“I feel like I am forgetting something” are famous words for any traveler. With March Break around the corner, don’t forget to pack your travelers’ insurance! In Canada, 4 out of every 10 families do not purchase insurance when traveling out of the country. This can prove to be a costly and risky decision. You can unload your insurance worries by working with a broker. Here are some tips and considerations when buying insurance for your next family vacation.

What are the different types of travelers’ insurance?

Medical: While travelers insurance can often be bundled with a variety of types allowing for extra coverage, the most important type is medical. Travel medical insurance is designed to cover any health care cost you may incur while traveling abroad. This includes, but is not limited to, use of an ambulance, doctor visits, x-rays or other specialty testing and prescription medication. There is a misconception that medical insurance should only apply to elderly travelers or those seeking out adventure and high-risk activities. While this demographic may appear more vulnerable, medical is crucial for all planning an upcoming vacation, as it protects travelers against unexpected illness and injury.

ProTip: Disclose all pre-existing conditions and past medications with your broker to ensure you are provided the right coverage.
Trip Cancellation: In the event that your trip needs to be canceled, or the itinerary needs to be changed before departure, cancellation and interruption insurance will reimburse you for any incurred costs. This includes changes to flights, hotels and even deposits for planned excursions. Cancellation insurances cover everything from unexpected personal related issues (such as health or pregnancy complications, death in the family or job loss), to external factors such as natural disasters.

ProTip: Check for travel advisories for your final destination. The Government of Canada posts a list of countries you should avoid as it may impact one’s health, safety or wellbeing. Traveling to these countries may void your existing insurance policy. For more information, visit https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Personal Belongings Insurance: An extension of trip cancellation insurance now includes coverage for your belongings. Should your baggage be delayed for a certain amount of time, lost or stolen, you are eligible for reimbursement. It is important to note that there is a maximum dollar value placed on the compensation for personal belongings, so we recommend leaving expensive or irreplaceable items at home.

ProTip: In the event personal items are lost or stolen, we recommend making a hard copy of essential documents such as passports, health card or other personal records to keep at home. Leave this information with a trusted friend or family member should there be an emergency.

Why Use a Broker for Travel Insurance?

With Merit Insurance, you work with one broker for all your insurance needs. Just like an old friend, your broker is intimately aware of your history and specific needs. This knowledge is crucial when finding the right coverage for an upcoming vacation, specifically for snowbirds planning extended stays.

When working with a Merit broker, you get:

• Personalized plans- Most travelers do not abide by a “one size fits all” coverage plan. Let us work with you to address your specific needs.
• Comprehensive options –  While some Visa’s and employment agreements offer travel insurance as an incentive or bonus, it may not cover all areas you need. Discuss with the professionals the various plans available to decide which is best suited for you.
• Assistance for Support Claims: Our brokers are familiar with the laws and insurance policies. In the event, a client needs to use their insurance while abroad, we can act as an intermediary and help prepare for legal discussions (such as communications to hospitals to obtain a fair and reasonable settlement).

Escape the cold weather this March. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and favourite book, and let Merit Insurance take care of the rest!