Travel Insurance
Many people buy travel insurance for the extra medical coverage they require when travelling to the United States. Indeed, this coverage is vital for travel in the US where a night in the hospital can cost several thousand dollars and cost of medication is two to three times that of Canada.
However, most Travel Insurance packages also include a broad range of protections against most of the financial hardships associated with accidental injury, illness or death within Canada or anywhere else in the world. These may include everything from dental coverage to trip cancellation coverage to replacement of lost luggage.
Travel Insurance can be purchased on a per day, per trip basis. However, most people opt for one of the many extended travel packages that allow you unlimited travel across the border for up to six months at a time.
Coverage is also available for US citizens visiting Canada.
B.C. Land & Insurance understands that Travel Insurance is essential for many Canadians who have grown accustomed to the life as "snow birds" - flying south to avoid the hardships of the Canadian winter and flying north to enjoy the warm Canadian summer.
However, as our population grows older and the cost of health care continues to climb, many Canadians find it difficult to purchase this important coverage at an affordable price.
In order to provide you with the coverage you need, B.C. Land & Insurance offers you a choice of Travel Insurance from three major insurers - Travel Underwriters, Travel Insurance Co-ordinators and TrentHealth.
Who is Eligible?
If you are under the age of 81 and in reasonable health you are eligible for Travel Insurance by at least one of the insurers represented by B.C. Land & Insurance. The only caveat is that you are also covered by a provincial health care plan.
However, as you grow older you will find that coverage is harder to find and increasingly more expensive.
Some insurance companies begin restricting available coverage for anyone who is 65-70 years or older and all insurance companies have restrictive coverage rules with respect to pre-existing conditions.
You should consult your B.C. Land & Insurance representative to select the right Travel Insurance policy for your age, health and vacation needs.
What is Covered?
In the event of accidental injury, unexpected illness or death, your Travel Insurance policy will cover the expenses listed below. The amount of coverage may vary from insurer to insurer. Please consult B.C. Land & Insurance representative or the policy wordings for clarification.
You have up to $2 million in protection for the costs associated with emergency health care. Some limits may apply. Your coverage includes:
Emergency Health Care
Your coverage will pay for the expenses related to medical treatment outside of Canada including:
- Hospital charges
- Doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals
- Ambulance fees
- X-rays, prescription medication, private nursing and related charges
- TV rental, telephone and other reasonable expenses if you are in the hospital for more than 48 hours
Emergency Return Home/Back
Your coverage will pay for the expenses related to return you to Canada for further treatment once you condition has stabilized. It may include:
- Air Ambulance evacuation
- One-way air-fare on a scheduled flight plus the cost of a medical attendant
- The cost of returning a vehicle to Canada if you are unable to drive
- The cost of returning you to your holiday, after you have been evacuated to Canada for emergency treatment.
Repatriation
Your coverage includes the cost of returning you home if you become disabled. It also covers the return of remains if you die during your travels.
Transportation of a Relative
Your policy will pay for the cost of bringing a family member to your bedside if you are hospitalized.
Dental Accident
In the event of an accidental blow to the mouth, your coverage will pay the following expenses:
- The cost of treatment
- X-rays
- Replacement of the damaged teeth
Child Care
If you are traveling with dependent children and are hospitalized for 48 hours or more, your coverage will pay for a child care attendant.
Meals and Accommodation
Your coverage will pay for the reasonable cost of meals and accommodation if your return home has been unavoidably delayed because of an accident or illness.
Some limits apply to the preceding coverages. Please consult your policy wordings or contact your B.C. Land and Insurance representative for details of the coverage that applies to you.
Extending Your Stay
If you are travelling and your trip home is delayed beyond the normal expiration of your Travel Insurance coverage, you should contact your B.C. Land & Insurance representative at least 48 hours in advance to arrange an extension.
Optional Coverages
Travel Insurance companies offer a variety of optional coverages that many travellers find appealing. Not all insurers package the coverages in the same way. However, the types of protection falls into three basic categories.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip Cancellation insurance is optional coverage that must be purchased at least seven days prior to departure or before any penalty can be applied. Your coverage includes:
- Trip Cancellation, Interruption or Delay unexpected events such as sickness or injury to you, a family member or a travelling companion.
- Meals and Accommodation if your return home is delayed
- Missed Departure because of weather, mechanical breakdown or accident
- Adjustment costs for prepaid accommodation if a travel companion's trip is cancelled
- Airfare home if you personal vehicle becomes inoperable while you are travelling
Some limits apply to the preceding Optional coverages. Please consult your policy wordings or contact your B.C. Land and Insurance representative for details of the coverage that applies to you.
Non-Medical Insurance
You can purchase optional life insurance coverage to protect your family in the event of airplane accident that causes death, loss of a limb or eyesight. The amount of coverage varies from insurer to insurer.
Baggage Insurance
You can purchase coverage for lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Some insurance companies will even pay for "emergency supplies" if your baggage is delayed.
Some limits apply to the preceding Optional coverages. Please consult your policy wordings or contact your B.C. Land and Insurance representative for details of the coverage that applies to you.
Visitors to Canada
Most visitors to Canada who are 90 years old or less are eligible for the coverage described in this section. Your B.C. Land and Insurance representative will be pleased to discuss your options and place your coverage.
For more information about Travel Insurance contact B.C. Land & Insurance by email: travel@bclandinsurance.com or by phone at 250-478-5588.
