Are you thinking of getting away during the winter?

Here is some information to help protect you and your loved ones whether you are traveling to a destination spot, or just within Canada. Maybe you feel that travel insurance is a waste of money and you don’t need it, or you aren’t sure what you need?

Who can get Travel Insurance?

In order to qualify for travel insurance coverage, all insured parties must be a permanent resident of Canada and covered under their Provincial or Territorial health care plan.

When insuring your family, it is important to know what they include and classify as a dependent child or children. This includes any natural child, stepchild, legally adopted child or legal ward of the Insured Applicant, residing in Canada who is:

• 20 years of age and under, unmarried, residing with the Insured Applicant and receiving full support and care from the Insured Applicant
• Less than 26 years of age, unmarried and receiving full support and care from the Insured Applicant for reason of full-time attendance at a Canadian accredited institute, college or university
• Receiving full support and maintenance from the Insured Applicant by reason of mental or physical infirmity

When am I covered?

The Coverage will cease under the policy depending on what type of policy has been issued. There are Single Trip Policies and Annual Trip Policies.

When a Single Trip Policy has been issued, the coverage will cease when:

• The insured has returned to the province or territory of residence; or
• No later than the number of days following the stated departure date for which the policy was purchased.

When an Annual Trip Policy has been issued, the coverage will cease when:

• The insured has returned to the province or territory of residence after each trip that occurs within the policy period.

Can you still travel and be covered if you have a medical condition?

The answer is yes, but there are a few conditions. You would be covered if you have a diagnosed medical condition, illness, or injury and it is controlled with medication, without change, for:

• At least 3 months preceding the date of departure if you are under the age of 60; or
• At least 6 months preceding the date of departure if you are age 60 or over; or
• If you have taken medication for a cardiac condition or related condition, at any time within 6 months

What would I be covered for and are there any exceptions or limitations to my policy?

If you are travelling within provinces, it is helpful to be aware that a number of Provincial Medical Plans do not cover costs associated with ambulance charges, family visitation, repatriation or returning a vehicle. You may have coverage in your home province, but in the event an injury or illness occurs in another province, many plans don’t cover those expenses. You would be covered and limited to:

• Emergency Hospital Insurance – this would be if you were admitted as a patient.
• Emergency Medical Insurance – this is when they look after you as an outpatient. This would include outpatient emergency room charges, treatment by a legally qualified physician or surgeon and any x-rays and laboratory examinations that are required for diagnostic purposes.
• Emergency Prescription Drug Reimbursement – please note that this would only be for prescription drugs that are prescribed by a doctor following an injury or sickness duringthe policy term.

EXCLUSIONS to this coverage would be:

• A pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth or any complications thereof within 8 weeks of the expected due date or when baby is expected.
• Any expenses incurred as the result of an alcohol related illness or disease. This includes the abuse of medication, drugs, alcohol, or other toxic substances.
• Participation in a hazardous activity like parachuting, scuba diving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, or bodily contact sports to name a few.

Many people like to enjoy activities and excursions while on vacation. There are many beautiful places to go and experiences to have, and because we care, we want to make sure you know the risks and details before you go!

I encourage you, make travel insurance part of your packing process, you don’t want to forget anything important that you might need! We are always here to help out and give you peace of mind, so contact us if you have any questions. We’ve got you covered so that you can enjoy your time away, with the assurance that you are in good hands!