As the Canadian winter takes its grip we all dream of a vacation in the sun. Help remove the worry, and make sure your dream doesn’t turn into the nightmare of travelling without travel insurance.
This week on the Travel Show our expert guests are Mark Linton VP, National & Strategic Accounts, North America from RBC Insurance and Yehudi Altman, Director of Product for WestJet Vacations. Mark and Yehudi will answer your questions about what type of insurance to buy, the different kinds of policies that are available, how you can protect yourself against medical and other emergencies and the support that is available while you are travelling - both within Canada and overseas.
Here are some things to think about.
The risk of catching the flu increases between the months of October through April and can result in an unexpected change in travel plans. This is exactly when most Canadians have booked their sun vacations. Would you be covered if you or your family members were too ill to travel? Would you have to travel whilst sick, or would you lose your investment if flu struck?
A recent poll by RBC Insurance revealed that almost half (44%) of younger travelers (18-34) traveling to the United States did not take the time to understand what their travel insurance covers before they leave. Another worrying trend is that 57% assumed that they were covered by other existing travel insurance plans through work or their credit card. In reality these plans may have significant limits or restrictions.
Worryingly, more than a third (34%)of young travelers believed that they didn’t need Travel Insurance when traveling to the US because they believed – wrongly – that their provincial health plan would cover their medical costs.
In reality a two day hospital stay in California for a broken leg can cost up to $8000 per day – and the average provincial health plan would cover only $200 a day. Leaving the individual traveler responsible for the $15,600 shortfall. Yet 30 year old travelling for 8 days in the US could buy full emergency medical travel insurance for just $33.
Surprisingly the survey also found that 84% of young travelers believed that they did not need to buy travel insurance when traveling to another province in Canada. The truth is that not all expenses are covered. For instance an air ambulance to bring you home from Calgary to Toronto can cost around $24,000 – but would not be covered by Government Health Insurance Plans.
With affordable coverage from RBC Insurance®, you can be taken care of with:
- A toll-free number offering immediate multilingual emergency assistance, available 24/7.
- Medical care that will help get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.
- Coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and Baggage & Personal Effects.
- Upfront payments for eligible emergency medical and hospital expenses whenever possible, so you won’t pay out of pocket.
The cost of Travel Insurance from RBC Insurance is minimal compared to the risk of being faced with a medical emergency expense while away from home. Always ask your Travel Agent about Travel Insurance from RBC Insurance when you book.
Jamaica Trip Showcase
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book packages and travel experiences to 44 destinations in 12 countries, including the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Leveraging WestJet’s fun and friendly image, extensive network and world-class guest experience, WestJet Vacations offers guests a great flight schedule, with a wide variety of hotels, resorts and affordable vacation experiences.
For a Vacation Package well worth making, be sure you have the right travel insurance protection - consider booking WestJet Vacations to the Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay or Secrets St. James Montego Bay Resorts.
Secrets Resorts & Spas offer adults an extra measure of romance and sensuality in exquisite luxury settings. Immerse yourself in Unlimited-Luxury® where everything is included: Elegantly appointed rooms and suites with 24-hour concierge and room services. Multiple gourmet restaurants and lounges serving premium beverages. Endless day and evening activities, all in spectacular settings.
Photo Credits: AM Resorts
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