"Do You Need Travellers Insurance?"

CAA North & East Ontario Has Tips for Helping Travellers Answer That Perplexing Question


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 23, 2014) - With the most recent weather woes and cold temperatures causing cancellations at airports across North America, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) wants to remind travellers to familiarize themselves with their travellers insurance options when booking their winter getaway.

"Dealing with the unexpected is often part of travel these days, but if you are fully prepared to deal with the occasional challenges that may arise it will help you have a worry-free trip," says Christina Hlusko, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario. "We want to provide travellers with the right questions to ask to ensure they are making the best decision for themselves and their family next time they book a trip. When it comes to travellers insurance, we want to let people know they need to understand their options."

Travel insurance can include anything from trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, accidental death or dismemberment, medical and dental care, transportation to/from medical facilities at home or abroad, loss of luggage or personal possessions, to protection against the bankruptcy or default of your cruise line or tour operator. There are a lot of options and a lot of information to go through. In order to make the best and most appropriate decision, CAANEO has a few basic questions and guidelines for travellers to keep in mind when booking travel outside Ontario.

The first thing is to investigate what may already be covered before deciding what extras are needed. Personal and work medical plans may offer coverage outside of Canada, however be sure to check and see if any countries are excluded. In some cases even though an individual has medical coverage through work, they may be required to pay out of pocket for treatment or other medical emergency services and then file a reimbursement claim. A good out of province plan will cover costs up front and reimburse providers directly, protecting the traveller from unexpected out-of pocket expenses. Ultimately the traveller will have to decide what is best and most appropriate for them. Along with reconfirming what is covered though existing personal or work coverage, the same should be done for any insurance coverage offered by a credit card. It should not be assumed that a credit card will cover all specifics like travel delays, trip cancellation and interruption. Unless the terms and conditions are accessible and are fully read and understood there is a chance that the user could be exposed to financial loss.

When booking a trip, travellers should not hesitate to ask questions to their existing and potential providers and use scenarios to clarify answers until they are satisfied. Some key questions to ask include:

  • What is the maximum coverage limit?
  • Do coverage limits exist on specific benefits?
  • What pre-existing conditions are not covered? (Regardless of whether or not you are required to fill out a medical declaration.)
  • Do I need to call the assistance line before choosing a hospital or clinic?
  • Does the cancellation/interruption coverage apply before and after departure?
  • Are missed connections and other unforeseen travel delays covered?
  • What services are available on the 24/7 emergency assistance line? (Translators, medical professionals etc.)
  • If drugs or medical equipment are prescribed are they covered as well?
  • How will family members be contacted in an emergency?
  • Can I buy extra coverage to enhance my coverage from work?

Booking a trip requires a great investment of money and time, and because of that having the comfort of being covered for any little surprise that may happen can give an individual complete peace of mind before and during their vacation. It is important to remember that financial issues, accidents and emergencies can happen anywhere at any time and everyone should have the right protection and coverage when they travel.

For detailed information on the wide range of services available with CAA North & East Ontario please visit caaneo.ca or in person at any of our store front locations.

CAA North & East Ontario provides roadside assistance to Members, along with an extensive array of travel and insurance services designed to suit the individual needs, wants and expectations of our Members.

Contact Information:

Media Contact: CAA North & East Ontario
Amy Orfanakos
Media and Public Affairs Specialist
613.820.1890 X 6317
aorfanakos@caaneo.on.ca
www.caaneo.ca