, so if the cause of your accident is alcohol abuse, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be covered. Contact a specialized broker before purchasing travel insurance or seeking advice.
Propose-t-on des frais additionnels ?
You have the option of opting for a deductible, in most cases, this will automatically reduce your premium.
Do I have to pay the costs in advance to receive medical care?
There are insurance companies like Assur360 that work hand in hand with hospitals and many other health institutions to make payments without you even having to pay out of pocket. However, it depends on the service provider; There are some who will ask you to be paid on the spot and will even ask you to pay for some care out of your own pockets. Never forget to ask your insurance broker for the slightest element that you will not understand.
Does Quebec health insurance (RAMQ) cover abroad?
Very little.
The RAMQ reimburses:
- only part of the care
- often much less than the actual cost abroad
- No repatriation
Travel insurance is used to cover these significant differences.
